Shared Shuttle-Boat-Shuttle Service from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Monteverde or Santa Elena
This unique shuttle van option takes you from La Fortuna, home of the mighty Arenal Volcano to the cloud forest in Monteverde. The ride is broken up in the middle with a boat ride across Costa Rica’s largest lake, Lake Arenal. This is a popular option that is sometimes referred to as the Lake Arenal jeep-boat-jeep or taxi-boat-taxi.
While the total travel time is about the same as driving the whole way, this service cuts out a very curvy section of the road going around the lake and gives you a change of scenery with nice lake views.
Easy Pick Up & Drop Off
We can organize pick up and drop off at hotels, vacation rentals, rental car agencies, and more. All we need is your hotel name, vacation rental location, or other pickup/drop off location.
Shuttle Price/Cost
Shared shuttle and boat from La Fortuna to Monteverde is $45 per person. Prices are plus tax (13%).
*Extra charges may apply for pick up or drop off at hotels/rentals that are outside Monteverde or La Fortuna. We will notify you by email before finalizing the order.
How It Works
A professional van driver will pick you up at your hotel or vacation rental in La Fortuna. You’ll then drive about 30-minutes to the shores of Lake Arenal and the Lake Arenal Dam. Here you’ll walk down a steep path to the water’s edge and board a small covered boat (30-50 passengers). Your luggage will also be safely loaded onto the boat.
The boat ride is about 1 hour and you can enjoy views of the surrounding hills as well as Arenal Volcano (clouds permitting). The boat has a canopy for shade and plastic windows that can be rolled down in case of heavy rain.
Another van will be waiting for you on the other side of the lake. After your luggage is unloaded, you will need to walk up the shore to the waiting van. The staff is available to help at times but depending on the number of passengers, you may need to help carry your luggage along the path, which can be slippery at times. Backpacks or easily handled luggage is recommended. That van will take you to your final destination in Monteverde about 1-hour away. The total trip time is approximately 3.5 hours.
We recommend sturdy footwear like hiking shoes or sneakers since the terrain getting on and off the boat can be uneven and sometimes slippery.
Shuttle Schedule
This service is offered in the morning at 7:30 a.m.
Note: The pick up time is an estimate and will be adjusted based on your exact hotel or vacation rental. We will email you with the details so that you know when to be waiting.
Shuttle Duration
The door-to-door shuttle duration is approximately 3.5 hours depending on your exact pick-up location.
Alternative Travel OptionsÂ
*If the shared shuttle-boat-shuttle schedule doesn’t work for you, you can get picked up any time using our Private Shuttle-Boat-Shuttle service or take a van all the way around the lake with our Private Shuttle from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
Have a question? Send us an email at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com
Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
Laura H. (Verified Customer) –
We loved this transfer – so glad we went by boat – the scenery was stunning and we stopped at a lovely cafe with views on the route.
Alison (Verified Customer) –
All was smooth and efficient! And what a fun journey – we loved the boat trip across the lake, and the scenery on the Monteverde side was stunning!
Marion (Verified Customer) –
Comment above
Donna Roetsch (Verified Customer) –
Beautiful scenery.