Tourism La Fortuna

Tours & experiences

Rafting Class II & III + Local Farm Lunch & Cultural Tour

Small groupsRaftingFresh Fruits in the riverFamily Rafing Class II-IIIFarm Lunch & Cultural Tour

About this experience

It’s not just rafting, it’s a complete Arenal experience!

Enjoy family-friendly Class II & III rapids with certified bilingual guides, plus a fresh fruit riverside break, showers and refreshments after the float, and a local farm lunch with a cultural demonstration (sugar cane mill + coffee tradition). Adventure, nature, and authentic Costa Rican flavor—seamlessly in one tour.

At a glance

  • Duration: 6 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

BALSA RIVER CLASS II-III
White Water Rafting – Class II-III -- Rio Balsa. Min Age 8. Family fun! Raft along the scenic, exciting Balsa River. Round-trip transportation included from hotels in immediate La Fortuna area.
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour6 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Fresh Fruits in the river
  • Delicious typical lunch
  • Professional guide
  • Equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest and Helmet
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Not included

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Itinerary and highlights

Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and local culture on this Rafting Class II & III experience from La Fortuna/Arenal. Start with a convenient hotel pick-up and a scenic drive to our private river access, where certified bilingual guides lead a full safety briefing and paddling practice.

Then raft 13 km (8 miles) of fun Class II & III rapids on the Rio Balsa—ideal for families, first-timers, and anyone looking for an exciting water adventure. Midway through, relax with a riverside break and fresh tropical fruit, plus chances to spot wildlife like monkeys and toucans.

After the rafting, freshen up with showers and towels, enjoy a cold drink, and head to a nearby organic farm for a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Finish with a cultural demonstration, including a visit to a sugar cane mill and a look into Costa Rican coffee culture, before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Hotels outside of normal route may have an extra transportation charge. o Arenal Lodge o Lost Iguana o Luna Nueva o Bosque de Chachagua o Chachagua Rainforest o Tilajari o Leaves and Lizards o Observatory Lodge o La Mansion o El Castillo o Rancho Margot. o Nuevo Arenal Hotels o Termales el Bosque o El Tucano o Lands in Love o La Garza

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Wave Expeditions

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 8 years old to take this tour
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Weather dependent. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is flooding or other government river closure. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • Participants will get wet, please dress ready to raft in bathing suit and shoes that will stay on feet. Flip-flops are not allowed
  • Not responsible for items lost or damaged on river, please do not take anything on the river that you are not willing to lose
  • Tour requires 1 adult minimum to book

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 6 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Hotels outside of normal route may have an extra transportation charge.

o Arenal Lodge
o Lost Iguana
o Luna Nueva
o Bosque de Chachagua
o Chachagua Rainforest
o Tilajari
o Leaves and Lizards
o Observatory Lodge
o La Mansion
o El Castillo
o Rancho Margot.
o Nuevo Arenal Hotels
o Termales el Bosque
o El Tucano
o Lands in Love
o La Garza
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 8–12; Adult tickets: age 13+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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