Posted on Thursday, 24 October 2024

From surfing to kayaking, Central America offers a wealth of water sports to try, often in idyllic settings.

Love thrills of the watery kind? If so, Central America could be for you.

The region is a mecca for people who love surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding – and many other water sports.

And, if you have the time and the budget, it's fairly easy to hop between destinations and try out a few different water-borne adventures. Here are 10 of the most exciting water sports activities you can try in Central America this summer.

1. Surfing (Costa Rica and El Salvador)

If you're one of the estimated 6.27 million Brits who enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, and bodyboarding, then Costa Rica and El Salvador could be ideal destinations if you fancy better weather and bigger waves than in Britain.

Both locations are renowned for their warm waters, consistent swells, and stunning beaches - making them hotspots for scuba diving in Central America.

Costa Rica: Head to the idyllic Nicoya Peninsula for the best surf. Top beaches include Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. And don’t miss the famously long, left-hand wave in Pavones.

El Salvador: Both beginners and experts will find the waves at La Libertad and El Tunco Beach extremely rewarding.

Both countries are undeniably among the best spots for scuba diving Central America has to offer.

2. Scuba Diving (Belize)

The incredible Great Blue Hole in Belize often features in lists of top scuba diving locations – and with good reason. As you explore the underwater caves and kaleidoscopic coral gardens, you’ll have a great chance of seeing various species of shark.

Note that the Great Blue Hole is not for beginners: you’ll need a PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water diving certificate.

There’s more diving pleasure at Turneffe Atoll and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you’ll encounter more sharks, together with rays and turtles.

Scuba diving in Belize is more affordable than some popular dive locations around the world – and considerably less crowded too.

3. Snorkelling (Panama’s Bocas del Toro)

If you don’t have PADI certification, or you simply want a cheaper, more relaxed way of enjoying the underwater realm, then why not try snorkelling in Panama?

One of the top snorkelling locations is Bocas del Toro, where crystal-clear waters afford superb views of colourful starfish, tropical fish and coral reefs.

Pencil in time for Starfish Beach, which, as you might have guessed, has an abundant population of dazzling starfish.

Continuing Panama’s straightforward approach to naming things, in Dolphin Bay you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins.

4. White Water Rafting (Costa Rica)

Think Jurassic Park, but on water – and without the dinosaurs (although just as thrilling).

Costa Rica’s epic Pacuare River has been rated the fourth-best location globally for white water rafting. Boasting both Class III and IV stretches (which demand expert boat handling), the Pacuare intersects some of Costa Rica’s wildest tracts of rainforest.

For a slightly less full-on rafting trip, consider the Balsa River, with its Class II and III rapids – a better option for families.

Sarapiquí River is another rewarding spot for a less intense rafting adventure. Excursions cost between £50 and £100 per adult.

5. Kayaking (Lake Atitlán, Guatemala)

Kayaking is arguably one of the gentler water sport options – unless you drop your paddle or get pulled out to sea. The latter of these, at least, won’t happen on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, an idyllic expanse of water hemmed in by green-clad volcanic mountains.

Here you can rent kayaks from a number of different outlets, with most costing the equivalent of £2 per hour.

It’s best to start early and finish by midday since the lake gets rather choppy from 1pm onwards. This aspect of the local climate is known as ‘Xocomil’ in the local Kaqchikel language, which roughly translates as "the wind that carried away sin" – not something you want to deal with on a relaxing kayaking holiday.

Atitlán is one of the most rewarding and affordable ways to try kayaking in Central America.

You can also try surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing on the lake, making places like Managua and Mayasa among the top towns in Central America with water sports nearby.

6. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing (Lake Nicaragua)

Lake Nicaragua – aka Cocibolca – is South America’s largest lake (and the 19th largest in the world), which, coupled with reliably strong winds, makes it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

If you’re new to either of these sports, fear not, there are plenty of schools that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

Surfers, too, are drawn to Lake Nicaragua, which, despite being a lake, enjoys fabulous offshore waves that provide excellent conditions for both expert and beginner surfers.

7. Canyoning (Costa Rica)

Also known as waterfall rappelling, canyoning involves manoeuvring yourself backwards down the path of a waterfall, suspended by a rope, into the plunge pool beneath. The sport combines aspects of hiking, rock climbing – and being under a huge barrage of water!

Canyoning isn’t for everyone: some folks dislike not being able to see what’s beneath them as they dangle over a cliff edge; others love the experience.

Most Costa Rican canyoning experiences take place in the Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio areas and are often sold as packages that also include ziplining.

8. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) (Belize and Honduras)

Calm waters are essential for a safe and pleasant paddleboarding experience, and both Belize and Honduras have them in spades.

In Belize, head to the stunning Ambergris Caye, which is also home to the Great Blue Hole (see Scuba Diving section above) and is a thrill to paddleboard across as you peer into the murky blueness.

9. Kitesurfing (Panama)

Panama’s Punta Chame Peninsula has become the darling of kitesurfers in Central America, thanks to its vast open waters and reliable winds.

Add fabulous white sandy beaches and clear gas-blue waters and it’s easy to see why kitesurfers from around the world flock here.

10. Sailing (Nicaragua’s Corn Islands)

While sailing doesn’t quite fall under 'adrenaline sports', it is nevertheless a rewarding experience, especially when enjoyed around the beautiful Corn Islands.

You can charter a crewed boat and hop between islands, which are blessed with white sandy beaches and lapped by azure-blue waters.

Relax on deck, or hop into the sea for a snorkel.

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