Costa Rica’s San Jose region delivers three outstanding paddling adventures that showcase the country’s natural wonders.
The compact Sarapiquí River tour packs plenty of jungle scenery and wildlife viewing into a satisfying 2-hour journey – perfect for beginners and families.
Naturalists love the full-day Tortuguero National Park excursion, where skilled guides lead visitors through maze-like waterways teeming with monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.
For the ultimate combo, the Arenal Volcano tour pairs morning kayaking on the peaceful lake with afternoon soaking in therapeutic hot springs.
Let’s explore these top-rated water adventures.
Key Points
- Sarapiquí River Jungle Kayak Tour offers a 2-hour kayaking experience with a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
- Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour provides an all-day guided tour exploring the lush waterways and diverse wildlife of the park.
- Full Day Kayaking and Hot Springs With Lunch at Arenal Volcano combines kayaking on Arenal Lake and a visit to natural hot springs.
- All three experiences offer a range of amenities, such as safety equipment, certified instructors, and transportation to/from San José.
- Positive reviews highlight the exceptional experiences, stunning views, and friendly staff across the three canoe and kayak tours in the San José area.
Sarapiquí River Jungle Kayak Tour
Although the Sarapiquí River Jungle Kayak Tour takes place just outside San José, it offers participants a chance to enjoy the lush Costa Rican rainforest.
This 2-hour tour, which has a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, allows adventurers to explore the area’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery from the comfort of a kayak.
The tour includes kayak and safety equipment, a certified instructor, and a tropical fruit and yucca snack. Guests will also have the opportunity to witness the demonstration of “Caña de Azucar,” or sugarcane.
With a minimum of 2 adults and a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience. Pickup and drop-off from San José are included, as well as a delicious lunch.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is suitable for participants as young as 7 years old.
Travelers can expect an exciting adventure filled with rapids, wildlife sightings, and memorable experiences with the friendly guides.
Read our full review: Sarapiquí River Jungle Kayak Tour Review
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Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour From San Jose
Exploring the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park is a captivating eco-adventure from San Jose. This all-day guided tour showcases the park’s diverse plant and wildlife, making it a popular ecotourism destination. Guests can look for nesting turtles, which come ashore from March to October, and spot a variety of animals including green turtles, birds, monkeys, snakes, and more.
The tour includes canoeing, providing an immersive rainforest experience. Roundtrip transportation from San Jose, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and national park fees are all included. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
With a maximum of 50 travelers per tour, pickup is available from all hotels, and the schedule runs daily from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. While most reviews are positive, highlighting great experiences and wildlife sightings, some guests have reported issues with communication, delays, and customer service.
Read our full review: Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour From San Jose Review
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Full Day Kayaking and Hot Springs With Lunch at Arenal Volcano From San Jose
This full-day excursion from San Jose combines the thrill of kayaking on the serene Arenal Lake with a rejuvenating visit to the natural hot springs at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano.
Priced from $154.42 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and includes all necessary kayaking equipment, a tasty lunch, and bottled water.
Pickup is available from hotels in San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, or Cartago, with a start time of 8:00 am.
According to the 3 reviews, participants enjoyed an exceptional experience with a friendly driver and were impressed by the beautiful locations, stunning views during the Arenal Lake kayaking, and the high-quality lunch and hot springs experiences.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
With a 4.5/5 overall rating and no negative reviews, this full-day adventure is a great way to explore the natural wonders near San Jose.
Read our full review: Full Day Kayaking and Hot Springs With Lunch at Arenal Volcano From San Jose Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Canoe and kayak tours in and around San Jose offer visitors a chance to explore the region’s diverse natural landscapes. From the Sarapiquí River’s lush jungle to the Tortuguero National Park‘s serene waterways and the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, these excursions provide unique opportunities to connect with Costa Rica’s stunning environment. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, there’s a canoe or kayak adventure to suit your interests and skill level.