Why visit Arenal Lake in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?

Lake Arenal is one of the world's top three places for windsurfing, together with Lake Garda in Italy and George River in the United States.

Costa Rica stands out for being full of beautiful nature, and is known worldwide as an ecological paradise. The country is just 19,929 square miles large, which only represents 0.1% of the world’s land mass, but it’s home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica is full of lush tropical jungles, volcanoes, rivers, beaches, and majestic lakes, including Arenal Lake in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Arenal Lake is located at the base of the colossal volcano of the same name, and it’s the country’s largest lake. It’s approximately 30 kilometres long and nearly 5 kilometres wide at its widest point, with a surface area of 85 square kilometres. The areas surrounding the lake, including amazing landscapes, rocky slopes, and dense mountains, are as stunning as the lake itself. All of this makes it an ideal destination for visitors to the picturesque town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Taxi Boat Taxi Crossing the Arenal Lake in Costa Rica

Taxi Boat Taxi Crossing the Arenal Lake in Costa Rica

Lake Arenal Origins

Lake Arenal originated from tectonic shifts that resulted in a small depression in the Arenal Valley, some 2 or 3 million years ago. This depression filled with water, creating a small lagoon that led to Lake Arenal.

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In 1973, the lake was extended by the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity. Since then, the flow rate was increased thrice with the purpose of preparing it for a hydroelectric project; currently the project produces 40% of the energy consumed in Costa Rica. An important fact is that during the Lake Arenal expansion, communities in Arenal Viejo and Tronadora flooded completely. They had to be relocated to nearby towns.

Activities available at Lake Arenal

If you are seeking thrilling, unusual activities, visit Lake Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica for a unique, nature-filled experience. The following is a list of indispensable “pura vida” activities offered at Lake Arenal in La Fortuna:

Windsurfing

Would you give windsurfing a try? For windsurfing, we recommend Lake Arenal, as it is one of the world's top three places for windsurfing, together with Lake Garda in Italy and George River in Columbia, United States.

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This sport takes a particularly extreme form in Lake Arenal thanks to the lake’s ideal waters and strong winds–essential requirements for top-level windsurfing. The dry season (December to March) offers the most suitable weather conditions.

Wind Surfing in Arenal Costa Rica

Wind Surfing in Arenal Costa Rica

Kayaking

This is the perfect activity for those traveling with family and friends, and Lake Arenal is the place to go, as it gathers all the necessary conditions. Regardless of whether you have experience or not, kayaking is a great way to get in the water and interact with marine wildlife. Paddling in the lake, in addition to being intense exercise, is an incredible experience you do not want to miss.

Kayaking at Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

Kayaking at Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

Recreational fishing

If you are a fishing enthusiast visiting La Fortuna, you can't leave out Lake Arenal! Its waters are the best for recreational fishing of guapote, tilapia, and machaca. The cherry on top is that you can enjoy the most extraordinary sunrises and sunsets while practicing this popular sport.

Arenal Sport Fishing Tours

Arenal Sport Fishing Tours

Boat riding

Compared to the others, this activity might sound relaxing, but it is equally fun. Boat riding in Lake Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, is a unique opportunity to behold the colossal Arenal Volcano and the astonishing landscape around the lake. Also, visitors can marvel at local and migratory bird species and, occasionally, mammals and reptiles resting along the creeks.

The area surrounding Lake Arenal offers various activities as well. These include walks, mountain cycling, and horseback riding. They all sound exciting, don’t they? You now have every reason to travel to this piece of paradise called Costa Rica, on your own, with friends or with family. The Pura Vida country welcomes you with open arms.

Arenal Boat Rides in Costa Rica

Arenal Boat Rides in Costa Rica