Pure Nature Safari River Float
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pure Nature Safari River Float worth booking?
Pure Nature Safari River Float is a 4-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $102 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 66 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (66)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $102 per person
Experience the tranquility of the forest as you float down the Frio River in a silent and stable raft, with minimal physical effort, while observing a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the tranquility of the forest as you float down the Frio River in a silent and stable raft, with minimal physical effort, while observing a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
San Rafael de Guatuso
This river protects a good portion of the forest on its banks, connected through its tributaries with dozens of small patches of forest, creating a highway for several species of animals. They use the ground, water, and branches to move daily through the river in search of food and other needs. It is easy to observe monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, caiman, and numerous species of birds, as well as dense vegetation of coastal trees that support the soil and prevent erosion and floods. A quiet tour to enjoy the peace and sounds of the forest. We will use our senses of sight, hearing, and smell to locate animals. The boat captain is also an experienced naturalist guide with great knowledge to interpret the ecosystem and provide interesting information about it. At the end, we will share an unforgettable experience, visiting a Costa Rican family on their farm, and enjoying homemade snacks.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
La Fortuna
Main Office is located upstairs of Lava Rocks Restaurant, beside La Fortuna Church. La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Main Office is located upstairs of Lava Rocks Restaurant, beside La Fortuna Church. La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela.
Options you can book
Private Tour
Private Transportation Pickup included
Share Tour
Pickup included
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jacamar Naturalist Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Please send an email to () with the age of children under 12 years old, in order to organize the special seats for kids.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 66 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
66 verified traveler reviews for Pure Nature Safari River Float. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing float down a nice river
Looking for an amazing way to see the Costa Rica country side and wild life? This is an excellent choice! Our guide Diego and driver met us at the lobby and our adventure began. Not even 15 minutes in the van and we were stopped on the side of the road to see a sloth (the first of many). A bit of a drive and we were at our drop off point on the Rio Frio and our adventure really began. Our float down the river was a nice laid back adventure with plenty of wild life ( monkeys, sloths, birds and caiman). Diego was very knowledgeable about the local plants and animals and was an excellent guide. The day ended with a traditional lunch provided by Wendy. This trip was a highlight of an amazing week.
via Tripadvisor
The best activity in La Fortuna area!!
We had an unbelievable experience ! This is a must do in Costa Rica ! I think these are easily missed due to them not being the adrenaline high people look for but easily is the best way to see wildlife. Our guide was super knowledgeable and pointed out everything to us. Worked hard to stop the raft when we spotted white face monkeys. We actually saw so much. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves nature and wants to see some animals! We captured some amazing photos as well! unfortunately these are still on the camera ! Thanks to the team !
via Tripadvisor
A peaceful calm float down the river
Very peaceful and nice guided tour down the river. Hugo was a fantastic story teller and extremely knowledgeable about the river, the culture, and ecotourism. You could tell how passionate he was about what he did. We enjoyed every minute of our time with him. At the end of the float we went to a local eatery and had “snacks” . Banana bread. Yucca bread, and fresh squeezed juice and coffee. What a gem!! We would definitely recommend this peaceful calm informative safari float with this great company
via Tripadvisor
Our guides were...
Our guides were exceptional! Saw lots of critters like sloths. We would never have noticed without our guide. Had yummy food at a private house where we departed.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Pure Nature Safari River Float and that our guides helped make the experience so special. Spotting wildlife like sloths can be difficult without trained eyes, so we’re very happy they were able to help you discover so many amazing creatures along the way. It’s also wonderful to know you enjoyed the delicious food after the tour, we love sharing authentic local experiences with our guests. Thank you again for choosing Jacamar Naturalist Tours. We hope to welcome you back for another nature adventure in Costa Rica soon!
via Viator
A peaceful float with lots of wildlife
We drove to La Fortuna and arrived at the Jacamar Tours bus where we were met by our guide James. We were the only 2 guests on the tour in a 20+ passenger van. It was a very winding road with beautiful scenery. The road was good but narrow. At a viewpoint, the driver pulled over so we could take photos of the spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano which was very clear that day. The last part of the road was on rough gravel. We had a chance to use the washrooms and then got our feet wet climbing into our inflatable boat. James did almost all the paddling on the peaceful river. The water was cold but looked shallow. We saw so many birds – several types of herons, kingfishers, ibises, egrets, anhingas, a trogon and rare black collared hawk. We also saw iguanas, basilisks, and even a crocodile. Howler monkeys entertained us in the trees. We floated down the river about 7 miles before landing at a farmhouse. We met Wendy who prepared the snacks for us in her kitchen. We each received a plate with deep fried plantain chips, black bean dip and a tortilla with fresh cheese as well as a pitcher of lemonade. It was plenty for our lunch. After the meal, Wendy made coffee in a typical Costa Rican filter and served fried cassava with sweet syrup for dessert. We retraced our route and were back in La Fortuna at 2 PM. It was a great tour with a great guide and driver. Thank you Jacamar Tours.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed account of your day with us. We are very pleased to know that the experience felt smooth and enjoyable from start to finish, and that you were able to fully take in the beauty of the surroundings along the way. Having clear views of the volcano is always something special, and we are glad you had that moment. It is also wonderful to hear that the time on the river offered so many memorable wildlife encounters and a true sense of calm. Our guides take great pride in creating that connection with nature while making guests feel comfortable throughout the journey. We are happy that the visit at the local home added a meaningful touch to your experience as well. Sharing traditional flavors and a bit of daily life is something we value deeply. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $102 to $163
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours, who run 23 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.4.
See everything Jacamar Naturalist Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pure Nature Safari River Float: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Pure Nature Safari River Float cost?
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Prices start at $102 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 Pure Nature Safari River Float take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Pure Nature Safari River Float worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 66 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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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 Pure Nature Safari River Float suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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Around 23 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pure Nature Safari River Float 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 Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Professional guide; Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pure Nature Safari River Float include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 66 listed pickup locations in and around La Fortuna. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Pure Nature Safari River Float 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 Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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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 Pure Nature Safari River Float wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pure Nature Safari River Float 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 Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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Across 66 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Pure Nature Safari River Float?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour, Share Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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