Car-Boat-Car (normally a taxi minivan) is a door-to-door TRANSFER service, not a tour service, from La Fortuna/Arenal to Monteverde, and vice versa, that takes about 2 ½ hours to complete.
La Fortuna/ARENAL TO Monteverde (pick up times are at 8:30 a.m and 2:30 p.m.)
COST IS $45 USD +13% I.V.A. per person (ONE-WAY).
The first leg of the TRANSFER is by land. An experienced driver will take you from your hotel to the Arenal Lake Dam dock. (Duration of this segment 20 – 25 minutes)
From here you will board a boat that will take you on a relaxing trek across the vast Arenal Lake with opportunities for auspicious views of the lush mountain landscape and the Arenal Volcano from the lake, weather permitting. Different species of birds can be spotted as you make your way to the other side of the lake, such as the Kingfisher ( Martin Pescador). (Duration 30 – 40 Minutes).
Once you reach the Rio Chiquito dock you will disembark and board a taxi minivan (equipped with A/C) that will wisp you to Monteverde. The trip has an adventurous component as the route is mostly on secondary roads; however quite safe due to the experienced drivers that make the trip daily. Along the way you witness the transition from rain forest to cloud forest as you reach an altitude of over 3600 feet (1200 meters) above sea level. And, you can often view the the Pacific Ocean in the Western horizon as you approach the Monteverde area. (Duration 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the road conditions)
Car Boat Car Video (Arenal – Monteverde)
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Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal (pick up times are at 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m.)
COST IS $45 +13% USD (ONE-WAY)
In this trek you can also enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean off to your left as you are heading out of Monteverde. Weather permitting will see the Arenal Volcano to the Northeast as you head towards Arenal. (Duration Appx. 1 hour 30 minutes depending on road conditions)
When you reach the Rio Chiquito docking point you will embark on a relaxing trek boat trip across the Lake skirting across the waters to toward the Arenal Lake Damn dock. (Duration 30 – 40 minutes).
Finally, you will then disembark and board a taxi minivan. An experienced driver will take you from the Arenal Lake Area to your hotel. (Duration 20 – 25 minutes)