Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is the largest artificial reservoir of Costa Rica. The lake is located 90 km west of the capital city of San Jose. It is located on a high-altitude plateau, about six hundred meters above sea level. The depth of the lake varies from 30 to 60 meters, depending on the season.

Artificial Lake Arenal was created in 1979 after Costa Rica implemented its hydropower project. A hydroelectric dam was built, and since then the lake has provided cheap electricity to most of the country.

Lake Arenal is a very picturesque place. The reservoir is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest, and on the eastern shore there is a volcano bearing a similar name - Arenal.

In the period from April to November, strong, steady winds blow over the lake, which turns the reservoir into a real mecca for windsurfing enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to windsurfing, wakeboarding is gaining more and more popularity in Costa Rica every year, and Arenal Lake is the main venue for this sport. Rowing and fishing are also thriving.