Whitewater Rafting (Class II-III) – From La Fortuna

Whitewater Rafting on Balsa River (Class II-III) – Arenal/La Fortuna

This whitewater rafting tour on the Balsa River (Class II-III) near La Fortuna offers the perfect mixture of excitement and fun. No experience is necessary!

Upon arrival at the river, you’ll be fitted with life jackets, helmets, and a paddle. After a safety talk and quick demonstration, you’ll be off.  You’ll immediately go through some bumpy Class III whitewater rapids. Your guide will call out, asking you to paddle, paddle backwards, lean in, and more. It’s a team effort that is both rewarding and fun. 

After about 40 minutes of adventure, you’ll be ready for a break. In perfect timing, the river gets very calm. You’ll stop on a sandbar for a refreshing swim, fresh fruit, and cold drinks.

The second part of the river is a more tranquil float with easier rapids (Class II) mixed in.

The entire 9-mile (14.5 km) section of the Balsa River has beautiful scenery with thick rainforest and the opportunity to see wildlife like monkeys, birds, and sloths. The total time on the river is about 2 hours.

On the way back to La Fortuna, you’ll stop at a rural tourism project to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal, cooked over a wood fire. The meal is served buffet style with rice, beans, side salads, yucca chips, and either a chicken or vegetarian main dish. Coffee, juice, water, sugar cane, and a shot of Costa Rican moonshine are included with the meal. 

The drive to/from downtown La Fortuna is about 1 hour.

Cost: $75 per person adults. $67.50 per person children ages 8-12. Rates plus 13% tax.

Offered: 10:30 a.m.

Duration: 6 hours door to door (approximate)

Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental, bilingual guides, safety and rafting equipment, fruit, drinks, and typical Costa Rican-style lunch.

Minimum Age: 8

Note: If some members of your group don’t want to do the larger Class III rapids at the beginning of the tour, they can join the raft farther down the river, just before the snack stop. Please let us know about any special requests in the Notes section.