Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio worth booking?
Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio is a 8-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $194 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $194 per person
Our Rafting Shuttle service combines your transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio with Rafting Class II and III in Río Balsa. Great way to save time and money! Costa Rica’s peaceful country life. You will come to underst
What you get
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest and Helmet
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Our Rafting Shuttle service combines your transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio with Rafting Class II and III in Río Balsa. Great way to save time and money! Costa Rica’s peaceful country life. You will come to understand the meaning of Costa Rica’s favorite saying, “Pura Vida!” and the best White Water Rafting Class II and III from Arenal available.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest and Helmet
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What you'll see and do
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Your river guide will pick you up at your hotel and join you on the 30-minute drive to the “put-in” spot where the fun begins! You will get a thorough briefing and explanation of the safety equipment and procedures. Once everyone has had time to practice and review the commands and “high-fives” you will embark on your journey down the rapids. Get wet and wild on this family-friendly rafting trip as you navigate rapids such as “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges” on your 2-hour adventure tour down the beautiful and tropical Balsa River.
240 minutes here
Manuel Antonio
After the rafting we wiil take you with one of our transportations to Manuel Antonio, this ride will takes about 4 hours, you will arrive to Manuel Antonio at 7pm.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
La Fortuna
Corner Building behind the Catholic Church, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Corner Building behind the Catholic Church, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
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
- Wave Expeditions
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 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.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Float Trip - Great Fun
We took the river float trip as we had last year and it was great again. Our guide Diego was full of information and humor as we went down the river and saw many creatures and enjoyed the cool afternoon breezes. Afterwards, there was a nice snack of plantains and cheese as we departed back to our AirBnB. This company really cares about its guests and can answer virtually question about Costa Rica.
Response from the operator: We’re so happy to hear that you joined us again for the Peñas Blancas River Safari Float and that you had another great experience with us. It truly means a lot when guests choose to come back. Diego will be very pleased to hear your kind words. His knowledge, humor, and passion for sharing the nature and wildlife of the river always make the journey even more enjoyable. We’re also glad you enjoyed the local snack of plantains and cheese after the tour—it's a small way for us to share a bit of Costa Rican flavor with our guests. Thank you for your trust and for your generous words about our team. It was a pleasure having you with us again, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you visit Costa Rica. Warm regards, The WAVE Rafting Team
via Tripadvisor
Great rafting experience during our transfer from Arenal to Manuel Antonio
We did Wave Rafting as part of our transfer between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, and it was a fantastic way to break up the drive. Instead of just sitting in a van for hours, we turned travel day into an adventure. The team was professional, safety-focused, and a lot of fun. The rapids were exciting without being overwhelming, and the guides did a great job balancing adrenaline with clear instructions. We always felt taken care of. Everything was well coordinated — a delicious lunch at a local restaurant after rafting, luggage handled smoothly, timing worked perfectly, and we arrived in Manuel Antonio tired in the best possible way. Highly recommend if you want to make your transfer day part of the experience, not just transportation
Response from the operator: We love hearing stories like yours. Turning a travel day into an adventure is exactly what our Raft & Transfer experience is designed for, so it’s wonderful to know it made your journey between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio more memorable. Many travelers spend several hours simply driving between destinations, and we’re proud to offer an option where guests can break up the trip with a rafting adventure, enjoy the river, and still arrive comfortably at their next stop the same day. We’re very happy to hear that our team made you feel safe and well taken care of throughout the experience, and that the rapids, logistics, lunch, and luggage coordination all worked smoothly. Our goal is to make the entire day seamless so guests can simply enjoy the adventure. Thank you for highlighting this unique experience and for recommending it to other travelers. We hope to welcome you again on another river adventure the next time you visit Costa Rica. Warm regards, The WAVE Rafting Team
via Tripadvisor
White water rafting.
A massively exhilarating experience. More white water than we’ve experienced previously, but the kit was all in excellent condition and our guide Gustavo was hugely experienced and very calm. Our host on the bus, Jairo who also lead one of the boats was also fantastic.We felt we were in very good hands. A thoroughly enjoyable half day speeding through Costa Rica.
Response from the operator: That sounds like an epic half-day on the river—thank you for describing it so well. We’re glad the conditions delivered a bigger white-water ride than you expected, and that the equipment and overall operation gave you total confidence. Gustavo will really appreciate the shout-out for keeping things calm and controlled, and we’ll pass your kind words to Jairo as well—he’s great at setting the tone from the bus to the river. Thanks again for choosing Wave Expeditions in La Fortuna/Arenal. We’d love to welcome you back for another run in Costa Rica.
via Tripadvisor
Costa Rica trip June 2025
From the pick up, the driving, the informative information given to us by Carlos our guide on the bus and our guide on the raft, everything was absolutely exciting. Carlos gave us all the necessary instructions needed to succeed on our adventure and we were not let down. We came down with no problems, stopped 1/2 way and were given the sweetest pineapple and watermelon as a snack, after which we proceeded down, saw a sloth, various iguanas and tons of birds. When we finished rafting we were taken to a farm to table restaurant where we were given their traditional food, which was delicious and the best coffee, followed by a shot of sugar cane and then a shot of sugar cane moonshine. It was a great adventure and would highly recommend and would definitely do it again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a detailed and enthusiastic review. We’re thrilled to hear your entire adventure, from hotel pickup to the final toast, was filled with excitement, great service, and unforgettable moments. Carlos is an outstanding guide who truly knows how to prepare and support guests every step of the way. From clear safety instructions to spotting wildlife like sloths, iguanas, and birds, he brings the rainforest to life. We’re glad you enjoyed the mid-river fruit break and the farm-to-table Costa Rican lunch—fresh pineapple, local coffee, and a splash of sugar cane moonshine are some of our favorite ways to end the day. Thank you for the recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wave of pura vida in La Fortuna.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect way to make the most of a travel day
We were travelling from Manuel Antonio to Arenal and Wave expeditions tour was perfect. We were picked up at our hotel in manuel antonio at 7am and had a 4 hour drive to the rapids. We were dropped off at launch point and were set up with gear. . All of our luggage was kept safe in the van by our driverIt was a little chaotic when we first arrived (got the sense that everything was very rushed and somewhat confusing.) But then we met our tour guide Moises who was amazing. He patiently explained how we should paddle and different instructions we should listen for. Rapids were exciting but never felt dangerous and Moises kept everything under control. He also pointed out a ton of wildlife during the trip. After rafting we had a place to change into dry clothes, get water or a beer and use the bathroom before they drove us to a restaurant in a farm that served a delicious buffet lunch of traditional costa rican food. After that, we were dropped off at our hotel in Arenal. Great way to make the most of a travel day. Special thanks again to Moises!
Response from the operator: Thank you for this detailed and thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear our tour added adventure and ease to your travel day from Manuel Antonio to Arenal. Moises will be thrilled to know how much you appreciated his guidance, patience, and wildlife insights—he's truly one of a kind! We’re glad the logistics worked out and that you enjoyed the delicious Costa Rican lunch and smooth transfer. Hope to see you again for more Costa Rica adventures! The Wave Rafting Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Wave Expeditions, who run 9 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.5.
See everything Wave Expeditions runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio cost?
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Prices start at $194 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 Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 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 Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio?
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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 Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio?
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Around 11 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rafting Including Shuttle From Arenal to Manuel Antonio 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, North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour, Canyoning Adventure Rappelling Waterfalls in Arenal Volcano. 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.
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