Last Updated: March 1, 2024
A unique way to see some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife is on a river float tour. Many animals are attracted to water sources. Gently coasting down the river lets you sneak up on them in their natural habitat. In this post, we’ll tell you all about a fun safari river float trip we took in La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano. It goes down a long section of the Penas Blancas River. We’ll also share how you can plan an excursion like this for yourself.
Location
We did this tour while staying near downtown La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s Northern Highlands. This area is famous for the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, but it also has many other activities like hiking, hanging bridges, adventure tours, and even cultural tours.
La Fortuna is about 2.5 hours from both of Costa Rica’s international airports, SJO near San Jose and LIR in Liberia.
For the river float tour, we headed east from La Fortuna. It was just a short drive to a river called the Penas Blancas.
This river flows north, merging with the Fortuna River, and its waters eventually flow into Nicaragua.
The safari float tour travels along 5.6 miles (9 km) of the Penas Blancas River and just a half mile (about one km) of the Fortuna River.
Setting Off
On the ride to the river put in, we passed large agricultural fields of pineapple, papaya, and yucca. Our guide, Fauricio, told us some cool facts about each crop.
After a little time to use the restroom and get our life jackets on, it was time to push off the rocks and head down the river.
With a short safety talk from Fauricio, we felt at ease about our responsibilities. We would be on a large inflatable raft, with the guide leading the way. We would be asked to paddle occasionally, but mostly we could enjoy the ride along the calm, yet swift, river.
Our raft and paddles were the same type used in more extreme whitewater rafting tours. Although we wouldn’t be getting jolted around on this river, we still put some of our belongings in the company’s dry bags, just in case.
Tip: There are definitely some things you’ll want to bring on this tour to make yourself more comfortable. See our list at the end of this post.
The Beautiful Penas Blancas River
Setting off from the bank, the first thing you’ll notice during the safari float are the beautiful surrounds.
The Penas Blancas River has lofty trees that overhang many parts of it. The thick canopy filters the sunlight and creates almost a tunnel of jungle around you. There are birds calling in the trees, and smaller streams trickling into the larger river.
The size of the river varies, but overall is about 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) wide. Our guide, Fauricio, also told us that it can be anywhere from five to 25 feet (1.5-7.6 meters) deep, depending on water levels. With more rain, the river runs faster, but is still not very rough.
What You’ll See
As we floated down the water, Fauricio pointed out different things. Many were easy to spot like ducks, kingfishers, and iguanas. But he had a great eye for some harder to spot things as well.
At one point, he asked us to paddle backwards and slow the boat to a stop. Then he said, “Look right above you.”
We had to squint to understand what we were looking at. But sure enough, on the underside of a branch, was a family of small bats. They were very camouflaged, blending into the brown background almost perfectly. Fauricio explained that these were long-nosed bats and that they are important for the ecosystem because they eat a lot of mosquitoes!
In addition to wildlife, we learned about the surrounding environment. Fauricio told us about many of the tree species along the river, including the balsa and rubber. We also learned about some interesting plants like the tabacon and various types of banana.
Wildlife Highlights
While it was really interesting to learn about the plants, local weather patterns, and indigenous groups of Costa Rica, most people take the safari float trip for the wildlife viewing. And for this, it did not disappoint.
For us, some highlights were seeing several families of howler monkeys, a mother sloth and her baby really close up (picture above), and crocodiles on four different occasions.
One crocodile was at least eight feet (2.4 meters) long, while the rest were smaller. Our five-year old was very happy to see these and even happier that they were shy and scared of us.
Interesting birds we saw included the Anhinga, Amazon Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher, Whistling Ducks, Buff-rumped Warbler, and many Mangrove Swallows.
Agricultural Demonstrations
After a couple of hours on the Penas Blancas River, we drifted into the Fortuna River. At this point, the river was wider and had less of a canopy, but still very similar.
Shortly after, we came to the spot where we’d get off the boat.
Here, we climbed a set of steps to find a small farm and outdoor dining room. Once Faurico and the driver hauled up the raft, he joined us again to teach us about some traditional crops.
Sugar Cane
The first thing we learned about was how to juice raw sugar cane using an old-fashioned hand-crank press.
Our son had a great time turning the handle as we all watched the sugary water pour out. We then got to taste this, with a little sugar-cane-based liquor.
Fauricio taught us a traditional drinking chant, in Spanish, as a way to say cheers!
Chocolate
Next, we were shown some cacao plants growing in the yard. Fauricio took one of the strange looking pods off the small tree and briefly explained how chocolate is made from the seeds.
We then got to grind some of the dried cacao and mix it into a traditional drink. This drink was reserved for only the most important indigenous leaders at one time.
Traditional Snack
Finally, we got to sit down for a traditional snack of handmade tortillas, cheese, and roasted plantains. These tasted great after building up an appetite on the river. We also enjoyed some local coffee and fruit juice.
One of the highlights of the snack was the fact that all the chickens, ducks, and turkeys in the yard apparently love the plantain skins. Our son Sam had the time of his life flinging scraps to them on the other side of the fence.
Planning a Safari Float Tour in La Fortuna
Several tour operators in La Fortuna offer river float trips to see wildlife. You can usually either go in the morning or late afternoon as part of a twilight tour. Both times are great for wildlife viewing because that is when animals are most active.
If you’d like to book a safari float tour through the company we used and often send clients to, send us an email at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com with the number of adults, children (with ages), date and time you’d like to do the tour, as well as your pickup location. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website!
Times Offered
7:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
Tour Length
Approximately 4-5 hours (including driving time)
Price (2024)
$64 per person adults, $38 per person children (ages 3-11). Rates plus 13% tax.
What’s Included
Round-trip transportation from La Fortuna-area hotels and vacation rental homes, bilingual naturalist guide, all equipment, water, and a stop for snacks, juice, and coffee.
Minimum Age
The minimum recommended age for children is three-years old.
What to Bring
It can be sunny along the river. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, sandals or sneakers, quick drying clothing, and an extra reusable water bottle. Binoculars also would be handy to see high up in the canopy.
You don’t need a bathing suit since you won’t be swimming.
Our biggest question was if it was okay to bring our large (expensive) SLR camera. It turns out it was completely fine; we just made sure to keep it strapped around our neck the whole time. We also used our cell phone to take pictures and videos.
Conclusion
The safari float tour along the Penas Blancas River near La Fortuna was one of the highlights of our most recent visit to the area. Not only did we get to see some amazing wildlife, but the boat ride along the river was fun and not stressful at all. If you are planning activities in La Fortuna, we would highly recommend it.
Have a question about the safari float tour in La Fortuna? Post a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – There is a reason why most travelers pass through La Fortuna. Check out this post for an overview of the town, hotel and restaurant picks, and much more.
Driving in Costa Rica – Worried about driving during your upcoming trip? Most people tell us it wasn’t nearly as scary as they thought it would be. Check out this article to get prepared and learn the rules of the road.
Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park – Even though it is the official national park for Arenal Volcano, the trails here are usually much less busy than some of the other options nearby. Plan your visit with this post.
Thanks for the great blog! I notice everyone is wearing masks. Are people who are vaccinated required to wear masks still in Costa Rica? Are all the tour guides vaccinated? Thanks, hope to visit in the upcoming year! Diane
Hi Diane, If you’re on a tour with other people outside your social bubble, you’re all supposed to be wearing a mask. Practically speaking, sometimes the guide will ask at the beginning if everyone has been vaccinated and they can all agree to not wear one. We’ve also been on tours (outdoors) where vaccinated people decide on their own not to wear a mask and no one says anything. But if someone complained, they’d have to put one on.
Most guides are not vaccinated right now. They did just start vaccinating everyone ages 30+ so they will be soon.
Could you give me the name of the tour guide/company and contact info. We plan on a January trip 2022. Thanks so much
Hi Jennifer, We’d be happy to help you make the arrangements for this tour. Just send us an email at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com when you are ready to reserve and we can take care of all the arrangements, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
We would like to book this river tour for Thursday the 26th of August for 3 adults at 7:30am.
Hi Karl, Sure! We will send you an email now.
Hi, I’m going to La Fortuna from March 18th to the 23rd and would like to take a river boat tour. There are 10 of us that want to do the water tour. Two are 8 years old and one is 5 years old. May you please help us and suggest other things to do with kids, because I have seen too many things a 5 year old can do. Thanks,
Hi Rosa, We’ll send you an email with some information now. Thanks!
Hi, We will be visiting La Fortuna from March 14 – 17 and would like to take a river float tour along with hanging bridges, sky tram and La Fortuna falls. 2 Adults and 1 10 year old. Please share some information about these activities. Thanks!
Hi Kumar, Sure, we will send you an email now. Thanks!
Hello! I echo other’s appreciation for all of the great info on your website. Would you recommend the float trip you took near La Fortuna or one down near Manuel Antonio? These will be our two home bases for our trip at the beginning of June. It would be our pleasure to book through you.
I’d also love your guidance on getting a coffee/chocolate tour experience in either La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio. Thank you!
Hi Kelly, The float tour out of La Fortuna is really nice. There are river/mangrove boat tours near Manuel Antonio but you can see a greater diversity of wildlife on the La Fortuna one. We prefer the coffee/chocolate tour in La Fortuna too. Coffee actually doesn’t grow near Manuel Antonio because it’s too hot. We’ll send you the tour information by email now. Thanks!
Hello! We’ll be visiting Costa Rica next month and wondered if it’s possible to do a river float with a 2 year old? Our group would be 3 adults, and 3 kids (7, 5 & 2). Thanks!
We would like to do this in July! But would the weather be too bad??
Hi Harriet, La Fortuna has different weather patterns than the rest of the country and it usually isn’t that rainy in July. A safari float tour should be okay then. Let us know if you’d like any help booking it.
Hello! We are interested in doing a similar tour on May 20 or 21st with 2 adults and 2 kids (age 2 and 3). Can you send me an email with information please?
Hi Nicole, Sorry for the delay. We just got back from a work trip in Costa Rica. This tour is recommended for ages 3+. I don’t think I would do it with a 2 year old (I have a kid who just turned 3). There is another option that you could look at, though. It’s another boat tour to a place called Cano Negro. This is a diverse ecosystem near the Nicaragua border with a lot of wildlife. It’s better for young kids because the tour is on a sturdy pontoon boat. Let us know if you’d like more information about this and we can send you an email. Thanks!
If you could send me an email that would be great! Thanks!
Sure, we’ll email you now!
Hi! We have a group of 4 that would love to do this tour on Saturday May 7th. Would we be able to book this? Thanks!
Hi Margaret, Yes! We will send you the information by email now. Thanks!
We are a party of 8 adults that are interested in the Safari Float Tour in June. Will you please send me additional information?
Hi Belinda, Sure! We will email you the information now. Thanks!
We have a trip planned in January and will be in La Fortuna on the evening of January 14-18th, 2023. We would like to do the Float Trip preferably in the morning of 17th if possible. It would be just my husband and I. Could you book this? Thank you!
Hi Carma, Yes, we can definitely book the safari float tour for you. We’d recommend waiting to book it until a few months before your trip. That way if your plans change, you don’t incur cancellation charges. Feel free to reach out to us at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com when you’re ready.
Hello,
We like the hanging bridges and Penas River floating tour combo but hate the thought of a 7 am departure.
Could we flip the activities and do the 2 pm river float and do the hanging bridges in the morning later so are departure time from the hotel is later?
there are 3 adults.
Hi Nancy, Yes, that would work if you’d rather push back your departure time from the hotel. We’ll email you with more information about the two tours now. Thanks!
Hi Nancy, Sure! We will email you the information now.
Hello! We would love to book this safari tour for 2 people on December 12th 2022 at 2:00 pm. Will appreciate your help!
Hi Irina, We will send you an email with more information now. Thanks!
We are going to be in la fortunate nov20-23 with our children and grandchildren (6 adults 4 children, ages 5,7,10,and 12). We are very interested in the river raft and chocolate and coffee learning experience. How many can ride on a raft? Thanks
Hi Linda, We have asked the tour company this question before and they said up to 7 people can go in one raft, plus the guide. So you would be split into two. We’ll send you the tour information for the safari float and coffee/chocolate tour by email now in case you are interested in booking those. Thanks!
Hello,
I was interested in the float tour. I had a couple question.
Do they also offer this to kayak and not in a raft? Also, do you feel like the coffee and chocolate experience at the end would replace going to another coffee chocolate tour such as Northfields or Son Juan’s? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, Yes, they offer the tour by kayak as well. We will email you with more information about it.
The coffee/chocolate part at the end is more limited. We definitely think it’s worth it to do a separate tour. We can send info about that as well.
Can we book a combined Mistico and river safari in one day?
I only saw one website offering this Anywhere Costa Rica.
Hi Anthony, We don’t know of a tour operator that offers that combo.
Hi I’m interested in both the safari boat tour and a recommended coffee/chocolate tour.
Are all the chocolate tours done in the same place?
Appreciate if you can send info asap as I’m already here. Tx a lot
Hi Monique, There are lots of different options for coffee/chocolate tours in La Fortuna. We’ll send you an email soon with i formation about the one we recommend and the safari float. Thanks!
Hello, I’m interested in the River float. Could you please send me information on the tour? Thank-you, Carol
Hi Carol, Sure, we’ll send you an email now.
Would like information on the river tour. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids (6 and 4). Would be interested in March 9th or 10th. Thank you!
Hi Meredith, We’ll send you an email with the information now. Thanks!
Hi! I love your blog! We are going to be in Fortuna for 3 days in November 2023. We are a family of 4- two kids ages 6 & 8 and we will be traveling with my parents who are in their 70’s. I am interested in doing a safari float, maybe the hanging bridges, hot springs, and/or any suggestions you have for us for that short time period and how to make the most of our time. Thanks for your help!
Hi Shoshana, We’ll send you an email now to tell you about our tour booking service. Thanks!
We interested in the float tour from Fortuna in Jan, 2024. please send info. thanks
Hi Deb, Sure, we will send you the information now with the updated prices for 2024.
Hi Jean & Matt, is it feasible to do Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour, Sky Tram and Safari Float at Penas Blancas on the same day?
Hi Nishant, That would be too much to do in one day. Mistico and Sky Adventures aren’t super close to each other and the safari float tour takes about 4.5 hours. We would spread it out over two days.
We are lookin into the river tour, Dowe have to be picked up as we have a rental car and I get car sick
Hi Angela, Yes, you need to go in the tour company’s van because there is no secure parking at the river. It’s only about a 30 minute ride, though. If you sit towards the front of the van, that should help.
Hi, We are interested in the safari float tour for a party of 4, a booking for the end of May, please email me the info. Thanks
Hi Solange, We just sent you an email with the information.
Is there a weight limit for float trips as there is for whitewater rafting?
We are interested in the morning float trip end of March, 3 people.
Hi Jeff and Toki, There is no weight limit. We will email you more information about the tour now. Thanks!