Sea kayaking in Costa Rica

Increasingly popular in the U.S., sea kayaking is included in the active vacation programs of a growing number of wholesalers' programs to Costa Rica and is available locally at various locations.

Key Points

With more than 700 miles of coast and hundreds of rivers, Costa Rica is a superb destination for kayaking. Kayaking is easy to learn; no prior experience is necessary. Local outfitters operate sea kayaking trips at several destinations, including Curu National Wildlife Refuge (near Playa Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula); on Golfo Dulce out of Puerto Jimenez and Golfito; on the estuaries near Manuel Antonio National Park, and in Bahia Culebra, out of Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste.

Basic Packages

Introduced this spring, operates roundtrip out of San Jose. Includes kayaking daily on region's network of rivers, lagoons and canals, including the Tortuguero River. Price includes kayaking gear, land and boat transfers, meals, kayaking tours and guide. San Jose-based outfitter operates three-night Sea kayaking trip to Curu National Wildlife Refuge. Tent camping on Quesera Beach, kayak excursions visit Tortugas Islands, natural rock arch and mangrove estuary. Price includes all meals, gear, transfers from San Jose. Departures daily year-round; minimum six people required.