Kayak on a Volcanic Lake
Kayak around a volcanic lake
Are you visiting Lake Atitlan with your kids? Be sure to set aside some time to rent a kayak or standup paddle board (SUP) and explore the area from on the water. We recently visited La Laguna area with our kids and paddled around this beautiful volcanic lake, exploring and taking in the views.
From anywhere in San Pedro, you can grab a tuk-tuk and get to the main tourist area (affectionately named ‘Gringolandia’ by locals) for between Q5 and Q10 per person depending on your negotiation skills and how busy the drivers are. Walking along the main street, you’ll pass restaurants and shops, and eventually will find a few signs pointing down towards the waters edge where you can rent kayaks and SUPs by the hour.
Lake Atitlan is a serene volcanic lake surrounded by lush hills, dotted with charming indigenous Mayan villages. Rent a kayak and explore this picturesque lake, taking in the breathtaking vistas as you go.
LOCATIONS
There are a couple of outfits renting watercraft around town. If you’re in the main tourist area, there is a simple, no-frills spot called Kayak Santos just down the way from the popular Sababa restaurant and Hotel AmiGos. They rent decidedly solid kayaks (of the Fred Flintstone variety) for a very reasonable Q20 per hour. We considered two hours but in the end an hour was plenty. If you’re looking for lessons or instructions, this might not be the right spot for you, but if you just want to putter around part of the lake exploring for a short while, this works.
If you are further afield, there is another spot called San Pedro Paddle and Adventures. This looks like a slightly more organized, perhaps professionally run outfit. You can get picked up from your hotel, organize lessons and go on a tour. If you’re new to (or have been away from) watercraft or if you have young kids who need a lesson, SPP offers a good introduction to the sport.
WATER SAFETY
A note about safety. The boats that ferry tourists and locals from dock to dock around the lake are very common. They are not especially concerned about other watercraft. If you have limited experience paddling, do be aware of the risks. The lake can get choppy, wind direction and strength can change without much warning and the boats do not go out of their way to reduce their wakes just because you’re in a kayak. If you’re new to the water, stick close to the shores as the waves will be easier to handle for young paddlers.
Tips, tricks and ideas to help your family travel better
