Rafting Class II & III + Local Farm Lunch & Cultural Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The Balsa River is one of the best spots in Costa Rica to try white water rafting, and this 6-hour tour from La Fortuna is suitable for complete beginners. Tackle the Class II and III rapids, enjoy spectacular views as you cruise through the rainforest, and look out for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths and toucans. Hotel pick-up and lunch is included.
- 6-hour white water rafting tour from La Fortuna
- Get your adrenaline pumping white water rafting down the Balsa River
- Practice your rafting skills on Class II and III rapids
- Enjoy magnificent views of the river, rainforest, and exotic wildlife
- Tuck into a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a country restaurant
- No experience necessary: full instruction provided
- Great-value tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and round-trip transport
What's Included
- LunchDelicious typical lunch
- SnacksFresh Fruits in the river
- Bottled water
- Equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest and Helmet
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
Begin your tour with a 10.30am pickup from your La Fortuna or Arenal hotel and an around 50-minute journey to the Balsa River. Along the way, admire the scenery as you drive through yucca and papaya plantations, and perhaps spot iguanas and other wildlife.
On arrival, get suited up for your white water rafting excursion and listen as your instructor explains the basic paddling and steering techniques, as well as important safety rules. Then, jump aboard the raft and set out on a thrilling 2-hour rafting ride. As you paddle downstream, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding rainforest, keeping a look out for monkeys, sloths and toucans along the riverbanks, and get your adrenaline pumping as you paddle over Class II and III rapids, including the ‘Magnetic Rock’ and the ‘Dredges’. Cold drinks and fresh fruits will keep you energized along the way, and you can also take the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the river.
After returning to land and drying off, re-fuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (lunch) at a traditional country estate, before setting out on the return journey.
Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel between 4pm and 4.30pm.
On arrival, get suited up for your white water rafting excursion and listen as your instructor explains the basic paddling and steering techniques, as well as important safety rules. Then, jump aboard the raft and set out on a thrilling 2-hour rafting ride. As you paddle downstream, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding rainforest, keeping a look out for monkeys, sloths and toucans along the riverbanks, and get your adrenaline pumping as you paddle over Class II and III rapids, including the ‘Magnetic Rock’ and the ‘Dredges’. Cold drinks and fresh fruits will keep you energized along the way, and you can also take the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the river.
After returning to land and drying off, re-fuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (lunch) at a traditional country estate, before setting out on the return journey.
Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel between 4pm and 4.30pm.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 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
Dianna_L
My friend and i loved this experience. We had never been white water rafting before. Our guide Jeffrey made sure that we had a great experience. We saw a beautiful area of the country and enjoyed every minute of the ride. I would highly recommend this to families also.
Reviews
5.0
based on 527 reviews
Jim_N, Mar 2026
Great rafting trip. All of the guides were wonderful. they did an unbelievably good job of spotting and pointing out wild life on the river, Mariano our raft guide went above and beyond, he enjoys his work and it shows.
Mark_S, Jul 2025
Great rafting experience in La Fortuna. Jairo was great in explaining everything that was going to be happening throughout the day, engaging and made us all enjoy the experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks a ton for sharing this! Jairo is amazing at what he does, always clear, engaging, and full of that pura vida spirit. We’re so happy he helped make your day on the river one to remember. Come back anytime for more splash-filled fun!
Brian_T, Jun 2025
Had such a great time white water rafting. It was my nephews first time, he’s 12 and had a blast. It was a great experience for a first time rafter. Our tour included lunch on a farm which was delicious. Had some wonderful organic coffee grown on the farm and learned about sugarcane being processed. After drinking some of the cane syrup, we finished it off with a shot of sugarcane moonshine which was fun. Fantastic way to spend the day, highly recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re so glad to hear your nephew had a blast on his first rafting adventure. Our Class II–III Balsa River tour is designed to be the perfect introduction—just enough thrill to be exciting, while staying safe and fun for young adventurers.
It’s great to know you enjoyed the full experience, including the farm-to-table lunch, local organic coffee, and the sugarcane tasting. We love blending nature, culture, and a bit of fun into every tour.
Thank you for recommending Wave Expeditions. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to La Fortuna for your next adventure.
Ashley_S, Jun 2025
Jairo was a great tour guide for the trip to and from the river. We were also lucky to have him as our River guide too. Everything was great! He kept us safe and we had a blast! The food at lunch was also delicious!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad you had a great day on the river with Jairo—he’s a fantastic guide who always brings both confidence and great energy to every tour. Having him lead both the transport and the rafting made for a seamless, personalized adventure.
We’re also happy to hear you enjoyed the lunch experience, which is an important part of wrapping up a day of action with authentic Costa Rican flavor.
Thank you for choosing Wave Expeditions. We hope to welcome you back to La Fortuna for more unforgettable memories.
Qun_W, Apr 2025
good organization, friendly staff, nice guide, exciting activity.
guide came to pick up us on time , and give us safety training and useful information.
really recommended!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience—from our punctual pick-up and friendly team to the exciting rafting and helpful safety briefing. It means a lot to know you'd recommend us, and we’d love to have you back for another Costa Rica adventure!
The Wave Rafting Team
Sandra_L, Dec 2024
The white water rafting was a lot of fun. No one fell out of the raft but it was “rapid” enough that we were splashed several times, and so was very fun! As a family of 5 with adult kids, we were in a raft alone with our guide. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. The lunch was fantastic. It was one of the best meals we had in Costa Rica. I’ve been searching the internet for a recipe that would taste like we ate, but I can’t find one. :)
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your rafting adventure with us! We’re thrilled to hear your family had such a fun and memorable time on the river, and that you enjoyed the fantastic lunch—it’s a local favorite! 🍽️✨
We’ll pass your kind words along to your guide. Hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences (and delicious meals)!
Pura Vida,
Wave Expeditions 🌊
Ron_K, Mar 2024
Our guide Christopher was very good and entertaining and made sure we went through the various rapids safely but with lots of great dips and waves. We had so much fun
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time with Christopher as your guide. Ensuring your safety while providing an entertaining experience is always our priority, and we're delighted that Christopher delivered on both fronts.
It's wonderful to know that you had so much fun navigating the rapids with plenty of dips and waves along the way.
We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon for more adventures!
Pura Vida!
Wave Rafting
Marlene_R, Mar 2023
This was a great day. We were picked up at our hotel and driven to the river. Our guide was so good. He had us paddling and splashing and knew a lot about the area. There was a nice lunch included and the bus was new and air conditioned. The rapids were 2/3 and plenty big enough for us.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Awesome Review!
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our Rafting experience. Thanks for sharing your river story, and for recommending us!.
Pura Vida,
Wave Team
Frank_T, Jan 2023
Great rafting trip! Marcos was an excellent guide. We highly recommended this company and adventure.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Nailed it!
We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our Rafting Trips as much as we do.
Thanks for sharing your River Story.
We hope to see you again on the river soon. Pura Vida!.
The Wave Rafting Team
Susan_B, Jul 2022
Our family of 6 (4 adults and 2 teenagers) had a terrific time! Gerald was a great guide and made the trip a lot of fun. The tour was well organized and lunch was delicious.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thanks for sharing your River Story with us.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Rafting Trip, I´ll make sure that Gerald hears from your side.
We hope to see you again next time!.
Pura Vida,
Wave Staff
Suzanne_B, Jun 2022
Our family (two adults and 14 and 16 yr old) had a great time. I felt very safe. Gerald was patient and made me feel confident. I recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Thanks for sharing your River Story with us.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Rafting Trip, I´ll make sure that Gerald hear from your side.
We hope to see you again next time!.
Pura Vida,
Wave Staff
Norisse_M, May 2022
Excellent service and experience! We have two children 8 and 10 and the guide was great explaining all the necessary rules to make the trip fun and safe for our family
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Awesome Review!
Thank you so much for your nice comments, sure they will be very helpful for families traveling with kids looking for a Safe and family Friendly Costa Rican Adventure.
We really hope to see you again next time.
Pura Vida!.
Wave Staff.
Talisha_F, Mar 2022
Had an amazing experience! Our guide was Warner and was very experienced and made the adventure so much fun and safe! We would definitely do it again! Our bus guide was Pablo and he pointed out many things on our drive to the rivers.
10 out of 10!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Wonderful review, thank you!.
We really hope to see you again next time.
Pura Vida.
Wave Staff.
Yana_J, Mar 2022
Very organized, on time, knowledgeable, interesting and lots of fun!! Definitely recommend!!
Thank you very much!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Thanks for sharing your River Story with us.
We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Rafting Trip.
We hope to see you again next time!
Pura Vida,
Wave Staff
rebecca_a, Feb 2022
The white water rafting was amazing! The pick-up was smooth, and our instructor Mario was so friendly. He made us feel at ease and made sure we had as much fun as possible. He also pointed out wildlife like a sleeping sloth for us all to see. The rafting was incredibly fun, and afterwards we were taken for a delicious lunch at a beautiful restaurant. We really recommend for all!
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thanks for sharing your River Story with us, we are glad to hear that you had a great time on the river.
Hope to see you back on the river soon.
Pura Vida!
Wave Rafting.
Kavan_P, Feb 2020
Great tour. Our tour guide Mario was amazing at giving instructions. Also gave us bit of history knowledge. Amazing lunch as well. Great tour for first timers.
Kelly S, Jan 2020
This was such an awesome tour, probably the best one from our trip! Our guide Augosto did such an awesome job! He made sure to make our trip memorable! We were fortunate to see a sloth moving!
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thanks for sharing your River Story with us.
We are glad to know that you enjoyed our Rafting Trip, I´ll make sure that Augusto hears from your side.
We hope to see you again next time!.
Pura Vida,
Wave Staff
Deborah_D, Dec 2019
My family and I went rafting with Braulio as our guide. It was an awesome experience. Braulio pointed out the wildlife as we went down the river and even pulled off to the side and found a tiny blue jean frog to show us, it was amazing. My daughter fell out of the raft at one point and Braulio was quick to get her back in safely. After the trip they took our group to a local restaurant/farm and I had the most delicious meal of my trip! It was a wonderful day spent with professional courteous people!!!!
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Nailed It!
Thanks for sharing your river story with us. Your experience rafting with WAVE and especially your recommendation will be useful for travelers looking for Rafting near the Arenal Volcano. I´ll make sure that Braulio hears from you.
Pura Vida!
Wave Staff.
Ankush G, Oct 2019
It was good. Easier than expected from Class 3-4 rapids. The transportation was good, tour was friendly & equipment was good as well.
Trevor_B, Aug 2019
This was a wonderful experience! The guide was very very funny and the 50 minute ride it took to get to the rafting spot flew by because the tour guide went over safety rules, he talked about different plants on the way and made lots of jokes. He was pretty fluent in english and tried his best. We ended up having him as our guide in our raft and he was a very good director. We saw a sloth, lots of birds, and iguanas. We stopped and had some pineapple and watermelon. There were some cows around so we hand fed the cows the end pieces of the fruit. They were very friendly. We got back on the raft and went the rest of the way. We (my husband and i) were with another family ( mom, dad and 2 younger kids) and the guide was very patient with the kids. He told them they could ride on the front of the raft like "riding a bull" he called it and the kids just loved it. He let them float down the slow part of the river. He answered all their questions and it was just a great time and experience!
Celeste S, Jun 2019
Everything was wonderful! The guides are funny and knowledgeable. The rafting was so much fun! The lunch after was sooooo good. My 9 and 11 year old gobbled it up. I would absolutely recommend this for families!!
Response from Host, Jun 2019
Dear Celeste, I have an 8 year old and 11 year old and they agree with your son that rafting is the BEST! We are over the moon that you and your family had the chance to raft with Wave Rafting and take home "memory souvenirs" that will last a lifetime! Thank you for rafting with us!
The Wave Rafting Team!
Dianna_L, Apr 2019
My friend and i loved this experience. We had never been white water rafting before. Our guide Jeffrey made sure that we had a great experience. We saw a beautiful area of the country and enjoyed every minute of the ride. I would highly recommend this to families also.
MARISA_D, Aug 2024
Para mi familia era la primera vez, hemos escogido el nivel II-III, son todos muy buenos profesionales y todo muy bien organizado. Nuestro guía fue Andy, desde primera hora nos hizo sentir súper seguros y a la vez hizo el recorrido muy divertido. La para da para tomar la fruta es un espectáculo añadido y la fruta súper rica. Una experiencia inolvidable muy recomendable
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Muchas gracias por tomarse su tiempo y dejarnos sus comentarios. Nuestra misión es brindarles experiencias que marquen recuerdos en sus vacaciones, es un éxito saber que hemos cumplido.
Le extenderé estos comentarios a Kervin y Emmanuel, pues el mejor premio al profesionalismo de nuestros guías son los comentarios de nuestros clientes.
Esperamos verlos pronto!, Muchas gracias por recomendarnos.
From $93.79
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