The 5 Best Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica for 2023

Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin – Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

Kayaking tours are an excellent way to see Costa Rica up close, especially for nature lovers. And it works out pretty nicely for photographers and nature lovers as well. Kayaking is an activity that will great memories to your Costa Rica trip.

So it really doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you’re a seasoned kayaker. It also doesn’t matter if you’re coming for Costa Rica’s views, wildlife or landscapes. Costa Rica’s two oceans, six inland lakes and 14 major rivers have all these things covered.

No time to read, and just want my number one recommendation? The top of my list is Bioluminescent Kayak Tour!

You can easily find a gentle paddle, through calm, clear waters to check out wildlife in the mangroves. Or you can double down on adventure and explore the coastline and its beaches. There is something for every kayaker’s skill level.

Top Kayaking Tours In Costa Rica!

Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica

One – Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with outstanding reviews

What To Expect From the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

🚣‍♀️ Group size limited to 10
🚣‍♀️ Kayaks, paddles and life jackets
🚣‍♀️ Coffee and/or Tea
🚣‍♀️ Snacks
🚣‍♀️ Insurance

Discover the Nicoya Peninsula bioluminescence on an after-dark kayak tour in Paquera Bay. Here you’ll see glowing algae in the water all around you. Exploration by kayak means you can enjoy the natural phenomenon without the distracting noise. And you’re more likely to spot shy wildlife when it’s tranquil.

You’ll spark bursts of sparkling light each time you dip your paddle into the water where the bioluminescent algae are present. This Bioluminescence kayak tour is part of several great packages from Thomas and Vigdis at Bahia Rica. Their love of the outdoors is legendary, and so is their hospitality!

Fun Fact: According to National Geographic, the algae (dinoflagellates) are bioluminescent because they produce light using a luciferin-luciferase reaction. The luciferase found in dinoflagellates is related to the green chemical chlorophyll found in plants. Bioluminescent dinoflagellate ecosystems are rare, mostly forming in warm-water lagoons with narrow openings to the open sea.

What People Are Saying About the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

I would say this is a must do activity when you find yourself in Costa Rica. This was a dream come true and our guide, Jose, was nothing short of fantastic. It is always a pleasure to meet someone who is passionate about what they do. I learned, I laughed, I had a great time

Matthew K. – Read more reviews

This tour is excellent for both novice and experienced kayaks. You have your choice of either a single or tandem kayak, while you’re out floating for over an hour. Your guide can conduct your tour in English and/or Spanish. Bring your bathing suit and a towel, the swimming is fabulous!

Check rates and availability for the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica

Two – 1/2 Day Sea Kayak Tour – Gulf of Nicoya

Rating: 4.9 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the Bahia Rica Lodge.

What To Expect From the 1/2-Day Sea Kayak Tour

🚣‍♂️ Sea kayak
🚣‍♂️ Skirt
🚣‍♂️ Life vest
🚣‍♂️ Snorkelling equipment
🚣‍♂️ Lunch and snacks
🚣‍♂️ Bilingual guide
🚣‍♂️ Small group size (min. 2 and max. 10)

This short sea kayak adventure is a day trip, your choice of a morning or afternoon paddle. It’s absolutely ideal for beginners like me and for anyone looking for a bit of exercise and fun.

This is another great tour from Thomas and Vidgis the Bahia Rica Fishing and Kayaking Lodge.

Fun Kayak Fact: Sea kayaks usually have a rudder or skeg, which helps with control and steering, especially in windy conditions. They’re often made of high-performance material like fibreglass or carbon, as opposed to the heavier and more sluggish ABS plastics used in most rec kayaks.

The owners will outfit themselves, teach you the necessary (but basic) kayaking skills needed for the trip, and then go over some safety precautions on shore. Start off in the protected bay, the calm, still waters are the best spot for a bit of practice.

Then spend the rest of your trip paddling, and snorkelling between the different short beach stops. You’ll get a longer break for lunch (that’s provided) and some shore exploration and swimming.

What People Are Saying About the 1/2-Day Sea Kayak Tour

“Incredible experience! Owners are lovely and very accommodating.”

Julie E. Read more reviews

Safety will dictate the sea kayaking tour routes. Routes will depend on the tide and the kayaking skills of the people in the group. If it’s an incoming tide you’ll head for the mangroves. There you can enjoy the abundance of bird life and the biodiverse atmosphere only found in a mangrove forest. On outgoing tide beach hopping along the shoreline of the islands is a great opportunity.

Check rates and availability for the 1/2 Day Sea Kayaking Tour

Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica

Three – Mangrove Kayak Tour

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with great reviews

What You Get With the Mangrove Kayak Tour

🚣‍♂️ Lunch
🚣‍♂️ Bottled water
🚣‍♂️ All Fees and Taxes
🚣‍♂️ Air-conditioned vehicle
🚣‍♂️ Kayak equipment
🚣‍♂️ Life vests
🚣‍♂️ Naturalist guide

Kayaking is the easiest, and least invasive, way for any nature lover to explore one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in Costa Rica. This three-hour paddle through a beautiful mangrove estuary will take you just offshore from the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you’ll glide into the estuaries of Isla Damas and through its pristine mangroves.

The park encompasses thousands of acres of protected forest and is home to all kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Animals like white-faced monkeys, anteaters, boa constrictors, iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, crabs, and a countless number of bird species.

Your naturalist guide will tell you about the area’s biodiversity while you paddle peacefully in the shade of the mangroves. This is definitely a trip for your camera or Go-Pro! And if you’re just using your cell phone (because who doesn’t!?) here’s my free Tips for Taking Great Photos with Your Cell Phone download.

What People Are Saying About the Mangrove Kayak Tour

Jorge was a great tour guide. He taught us so much about the wildlife and vegetation, as well as some history and economy and commerce. The kayaking was relaxing and beautiful.

Jennifer A. Read more reviews

Depending on where you’re staying, they do offer hotel pick-up. And your naturalist guide speaks both English and Spanish.

The Costa Rican government is very proud of the work they do with the local people to protect the mangroves at Isla Damas. And they say, “The mangrove forest in Damas Island, Costa Rica provides a safe environment for many endangered animal species.” “Many scientists and naturalists have already researched the mangrove forest ecosystem and they found that these plants attract wildlife as well as honey bees. They are the source of many medicines as well. Mangrove forests protect the coasts from harmful UV radiation; they fight against the greenhouse effect, this is why it is so important to preserve and protect them.”

Check rates and availability for the Mangrove Kayak Tour

Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica

Four – Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ of mellow slothy goodness!

What You Get With the Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle

🚣‍♀️ Kayak
🚣‍♀️ Life vest
🚣‍♀️ Experienced, bilingual guide

Come to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, and see the slow-moving, tree-dwelling, and quite frankly, adorable, tree sloth. This tour will have you kayaking and walking the jungle trails in this quiet and remote beach town.

You and your professional guide will spend several hours exploring the white sand beaches, jungle trails and a cave. All while you learn about the history, culture, plants and wildlife of this pristine, and off-the-beaten-path, destination! Probably why the sloths like it!

Fun Fact: Sloths are better at swimming than they are at walking. This is because their limbs are better adapted for suspending their bodies rather than supporting them.

Punta Uva is located just south of Cahuita and just north of the Panamanian border. It is renowned for its white sand beach that is surrounded by palm trees (there are 4000 species of palm trees in the world, and Costa Rica has 109 of them). Punta Uva is a small town that has managed to keep its beach pristine because of its development laws, all buildings have to stay 50 meters from high tide.

What People Are Saying About the Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle

“The peace and calm of the forest . The. Animals we saw. Our Guide was informative and very caring about the animals in the wild. He was also very considerate to ourselves.”

Christine, May 2023 – Read more reviews

The literal translation of Punta Uva means grape point, this is due to the well-known sea grape tree that grows along the beachside.

Playa Punta Uva is also known for its amazing butterfly gardens, it has some of Costa Rica’s most exotic butterflies, including the blue Morpho.

These are just a few of the reasons you’re going to love this tour.

Check rates and availability for the Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Bech and Jungle

Kayaking Tours in Costa Rica

Five – Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 30 great reviews

What You Get With Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

🚣‍♀️ Small group size, limit of 8
🚣‍♀️ Kayaks, and instruction necessary for beginners
🚣‍♀️ Life vest
🚣‍♀️ Water and snacks
🚣‍♀️ Bilingual guide
🚣‍♀️ Snorkel equipment

If you prefer your Costa Rica vacation side trips to be “off the beaten path,” then an easy paddle over to Isla Chora (Chora Island) is perfect for you. It sits across a peaceful bay from Samara. Just FYI, you can see the island from my fave Samara restaurant – Gusto Beach!

That restaurant, and kayak-only access to places like Chora Island, is what makes Samara one of the best beach towns on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Kayak allows you to reach parts of the coastline that are virtually inaccessible any other way. This half-day tour lets you explore certain parts of the island refuge with a skilled guide. That will increase your chances of spotting marine life and land creatures while paddling over and snorkelling while there.

Fun Fact: Chora Island, with its pink sand beach, became a protected animal refuge in 2002.

Just an FYI, travel in a post-COVID world, no matter how thoroughly this tour company cleans their snorkelling equipment, I always take my own mask and snorkel. But I generally use any tour company’s swim fins. Fins just take up too much space and add weight to my luggage.

Consider the mask and snorkel I use, they’re from Greatever. Lightweight, packable, and ideal for recreational snorkelling

What People Are Saying About Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

“Luis was a great guide! He was so friendly and knowledgeable. Kayaking and snorkeling in the ocean was amazing, overall fantastic experience!”

Lauren H. – Read more reviews

Being out on the ocean, you’ll get a chance to see different local fish like snook, snapper, and grunts. And depending on tides and the season, you can observe turtles. Before returning you can enjoy snacks usually made up of delicious tropical fruits, water and juices. And depending on the time of day and your guide, there might even be an ice-cold beer at the end.

Check rates and availability for Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

Understanding Basics of Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking in Costa Rica is an amazing way of exploring the mighty rivers, lakes and coastlines of this tiny country (seriously, it’s smaller than West Virginia).

Apart from being a great form of recreation, it can also help you stay fit and appreciate nature to its utmost potential. You don’t need to be an expert kayaker to paddle here, but it’s important for you to have at least some basic knowledge before embarking on your journey!

Make sure that you’re aware of how the various strokes work. This will give you good maneuverability around rocks or other obstacles. It will help you maintain control of your kayak, minimizing the effort expended when turning left/right sharply!

Your guide will also instruct you on the best ways to paddle while you’re near marine life, reducing your impact on them. This ecotourism after all!

The first thing that should be kept in mind while kayaking is safety. This is why you tour with an experienced guide as a beginner!

Safety

Any body of water can quickly turn hostile depending upon the changing weather conditions. It can also turn hostile in the presence of certain marine life like crocodiles, turtles, and even dolphins. Do not disturb them during their navigation, you’re in their house.

Always make sure you wear a PFD – life jacket – at all times.

Dress appropriately. If you’re wearing just a bathing suit, then lots of sunscreen. Otherwise, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and pants. A wide-brimmed hat (with a way to keep it from blowing away on the breeze). And sunglasses.

Never venture too far without someone knowing where you are; and better yet, accompanying you. My advice, hire a guide or join a tour. Consider wearing a whistle for signalling if you become lost or separated.

Moreover, check with local authorities regarding boat traffic laws prior to setting out.

Fishing

If you’re fishing while kayaking make sure you’re on the right size kayak. Kayaks set up for fishing need to be balanced for casting. These kayaks will fishing have rod holders and a place to store your catch. Costa Rica requires that you hold a current fishing licence. Request permission here.

Storage

Storage is important for keeping all your goodies safe and sound. Not only do you want to keep them, but Costa Rica’s ecosystems do better without your garbage. Make sure you pack out whatever you pack in!

Seasonal Insights: Optimal Times for Kayaking Costa Rica

Thanks to its warm waters and mild winds, kayaking around this Central American paradise can be a truly unique experience. When kayaking in Costa Rica, you’re within reach of many hidden coves, lush mangrove forests and abundant wildlife. There are so many possibilities that it may be difficult trying to decide when the best time would be for your own Kayak trip!

You’ll need to think about what kind of adventure you’re after and where you plan on going – if visiting areas with Pacific coastline then expect warmer water temperatures compared to Caribbean coastlines. However, keep watch during the rainy season (May-November) strong winds could put a damper on your fun. Check local sources or tour guides before planning your trip during those months.

Check out my post on what to expect from Costa Rica in August.

If relaxation is more like what you had in mind, then dry seasons (December-April) might be better a better option. The calmer waters make navigating much easier versus the choppy waters created by an unexpected downpour. Plus these months attract lots of tourists meaning there will likely always be something doable nearby plus places close by should one feel like resting post-paddling session!

Kayaking FAQs

Let’s Sum Up Kayaking Tours In Costa Rica

If I had to sum up kayaking in Costa Rica using just one sentence, I’m not sure I could. But I’d say – don’t miss an opportunity to try it.

And if you only take one tour, then I highly recommend the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour.

Kayaking in general is great fun and good exercise. But when you have the unique opportunity to mix it with the stunning beauty of Costa Rica, you just have something “extra”!

You can experience the perfect mix of awe-inspiring views and pristine beaches while taking in all that nature has provided here. From beginner paddlers to seasoned experts alike, there’s something for everyone – ranging from adrenaline-filled adventures or relaxed days out on the water! Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want some downtime with amazing surroundings, kayaking in Costa Rica will surely give you memories that last a lifetime – what more could you ask for?!

Cheers,
Cynthia

Just FYI, some airlines are still overbooking while simultaneously understaffing. On my last trip to Costa Rica, I spent way too much time roaming the airport halls due to delays.

I now use an App called Priority Pass. It gives me access to most major airport lounges, and their plush conveniences (yes, I consider not having to drag my luggage into a bathroom stall plush!) Free wifi, free snacks and beverages, fitness and spa facilities. Some even have video gaming!

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