If you have never been to the region before, this tour is a must! We definitely recommend and were so happy!
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: reservabatour@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you! 🌴✨
Choose what to book
Reviews
You won't be disappointed, great value. The staff will be happy to help, book now and have no regrets!
This tour was a breath of fresh air! It wasn't your typical cookie-cutter tourist experience; it was an authentic and immersive journey into the heart of the region. Our guide was a local expert who shared his personal stories and insights, giving us a unique …
Excellent tour! The local insights provided by the guide made the whole experience truly special. I’d recommend it to anyone!
The trip with excellent blend weather and food, sun all perfect with
You might also like…

Cahuita: Guided Hike Through Cahuita National Park

Cahuita: Guided Hike Through Cahuita National Park

TWILIGHT Tours in Arenal and Tortillas Cooking Class

TWILIGHT Tours in Arenal and Tortillas Cooking Class

Santa Elena: Private Guided Walk in the Cloud Forest Reserve

Santa Elena: Private Guided Walk in the Cloud Forest Reserve

Puntarenas: Zip Line Canopy Tour Over 11 Waterfalls

Puntarenas: Zip Line Canopy Tour Over 11 Waterfalls

Puerto Viejo: Canyoning Jungle Adventure!

Puerto Viejo: Canyoning Jungle Adventure!

Puerto Jimenez: Nighttime Wildlife Hike with a Local Guide

Puerto Jimenez: Nighttime Wildlife Hike with a Local Guide

La Fortuna: Night Walk in La Fortuna's Authentic Rainforest

La Fortuna: Night Walk in La Fortuna's Authentic Rainforest

Tortuguero: Discover Hidden Nightlife of the Rainforest

Tortuguero: Discover Hidden Nightlife of the Rainforest

Jaco Beach: Pacific Aerial Tram at Rainforest Adventures

Jaco Beach: Pacific Aerial Tram at Rainforest Adventures

Costa Rica: Tour La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike

Costa Rica: Tour La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike

Katira: Rio Celeste Tubing and Horseback Riding Tour

Katira: Rio Celeste Tubing and Horseback Riding Tour

Mistico Hanging Bridges + Transportation + Naturalist Guide

Mistico Hanging Bridges + Transportation + Naturalist Guide

Monteverde cloud forest preserve tours

Monteverde cloud forest preserve tours

From Puntarenas & Caldera: 11 Waterfalls Zipline Tour

From Puntarenas & Caldera: 11 Waterfalls Zipline Tour

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Kayak Tour in La Fortuna: Kayak Safari in Rio Peñas Blancas

Kayak Tour in La Fortuna: Kayak Safari in Rio Peñas Blancas

Manuel Antonio National Park, Spotting Animals and plants

Manuel Antonio National Park, Spotting Animals and plants

Puerto Viejo Talamanca: Hike through Gandoca Manzanillo Wild Life refuge.

Puerto Viejo Talamanca: Hike through Gandoca Manzanillo Wild Life refuge.

The Blue River Resort & Hot Springs: Full-Day Adventure

The Blue River Resort & Hot Springs: Full-Day Adventure

Tamarindo Bar Crawl Experience

Tamarindo Bar Crawl Experience

From San José: Poas Volcano, Café Doka and La Paz Waterfalls

From San José: Poas Volcano, Café Doka and La Paz Waterfalls

Tarcoles River: Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour

Tarcoles River: Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour

Jaco: 1500ft Tandem Paragliding Flight with Beach Views

Jaco: 1500ft Tandem Paragliding Flight with Beach Views

Doka Hiking Trail

Doka Hiking Trail

From San Jose: Rainforest Atlantic Aerial Tram Tour

From San Jose: Rainforest Atlantic Aerial Tram Tour

San José: Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Coffee Tasting

San José: Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Coffee Tasting

Quepos: Half-Day Rainforest Adventure & Zipline

Quepos: Half-Day Rainforest Adventure & Zipline

Chocolate, Vanilla and Coffee Tour
