Costa Rica is a fantastic place to do some leisurely and serious kayaking. As one of the world’s top adventure and eco-tourism destinations, kayaking has become engrained in the Costa Rican water sport community. Here is a little about kayaking and some of the greatest kayaking options Costa Rica´s Caribbean and inland have to offer Kayaking. Don’t be nervous about trying it, most tour operators offer a review of how to operate the paddle and boat, how to navigate and provide a safety orientations to ensure you enjoy your river ride!
In Brief:
For those of you interested in learning more about kayaks, they are small boats that are today used for recreation and sport. Once used by Eskimos in Greenland and Alaska for fishing and whaling, these canoes were enclosed by stretched animal skins to waterproof the inside. Now, they are generally made of plastics, woods or metals of different kinds and still sport a similar cockpit area protected by a spraydeck (waterproofed area in front). In general kayaks are made to house one person, but as the sport continues to grow there are a larger number of companies producing kayaks to house two and three passengers. Other than your boat you will generally be given a helmet, jacket and double-bladed paddle that you use to propel yourself giving you a great workout without going to the gym!
INLAND
From San Jose:
There is a great kayak tour of the Pejibaye River using inflatable kayaks just outside the city. The inflatable kayaks offer greater mobility so you can full appreciate the river´s class II and III river rapids. The 3 mile excursion takes you by vast coffee and sugar cane plantations and will provide an excellent opportunity to watch a plethora of Costa Rican wildlife.
From La Fortuna de Carlos / Arenal Volcano:
If you want a different view of Arenal Volcano, you will get an unforgettable, picture perfect view if you decide to do an Arenal Lake kayaking tour. You will leave from La Fortuna de Carlos in the morning so you can get a full appreciation for the exotic birds that feed from and fly over the lake. You will be able to spot flycatchers, kingfishers, great blue herons and anhingas as well as huge variety of flora along the water. As this tropical paradise comes to life, the sounds of birds, howler monkeys, wild felines, and insects will grow louder. As you sit in the center of this infamous land you will get the sense that Mother Nature´s orchestra is playing for only you and your tour companions.
CARIBBEAN:
From Puerto Viejo:
Puerto Viejo is closely situated to the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge which allows tourists on organized tours to kayak and snorkel in! The marine portion of the refuge is roughly 10,000 acres which includes about two square miles of costal coral reef. You will cast off from Manzanillo and stash your boat along the beach when you and your group are ready to snorkel and explore the incredible marine life and coral. Your expert guide will point out the plethora of vibrantly colored coral and introduce you to a number of tropical fish and sea creatures both common and indigenous to Costa Rica´s coastline. If you get too tired or do not want to snorkel, you are welcome to relax on the beach before you paddle back to the main section of the park to return to town.