Kayak or stand-up paddleboard through Costa Rica's waterways

You'll often hear the term Pura Vida throughout Costa Rica. It refers to the value of a positive attitude and enjoying the present moment, and activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are a great way to play out the philosophy. Sometimes, you just need to slow down to soak up the details in order to fully embrace nature. The country is full of rivers, coastlines, and lakes where you can partake in these water activities at your own pace.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the mangroves. These floating forests are home to a wealth of wildlife which you can't approach any other way. Don't skip Tamarindo and the Las Damas islands, which are ideal for these kinds of encounters.

If you're a fan of birdwatching, then explore the Boca Tapada region by canoe and discover its 400 species of birds. Set off at dawn, which is the best time of day for viewing them. With a little luck, you might get to witness a scarce species of parrot, the green macaw.

Stand-up paddleboarding gives you a whole new view of the countryside and lets you go as fast or slow as you'd like. It's especially worth doing along the Pacific coast (Samara and Carillo beaches) and on Lake Arenal. These activities can be enjoyed all year round. For specific spots, you'll need to contact your local Evaneos agency ahead of time to make sure that the water levels are high enough.