Arenal Volcano & Lake Lookout (boat dock west of the dam)
Viewpoint · Arenal & La Fortuna
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A gravel pull-off on the east end of Lake Arenal, just west of the dam, where the cone of Arenal Volcano rises right behind the water. Several lake boat tours leave from the little shore here.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 15 min
- Best time
- early morning
- Kids
- 7 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 10.47216, -84.76918 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Come early: the summit is most often clear in the morning, before the afternoon clouds roll in.
Be careful
Pull all the way into the gravel lot; traffic near the dam is fast and the road is narrow.
Getting there
On Route 142 about 1 km west of the Arenal Dam, on the lake side.
Places nearby
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ParkParks & Wildlife · from $1Mistico is a family-owned private reserve of mature rainforest on the Lake Arenal road, 25–30 minutes west of La Fortuna, and the busiest hanging-bridges park around Arenal.
- Sky Adventures ArenalTours & Adventure · from $46Family-run park at El Castillo on Lake Arenal with ziplines, hanging bridges and an aerial tram overlooking the volcano.
- Mirador El SilencioParks & WildlifePrivate reserve 1 km east of Tabacón on Route 142 with a long forest-and-lava hike, a green lagoon and open views of Arenal Volcano; booking ahead is recommended.
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & SpaDay Passes & Hot SpringsHot springs resort at the foot of Arenal Volcano, built around a natural thermal river with waterfalls and pools.
- Restaurante La Mesa de MamáFood & CoffeeFriendly family kitchen in the village of El Castillo serving homemade Costa Rican food from breakfast to dinner.
- Restaurante El Patio al CarbónFood & CoffeeCharcoal-grill restaurant in El Castillo, busy with locals' cars out front and the smell of grilled meat in the air.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/6291436888 · https://www.costaricavibes.com/lake-arenal/ · https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=19m1bobhTrd8SgTq-T5kqXumWkpLKNFw · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6291436888