La Fortuna to Monteverde by Boat: Taxi-Boat-Taxi Guide
Getting to Monteverde from La Fortuna by Boat
If you’re deciding how to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde by boat, the classic Taxi-Boat-Taxi (Jeep-Boat-Jeep) across Lake Arenal is the smoothest choice. Instead of grinding along rough mountain roads for hours, I crossed the lake and continued by shuttle, reaching Monteverde/Santa Elena in about 3.5–4 hours for $30–$55 (shared). I chose this route because I’m prone to motion sickness, and the boat was far more comfortable and scenic.
Quick Facts
Duration: about 3.5–4 hours, hotel to hotel
Price: $30–$55 shared (plus tax in some cases)
Route: van, Lake Arenal boat, then van to Monteverde/Santa Elena
La Fortuna Side Dock: local lakeshore pickup near La Fortuna
Arrival Dock: Río Chiquito on Lake Arenal (Tilarán side), then shuttle up to Monteverde/Santa Elena
Luggage: standard suitcases are fine
Best For: avoiding rough roads and motion sickness
Why I Chose the Taxi-Boat-Taxi (Jeep-Boat-Jeep) from La Fortuna to Monteverde
On the map these towns look close, but the direct line crosses mountains and the driving route detours around Lake Arenal on winding roads. The van–boat–van shortcut lets you glide across the lake, skip the worst potholes, and actually enjoy the scenery—much easier if you’re prone to motion sickness. I booked through Anywhere.com; Messenger support was quick, and Harold (Trip Designer) confirmed my pickup within minutes.
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Getting to Monteverde from La Fortuna by Boat - Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why I chose the Taxi-Boat-Taxi Option to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde
- Getting to the Boat
- The Boat Ride
- Getting to My Hotel in Monteverde
- Other Options to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde
- FAQs
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Getting to the Lake Arenal Dock (La Fortuna to Boat)
The taxi-boat-taxi service picked me up in La Fortuna and drove about 20 minutes to the Lake Arenal dock on the La Fortuna side. My 8:15 a.m. pickup ran late, so around 8:45 a.m. I messaged Anywhere.com on Facebook. Harold replied immediately and said another group had delayed the bus. We left shortly after 8:50 a.m.
On the shuttle, the driver assigned each of us a number—mine was nine—which you match to your onward van after the crossing. We reached the lakeshore around 9:10 a.m. and walked down a muddy path with our bags—wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Lake Arenal Boat Ride: Rain Flaps, Views, Photography
The boat already had passengers aboard, but there was plenty of space. The captain stacked my luggage in the bow, and I grabbed a row in the back.
Within five minutes we were underway. It began to rain, and the captain asked us to roll down the plastic flaps. The lake crossing took about 45 minutes. About twenty minutes in, the rain stopped and the flaps came up.
I spent the rest of the ride photographing the Lake Arenal scenery and clouds building over the hills toward Monteverde.
Arriving at Río Chiquito and Shuttle Up to Monteverde
We landed at the Río Chiquito dock on Lake Arenal (Tilarán side), then continued by van up to Monteverde/Santa Elena. Vans were waiting, each marked with a number that matched our tags. I found van nine, a blue van; the driver tossed my bag in back and invited me to sit up front—I’m muy alto (“very tall”).
The climb to Monteverde/Santa Elena took about 80 minutes. The first 45 minutes were very rough with lots of potholes; I doubt we topped 30 mph. Later, the road became paved and smoother. If you get carsick, try to sit up front—that helped me.
We stopped halfway at a restaurant with a small gift area and restrooms. I grabbed fruit-filled empanadas and met a very friendly dog who brought a stick to every new arrival—apparently his favorite part of the day.
From there it was another 40 minutes to my hotel. I was the fourth of six drop-offs. I highly recommend this taxi-boat-taxi option as the most practical and comfortable way to go from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
Later, when my shuttle to Manuel Antonio was canceled, I messaged Harold at Anywhere.com and rebooked back to La Fortuna. He coordinated timing so I reached La Fortuna Airport for my 1:00 p.m. flight—excellent customer service.
Other Ways to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde
Here are some other options to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde. Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase using my link. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Transportation to/from La Fortuna/Monteverde with Bookaway
For those looking for other transportation options, I would like to introduce you to a new company that I have partnered with. Bookaway was founded by travelers for travelers and offers an easy way to book ground transportation that takes the stress out of traveling. I have linked their transportation options to and from La Fortuna/Monteverde below.
Please note that I am an affiliate of Bookaway. If you purchase transportation using one of their links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
FAQs: La Fortuna and Monteverde by Boat
How long is the boat leg and total journey?
The Lake Arenal crossing is about 45 minutes; taxi-boat-taxi takes roughly 3.5–4 hours hotel to hotel.
Where is the dock?
Boats land at the Río Chiquito dock on Lake Arenal (Tilarán side). Shuttles continue up to Monteverde (town of Santa Elena) and typically approach the lake area via Route 142 through Tilarán.
Is there a map of the dock?
Yes—search “Río Chiquito dock map.” It’s on Lake Arenal near Tilarán.
Can I bring luggage?
Yes—standard suitcases are fine and are stacked at the front of the boat.
Is it okay in rainy season?
Yes—boats are covered with plastic rain flaps; expect a muddy footpath to the dock.
Any tips for motion sickness?
Sit in the front seat of the van on the mountain road; many travelers find the boat smoother than the long road detour.
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