Experience the excitement and adrenaline of the white-water tour on this half day adventure!! Located at 50 minutes from La Fortuna, Balsa River provides an excellent setting to enjoy rafting for whole family. Get wet and wild through rapids such as “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges”.
A 15-minute break in the river allow us to taste delicious tropical fruit while enjoying a tropical setting, surrounded by monkeys, toucans, and other exotic species. In the way back to Fortuna town we will enjoy a delicious lunch at “Vida Campesina” a traditional country estate with the aim to let visitors experience the genuine and peaceful way of country life in Costa Rica.
You will enjoy a delicious typical lunch prepared on the original wood stove and served in a traditional way.
River Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
River Difficulty: Class 2 and 3
River Run Length: 10 kilometers
Minimum Age: 8 years
Start the Adventure: Your journey starts with a convenient hotel pick-up in La Fortuna. After a scenic 45-minute drive to our private put-in location, you’ll receive a safety briefing. Here, our certified bilingual guides will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and paddling practice. This ensures that you feel confident before taking on the rapids.
Raft the Rapids: Navigate through 13 km (8 miles) of thrilling Class III & II rapids, a journey designed for families and adventurous visitors looking for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the perfect balance of excitement and nature as you ride the waves and take in the stunning rainforest scenery.
Take a Break: Midway through the journey, you will take a well-deserved break—the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, where the tropical rainforest meets the crystal-clear waters of the river, flowing fresh from the mountains. Your guides will prepare fresh tropical fruits while you relax by the riverbank, surrounded by the peaceful rainforest. Then, we will continue to the second section of the rafting, exploring stunning scenarios as you navigate the calmer Class II rapids.
Wildlife Spotting: As you raft, look out for monkeys swinging through the trees, sloths by the riverbanks, and vibrant toucans. The Rio Balsa is known for its amazing wildlife sightings.
Refreshment: Once the rafting is complete, we’ll arrive at a private take-out spot where you can freshen up. The staff will greet you with towels, and you’ll have access to bathrooms and showers to change into dry clothes. Enjoy a cold beverage, including beer, juice, or water, while you unwind after the exciting adventure.
Local Flavor: After rafting, head to a nearby organic farm for a delicious Costa Rican lunch. You’ll also enjoy a short tour of the sugar cane mill and learn about Costa Rican coffee culture.
A Farewell to an Unforgettable Adventure: Following an action-packed day of rafting, nature, and cultural experiences in Arenal, it’s time to wrap up the adventure. Share a final high-five with your guides and fellow travelers before settling into the van for a smooth, comfortable ride back to your hotel.
