Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal (Spanish: Lago Arenal) is a lake which is situated in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. It is currently the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85-square-kilometre (33 sq mi). Its depth varies between 30 and 60 meters (100–200 feet) seasonally.[2]

Lake Arenal
A view from the southwest side looking across at the north depth 30–60 m (98–197 ft)
Lake Arenal is located in Costa Rica
Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal
Location in Costa Rica
LocationAlajuela and Guanacaste Provinces, Costa Rica
Coordinates10.505167°N 84.872168°W / 10.505167; -84.872168
Max. length30 kilometres (19 mi)
Max. width5 kilometres (3.1 mi)
Surface area85 square kilometres (33 sq mi)
Max. depth100 metres (330 ft)
IslandsIsla Arenal
SettlementsNuevo Arenal, Tronadora
Official nameCuenca Embalse Arenal
Designated7 March 2000
Reference no.1022[1]

The town of Arenal was relocated to higher ground when the lake was expanded in 1979. The old towns of Arenal and Tronadora now lie abandoned at the bottom of the lake, with the new town of Arenal existing to the northeast on the lake.

Hydroelectricity

Lake Arenal was tripled in size with the construction of the Arenal dam in 1979, which exists at the eastern end of the lake. This hydroelectric project exists at the western end of the lake and is strategically important to Costa Rica, initially generating 70% of the country's electricity, now closer to 17%, and was also a driving force behind Costa Rica's green energy policy.[3]

Wildlife

Fish species in Lake Arenal include the machaca and the rainbow bass. There are also many species of plants, 120 mammals (including jaguar and tapir), and 300 birds (including quetzal).

Recreation

From November through April the strong, dependable winds attract windsurfers and kite surfers to its western end.[4] Many consider Lake Arenal one of the world's foremost windsurfing and kite surfing areas. Wakeboarding is gaining popularity in Costa Rica, with Lake Arenal being the center of this activity. Stand up paddling[5] and kayaking are also popular activities for tourists visiting the lake's Eastern part near the earthen dam. There is much good fishing (primarily for rainbow bass) and now kayak fishing opportunities in the shallow and secluded coves. The area surrounding the lake has good hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding opportunities.[6]

  • hydro-electricity on Lake Arenal.
    hydro-electricity on Lake Arenal.
  • Wind power plant of Tierras Morenas, around 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.
    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.
    View of the lake from the village of El Fosforo, on the southeastern shore.
Panorama of the area around Arenal Lake.
Lake Arenal windsurf and kite surf beach at the Tico Wind peninsula

References
  1. "Cuenca Embalse Arenal". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. Stater, Adam. "Lake Arenal Depth".
  3. Pérez, Carlos (2006-12-13). "Minutes of the Workshop on Adaptation to Climate Change in Costa Rica. Results of the Event". San José, Costa Rica: Trofcca Central America. Archived from the original (DOC) on 2011-05-18. Retrieved 2019-10-02. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. "Lake Arenal Costa Rica Tico Wind Windsurf Center - Windsurfing Kiteboarding Rentals Lessons". Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  5. "Costa Rica Stand Up Paddling Tours". www.desafiocostarica.com. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  6. Stater, Adam. "Lake Arenal Activities".
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