Beginner rafting on the Balsa River departing from La Fortuna
Explore the Balsa River by raft! Try to spot wildlife on this beginner-friendly excursion and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch after your adventure.
Practical information
Explore the Balsa River on a family-friendly rafting trip, perfect for beginners seeking fun Class 2-3 rapids!
- Try to spot wildlife while paddling through lush rainforest landscapes.
- Enjoy a safe and personalized experience with certified guides and small groups.
Course of events
Please allow approximately 5 hours for this activity.
- Start with a hotel pick-up in the La Fortuna area.
- Travel to the river put-in point (approx. 45 min drive).
- Meet your certified professional guides, receive your top-of-the-line rafting equipment and attend a safety briefing to learn essential paddling techniques (15 min).
- Enjoy rafting on the Balsa River (1h45).
- Pause for a refreshing snack made of tropical fruits.
- Take 20 minutes to use showers and changing room to put on dry clothes after the rafting session.
- Drive to the restaurant (45 min).
- Refuel with a delicious riverside lunch (50 min).
- Return to La Fortuna for your hotel drop-off.
- End of the activity.
Activity requirements
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Although knowing how to swim is not a requirement, it is highly recommend that participants know how to swim.
No previous rafting experience is required. The Balsa River is known to be suitable for beginners and individuals with little or no rafting experience.
The maximum weight for this activity is 220 lbs/100 kg.
Special terms
Once your booking has been confirmed, please contact the instructor directly to organize the meeting point and pick-up time. Transportation is included from zone 1 of La Fortuna. For zone 2, 3 and 4, there will be an extra charge.
This activity is not recommended for pregnant or disabled people, or for people with heart problems, respiratory issues, with significant mobility issues or those who have recently undergone surgery or hip replacements.
Spoken languages:
English, SpanishIncluded
- All necessary equipment
- Guide
- Lunch
- Snack (fruits)
- Transportation (from zone 1 of La Fortuna. Additional costs for zone 2, 3 and 4)
Excluded
- Taxes
Do not forget to bring
- Clothes suitable for the weather and that can get wet
- Closed-toe footwear that can get wet
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Bottle of water
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, SpanishCancellation: Flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Embark on an unforgettable family white water rafting tour on the Balsa River departing from La Fortuna!
Prepare for an exhilarating journey through the Costa Rican rainforest on one of the country's most famous family-friendly rivers. This Class 2-3 rafting expedition on the Balsa River is an ideal choice for families and beginners. As you navigate the waves, you will be surrounded by lush greenery and invigorating mountain air, offering a perfect balance between the excitement of the rapids and the serenity of the San Carlos region.
During this 10-kilometer journey, you will experience a mix of agitated water and calmer stretches. The river features Level II sections with gentle currents and small waves, as well as Level III sections where the water becomes moderately fast with larger waves and swirling rapids. It is a high-fun day on the water that allows you to enjoy the thrill of the river while remaining accessible.
The team will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive to the river’s edge. After a thorough safety briefing and gear-up, you will launch into a 1 hour and 45-minute white water excursion. As you work as a team to navigate the currents, keep your eyes open to spot exotic wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans in the trees above. Mid-way through the descent, you’ll pause for a tropical fruit feast on the riverbank to replenish your energy.
The experience concludes with a delicious traditional lunch, where you can relax and refuel while discussing the best moments on the water. To ensure a safe and organized experience, groups are kept small. Every boat is led by a certified professional guide who manages the navigation and safety protocols, ensuring you can focus on the paddling and the surrounding natural beauty.
Ready for the ultimate river escape? Grab your paddle and join us to conquer the rapids of the Balsa River on this rafting excursion!