Arenal Volcano Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips
114 Arenal Volcano trips. Tours from 56 tour companies. 391 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.
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Arenal Volcano Reviews & Ratings
Discover costa rica
An excellent taster of the country. Well planned with good locations Meeting the owner michael Schnitzler of esquinas lodge. Such a wonderful work, he is passinate...
A great adventure in Costa Rica
This was our second Exodus trip and again, we were not disappointed. An itinerary which covered many different ecosystems, plenty of wildlife, pleasant travel comp...
Totally superb experience.
Our Guide & tour leader-Johnny [Villalobos] made this trip the best we have experienced; with his expertise, knowledge & general manner. Superior to simi...
Discover Costa Rica
I would highly recommend this trip. The trip is very wildlife oriented, so if that is not your main interest, it may not be for you. However, I wouldn’t say that i...
Discover Costa Rica
We had am amazing time on this trip from the moment we landed in San Jose. Our guide Andres kept us informed about what to expect, and bring for each activity. He...
Arenal Volcano Tour Selection Trips
- While Arenal has been in a resting phase since 2010, be aware that it remains an active volcano. For this reason, you are still not allowed to hike to the mouth of the volcano, although you can hike around its base.
- The danger level of visiting Arenal is currently considered low, though that could change in. Be sure to check the most recent travel alerts regarding the area.
- Guided tours are highly advised to find the safest trails and avoid restricted areas. Your tour guides will also be able to help you spot local wildlife.
- Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s most stable and least dangerous countries to visit, which is one reason to highly consider visiting the country.
- Arenal is one of the most accessible volcanoes from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital and offers much of what makes the country such a popular outdoors destination.
- Arenal’s rainy season, which is the best time to go rafting, runs from May to January. Keep this in mind if you are an experienced white water rafter, or rafting is your primary objective.
Additional details
10 Interesting Arenal Volcano Facts
- Arenal Volcano’s rock has been carbon dated to be 7,000 years old
- Arenal Volcano has had the 33rd most deadly volcano eruption in human history
- There are 200 volcanoes in Costa Rica, and Arenal is 1 of the only 5 active ones.
- Arenal’s first eruption was in 1968, killing 87 people and completing burying 3 villages in lava. Luckily, Arenal has remained dormant since 2010, and all current buildings are built a safe ways away from the volcano.
- 75% of all of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found in the Arenal Volcano National Park.
- It is the 3rd most perfect conically-shaped volcano in the world.
- Some of the water heated by the volcano is funneled into the Arenal Lake Reservoir, which provides 40% of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric power.
- 3 different kinds of rainforests have been identified in Arenal National Park.
- There have been several reported UFO sightings over the volcano.
- The nearby volcano, Chato, is considered to be the “little brother” of Arenal.
Arenal Volcano Weather
Temperature in the Arenal Volcano National Park is consistently warm. The temperature is usually around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though at higher altitudes the weather is a little bit cooler, averaging between 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It generally becomes a little windier in the region during the winter, which may make things feel cooler. It is recommended that you pack layers.
Annually, Arenal receives around 195 inches of rain, so consider bringing a rain jacket on your visit!
9 Best Activities at Arenal Volcano
Zipline for miles through the jungle canopy
Hike the hanging bridges through the rainforest
Canyon a waterfall
Raft some of the best whitewater rafting water in the world
Go for a relaxing swim in the Volcano-heated hot springs
Take a rafting safari on the Peñas Blancas River
Take a leisurely hike to get the best volcano views
Paddle board, swim, or canoe in Lake Arenal
Explore caves around the National Park
Hotels & Lodging at Arenal
Because of the destination’s popularity, there are plenty of options for accomodation around the volcano, especially on its Northeastern side. Most hotels are resort-style lodging, and some even have direct access to the volcano’s hot springs.
If you are a traveling on a budget or basic trip, then you might expect to spend a couple nights in one of the various chain hotels in the area. These lodgings are comfortable and practical, but may lack some of the authenticity and complementary features of nicer lodging.
One of the benefits of going on a group tour is that you may also have the option to do a homestay on your trip of Costa Rica. Living in a local family’s home while on your Arenal vacation will greatly enhance your immersion into Costa Rican life.
You may be served a bona fide Costa Rican breakfast, taken on a tour of your host’s working farm, and you will have unlimited opportunities to ask any questions you may have.
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