Exploring Costa Rica’s Beauty through Kayaking.
In the recent events of 2020, the lack of indoor events and changes to one’s routine, may have turned even the most average couch-potato into a nature enthusiast.
The pandemic has opened eyes to the calming effects and mental clarity that being outdoors brings to our minds. No one knows this better than people who live in the Blue Zone in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Being outdoors, enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle and respecting nature is daily life here. There are many outdoor activities for the entire family to try, but we suggest Kayaking for the ultimate nature immersive experience. Kayaking is a great way to see the abundance of the Costa Rican jungle via waterways.
For a mix of tranquility, nature but also for an adventurous and adrenaline seeking soul, kayaking is a wonderful water sport to give-a-go. Come to Costa Rica, where outdoor abundance and the sounds of nature are never lacking, with many parts of the country protected parkland and national parks. Tropical paradise does not happen by coincidence, those that live in Costa Rica care deeply about the nature that we are a part of. Once you arrive here in the magical lands of Costa Rica, you will have an immediate urge to get out and see the breathtaking surroundings. With the Caribbean sea on the East and the Pacific Ocean side a bit more developed, commercialized and a melting-pot of global tourism… Costa Rica is a beach-lover and nature seekers paradise!
Here at Casa Rica Realty, we know the Local spots, we have the info on what events are happening in the area and we share only the best tour companies to rent from to our clients and friends. Vacations can have so much to see and do, in such a short time, and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun experiences to be had. Kayaking might seem out of the box to some, but it has been reviewed as a top memory and experience for tourists and Locals alike.
An unexpected and incredible way to see Costa Rica, by Kayak — who would have guessed? It is a unique, fun and cost-efficient way to enjoy beautiful Costa Rica.
So… why should you try kayaking in Costa Rica? It may seem odd, but from experience, it is such a memorable way to explore this epic country. Kayaking fully immerses you into nature, travel by ocean or river, set up a camping spot under the stars, only a quick portage away to that sweet spot, where no cars or motorcycles can access… only you, the moon and the ocean.
Can you see yourself amongst the stars, waves crashing like a lullaby as you sleep? Here are some of the most awe-inspiring places to Kayak in Costa Rica:
The Osa Peninsula is surrounded by warm water that is booming with wildlife and amazing surf. There are so many aquatic animals to see as you kayak along the different bodies of water to choose from on your path. You may have sightings of dolphins, whales, schools of fish, sting rays, sea turtles and many bird species that make this area a feeding spot. The waters of Osa are connected to the Golf Dulce, an area of beautiful mangroves. There are many species of animals and a biodiverse plant life including but not limited to the Jesus Christ lizards who are known to walk on water…gliding like a kayak on a smooth river. Magic and peace as you glide along the tranquil waters, only the sounds of nature, of animals. The movements of the wind and the splash of your paddle slicing through the water… Birds sing sweet songs to you and they will take breaks to feed on the variety of insects buzzing about. The tangled mangrove arms reaching out to you like octopus tentacles, scurrying crabs sneak into their little homes beneath the wet roots. As you take all of this in — the sun peeks through the lush green jungle smiling upon your head.
It is funny, that in all this peace and tranquility there is still an element of danger that eludes you… Pay attention as you paddle… you may spot bubbles, a little snout and eyes peeping — yes you are in the midst of a crocodile. For some this might feel scary, but be assured that it is all part of the adventure. What is life without a little risk? On your journey through the jungle, you might also spot snakes like the boa attached sleepily around a tree branch… or maybe a white-faced spider monkey will make an appearance for you as he swings amongst the vibes. Birds
From the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, you can take a boat along the coast to arrive at the Esquinas River, which is up the Golfo Dulce coast. The Esquinas River has a fuller water level at high tide and lower as the tide goes out to the Gulf. It is important to pay attention to the tides and always go with the currents when Kayaking. This will not only be safer, but will make pedaling easier.
If a kayaking adventure is on your Bucket List, look no further than Costa Rica to cross it off… Start your adventure by heading to the Nicoya Peninsula for the Curu Sea Kayaking Tour. This tour is super awesome and you get to camp on a white sand beach that is super peaceful. On the water, there will be so many beautiful marine life that surrounds you… Tours can be a day trip or you can book a 4 day and 3 night trip for experienced kayakers looking to get lost in the Central American jungle.
Here are some tips for best kayaking spots in Costa Rica:
Lake Arenal
Kayaking on Lake Arenal is a once in a lifetime experience. The calm waters of Lake Arenal are an awesome spot for beginner kayakers to learn how to kayak safely and have fun. This is because you do not have the challenging tides and waves of the ocean. Advanced kayakers can also enjoy themselves on Lake Arenal due to its incredible view, you will want to take it slow anyways and enjoy the incredible volcano. This grand, man-created lake sits below the Arenal Volcano, which is surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park. Any camping spot you choose, Airbnb or hotel will surely blow you away with the view of this famous volcano.
Manuel Antonio
Kayaking through Manuel Antonio, also referred to as Damas Island, should be added to your bucket list. If you are searching for tranquil waters, epic mangroves, peaceful movements and endless monkey activity — then you will want to visit Manuel Antonio. It is possible to also catch a glimpse of a big cat species, like a puma, if you are lucky enough! Make sure to pack a hat, some SPF and bring your camera and waterproof case, to snap a photo or two of the memories you are making with the entire family.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is known as a dope surfing and epic party town with a vibrant lively restaurant scene. Many people wouldn’t pick kayaking as their first offer of things to do in Tamarindo. But this is a great spot to kayak, it isn’t just a cool beach with all-inclusive resorts and hip parties. Find a local tour company and make sure to take an incredible kayaking adventure through the local mangrove estuary. This is a wonderful way to see wildlife on a peaceful afternoon in Tamarindo, which a lot of people don’t realize. Amongst the mangroves, it is teeming with wildlife and you can see up close and personal such animals like flying fish, crocodiles and even some species of sharks, tropical birds, and an array of monkeys. This mangrove estuary water pathway starts around Playa Grande.
Tortuguero National Park
Kayaking Tortuguero National Park is another top pick! Kayaking through Tortuguero National Park feels deeply lush with wildlife, through a maze of mangroves and little coves to explore and keep you entertained for many magical hours. It can be helpful to sign up for a nature guided tour, where the Local expert can point out and explain the different animal and insect species you are viewing. Kayaking tours are water roads that take you to places you wouldn’t be able to see by car or foot. Take a guided tour or explore on your own with some friends.
If you head to the ocean, it is possible for you to witness Bioluminescent plankton, but this is only at night and under the moonlight… The ocean glows at night because of the Bioluminescent plankton floating under the water’s surface. If the moon is bright or you flash your phone light on them at night, the ocean will sparkle like thousands of diamonds floating. These magical, seemingly microscopic, creatures can fit thousands upon just one drop of water… it is something you must see with your own eyes to believe…
Do you want to enjoy the Bioluminescence experience in beautiful Costa Rica while Kayaking under a full moon?
Head to the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste or to the Golfo Dulce Bay to see this natural phenomenon of nature… These are two of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica to witness this occurrence.
Punta Cuchillos, Santa Teresa Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen. Tourists heading to the Nicoya Peninsula should also be informed to enjoy this very unique experience. Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, also referred to as biological light.
In this particular Gulfo, it is the algae that creates the beautiful light effect. Once the plankton are disturbed, the algae starts to glitter with sparkling light. The sparkling effect, the magic if you will, is from millions of little microscopic plankton giving off light as they are being moved… This creates the sparkles in the water. The sparkling lights can give off a blue, green color.
Go on a kayak tour and experience this phenomenon whilst gliding above the sparkling blue and green hues… Kayaking is hands-down the best way to experience this event. It is super cool when the algae sticks to your paddle, parts of your kayak and even parts of YOU! It feels like maybe you are magic too? As you take off back to shore, you will leave a trail of your very own fairy dust in the wake of your kayak.
Golfo Dulce Bay Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Make sure to sign up for a Guided Night Tour to see the most amazing natural phenomena in the world. As we mentioned above, kayaking on a night tour is a magical experience. This tour is another we suggest taking if you are in the area. Launch off before sunset, paddle along Puntarenitas beach to view the sunset, where you usually see wild bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
As day turns to night, watch every stroke of your paddle leave behind a glowing swirl of glowing magical plankton as you get back to the beach.
The best time of year to see bioluminescence in Costa Rica is year-round. Especially during the full moon on the ocean when the skies are dark.
Basically, if you are looking to take guided tours, you will have endless options to choose from. Depending on where you are located and what you would like to see, the prices will range anywhere from $65 USD and $125 USD per person.
To rent a kayak and take your own journey, they offer kayak rentals as well. It will just take more planning ahead of your journey. Whichever option you choose, kayaking in Costa Rica will be something you remember forever.
Pura Vida