Closest white water to Arenal!
This is one of the best options in the Arenal area north of San Jose. It's a river that appeals to beginners as well as more experienced rafters. The tropical environment, wildflife, the white water, and a lot of adrenaline and fun is what you can expect.
- Half Day Tour starting late morning.
- Those wanting to be picked up at the lobby of your Arenal lodging.
Charge yourself with adrenaline for fun. It doesn't matter if you are on your own with a group of friendly strangers, or with your group, family or loved one. Expect rapids, but they are safe. Some are named "Morning Coffee" and "Rock around the Croc". There will be time too, to enjoy peaceful and tranquil river pools in and isolated jungle river canyon.
On arrival at the river, participants receive thorough safety instructions before the rafts are ready to be launched. Safety gear is provided, and passengers are divided into small groups to practice the basic rowing techniques and familiarize themselves with the guide's commands. When everyone is ready, the groups launch for their Balsa River adventure of about two hours. The guides encourage you and help you feel secure, as rapids come and go, you soon gain confidence.
Wildlife abound in this rafting section of the Balsa River, so keep an eye out for sloths, iguanas, monkey's an native birds. You might even be lucky to see a toucan.
Half way down the river, everyone gets a chance to stop and enjoy a snack of fresh tropical Costa Rican fruit - a great energy boost needed for the next set of rapids that are left to conquer.
It's exhilarating yet refreshing. Then finally, after about two hours of solid physical activity, rafters arrive at the finishing point. Get out of their gear and into the van. It's lunch time and a good hot lunch is waiting at a nearby restaurant (not featured in this illustrative photo), and it's a chance to say farewells and thank the guides for one great rafting experience! The ride back to your lodging in Arenal takes less than an hour usually. And you take with you great memories of a fun day on the River Balsa.
Secure sandals (must attach to ankle) or running shoes, shorts and t-shirt, towel and dry clothes to change into, and bring bug spray and sunscreen.
Please Note that all tours and prices are subject to change and availability. Scheduling is approximate. Wildlife seen will vary on each tour, and tours run rain or shine. If in the unlikely situation that river conditions are unsuitable, the head guide might make the call to change to a back-up river of equal level and/or offer our half-day whitewater inflatable kayak or raft tour – you're always guaranteed a fun day on the river.