Incredible tour! The guide was so passionate and knowledgeable about the area. I learned so much.
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
If we have never get there then so easy its the place for the wow. Perfect great and made so you can like me never had good trips cheers great wow.
This tour was an exercise in slow travel, allowing us to truly savor the beauty and authenticity of the region. We weren't rushed from one attraction to another; instead, we had ample time to wander through charming villages, interact with local artisans, and …
Fantastic tour! The guide was very enthusiastic and made the whole day fun. Highly recommended for history buffs!
A lovely time, music, dancing, and paradise island!
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