Exploring Costa Rica’s Paddle Boarding Paradise: From Beaches to Rainforest Rivers. (H1)

By Casa Rica Realty:

Costa Rica is not just known for the most consistent surf breaks and sets on the globe and the rugged, natural beaches — it is also known to be an amazing place to paddle board… surprised?

Paddle-boarding, amongst a variety of other water sports and activities, is a great way to enjoy the water in Costa Rica if surfing is not your thing. Sure, there are other places to travel to that have incredible paddle boarding excursions, however you will be very surprised by what Costa Rica has to offer… Costa Rica is known to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and anyone who has experienced paddle boarding can confirm that this is a great way to exercise. Paddle boarding and other aquatic activities are a great opportunity to connect and explore nature.

Costa Rica is known for the rainforest, the lush green hillsides, the immense and biodiverse wildlife, but there is also a lively aquatic environment to explore and paddle boarding is a wonderful way to see this. Talk with a Local Tour Company in your town to get the best experience paddleboarding. You can take tours both on the ocean or exploring the river channels with an experienced guide.

Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula:

The Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula is located in the southern area of the Province of Puntarenas. It is a tropical paradise and once you spend a day in the Golfo Dulce, it will be hard to want to leave. Some of the most abundant biodiversity and wildlife exists here. While exploring this area, you can choose from over seventeen protected reserves to explore.

Once you hit the beach, grav a paddleboard, to get to spots in the jungle you cannot access even by hiking.

This oasis in Costa Rica is a sweet spot and is truly untouched. It is home to many species of sharks, dolphins and whales. Not to frighten you off, but it is considered a shark sanctuary here in Costa Rica. This spot is alive with aquatic life including sea turtles and large schools of colorful tropical fish and turtle species.

Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste:

Known world-wide as a great surf and party town… Tamarindo is located just an hour and a half drive from the famous town of Nosara, in the Guanacaste Province. Near the Nicoya Peninsula, this beach can be a very, very popular destination for tourists during the High Season because of its proximity to the airport and other neighboring beach towns. It is even a popular place for paddleboarding!

In Tamarindo, there is a cool place called Captains island. The water area enclosing the island is abundant in underwater ecosystems. For the adventurous souls out there, take a paddle tour

around the island. These swells can be challenging so get ready for a wild workout.

Lake Arenal:

When we think of paddleboarding, we are usually thinking of the ocean… However there are many places to go and explore that aren’t just on the coast. A great example of this is a trip to Lake Arenal. It is one of the largest lakes in the country and after a winding drive through lush jungle you will see why it is so famous. Paddleboarding here can be great for beginners because you do not have the intense power of the ocean to contend with. The water here on Lake Arenal is calm, and easy to navigate.

To take on this adventure is surely an act of courage, however this bravery is rewarded by an incredible view of the Volcano as you walk on water; gliding seamlessly. Lake Arenal offers something special. Sitting at the bottom of the Arenal Volcano, this spot is a Must See on our list! Be aware that this volcano is actually active but is considered to be “asleep”…lets hope she doesn’t wake up!

Rio Nosara:

It is said by the Locals, that if you are pushed into the Rio Nosara then you will always reside here. Whether this is true or not, it is an epic way to cruise around on a paddleboard.

The Rio Nosara is one of the largest rivers in the area. There are many tours offering a variety of land and water activities for the entire family. Stand up paddle board tours take place usually during the Green Season. This is usually between June and November months when it is more scenic to explore this area.

It is a place to see incredible wildlife, enjoy peace and a little danger as there are crocodiles that also frequent this river. But don’t worry, your experienced guide knows the route to take!

Matapalo Mangroves:

The Matapalo Mangroves are filled with a lot of wildlife. Come visit this spot if you are hoping to see a variety of monkey species, sleepy sloths, anteaters, snakes, crocodiles and iguanas. Similar to some of the other paddle board river tours, you will see a variety of bird species as well.

What makes this tour stand out is the mangrove forest. Your tour guide will take you through this magical forest, surrounded by the Matapalo mangroves —- an experience that you will never forget. Ask your guide about all the beautiful flora and fauna as you cruise along the water.

Baru river:

The Baru River is a body of water located in Dominical on the Central Pacific side of Costa Rica. Rainy season or Green season is also an ideal time to paddle on this river to get the full experience. Book your tour between the months of May, June and November. This river region specifically, is home to over 30 different tropical bird species and a variety of other forest and wetland animals. For bird watching enthusiasts, blend your love of birds with the workout of stand up paddle boarding.

The Coronado mangroves are part of the Sierpe mangrove system, which means that this one of the largest mangrove systems in the entirety of Central America. Stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or other water sport tours are a great option to explore.

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve:

The Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is situated on the southern point of the Nicoya Peninsula beside the previously mentioned Mal Pais. This area will take your breath away as soon as you step onto its awe-inspiring land. The landscape is like a painting and the jungle is bursting with nature. Take a paddle outside just half-mile entering the reserve until you reach Cabo Blanco Island from the water. Sure, hiking is cool, but have you ever seen a nature reserve by paddle board? Now is your chance to try something new…

Paddleboarding is one of the many activities offered in Costa Rica. You will experience Costa Rica from a totally new perspective and get a great workout in the process! WQhat can be better than that? Start planning your trip now…

Pura Vida

Casa Rica Realty