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Pure Nature Safari River Float

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Float down the Frio River to look for some of Costa Rica’s diverse animals and bird life on this half-day wildlife tour from La Fortuna. Your guide shares commentary about the creatures you might see along the calm river, such as monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and colorful birds. Afterward, stop for snacks prepared by a local family before you are returned to your hotel.
  • Float down the Frio River on a half-day wildlife tour
  • Hear live commentary about the region’s wildlife
  • Suitable for adults and children; no experience needed
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off provided

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Snacks

    Meeting and Pickup

    You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Pickup details

    Please note that our reservations team Will contact you in advance to confirm your exact pickup time at your lodging. EXTRA Cost: Arenal Lodge Arenal Observatory Chachagua Rainforest Hideaway Rio Celeste Linda Vista Del Norte Lost Iguana Resort and Spa Rancho Margot El Tucano The Springs Resort and Spa Volcano Gold

    or

    Meeting point

    • Jacamar Naturalist Tours
      Costado Sur de la, de, Iglesia Católica, Apartado Posta 40-4417, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 4417, Costa Rica

      Main Office is located upstairs of Lava Rocks Restaurant, beside La Fortuna Church. La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    1

    San Rafael de Guatuso

    2 hours Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • Infant seats available
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Please send an email to () with the age of children under 12 years old, in order to organize the special seats for kids.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Robbi_J
    The Pure Nature Safari Float on the Rio Frio was one of our favorite tours. It was incredibly peaceful, with no other groups on the river at the time. We were told that even during peak season, the Rio Frio is much less crowded than places like Rio Celeste—and that was a big plus for us. We saw a wide variety of birds and howler monkeys, and the rural scenery was beautiful and serene. Our guide was excellent—very knowledgeable about the wildlife, geography, history, and local culture, which added a lot to the experience. After the float, we were treated to a homemade meal at a local family’s farm (listed as a snack, but it was definitely a full meal). Everything was authentic and delicious—bean dip, plantain chips, cheese, tortillas made on site, and enyucados with honey sauce, which were a highlight. Standing by the wood fire to warm up after some rain on the river made it even more memorable. The pace of the tour was relaxed and never rushed. We did opt to pay extra for a private tour, and for us it was well worth it—we prefer this option whenever it’s affordable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet, authentic Costa Rica experience.

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 62 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    We did the pure nature...

    Manisha_S, Apr 2026
    We did the pure nature safari float, was very peaceful no other boat than us. The guide was super knowledgeable and professional, picked us on time told us about animals and flaura and fauna around. The farm visit to get snacks and coffee was cherry on top. Super Nice food and amazing hosts on the farm.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are very glad to hear that the time on the river felt calm and exclusive, allowing you to fully enjoy the surroundings. It is always our goal to create a relaxed and immersive experience in nature. It is also wonderful to know that the guiding and overall organization made a positive impression, and that the visit to the local farm added something special to your day. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in the future.

    Peaceful nature experience

    Ashley_D, Feb 2026
    The trip down the river is incredibly peaceful; just your raft and nature. It’s a nice break from the more crowded trails and sites in Fortuna. On our trip, we saw howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and many birds. A nice lunch at the termination point.

    Response from Host, Feb 2026

    Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We are happy to know that you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the river and the opportunity to disconnect from the more crowded areas. It is always special to experience nature in such a quiet setting. We truly appreciate you choosing Jacamar Naturalist Tours and hope to welcome you again for another memorable adventure.

    Peaceful, Authentic, and Uncrowded

    Robbi_J, Dec 2025
    The Pure Nature Safari Float on the Rio Frio was one of our favorite tours. It was incredibly peaceful, with no other groups on the river at the time. We were told that even during peak season, the Rio Frio is much less crowded than places like Rio Celeste—and that was a big plus for us. We saw a wide variety of birds and howler monkeys, and the rural scenery was beautiful and serene. Our guide was excellent—very knowledgeable about the wildlife, geography, history, and local culture, which added a lot to the experience. After the float, we were treated to a homemade meal at a local family’s farm (listed as a snack, but it was definitely a full meal). Everything was authentic and delicious—bean dip, plantain chips, cheese, tortillas made on site, and enyucados with honey sauce, which were a highlight. Standing by the wood fire to warm up after some rain on the river made it even more memorable. The pace of the tour was relaxed and never rushed. We did opt to pay extra for a private tour, and for us it was well worth it—we prefer this option whenever it’s affordable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet, authentic Costa Rica experience.

    Amazing peaceful tour

    Wayne_D, Jan 2025
    Cesar was a friendly and informative guide. We saw a wonderful variety of animals he pointed out to us. The float was peaceful and relaxing. Just the sounds of nature and the farmers around us. Accompanied by the sound of the water splashed by the oars.

    Great day on seeing the area by water!

    Lindi_S, May 2024
    A great time on the water and lunch afterwards in a farm kitchen— Nelson was so informative about the area, history and wildlife-a really fun way to see the country from the water rather than on land! Thank you!

    Meandering through a beautiful place

    Julie_P, Apr 2024
    Informative, humorous guide; kind and courteous driver; beautiful scenery, the tranquil journey finished off with lovely food prepared by the gracious hostess Wendy.

    From $101.70

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 42 days in advance.

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