Rafting in La Fortuna puts you on one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic rivers. The Balsa River delivers Class II-III rapids through a valley framed by cloud forest and distant volcanic peaks. This is not a beginner’s float – and not an extreme expedition. It is exactly the middle ground: genuinely exciting, technically guided, and wild enough to feel like a real adventure.
White Water Rafting Near Arenal Volcano
White water rafting near Arenal takes place on a river that has been shaping this valley for thousands of years. The Balsa River runs through a corridor of stunning biodiversity – part of what makes Costa Rica a world-class destination for river adventure. Along the banks, you may spot herons, kingfishers, and other river wildlife between rapids. Furthermore, the scenery shifts constantly – from dense gallery forest to open agricultural valleys and back again. The rapids come in sequences, building momentum as you move downstream.
Class II-III means accessible enough for most healthy adults and teenagers. However, it also means there are real rapids, real current, and genuine moments that get your attention. Throughout, your guide manages the technical navigation from start to finish.
A Costa Rica Rafting Adventure With Lunch at a Local Farm
A Costa Rica rafting adventure on the Balsa delivers something rarer than just adrenaline. This tour includes a traditional lunch at a local farm along the river corridor. Indeed, that meal – simple, fresh, and genuinely Costa Rican – is one of the details guests mention most when they describe the day. Additionally, the full experience runs approximately 5-7 hours. You depart around 10:30 AM and return around 4:30 PM. In short, this is a full day on the river, not a two-hour excursion.
Balsa River Rafting: Private, Flexible, Entirely Yours
Balsa River rafting is available exclusively as a private tour through Guide Me Around Costa Rica. This means your group gets the raft to yourselves. No strangers, no shared schedule, no compromises. Moreover, the private format means I can adapt the day as we go. For example, we can pause at a calm stretch for swimming. We can also spend more time at a wildlife sighting. Or we can push through the rapid sections at the pace your group prefers. I guide this tour personally, from hotel pickup in the morning to drop-off in the afternoon. In short, the river is yours for the day.
What’s Included
Private Experience (With Me) – the only available format
- Round-trip hotel transportation with A/C
- Certified guide Yarenis Ramirez – dedicated to your group
- All rafting equipment (helmet, life vest, paddle, wetsuit if needed)
- Safety briefing and full technical instruction before launch
- Traditional lunch at a local farm along the river
- Snacks and water during the tour
What to Bring
- Swimsuit under your clothing – you will get wet
- Quick-dry shorts and shirt or a wetsuit (wetsuits available if needed – confirm at booking)
- Secure closed-toe shoes or river sandals with straps – no flip-flops
- Sunscreen that stays on in water – apply before departure
- Small dry bag for phone and valuables (we can also provide one – confirm at booking)
- Change of dry clothes for the return trip
- Sunglasses with a strap
Tour Details
- River: Balsa River, Class II-III rapids
- Departure: approximately 10:30 AM from your hotel
- Return: approximately 4:30 PM
- Duration: approximately 5-7 hours including lunch
- Pickup: Round-trip hotel pickup included for most La Fortuna properties. Hotels significantly outside the main route may have a small extra transport fee – confirm at booking.
Your exact pickup time is sent when the reservation is confirmed. All prices include local tax.
Rafting La Fortuna – Pricing
| Option | Per Person (all ages) |
|---|---|
| Private Tour (With Me – transport + guide + equipment + snacks + lunch) | $145 |
All prices in USD, local tax included. Price per person for all ages. No shared group option available for this tour.
Why Private-Only for Rafting?
The Balsa River experience is best when the group moves together. A private format means the raft is calibrated to your group’s ability and pace. Consequently, there is no waiting for other guests, no adjusting to a stranger’s comfort level, and no compromise on safety. This is the same philosophy behind all of our private tour experiences – built entirely around your group. For example, a family with younger teenagers needs different pacing than a group of experienced adults. The private format makes that possible.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations or modifications made less than 24 hours before departure carry a 100% penalty. Your guide and driver will wait up to 5 minutes at the agreed pickup point. Not appearing at that time constitutes a No Show and carries a 100% charge. If your plans shift, contact us as early as possible. We will do everything we can to find a solution when given enough notice.
Good to Know
- This tour is available in the Private Experience format only. There is no shared group option.
- Minimum group size: 2 participants.
- Contact us before booking if you are bringing children – we will advise on age suitability for this tour.
- Participants should be comfortable in water and able to follow paddle instructions.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or guests with back, neck, heart, or serious medical conditions.
- The tour operates in English and Spanish – mention your language preference when booking.
- Vegetarian lunch options may be available – confirm with advance notice when booking.
- Hotel pickup is included for most La Fortuna properties. Hotels outside the main corridor may have a small extra transport fee – confirm at booking.