
RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 235 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife worth booking?
RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife is a 10-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $149 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 235 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (235)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Departing from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano), Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, and the Papagayo area, the tropical rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and magnificent turquoise blue Rio Celeste waterfall awaits us. A local expert guide will company you. We will briefly stop to admire the 400 year-old Tree of Peace. We'll cool off in the Celeste River by taking an hour-and-a-half tubing tour down the blue river and stoping in several places to swim and snack on fresh regional fruits. After tubing, we will have a typical lunch and return along the best route to viewing wildlife, such as two types of sloths, colored frogs , monkeys, exotic birds, and much more. On the way back we will stop at the Souvenir Market and then return to your resting place.
What you get
About this experience
Departing from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano), Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, and the Papagayo area, the tropical rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and magnificent turquoise blue Rio Celeste waterfall awaits us. A local expert guide will company you. We will briefly stop to admire the 400 year-old Tree of Peace. We'll cool off in the Celeste River by taking an hour-and-a-half tubing tour down the blue river and stoping in several places to swim and snack on fresh regional fruits. After tubing, we will have a typical lunch and return along the best route to viewing wildlife, such as two types of sloths, colored frogs , monkeys, exotic birds, and much more. On the way back we will stop at the Souvenir Market and then return to your resting place.
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Roundtrip A/C Transportation (except the self-drive option)
- Animal Sanctuary, such as two types of sloths, colored frogs, exotic birds, and much more.
- Hydration
- Rio Celeste waterfall
- Tropical regional fruits
- Typical lunch
- River Tubing
- Certified Guide English/Spanish
Not included
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
- Dinner
What you'll see and do
Tenorio Volcano National Park
On the slopes of the Active Tenorio Volcano, in the middle of the tropical rainforest, we will guide you trough its trails with wonderful landscapes to observe the impressive turquoise blue Rio Celeste waterfall.
60 minutes here
We offer the best route to viewing wildlife, such as 2 types of sloths, colored frogs, exotic birds, monkeys, and much more.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Stop along the way to appreciate and take photos of the imposing Arbol de la Paz.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Rio Celeste Aventuras
1.5 hours tubing down the blue river.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Alajuela
Self-drive option. Your private guide will be waiting for you at this point
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Self-drive option. Your private guide will be waiting for you at this point
Options you can book
Self-drive/Meet at Nat. Park
Drive your own vehicle: Meet your private guide at Tenorio Volcano National Park (main entrance)
Private Transportation & Guide
Pick-up and drop-off from : Tamarindo, Pinilla, Grande, Flamingo, Riu resorts, Papagayo, Hermosa, El Coco, Liberia, La Fortuna, and surrounding areas. 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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BLUE ZONE TOURS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Appreciate the imposing blue waterfall in the middle of the tropical rainforest.
- We will pass through different wonderful landscapes and plans of citrus, pineapple, cashew, and many more.
- The animal sanctuary awaits you to appreciate wildlife.
- Cool off in the blue river by tubing and stopping for a swim.
- Certified tour guide.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 235 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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.
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
235 verified traveler reviews for RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10/10 Experience with Yorleny & Gio! * Amazing Tour, Amazing Guides, Amazing Memories!
We had such an amazing experience on this tour! Yorleny and Gio truly made the entire day special. Yorleny was incredible from beginning to end. During the drive, she stayed engaged with us and shared so much interesting history about Costa Rica, the volcanoes, the areas we were passing through, and the nature around us. She stayed with us throughout the entire adventure, helped take pictures, hyped us up, cracked jokes, and made everything so much more fun. She was also extremely thoughtful. We forgot to bring towels for tubing, and somehow she made sure we had towels waiting for us when we finished! They even made stops along the way just so we could take pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Gio was an amazing driver. He drove us through rain, rough roads, and a long journey, and we felt completely safe and comfortable with him behind the wheel. We also felt very comfortable leaving our belongings in the vehicle with him. Both Yorleny and Gio were very mindful of us throughout the entire day, making sure we had opportunities to eat, drink, take bathroom breaks, and rest when needed. They were incredibly kind, sweet, patient, and welcoming. It was a long day and a big adventure, but they made it such a memorable experience. I would absolutely do this tour again. Yorleny and Gio are an amazing team, and I highly recommend them! 10/10 experience!
via Tripadvisor
Adventure-filled day!
It’s a full day so bring some snacks and water bottles filled with water. Bring tips for the nature tour guide, the tubing guide and the all-day guide. The tubing can get rough if it has recently rained so the tubes should be clipped to at least one other. We went when it had been dry and my tube still flipped. If it hadn’t been for frebasio who tubed with our party, who knows the river backwards and forwards, I could have gotten badly hurt. He and Allen, our all-day guide, were wonderful. We saw several animals and native trees/plants, the gorgeous waterfall and a very fun time tubing the river with many exciting rapids!
via Viator
The best day and the best guides!
We had a wonderful experience on this tour! It was extremely well organized, very interesting, and so much fun! I would highly recommend this tour if you want a great day of adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Carlos the man!
This trip was amazing for our family. From the beginning Carols and Alfredo were great! Lunch was amazing, I highly recommend the fish!! Tubing was great but the rapids and speed were more than we were expecting. A thrilling and fun adventure. Don’t wear any glasses because if you fall off your tub the river will most likely take them. Highly recommend this trip!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing family day trip!!
What an amazing day!! Thanks to Alfredo and his driving skills and for stopping and pointing out Wild life on the whole trip. Carlos did an amazing job making sure we all were taken care of and had the best time from the beginning to the end. One of the best family trips in a long time. Lots of laughs and memories.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $149 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 82
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by BLUE ZONE TOURS, who run 4 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.4.
See everything BLUE ZONE TOURS runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife cost?
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Prices start at $149 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Alajuela is not rushed.
Is RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 235 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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Around 82 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 Alajuela 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 Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife 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 Alajuela 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 Alajuela?
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On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. 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 Alajuela?
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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 Alajuela?
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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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; Roundtrip A/C Transportation (except the self-drive option); Animal Sanctuary, such as two types of sloths, colored frogs, exotic birds, and much more; Hydration; and Rio Celeste waterfall. Not included: Gratuities; Breakfast; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 274 listed pickup locations in and around Alajuela. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife 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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife 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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife 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 RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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Across 235 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for RÍO CELESTE COMBO: River Tubing+Blue Waterfall+Exotic Wildlife?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Self-drive/Meet at Nat. Park, Private Transportation & Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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