If you have never been to Costa Rica, you are missing out. It is an amazing country where you can grab your kayak and explore to your hearts desire.

Kayaking is not restricted to spots in the United States. There are many places in the world that offer excellent kayaking areas, including many of the countries on the continent of South America/Latin America. As much of Latin America is coastal, it offers an excellent, warm weather place to try sea kayaking. Kayaking in Costa Rica can be a perfect way to enjoy the diverse culture and scenery of this Latin country.

Kayaking originated in North America and Greenland, where Inuit and Aleut hunters developed these lightweight portable boats in order to go fishing and hunting in the colder regions of the world. Kayaks, with their covered canoe styling and splash skirt that keeps water off of the paddler in the cockpit, offer a great alternative to traditional ways of boating around the world. The fact that a kayak is essentially made as a single person mode of transportation (although some kayaks are built for two or three) makes it a great way to experience a water area in a solitary way, or in a group with a tour.

One of the best resources for kayaking in Costa Rica is the company known as Rios Tropicales. This company has been in existence for over 20 years, and offers travelers a great way to experience both the river kayaking and sea kayaking available in Costa Rica. Rios Tropicales also offers what they call an “Eco-Adventure Playground” on the banks of the Pacuare River - where you can explore both the river areas in a kayak, as well as a jungle area for hiking and even zip lines that cross the river.

Rios Tropicales cautions that you should bring your own gear, because although they do rent kayaks to tourists who wish to experience the kayaking here, they do not have gear such as life jackets and other necessities available. Most of the kayaking in Costa Rica in this particular area is rated a level III or level IV on the International Scale of River Difficulty, meaning that river kayaking here should not be attempted by boaters who do not know how to handle heavy rapids, and open canoe paddling will not be possible.

Of course, sea kayaking is also available from Rios Tropicales, in Costa Rica - this country has over 800 miles of total shoreline for boaters to enjoy. Whether you choose to go on the open sea or on the many rivers in this tropical paradise, one thing is sure: you’re going to love kayaking in Costa Rica.

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