It is something of a paradox that the peaceful, blue waters of Lake Arenal are also a hotbed of activity. No matter what your interests, you’ll be able to indulge them here.

As the largest body of water in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal is a crucial source of the country’s hydroelectricity. Its waters are home to two primary species of fish: the machaca and bass. The lake region also features a variety of birds (including the quirky and colorful quetzal), plants and animals. The lake is part of the Tilaran Conservation Area, and provides spectacular views of the nearby Arenal Volcano.

The lakefront communities offer a variety of activities, both water- and land-based. For those who want to get a little wet, there’s fishing,

kayaking and windsurfing. To explore the land, you can choose from horseback riding to nature hikes or bike riding.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll have magnificent views of Volcano Arenal as you wade through the spectacular flora and fauna of Costa Rica.

Aside from gazing at the beauty of the Arenal Volcano, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy your time in the areas surrounding Lake Arenal. Check out the options below.

With a tour company:

If you want to let someone else make the arrangements for you, there are several local tour companies that will be happy to help. Check the websites of these three, which are the most popular companies:

• Pure Trek Costa Rica, which creates customized tours.
• Pura Vida Trips, which offers both local and countrywide tours.
• Jacamar Naturalist Tours, which provides a variety of tourism-related services.
• 

On your own:

Mix and match your methods of exploring the area, either by land, on the water or from above. You can’t go wrong with any of these activities.

• Arenal Hanging Bridges – get a close-up view of one of the country’s greatest ecotourism projects as you traverse the 16 bridges through this private reserve. You’ll have great views of the jungle as well as the volcano.
• Arenal Lake – take your pick of water fun. You can rent a luxurious houseboat or a 20-foot Ranger bass boat at the dam area. You can also go water skiing, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing and sport fishing.
• Arenal National Park – while climbing on the volcano itself is prohibited for safety reasons, you can walk over old lava flows and through the surrounding forest. The park is open late if you want to get night views of the spewing ash.
• ATV Adventure Tours – if you prefer riding to walking, then an ATV ride through the beach and rainforest areas could be just the ticket for you.
• Baldi Termae Springs – a relative newcomer to the area’s hot springs. It is the first springs you’ll encounter driving from La Fortuna toward Tabacon.
• Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge – if you’re a bird-watcher, this is a must. The refuge is home to a spectacular variety of birds, as well as sea caimans and crocodiles. Be prepared to spend a whole day on your visit.
• Cerro Chato Volcano – an inactive volcano that is southeast of Arenal. Climb to the top to see the lake in the crater.
• Free swimming hole – this is a favorite with the locals in the La Fortuna area. Head past the Tabacon Resort away from La Fortuna. After you enter the forested section, look for a path on your left. You should see several cars parked nearby.
• Linda Vista Lodge Steakhouse – enjoy wonderful views of the lake and the volcano while you dine.
• Maleku Indigenous Reserve – learn about the culture, language and traditions of the vanishing Maleku tribe. Your native guide will share with you the Maleku point of view as you tour the pre-Columbian burial grounds of the tribe’s ancestors.
• Mountain Bike Tour of Lake Arenal – if you enjoy riding, there’s no better way to enjoy the rainforest area than a half-day mountain bike trip from the lake to El Castillo. A professional guide will accompany you.
• Penas Blancas River Safari Float – as you paddle along the peaceful river, you’ll spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and tropical birds.
• Rio Celeste – hike through the rainforest to reach the Light Blue River where you’ll find one of Costa Rica’s most scenic waterfalls. You can also relax in the nearby hot springs.
• Rio Fortuna waterfall – located about 3.5 miles outside of La Fortuna, and rising to more than 260 feet. Don’t forget to stop by the swimming hole downstream.
• River rafting – some of the best rivers in the area to explore are Rio Toro, Penas Blancas and Sarapiqui.
• Sky Trek Sky Tram – soar over the Continental Divide as you head to one of the highest mountains in Monteverde on this breathtaking tram ride.
• Tabacon Hot Springs – the most well-known of the hot springs created by the volcano. The spa offers pools of several sizes where you can soak your cares away.
• Venado Caverns – about 45 minutes outside of La Fortuna. You’ll see plenty of limestone formations, as well as bats and cave fish.