Wondering what to do while you’re here in the rainforest near Volcano Arenal and Lake Arenal? Relaxation or Adventure – choices abound!
Many guests stay 5 to 7 days and are very busy, so don’t worry about running out of things to do. We will list just a few:
Desafio Adventure Tours
Desafío Adventure Company is the pioneering Costa Rica adventure outfitter near the Arenal Volcano. Desafío has over 20 years of Costa Rica adventure experience specializing in rafting, safari floats, canyoning in our Lost Canyon (rappelling down waterfalls), mountain biking, stand up paddling, kayaking, volcano hikes and many other exciting adventures. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor.com and by Chalet Nicholas B&B.
Hot Springs Resorts
Numerous hot springs are at the base of the Arenal Volcano. One hour drive winding around Lake Arenal, with beautiful views of the Continental Divide, and good birding. Most offer massages, restaurants, mud facials and hot tiled showers/changing rooms with lockers. Check out Eco Termales for an affordable, beautiful experience.
Las Pumas
A Costa Rica protected wildcat station just minutes from Corobici River. This is a small animal protection “zoo,” begun by Lily Hagnaur and her family for over 50 years.
Canoe And Kayak Rentals
Rentals are available in town for Lake Arenal. Click here for more information.
Horseback Riding
3+ hours of horseback riding with a local guide. Trails go through the rain forest by the lake.
Chalet Nicholas Tropical Gardens And Orchids
We have every type of tropical flower and fruit tree, including: Heliconias, Hibiscus, Gardenias, Jasmine, Canas, Passion Flower as well as a variety of Costa Rican Orchids. Explore the tropical beauty and bring your binoculars and camera!
The rain forest that borders the property is full of Bromeliads, Ferns and Vines.
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is famous for its exciting nighttime lava views. There is hiking near the volcano, and plenty of thermal springs and restaurants nearby. When not covered by clouds, the volcano can be seen from Chalet Nicholas. Check out all of the volcanoes of Costa Rica.
Catamaran Lake Tour
A great way to experience Lake Arenal with Catamaran Tucan Arenal. They generally offer trips each Saturday and Sunday as well as for some special events. They offer plenty of covered seating, food, beverages, 2 water slides and plenty of beautiful views along the way!
Bird Watching
Birding is incredible at Chalet Nicholas. We adjoin a protected forest and have over 100 types of birds. We have a list of birds we share with bird watchers to help them check off the birds they see. This list is coordinated with A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander F. Skutch (the birding “bible” in Costa Rica).
Lake Arenal
Swim, Kayak, Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP), Windsurf, or Kitesurf in gorgeous Lake Arenal.
Rio Celeste
Don’t forget to check out this unique adventure in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Fishing trips
Captain Ron’s Lake Arenal Fishing Tours — the premier fishing guide service on Lake Arenal. Your adventure starts the moment you launch with Captain Ron. Experience the thrill of catching a guapote or machaca when you fish Lake Arenal, a sparkling fresh water 33-mile lake located in the north-central highlands of Costa Rica.
Hiking
Guests may hike Free, through the protected rain forest bordering Chalet Nicholas. We have paths cleared for your use on our 15 acre reforested property and through adjoining protected forest. We supply rubber boots and walking sticks at no charge. Explore the wildlife. We have Howler monkeys, mono titis, fantastic tropical birds, armadillos, coatimundis, anteaters, kinkajous, fruit bats, snakes, tree frogs, butterflies, and an occasional sloth and iguana. We have lots of “birding” clubs and birders visiting us who are attracted here by our variety of Tropical Birds!
White Water Rafting
Located at the base of Volcano Arenal in the picturesque town of La Fortuna, WAVE Expeditions has been creating memorable vacations for thousands of travelers every year. WAVE Expeditions is more than a travel specialist, tour operator, and rafting outfitter; they are a local company who cherishes the tropical beauty and unparalleled adventure that Costa Rica has to offer.
Experience the thrill of White-Water Rafting. Costa Rica is known for world-class rafting and the Class III-IV rapids of the Rio Sarapiqui won’t disappoint. Fed by waters from Poas Volcano, you will raft 13 km (9 miles) through dramatic scenery on your adrenaline-packed ride on continuous white-water rapids.
Chocolate Tour
In this 2-hour “hands on” program at Rainforest Chocolate Tour, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspects of cocoa and chocolate, from its origin and history, participating in all the production process, from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed, also the developing of the traditional drink of our ancestors, and of course enjoying a high quality organic chocolate. Enjoy this journey through the history, culture, traditions and the flavor.
Safaris Corobici
A River Float Trip with guides in a Zodiac type boat. You will float along the Palo Verde National Park and see monkeys, water birds, iguanas, and natural wildlife of Costa Rica. Two hour or half day trips. (Especially for birders)
Sunset Cruise
What could be a more perfect end to a beautiful day than a sunset boat cruise on Lake Arenal? Absolutely nothing! Click over to The Real Deal Tours for more information.