Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Lake Arenal
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
4 within 5 kms
Attractions
22 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,912 reviews
Excellent
1,099
Very good
593
Average
180
Poor
32
Terrible
8
Robert L
Amherst, MA1,540 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Very ordinary lake, especially when it is man made. Wildlife was nonexistent and birding was sparse at best. No reason here to go out of your way.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN2,142 contributions
Mar 2022
Man-made lake where once sat 2 towns that were destroyed by the volcano eruption in 1968. I was able to take in beautiful views of the lake and surrounding scenery when ziplining at SkyAdventures SkyTrek. There are also hiking opportunities on the east shore of the lake and boat rides are available.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JDB
Scottsdale, AZ5,225 contributions
Oct 2022
Beautiful area. Nice place for some pictures. However, at the end of the day, it is a lake. End of attraction.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Didi D
15 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Crossing my his lake from La fortuna to Monteverde was an absolute highlight of our trip. We used Swiss Travels to book our ferry and it was a breeze. Stopped along the way to see nature and animals. Love the lake, the breeze, and the smells.
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Flyinggal
181 contributions
Sep 2022
We paid $33 to take a very rough road to a single viewpoint where you could view a sliver of Lake Arenal. Totally not worth the fee unless you are a hiker. Other than a handful of signs and a small pavilion there is nothing to see but jungle.
Written 14 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnvincent
Tadley, UK616 contributions
Mar 2022
I know Im a bit slow and old but this hike was not as good as others we had been on the guide really only told us things that we had already heard on previous walks/hikes. the path was very rough and covered with louse stones and rocks meaning that one could not relay enjoy the surroundings as you had to be looking at where to put you feet all the time. Not enjoyable at all.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert J
4 contributions
Nov 2021
Skip it! Pretty ordinary with lots of better eco-alternatives around the area. Long lines and very cloudy the day my wife and I were there
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bryney
columbus10 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
A great view of the volcano. Lots of activities. Perfect spot in CR. Our food at La Mansion was the best. It was hard to find a good local restaurant so ask a local tour guide. We could not find any ATM to dispense dollars. They had two banks but neither could allow us access to cash.
Written 8 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ALLSLC
Salt Lake City, UT519 contributions
Nov 2021
Had a wonderful boat captain who looked for birds for us constantly, stopping and repositioning so we could get the pic. Brought pineapple, because, you know, it had been like 10 minutes since lunch :-)
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JuanJose14
San Jose, Costa Rica9 contributions
Oct 2021
I would recommend the Peninsula Trail walk ,I did not like the Northern walk (Coladas trail) that much, I did not find any value(unless you are a geologist) But the Southern walk was just amazing, you get Observation decks with lake views, a huge tower with Volcano + lake view just stunning and the nature itself during this walk is exuberating with so much Fauna!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pohljm
San Diego, CA874 contributions
best lunch spot? when travel around the lake from La Fortuna to Monteverde?
Royzito
Cambridge, MA4 contributions
Can one swim in Lake Arenal throughout the entire year, or only during certain months?
CaribbeanbobM
Hartford, CT59 contributions
I do believe you can there are a few swimming areas around the lake. at the far end of lake by the end of dam is a water sports boating company that has guided tours, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
best place for beginner sailboard lessons
Ccedric71
Berkeley, CA32 contributions
Sorry can’t help you. It wasn’t breezy when we visited, but in reality that single observation doesn’t mean much.
Where on Lake Arenal are do I access the lake for swimming?
Christopher Official Reviewer
Newgale, UK42 contributions
There is a spot to enter for swimming where there is a hit with blue kayaks on a slope, may be in the east side, not fair from the main road
Bamm B
Charlotte, NC
Can you fish?? If so, for what?? Thanks, Scott
Yes. I just fish from the shore of Lake Arenal on the south end by the dam. Catch and release. I hit it up early morning and late afternoon and tend to stay pretty busy letting fish go. There are also guys like Captain Ron (look him up) that will take you out on a boat and put you on fish.
MARGOT W
Okehampton, UK276 contributions
I need to get the taxi / boat / taxi from La Fortuna to Monteverde. BUT i will have a large suitcase - are you allowed a big case on the boat?!
magdabruna
Miami, FL185 contributions
i have no idea
i suppose they do since may travelers have big bags :)
Jennifer T
Dallas, TX16 contributions
Are there places to simply rent paddle boards. I don't really need a lesson and was wondering if I could just drive there and rent one.
WTPNorfolk
Norfolk, VA64 contributions
I'm pretty sure that there are paddleboard rentals on either end of the highway that goes across the top of the dam on the way into La Fortuna.
mindajs
Albuquerque, NM31 contributions
Do people swim in Arenal?
1unfoldinglife
76 contributions
I'm not sure as where we entered the Lake was the boat pickup and drop off. If you contact My Costa Rica they could answer your question. Enjoy your journey.
mattison71atgmail
San Jose, Costa Rica
If you visit in December-January it will be dry.
beabo1
Chelsea, Canada89 contributions
Rule of thumb with the weather there is: Jan-April - dry. May - July - could rain every day for short period of time. We did some trekking around volcano therefore it could be hot and humid in the summer. Then Aug - Dec - it could be pouring rain. We've met a couple who visited CR last Dec for 2 weeks - it was a constant rain. So, depending what you like, I recommend Jan-June time frame.
Lake Arenal (La Fortuna de San Carlos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Arenal
- We recommend booking Lake Arenal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 Lake Arenal tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Arenal:
- 3-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Hike (From HK$1,565.89)
- Biking Tour around Arenal Volcano and Lake (From HK$600.36)
- One-Way Transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde through Arenal Lake (From HK$443.69)
- Stand Up Paddling SUP on Lake Arenal (From HK$587.21)
- Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal (From HK$508.91)
- Hotels near Lake Arenal:
- (1.16 km) Lost Iguana Resort & Spa
- (0.12 km) Near Arenal Volcano National Park 'Economy Room' AL
- (4.49 km) Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- (7.46 km) Hotel Amor Arenal
- (8.62 km) Nayara Gardens
- Restaurants near Lake Arenal:
- (6.21 km) Essence Arenal Restaurant
- (5.93 km) La Ventanita
- (6.17 km) Phoenix Restaurante
- (5.27 km) Pizza John's Jardin Escondido
- (5.70 km) Fusion Grill Restaurant.
- Attractions near Lake Arenal:
- (0.99 km) Pedal Board Costa Rica
- (1.44 km) Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
- (1.52 km) Arenal Hanging Bridges
- (0.62 km) Lifer Nature Tours
- (3.02 km) Flow Trips