There are so many reasons you should add Lake Arenal, Costa Rica, to your bucket list. Everything about it is precisely what you need in your life. The calm, crystal-blue waters will steal your heart and leave you longing for more.
Without giving too much away in the introduction, read on for the top five reasons to add Lake Arenal to your bucket list.
The Serenity
The serenity of Lake Arenal is something you never forget. There’s so much to take in that you’ll have to return for a second visit. The peaceful waters lapping at the shore, the diverse wildlife tweeting and buzzing in the background, the sun kissing your skin – a day soon passes when you’re spending it on Lake Arenal. It’s one of the largest and most stunning lakes in Costa Rica.
The Scenery
The scenery is unmatched. With the Arenal Volcano looming in the background, the luscious green rain forests cascading down, and the serene blue waters reflecting it all, it doesn’t get much better.
It has to be one of the most picturesque places in Costa Rica. Don’t forget Ancient Cerro Chato, translated to Arenal Volcano’s beautiful sleeping friend. It’s often forgotten in the shadow of Lake Arenal, but it forms part of the stunning scenery you’ll soon fall in love with.
The Watersports
It’s not always entirely peaceful on the waters of Lake Arenal – watersports and boat days are one of the lake’s main attractions. If you want to wakeboard Costa Rica, this is the place to do it. The calm waters are perfect for beginners. You can also enjoy the following sports:
- Waterskiing
- Wakesurfing
- Tubing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
If watersports aren’t your thing, we’d recommend booking a boat day and relaxing with great music, food, and drinks.
The Nature
Lake Arenal is a nature lover’s paradise.
You’ll find everything from fish, birds, and mammals like jaguars and tapirs. Jaguar and tapir sightings are rare, fear not. You’re more likely to see an array of bird species, with one of the most commonly spotted being the Quetzals.
These bright and colorful birds love the humid weather of Costa Rica and spend their days fluttering around the rainforests that line the shores of Lake Arenal.
If fishing is your thing, you can rent fishing equipment along the lake.
The…Everything
You’ll fall in love with everything about Lake Arenal and the surrounding areas. You can’t visit the lake without hiking through the rainforests, visiting the village of La Fortuna and the waterfalls, and even going a little further to El Castillo, a neighboring village that’s just as beautiful.
There are no words to sum up Lake Arenal – you will have to visit for yourself and see.
The Ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica and Lake Arenal is between November and April. These are the driest times of the year and slightly more pricey, but worth it. No matter what time of year you travel, you’ll love Lake Arenal, but the dryer seasons enhance the experience.
