White Water Rafting - Class II & III - Balsa River

White Water Rafting -  Class II & III - Balsa River
Duration:
5 hours
Location:
La Fortuna
Region:
Arenal Volcano
Difficulty:
Class II & III
  • Adventure & Thrill
  • Kid-friendly
  • Water Activities
  • Wildlife & Nature
Book this tour

Per person

$79.10 each

$79.10 each

Total$158.20
all taxes included. No hidden fees.
Price before tax
USD 140.00
Costa Rica sales tax (13%)
USD 18.20

Total taxes includedUSD 158.20

Secure payment via Stripe · Charged now · Full refund if we can’t confirm your booking. Once confirmed, cancellation fees apply—see our cancellation policy.

About this tour

If you're looking for an exciting and family-friendly white water rafting experience near La Fortuna, this Balsa River white water rafting tour is an excellent choice. With Class II and III rapids, beautiful rainforest scenery, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, it's the perfect way to experience Costa Rica's rivers without tackling the country's most extreme rapids.

Your adventure takes you down approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of the Balsa River, navigating around 25 fun rapids over approximately two hours. Expect exciting waves, big splashes, and plenty of adventure, with calmer sections where you can enjoy the scenery, swim, and take in the lush tropical surroundings.

Along the way, you'll have a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the incredible vegetation surrounding the river. You'll also stop at a beautiful riverside location to enjoy fresh seasonal tropical fruit, such as pineapple, watermelon, or mango.

After rafting, relax with a traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee before heading back to La Fortuna. With experienced bilingual guides, transportation, equipment, lunch, and towels included, this is one of the best rafting tours in La Fortuna for families, first-time rafters, and adventure-loving travelers.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

  • Class II & III rapids offering exciting but manageable white water
  • Approximately 10 km of rafting on the beautiful Balsa River
  • Around 25 rapids with fun waves and big splashes
  • Family-friendly adventure with a minimum age of 6
  • Experienced bilingual guides with at least 10 years of experience
  • Wildlife spotting and spectacular rainforest scenery
  • Fresh tropical fruit served during the river break
  • Traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee included
  • Transportation available from many hotels in La Fortuna
  • A great combination of adventure, nature, and local culture

What to Expect

Hotel pick-up or meet at the rafting company's office in La Fortuna

Approximately 45-minute drive to the Balsa River

Safety briefing and equipment fitting

Short practice session before entering the rapids

Approximately 2 hours of white water rafting

Around 10 km of Class II & III rapids

Approximately 25 rapids with waves and splashes

Riverside break with fresh seasonal tropical fruit

Opportunities to enjoy the river and spot wildlife

Return to La Fortuna

Traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee

Return transportation to your hotel

Tour Details

Duration: Approximately 5 hours total

Rafting Time: Approximately 2 hours

River: Balsa River

Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles)

Rapids: Approximately 25 Class II & III rapids

Difficulty: Moderate / Family-Friendly

Minimum Age: 6 years old

Departure: Approximately 9:20 AM from the rafting company's office

Hotel Pick-Up: Available from many hotels around La Fortuna

Experience Required: No previous rafting experience required

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transportation from participating hotels in La Fortuna
  • Bilingual professional rafting guides
  • Life jacket, helmet, and paddle
  • Safety briefing and rafting instruction
  • Approximately 2 hours of white water rafting
  • Fresh seasonal tropical fruit during the river break
  • Traditional lunch and coffee
  • Bottled water
  • Towels

What to Bring

  • Secure closed-toe shoes (required — flip-flops and Crocs are not allowed)
  • Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet
  • A change of clothes for after the tour
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional)

Frequently asked questions

Yes! The Class II and III rapids make this a great option for first-time rafters and families looking for an exciting adventure without the intensity of Class IV rafting.

Good to know

Departure times:
9:20 AM
Age restrictions:
Age 6 and up "No kids rates all kids charged as adults”
Food:
Yes
Transportation:
9:00 AM Transportation included with-in a 6 kilometer radius of the tour office. Any centrally located hotels in La Fortuna.

Visiting La Fortuna & Arenal?

Everything about the area — how to get there, where to stay, what to do.

La Fortuna & Arenal destination guide → →

Getting here

Shuttles to La Fortuna run daily from all major hubs.

See transportation options →