Lake Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s premier freshwater fishing destinations — and this guided sport fishing tour gives you the full experience, from the moment you launch the boat to the catch of the day.
Your adventure begins at the meeting point you’ll arrange directly with your expert guide, Alberto Zuñiga — known locally and affectionately as “Balazo.” With years of experience fishing on Lake Arenal, Alberto knows every corner of this stunning reservoir. He’ll have your equipment ready, fit you with a life vest, and brief you on everything before you head out onto the water.
What Fish Can You Catch on Lake Arenal?
The most prized catch in these waters is the guapote (also known as rainbow bass — Parachromis dovii), a fierce and colorful cichlid that puts up a fantastic fight. Anglers also frequently hook machaca, tilapia, and catfish — making every outing an exciting surprise regardless of experience level.
The Setting: Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica and one of the most visually dramatic fishing backdrops in Central America. On clear days, the iconic Arenal Volcano dominates the horizon — a view that’s nothing short of unforgettable from the middle of the lake. Even on cloudy days (this is the rainforest, after all), the scenery, the wildlife, and the sounds of the jungle make this a uniquely immersive experience.
Keep your eyes open for toucans, herons, kingfishers, and other birds along the shores. Alberto is as passionate about nature as he is about fishing, and will happily share his knowledge of the local ecosystem throughout the tour.
Tour Options: Half Day or Full Day
- Half-day tour: approximately 4 hours — perfect for those with limited time or families with younger children.
- Full-day tour: approximately 8 hours — the complete Lake Arenal fishing experience for serious anglers.
Both options depart from Bañadero del Lago, Nuevo Arenal at 7:00 AM.
What’s Included
- Professional bilingual fishing guide (Alberto “Balazo” Zuñiga)
- Boat and all fishing equipment (brand new gear)
- Life vests
- Sandwiches and beverages
Pricing
Tour pricing is based on 2 people. Each additional person is $75 USD.
💡 SINPE Móvil discount available — contact us via chat for details.
This tour is consistently one of the most popular experiences in the Nuevo Arenal area and fills up fast — especially during dry season (November–April). Don’t wait to lock in your spot on Lake Arenal.
If you like sport fishing (and getting caught in the rain), you’ve come to the right place!
Your tour starts at the meeting point you’ll set up with your expert guide, Alberto – better known as Balazo. He’ll set you up with your brand new equipment and life vest, and tell you everything you need to know about the day ahead of you.
The beauty of Lake Arenal and its shores as a backdrop for your fishing trip in Costa Rica is difficult to top! Enthusiasts love to come here to try to catch guapote (rainbow bass). This is the most sought-after fish around here, but you could also find some machacas, tilapia or catfish.
Sailing around is an incredible experience in itself. When you are on the water, the rest of the world almost disappears. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the majestic Arenal Volcano from the lake. From this angle, it’s a dramatic and breathtaking view that you are not likely to forget!
Even if you don’t see the volcano (it can get cloudy), your fishing adventure will be hard to beat. We’re sure that you’ll also spot some interesting birds during this trip. Make sure to bring your binoculars if you have them! “Balazo” will be happy to share his immense knowledge about the nature and wildlife all around you.
This tour is very popular and often sells out. Book your Lake Arenal Costa Rica fishing experience before it’s too late!
IMPORTANT PRICING NOTE:
- Tour pricing is based on 2 people. Each additional person is $75 USD extra.
- DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENTS VIA SINPE MOVIL. Contact us on the chat here for more details!
