Desafío Adventure Company
Kayak fishing on Lake Arenal
Desafío Adventure Company is one of La Fortuna's long-running tour companies, in business since 1993, and one of its trips is a 4-hour kayak fishing outing on Lake Arenal for machaca and guapote. Transport, a guide, fishing kayaks, safety gear and tackle are all included. It suits active travellers aged 15 and up who'd rather paddle and cast than ride a bass boat.
At a glance
- Location
- La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
- Company
- Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, since 1993
- Trip
- kayak fishing on Lake Arenal, about 4 hours, morning or afternoon
- Fishing
- machaca and guapote (rainbow bass) on poppers and lures
- Who can go
- ages 15 to 85, up to 100 kg, minimum 2 people
- Included
- hotel transport, a fishing guide, fishing kayaks, life jackets, rods, poppers, tackle, bait and snacks
- Cancellation
- full refund up to 48 hours before
- Booking
- on its website, by phone or WhatsApp on +506 2479 0020
Contact
- Website
- desafiocostarica.com
- Phone
- +506 2479 0020
- +506 2479 0020
- [email protected]
- Leaves from
- Hotel pickup in La Fortuna and around Arenal; fishing from the sheltered bays of Lake Arenal
Contact details checked 15 November 2026
Part of our complete guide: Freshwater fishing in Costa Rica: the complete guide
Who runs it
Desafío Adventure Company has been running tours out of La Fortuna since 1993, which makes it one of the old hands in a town that's built its living on adventure. Its photos run to rafting, rappelling, waterfalls and hanging bridges, with tours in La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Monteverde and Guanacaste. Fishing is a small part of that, but it's one of very few ways to fish Lake Arenal from a kayak with everything arranged for you. The company's website was refreshed in 2026, and the kayak fishing trip is bookable there now.
The trip
It's about 4 hours in all, with a pickup from your hotel in La Fortuna or the Arenal area (the booking page lists dozens of hotels and rentals) and a ride to the lake. The schedule shows 5:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., so you can pick an early start or an afternoon session.
On the water you fish from specialised sit-on-top fishing kayaks, working the calm, sheltered bays and the weedy lagoon edges where the fish feed. A guide paddles with you, shows you where to cast and helps with the hookups. Rods, floating lines, poppers, lures and bait are all supplied, as are life jackets and snacks.
What you'll fish for
The trip's 2 main fish are the classics of Lake Arenal:
- Machaca. A silvery, big-scaled fish that jumps like a small tarpon and often takes a popper near the shore.
- Guapote (rainbow bass). A hard-pulling cichlid that hides in weed beds and around drowned timber.
The tour page also names the bobo, a big river mullet. Guapote and machaca are in the lake all year, and the drier months from about January to May are often the most comfortable on Arenal. Mornings are usually calmer and better for topwater fishing. Our guide to guapote on Lake Arenal has more on the lake and its fish.
Who it suits
This is an active trip. You need to be between 15 and 85, under 100 kg, and comfortable paddling and sitting in a kayak for a few hours, and the minimum booking is 2 people. If you'd rather sit in a boat with a casting deck and an engine, the El Castillo guides, Arenal Lake Fishing with Salomón and Osprey Fishing Tours, are the better fit.
Bring rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and sandals or water shoes. The tour page doesn't mention a fishing licence or how fish are handled, so ask whether the licence is included and let the guide know you'd like to release your catch.
How to book
Book on the kayak fishing page, call or WhatsApp +506 2479 0020, or email [email protected]. Cancellations made at least 48 hours ahead get a full refund. For other lakes, rivers and fish around the country, see our freshwater fishing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the kayak fishing trip?
About 4 hours, with morning and afternoon times. Hotel transport is included.
Do I need fishing experience?
No. A guide goes with you and all the tackle is supplied, but you do need to be comfortable in a kayak.
Is there an age or weight limit?
Yes. The trip is for ages 15 to 85 and people up to 100 kg, with a minimum of 2 people.
What fish will I catch?
Mostly machaca and guapote (rainbow bass), on poppers and lures.
Is the fishing licence included?
The tour page doesn't say. Ask when you book.
