Active Pursuits in Lake Arenal

Fishing -- If you want to try your hand at fishing for guapote, call Lake Arenal Fishing (tel. 8811-2928), or just ask at your hotel. A half-day fishing trip should cost around $275 per boat, and a full day goes for around $375. The boats will usually accommodate up to three people.

Horseback Riding -- Any of the hotels in the area can hook you up with a horseback-riding tour for around $15 to $30 per hour.

Swimming -- You can swim in Lake Arenal, although it can get a bit rough in places, especially during peak windsurfing season. Up above Lake Arenal on the far side of the lake from Tilarán, you’ll find the little heart-shaped Lake Coter. Surrounded by forest, the lake has good, protected swimming. (UFO watchers also claim that this is a popular pit stop for extraterrestrials.) A taxi to Lake Coter costs around C15,000.

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding -- If you want to try windsurfing or kiteboarding, check in with Tico Wind ★ (tel. 2692-2002), which sets up shop on the shores of the lake each year from December 1 to the end of April. Rates are $50 pfor a one-hour lesson. This is also the place to rent stand-up paddle boards and equipment.