Balsa River White Water Rafting – Class II & III

The middle section of the Río Balsa is Costa Rica's best entry-level whitewater run — energetic enough to feel like a real river adventure, safe enough for families and first-time rafters. Departing from La Fortuna, the tour covers roughly 10 km of Class II and III rapids over about 2 hours on the water, threaded through primary and secondary rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Between the punchier drops there are calm stretches where the guide narrates the ecosystem and where kingfishers, iguanas, herons and, on lucky mornings, howler monkeys and toucans appear along the banks. Certified bilingual river guides run through a proper safety briefing, paddle technique and swim positions before you launch; each raft carries a lead guide, and a safety kayaker shadows the group. Ages 6 and up are welcome. A break mid-river lets you swim in a calm pool and enjoy fresh tropical fruit, and the trip finishes with a full traditional Costa Rican lunch (casado) at a private riverside restaurant. Round-trip hotel pickup from La Fortuna, all equipment (helmet, PFD, paddle), certified guides and lunch are included. The ideal combination of adrenaline and scenery for families, couples and travelers with no previous rafting experience.