We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 71 La Fortuna de San Carlos Attractions »

Lake Arenal

La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
4.5 of 5 stars 118 Reviews
Type: Bodies of Water
Update attraction details
Write a Review

118 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    73
    31
    14
    0
    0
Date Rating
Tampa, FL
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Loved the views. Wish I knew ahead of time how very many way there were to see the lake, we would have made time for more time on the lake. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by BeaandRich for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Lakewood, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

Man made for the Dam. There is actually a city under it. The locals said on days when the water is very very low, you can see the tip of the old church!!!! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by lulu221 for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Hopatcong, New Jersey
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

and it was great fun! We went with Desafio and had a very enjoyable experience. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Caren_H for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Seguin, Texas
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

Lake Arenal although not that easy to utilize is by far one of the most beautiful bodies of water anywhere. The mountains rising above it frame it beautifully and the small towns that surround it offer shopping, restaurants and various activities. Well worth the visit! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Las Vegas, Nevada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

I think is a very good way of transportation between Monteverde and Fortuna, also for boat rides, researches and so much more. It is used for producing energy, so is fine, but there are crocodiles.- More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Alberto A for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Te Kauwhata, New Zealand
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

we liked the hospitality,service,thermal pools and quality of our rooms and the Views! slight irritation with the metal road that goes to The Springs More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

I've been on this lake many times threw-out the years, and I'm always mesmerized by it's beauty. Such a large lake with amazing views and breathtaking sunsets ... all of course when the weather is right. Totally under utilized in the tourist market... which makes it even more beautiful. There are lots of activities to be done on the lake.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by m90m90m90m90 for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Brevard, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

We had a delightful boat trip on Lake Arenal from the dam to the Monteverde region. It was pleasant and the scenery was great. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Northern California
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2012

We traveled across Lake Arenal traveling between Arenal and Monteverde. The boat boarded and delivered us from the shoreline which was interesting. Scenic trip with birds along the shore. There are very bumpy roads to and from the lake though. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by charmking for La Fortuna de San Carlos
Beaverton, OR
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

The sunset at the volcano as seen from the lake is breathtaking!!! The lake is warm enough to swim in and very calm. We went on a tour boat (Volcano Lake Adventures out of La Fortuna) and it was seriously the best day of our vacation. It's a MUST SEE if you are in La Fortuna. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by kirday1975 for La Fortuna de San Carlos

Travelers who viewed Lake Arenal also viewed

La Fortuna Waterfall ( Catarata Rio Fortuna )
4.5 of 5 stars 217 Reviews
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
Ecoglide Arenal Park
4.5 of 5 stars 180 Reviews
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
 
Tabacon Hot Springs
4.5 of 5 stars 461 Reviews
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
Venado Caves
5 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
 

Been to Lake Arenal? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Lake Arenal, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »