Lake Arenal Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Arenal
A view from the southwest side looking across at the north depth 30–60 m (98–197 ft)
Lake Arenal Location in Costa Rica
Location	Alajuela and Guanacaste Provinces, Costa Rica
Coordinates	10°30′19″N 84°52′20″W / 10.505167°N 84.872168°W / 10.505167; -84.872168

Max. length	30 kilometres (19 mi)
Max. width	5 kilometres (3.1 mi)
Surface area	85 square kilometres (33 sq mi)
Max. depth	100 metres (330 ft)

Islands	Isla Arenal
Settlements	Nuevo Arenal, Tronadora

Ramsar Wetland
Official name: Cuenca Embalse Arenal
Designated:	7 March 2000
Reference #:	1022

Lake Arenal (called Lago Arenal in Spanish) is a big lake in the northern mountains of Costa Rica. It is the largest lake in Costa Rica. The lake covers about 85 square kilometers (33 square miles). Its depth changes with the seasons, usually between 30 and 60 meters (100–200 feet) deep.

In 1979, the lake was made much bigger. Because of this, the old town of Arenal had to move. The original towns of Arenal and Tronadora are now at the bottom of the lake. A new town of Arenal was built nearby, to the northeast of the lake.

Powering Costa Rica: Hydroelectricity
Amazing Wildlife at Lake Arenal
Fun Activities at Lake Arenal
Gallery
Images for kids
See also

Powering Costa Rica: Hydroelectricity

Lake Arenal is very important for Costa Rica's electricity. In 1979, the Arenal dam was built. This dam tripled the size of the lake.

The dam is part of a big hydroelectric project. This project uses the power of water to create electricity. It first made 70% of Costa Rica's electricity. Now, it still provides about 17% of the country's power. This project helped Costa Rica become a leader in green energy.

Amazing Wildlife at Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is home to many different kinds of animals. You can find interesting fish species here. These include the machaca and the rainbow bass.

The area around the lake is also full of life. There are many types of plants. You can find about 120 different mammals. These include big cats like the jaguar and large animals like the tapir. Over 300 kinds of birds also live here. One of the most beautiful is the quetzal.

Fun Activities at Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. From November to April, strong winds blow across the lake. This makes it perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing. Many people think Lake Arenal is one of the best places in the world for these sports.

Wakeboarding is also becoming popular here. You can also enjoy stand up paddling and kayaking. These are great ways to explore the lake's calm eastern side. Fishing is another favorite activity, especially for rainbow bass. You can even try kayak fishing in the quiet coves.

Around the lake, there are many trails. These are great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Bird watching is also a popular pastime.

Gallery

hydro-electricity on Lake Arenal.
Wind power plant of Tierras Morenas, around Lake Arenal.
Horse grazing on the shore of the Lake with the Arenal Volcano in the background.
View of the lake from the village of El Fosforo, on the southeastern shore.