# 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.

Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/desafio-adventure-company/
Last checked: 2026-11-15
Location: La Fortuna, La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Type: charter
Official website: https://www.desafiocostarica.com/
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

## 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.

![A lone angler fishing from a kayak on Lake Arenal under a blazing red and orange sunset](/static/img/desafio-adventure-company-sunset-800.webp "Photo: [Desafío Adventure Company](https://www.desafiocostarica.com/)")

## 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](/lake-arenal-guapote-fishing/) has more on the lake and its fish.

![Two anglers in red and yellow fishing kayaks paddling past reeds on a grey morning on Lake Arenal](/static/img/desafio-adventure-company-kayaks-800.webp "Photo: [Desafío Adventure Company](https://www.desafiocostarica.com/)")

## 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](/arenal-lake-fishing-salomon/) and [Osprey Fishing Tours](/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](https://www.desafiocostarica.com/service/kayak-fishing-at-arenal-lake/), call or WhatsApp +506 2479 0020, or email reservations@desafiocostarica.com. 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](/freshwater-fishing-costa-rica/).

## 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.