Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Experience the thrill of rafting down Costa Rica’s Rio Balsa on this white-water adventure. Following the lead of an experienced guide, you’ll navigate Class II and III rapids as you pass through a lush rain forest landscape. After working up an appetite paddling down the river, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local eatery. Round-trip transport from your La Fortuna hotel is included.
- Purchase photos of your adventure to take home as souvenirs
- Spot wildlife like birds, butterflies, sloths and monkeys as you journey down the river
- Safety briefing, gear and instruction provided by professional guides
- Snacks, lunch and round-trip transport from most La Fortuna hotels included
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Local guide
- Photographer (photos available for purchase)
- Use of safety equipment
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.10:00 am
What To Expect
Become a jungle explorer for the day on this rafting tour through Costa Rica’s rain forest. Your guide will pick you up at your La Fortuna hotel for the scenic drive to the winding Rio Balsa. You’ll receive a short safety training at the launch site and gear up with a paddle, life vest and helmet. If it’s your first time rafting, not to worry — your guide will demonstrate paddling techniques and share basic rafting tips. No need to bring a camera and risk getting it wet, as a photographer will accompany you on the trip, and you’ll have the option to purchase photos at the end of the tour.
Next, set out on the river and begin your 6-mile (10-km) descent through the rapids. Water levels vary depending on rainfall, so the river may be shallow or deep. The first half of the ride is the most challenging. Prepare to get wet as your guide helps you navigate Class III rapids like the Congo Loco and Rock around the Croc (don’t panic, as no crocodiles are actually found here).
Take a break after successfully clearing these rapids with a riverbank pit stop and snack of fresh fruit. Relax in the shade of towering trees or enjoy a refreshing swim in the river. Hop back in your raft for the continued journey down more mellow, Class II rapids. Soak up the passing tropical scenery and keep an eye out for native rain forest residents including monkeys, sloths, butterflies and colorful birds.
At the end of your rafting journey, step back onto solid ground and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. You can shower and change into dry clothes before the return drive to La Fortuna, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
Next, set out on the river and begin your 6-mile (10-km) descent through the rapids. Water levels vary depending on rainfall, so the river may be shallow or deep. The first half of the ride is the most challenging. Prepare to get wet as your guide helps you navigate Class III rapids like the Congo Loco and Rock around the Croc (don’t panic, as no crocodiles are actually found here).
Take a break after successfully clearing these rapids with a riverbank pit stop and snack of fresh fruit. Relax in the shade of towering trees or enjoy a refreshing swim in the river. Hop back in your raft for the continued journey down more mellow, Class II rapids. Soak up the passing tropical scenery and keep an eye out for native rain forest residents including monkeys, sloths, butterflies and colorful birds.
At the end of your rafting journey, step back onto solid ground and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. You can shower and change into dry clothes before the return drive to La Fortuna, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
1
Desafio Adventure Company
2
Arenal Volcano
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for people over 65
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Petra_F
We had a great time rafting! The guides were very friendly and made us feel safe in the raft. The class 2-3 were perfect for us as there were many exhilarating rapids and it ended with a relaxing float down the river where our guides pointed out various animals and birds to us. We had a small group so it ended up just being my husband and myself on the raft which was an amazing private experience! We would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for some adventure and beauty in Costa Rica
Reviews
4.9
based on 306 reviews
Alvin_A, Apr 2026
Manuel was a great guide, safest person but most fun, showed us a lot of animals, very knowledgeable. Kids had a blast
Petra_F, Mar 2026
We had a great time rafting! The guides were very friendly and made us feel safe in the raft. The class 2-3 were perfect for us as there were many exhilarating rapids and it ended with a relaxing float down the river where our guides pointed out various animals and birds to us. We had a small group so it ended up just being my husband and myself on the raft which was an amazing private experience! We would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for some adventure and beauty in Costa Rica
MarcOlivier_M, Nov 2025
Very fun time and convenient pick up. There is even a meal included. Would recommend to do in Fortuna
Carmen_S, Nov 2025
We had a wonderful experience and would absolutely recommended. Our guide Jorge was so much fun! Our 15 and 18 years old children loved it so much.
Hau_L, Oct 2025
Aurelio and the other guides were skilled, fun, and provided a great experience. We went in a rain storm but had a wonderful time.
Sarah_R, Oct 2025
Highly recommend this adventure! We had a blast and our tour guide, Jorge, was very energetic and knowledgeable. He kept us safe at all times, but the vibe was always high. True pura vida!
Katrina_R, Jun 2025
So much fun! Our guide, Gian Carlo made sure we were safe while having a blast. The Balsa River had enough excitement for our group. I highly recommend this company, entire crew was very professional and it was nice seeing all the guides work together. The included lunch was very good too. The photographer took great pictures, it's an extra cost but well worth it.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! 🎉😊 We’re glad Gian Carlo and the whole team made your Balsa River adventure both safe and thrilling! 🚣♂️💦
It’s great to hear you enjoyed the professional crew and the delicious included lunch! 🍽️👍 The photos are definitely a wonderful keepsake of your experience! 📸✨
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon for more unforgettable adventures! 🌿🌟 Pura Vida! 🇨🇷🌞
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
Matthew_T, May 2025
It was a great experience. We were new to rafting and felt very safe with class 2/3 rafting. Our guide Alonzo was fantastic. He was professional and made our experience very enjoyable. My kids (ages 26,,22&19) all had a fun time. It is so nice to create such fun memories as a family.
I also appreciate that this excursion was able to provide us with a round transportation to and from our resort since we did not have a car.
There was also an extra perk of having an authentic Costa Rican lunch at the end of our rafting experience.
We were also able to buy some family photo and video from our experience, which was a great value totally worth it.
100% I recommend them!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! 🌟 We're so happy you and your family enjoyed your first rafting adventure on class 2/3 rapids with our fantastic guide Alonzo 🚣♂️😊. Creating lasting family memories is what we love to be part of! 👨👩👧👦✨ We're glad the round-trip transportation 🚐 and authentic Costa Rican lunch 🇨🇷🍽️ added extra value to your day. And those photos and videos 📸🎥 capturing your fun moments are priceless keepsakes! Thanks for the 100% recommendation! 🙌👏 Pura Vida! 🌿🌞
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
Bill_H, May 2025
my wife and I had a great experience on this trip. On the walk to the rafts, it started to rain heavily. Fortunately, it was a warm rain, but it didn’t really matter much because once we started going down the river, we got even more wet!
Our guide was great and he gave us great instructions. The river is just wild enough to give you a fun experience without it really being dangerous. They have a guy who rides separate from you in a kayak, and he takes photos at key places along the river. We ended up buying that package because the shots were really pretty good and the included lunch at the end was quite tasty. Overall, it was experience I would like to repeat.
Jennifer_K, Apr 2025
Our reservation was scheduled and confirmed and when we showed up we were told that time didn't exisit so we have to wait 40 mins. It was a lot of fun but you have to stop frequently and wait for the other rafts which we weren't expecting. Our guide was super nice
kdavison8109, Apr 2025
We had a blast on this excursion! We went in a group of 3 couples and had our own raft. Our guide was really fun and informative and we enjoyed the experience! It was just enough excitement with calm waters and a great first time. Thank you!
Kristen_T, Mar 2025
We had a great day rafting- the guides were friendly and helpful. The rafting was perfect for a family. The meal afterwards was tasty.
Carolyn_L, Mar 2025
Lots of fun. Good information re what to expect. Good safety information. Our guide Manuel was AWESOME!!
Robin_B, Feb 2025
It was my first time rafting. It was well organized and great instructions and commands. Marco was an amazing guide and a nice combo of serious and fun.
We were very impressed
Timothy_P, Feb 2025
Felt safe and taken care of! We are in our sixties and it was a blast!!! Best Excursion of our trip. Kudos to Rollo our guide❤️ and Aurelius our photographer! Our meal was delicious and we had a chance to check out the local swimming hole and rope swing. Highly recommend 🥰
Rachel_R, Jan 2025
Excellent tour company. It was our first time rafting and we felt completely safe. Guides were friendly, funny, and patient.
Kristi_D, Jan 2025
This is a very fun rafting trip, highly recommend! Our guide (Rolo) was fabulous and very knowledgeable. You will get wet!!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the awesome review! 🌊🚣♂️ We're glad you had a fun rafting trip and that Rolo made it even better with his knowledge and great guidance. 🙌💦 Yes, get ready to get wet and enjoy every splash! 😄👍 Highly appreciate your recommendation! Pura Vida! 🇨🇷✨
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
Robin_F, Dec 2024
So much fun - amazing guides and great lunch after rafting! Whole family really enjoyed it very much.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re so happy to hear that your whole family had a blast rafting with us! 🚣♂️✨ Our guides truly love what they do, and it’s great to know that you enjoyed their company. 😊 And we couldn’t agree more—there’s nothing like a delicious lunch to top off an amazing adventure! 🍽️💙
We’re looking forward to welcoming your family back for more fun and excitement in the future! 🌟
Desafío Adventure Company Team
Arnoldo_S, Dec 2024
Had a great first time must try it the staff was very friendly and informative of what to do and how to be safe
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad to hear that you had a great first-time adventure and felt well-informed and safe throughout the trip. Our team is dedicated to making sure every guest has a fun and secure experience, and it's wonderful to know that we succeeded in doing so for you.
We hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable adventures!
Pura Vida! 🌿
The Desafío Adventure Company Team
Rebecca_H, Sep 2024
Great day on the river, with a stellar team. Highly recommend due to safety focus and attention to detail. Lunch and fruit snack were tasty. Will surely book again, or steer others to ask for Jorge in future!
Anna_K, Aug 2024
Really well organized tour. Got picked up from the hotel. Had to pick up another group. The drive to the boat drop off was 45min to an hour but the tour guide utilized most of the time telling about rafting giving some tips answering questions. Once on the boat, the guide went over the interactions again. It was our first time and it was very helpful. Went through great rapids. Overall great experience on the water. Had a break 3/4 into it with fruits on the bank. Had some wildlife sightings while rafting through calm waters. When we’re finished, had to do a small hike to a place to change and take a shower (could water only). Drove back to the Hunter & Gathers restaurant to have lunch before heading back. Simple but good food buffet style.
Samantha_C, May 2024
Great tour! We had an amazing day. Our guides Aurelio and Fluffy were awesome. It was the perfect amount of adventure. The balsa river is so beautiful and our guides were also able to point out wildlife during downtime. We had a fruit snack on river and some iguanas joined us! Ended with a delicious Costa Rican lunch, would definitely recommend.
Robert_N, Apr 2024
A very attentive and fun staff, well qualified , safety oriented, and very good fruit snacks and lunch served at their restaurant..
kimberly_B, Mar 2024
This was so much fun! All the guides were amazing, the lunch was great. Definitely recommend even for a first time experience
Daniela_P, Mar 2024
Amazing experience , we were very lucky to have David as our guide , he was very knowledgable, chilled and ready for adventure. The only downside was the lack of communication prior to the tour as we weren’t aware about the equipment we needed to take. We did level 2/3 and it was a great place to have our first experience rafting. If you are lucky you can see sloths but the most exciting part are the rapids.
Michelle_H, Feb 2024
Great guide, Fluffy! Learned a ton and had so much fun. Felt very safe on this trip. The lunch at the end was delicious.
Douglas_M, Feb 2024
Great fun rafting trip on Balsa river. Good focus on safety first, the river (Class II/III) was just the right level for me and two teenage children and our guide, David, was excellent.
Christina_A, Jan 2024
Aurelio(sp) was fun and caring. This is the perfect adventure for white water rafting beginners. Felt very safe and professional.
Kristen_M, Dec 2023
We had an absolute blast!! This is a top notch company with an incredible team of guides. We loved our bus guide Rodlan and our river guide Antonio. They were so professional, personable and a lot of FUN! Can’t say enough great things!!
GREG_P, Jun 2023
Fabulous trip. Water was cold. Pascal was great. Enjoyed it. Saw sloths and a cow. Also saw a few birds.
From $80.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna
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