
Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2,094 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica worth booking?
Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica is a 5-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $80 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2,094 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2,094)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $80 per person
This 2.5-hour journey with your professional guide down a lush Costa Rican river offers the thrill of big waves and excitement for the whole family. Navigate 10 kilometers of white water rapids, stop along the way to rest a bit, do a little swimming, and enjoy some fresh Costa Rica fruit. After white water rafting, enjoy a Costa Rica style lunch at a local restaurant.
What you get
About this experience
This 2.5-hour journey with your professional guide down a lush Costa Rican river offers the thrill of big waves and excitement for the whole family. Navigate 10 kilometers of white water rapids, stop along the way to rest a bit, do a little swimming, and enjoy some fresh Costa Rica fruit. After white water rafting, enjoy a Costa Rica style lunch at a local restaurant.
What's included
Included
- Towel
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Transportation from hotels located less than 6 km away from our main office
- Pick up time may vary up to 20 min depending on hotel's location.
- Lunch
Not included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase) at the end of the tour.
- Pick up service at hotels located over 6 km away from our main office
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
La Fortuna
If you do not need to pick up, you can get to our office at 9:15 am. We are located 100 meters north from the police station, avenue 333 street 460. You can find us on Waze or google maps as ARENAL RAFTING COMPANY.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you do not need to pick up, you can get to our office at 9:15 am. We are located 100 meters north from the police station, avenue 333 street 460. You can find us on Waze or google maps as ARENAL RAFTING COMPANY.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arenal Rafting
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Minimum age 5 years old
- Maximum weights 220 pounds
- Please bring changing clothes, water shoes, clothes to get wet
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,094 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,094 verified traveler reviews for Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
fantastic event!
Fantastic event. Great staff Carlos and Tom where our guides. Quick pickup. Felt safe and had a great time in our raft. Fruit and even good food was also included! Cant recommend enough-just do it!
via Tripadvisor
Best tour operator in Costa Rica.
Excellent tour and extremely informative and very professional staff. I highly recommend them. I give them a 10+
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Experience!
What a fun trip! Our guide Roberto was amazing! We were a group of 7 women aged 28-57 and all of us had a great time. The guides are real pros and we felt safe the entire time. Highly recommend this adventure with Arenal Rafting!
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that your group of seven had such a fun time on the river! It’s wonderful to know that everyone, from 28 to 57, was able to enjoy the adventure together and feel safe and comfortable throughout the experience. Roberto will be very happy to hear your kind words. Our guides put a lot of care into making every trip exciting while always keeping safety as the top priority, so knowing that you felt in good hands means a lot to our entire team. Thank you for choosing Arenal Rafting and for recommending us! We hope to welcome your group back for another adventure in Costa Rica.
via Viator
This is a must
We had a great time. Alan was so much fun and knowledgeable. He pointed out animals and birds along the river. This was our first time rafting and we highly recommend it.
Response from the operator: Hello Jeana, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time, especially since this was your first rafting adventure. Alan will be very happy to know that his energy, knowledge, and passion for the river helped make the experience so enjoyable. One of the special things about rafting in Costa Rica is that the adventure goes beyond the rapids, and having a guide who can point out the wildlife and share interesting stories about the river makes the experience even more memorable. Thank you for choosing Arenal Rafting and for recommending us! We hope to see you again for your next adventure.
via Viator
An experience to remember
It was an incredible experience. A top-notch place—everything was well-organized and orderly. Our guide, Togi, was super friendly and, more importantly, highly professional. As we went along, he told us about the wildlife, the river, and Costa Rica. He had a sharp eye and spotted every animal in the area. We were with our three little children and felt completely safe.
Response from the operator: Hello Rachel, Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear that you and your family had an incredible experience with us. We know that going rafting with three little children makes safety and professionalism especially important, so it means a lot to know that you felt completely safe and well taken care of throughout the trip. Tugy will be very happy to hear your kind words. His professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the river and Costa Rica are a big part of what makes the experience so special. And yes, his sharp eye for wildlife is definitely one of his talents! Thank you for choosing Arenal Rafting and for trusting us with such an important part of your family’s Costa Rican adventure. We hope to welcome you all back for another unforgettable experience in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 733
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Arenal Rafting, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 88.5 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Arenal Rafting runsWhy this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica cost?
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Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Fortuna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in La Fortuna is not rushed.
Is Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2,094 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica?
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Around 733 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in La Fortuna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Fortuna and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central La Fortuna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in La Fortuna?
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On Outty we rank every La Fortuna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica, White Water Rafting Class II and III, Authentic Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica?
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Included: Towel; Bottled water; Professional guide; Transportation from hotels located less than 6 km away from our main office; and Pick up time may vary up to 20 min depending on hotel's location. Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase) at the end of the tour; and Pick up service at hotels located over 6 km away from our main office. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 62 listed pickup locations in and around La Fortuna. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica?
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Across 2,094 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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