La Fortuna is more than an adventure destination.
It’s a powerful example of how tourism, when done right, can protect and heal the natural world. At Blue Pass, we believe that travel should give back more than it takes. That’s why we’ve embraced regenerative tourism—not just as a philosophy, but as a way of doing business.
Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, sailing across Lake Arenal, or simply listening to the sound of toucans in the morning, your journey here can be more than just memorable—it can be meaningful.
The Lake That Powers Costa Rica—and Nature's Comeback.
Lake Arenal is the largest freshwater reservoir in Costa Rica. It was created in the 1970s to support the country’s ambitious hydroelectric power plans, and today it supplies nearly 12% of Costa Rica’s energy.
But the transformation didn’t stop there.
What was once farmland and forest became a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Over the decades, the lake and its surroundings have evolved into a haven for biodiversity, drawing wildlife such as herons, howler monkeys, and freshwater fish species. The area is also home to local farming communities and small tourism businesses that rely on a healthy environment to thrive.
Regenerative Tourism: A New Way to Travel.
Most people have heard of sustainable tourism—which focuses on minimizing negative impacts. But regenerative tourism takes things a step further.
Instead of just “doing less harm,” regenerative travel asks:
How can we leave this place better than we found it?
This approach includes:
Restoring ecosystems: Reforesting, cleaning waterways, and protecting habitats.
Reviving local economies: Prioritizing community-led tourism, fair wages, and cultural heritage.
Supporting biodiversity: Encouraging practices that let wildlife flourish, not just survive.
Travelers play a key role. By choosing the right tours and operators, you become part of the solution.
Blue Pass: Regenerating Lake Arenal, One Tour at a Time.
Since the beginning, Blue Pass has operated with a strong environmental commitment. Our tours are designed to celebrate, protect, and restore the lake we call home. Here’s how we contribute:
1. Low-impact operations
We use eco-friendly boats and avoid fossil fuel-heavy activities. Our routes are carefully chosen to minimize disturbance to aquatic and shoreline ecosystems.
2. Environmental education
Every tour includes a chance to learn. Our guides explain the natural history of Lake Arenal, the importance of biodiversity, and how we can protect endangered species.
3. Local partnerships
From guides to drivers, captains, and farmers, we hire local. This strengthens the regional economy and ensures that tourism income stays within the community.
4. Regenerative actions
We actively support reforestation projects, participate in clean-up campaigns, and collaborate with environmental organizations to ensure that Lake Arenal remains vibrant for generations to come.
Whether you’re on a birdwatching cruise at sunset or exploring a hidden bay, you’re supporting something bigger: the regeneration of an entire ecosystem.
Why This Matters?
Tourism is one of Costa Rica’s biggest industries—but it comes with a footprint. Large hotels, traffic, and waste can stress fragile ecosystems.
That’s why regenerative tourism is essential.
It shifts the focus from profit to positive impact. It makes room for nature to recover. It encourages travelers and companies alike to make choices that heal, not harm.
What You Can Do as a Conscious Traveler
You only need to be yourself to make a difference. Here’s how:
Choose local: Book with small or community-based operators who reinvest in the region.
Respect wildlife: Don’t feed animals or disturb habitats.
Leave no trace: Pack out what you bring in.
Share responsibly: Promote meaningful travel stories—not just pretty pictures.
Give back: Consider planting a tree, supporting a local project, or joining an eco-initiative while you’re here.
Small actions, when multiplied, have a massive impact.
From Visitors to Guardians
Travel has the power to transform us. But more importantly, it has the power to transform the places we visit. In La Fortuna, we’ve seen firsthand how community-centered tourism can breathe life back into ecosystems.
When travelers become stewards, and tourism becomes regenerative, the result is something extraordinary:
Nature heals. Communities grow. And experiences become deeply personal.
Join the change by traveling differently.
Every decision you make as a traveler shapes the future of the places you visit. Regenerative tourism isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of travel. At Blue Pass, we invite you to be part of that future.
Come sail with us. Learn with us. Protect with us.
La Fortuna is waiting. And it’s greener than ever.
