Excellent tour! The local insights provided by the guide made the whole experience truly special. I’d recommend it to anyone!
La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Upper Balsa Class 3 and 4 Rapids

Short Description
Experience heart-pounding Class III and IV white-water rafting on the Upper Balsa River near Arenal Volcano. Paddle over 30 rapids, spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths, swim in rainforest streams, and refuel with a local Costa Rican lunch — all in a 5-hour adventure.
Description
? Overview
Experience an adrenaline-filled white-water rafting adventure on the Upper Río La Balsa, home to exciting Class III and IV rapids. Surrounded by lush rainforest near the Arenal Volcano, this half-day experience blends thrilling action with breathtaking Costa Rican nature.
⭐ Highlights
? Conquer more than 30 continuous rapids along a 10-kilometer river route.
? Spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds along the riverbanks.
? Enjoy a refreshing break with seasonal tropical fruit and time for swimming.
?️ Savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee after your rafting adventure.
? Raft with expert bilingual guides who prioritize safety and fun.
? Full Description
Your adventure begins with pickup from your La Fortuna hotel and a scenic drive to the river’s starting point. Once there, your certified river guide provides a safety briefing and helps you gear up for the journey.
You’ll then board your raft and begin an unforgettable ride through the Upper Balsa River, paddling through thrilling Class III and IV rapids for approximately two hours. The route winds through pristine rainforest, giving you the chance to admire nature, hear exotic bird calls, and possibly glimpse monkeys and sloths.
Midway, the tour pauses for a break where you can swim, relax, and taste fresh tropical fruit. After finishing the rapids, clean towels and water await you before heading to a local restaurant for a delicious Costa Rican lunch and freshly brewed coffee. Finally, you’ll be transported back to your accommodation, completing a fun and action-packed day.
? What’s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (within the La Fortuna area)
Professional bilingual rafting guides
Safety equipment (helmet, paddle, life jacket)
Tropical fruit snack during the tour
Traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee
Towels and drinking water after rafting
? What to Bring
Water shoes or secure closed-toe footwear
Quick-dry clothing or swimwear
Change of clothes for after the activity
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Waterproof bag for personal items
❤️ Why Travelers Love It
Travelers rave about the perfect mix of excitement and natural beauty. The rapids offer a thrilling challenge that’s suitable for adventure enthusiasts, while the peaceful rainforest scenery makes the entire experience unforgettable. Guests also love the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who create a safe and fun atmosphere on the river. The included lunch is often praised for its authenticity and flavor, making the tour feel complete and offering excellent value for money.
Important Note
After completing your reservation, our team will contact you one day before your tour to confirm your exact hotel / Airbnb pickup time or meeting point.
If you selected a meeting point during your booking, please note that your reservation is fully confirmed — simply arrive at the chosen location at the scheduled time.
Please ensure the WhatsApp number, phone number, or email you entered during booking is correct so we can reach you smoothly.
For any changes to your reservation, weather questions, or special requests, feel free to contact us:
- 📞 Barbara (WhatsApp): +1 829-318-9463
- 📞 Dary (WhatsApp): +1 829-754-6322
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you! 🌴✨
Choose what to book
Reviews
Saona is the best attraction in Punta Cana!
This tour was an absolute delight! Our guide was so passionate and knowledgeable about the area. I learned so much and had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a unique and engaging experience.
This tour was an adventure for the senses! We didn't just see the sights; we smelled the fragrant spices in the local markets, tasted the authentic flavors of regional cuisine, and listened to the melodic sounds of traditional music. Our guide was a walking en…
This tour has something for everyone! A good chance to try something new. Highly recommend for visitors and locals.
You might also like…

Rincón de la Vieja: One-Day Nature Tour

Rincón de la Vieja: One-Day Nature Tour

Tamarindo: Turtle Watching Night Tour with Expert Naturalist

Tamarindo: Turtle Watching Night Tour with Expert Naturalist

Manuel Antonio : Mangrove boat tour to see animals

Manuel Antonio : Mangrove boat tour to see animals

Corcovado: Sirena Station Overnight Adventure

Corcovado: Sirena Station Overnight Adventure

Río Celeste Tubing – Guided Adventure with Natural Pools

Río Celeste Tubing – Guided Adventure with Natural Pools

Manuel Antonio: Ocean Kayak to Biesanz Beach & Snorkling

Manuel Antonio: Ocean Kayak to Biesanz Beach & Snorkling

Tamarindo: Surf Lesson with a Local Instructor

Tamarindo: Surf Lesson with a Local Instructor

Palo Verde & Guatil: Jungle Boat Tour, Pottery & Lunch

Palo Verde & Guatil: Jungle Boat Tour, Pottery & Lunch

Cahuita National Park: Best Things to Do in Cahuita Limon

Cahuita National Park: Best Things to Do in Cahuita Limon

All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch

All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch

San Jose: Wine Tour with Tastings

San Jose: Wine Tour with Tastings

San Jose Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

San Jose Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise with a Meal

Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise with a Meal

Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park *BEST IN TOWN*

Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park *BEST IN TOWN*

Papagayo Gulf: 2 Dives Half-Day Scuba Dive Tour

Papagayo Gulf: 2 Dives Half-Day Scuba Dive Tour

Marino Ballena National Park Private Naturalist Hike

Marino Ballena National Park Private Naturalist Hike

La Fortuna:Butterflies, birds, sloths and Trails Guided Tour

La Fortuna:Butterflies, birds, sloths and Trails Guided Tour

Horseback Ride to Hidden Waterfall & Hot Springs

Horseback Ride to Hidden Waterfall & Hot Springs

Tamarindo: Horseback to Tamarindo Beach - Guanacaste, CR

Tamarindo: Horseback to Tamarindo Beach - Guanacaste, CR

Jaco: Off-Road ATV, Zipline & Waterfall Rappelling Adventure

Jaco: Off-Road ATV, Zipline & Waterfall Rappelling Adventure

Private Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park - Río Celeste

Private Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park - Río Celeste

Tortuguero: Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk

Tortuguero: Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk

San Jose: Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center Tour

San Jose: Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center Tour

Best Sunset Tour Yacht Charter Flamingo/Tamarindo area

Best Sunset Tour Yacht Charter Flamingo/Tamarindo area

Monteverde: TreeTram Cableway and Cloud Forest Hiking Trail

Monteverde: TreeTram Cableway and Cloud Forest Hiking Trail

Jaco Beach & Los Suenos: Double ATV & Waterfalls Stop

Jaco Beach & Los Suenos: Double ATV & Waterfalls Stop

Los Lagos Hot Springs Admission Ticket

Los Lagos Hot Springs Admission Ticket

Punta Uva: Clear Kayak Tour with Jungle and Sea Views
