Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
The Balsa River is dam-controlled and is renowned for its relatively continuous Class 2 and 3 rapids, providing an exciting yet safe adventure for all skill levels. Most rapids are found in the first hour of the trip. These rapids offer excitement and safety, ensuring a memorable journey for beginners and experienced rafters. As you travel down the river, you'll be surrounded by the captivating beauty of Costa Rica's lush rainforests, pristine waterfalls, and a rich tapestry of exotic flora. You'll want to keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that calls this area home. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the toucans, kingfishers, and herons as they dart and soar along the riverbanks. Howler monkeys might greet you with their distinctive calls from the treetops, and you might even be lucky enough to spot the elusive, slow-moving sloth hanging lazily from the branches overhead.
Wheelchair accessible
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
Minimum Ages is 8 years old
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The Balsa River is a gem of a river rafting trip, offering a fun, family-friendly experience on Class 3 rapids rich in natural beauty. Our 11 km long trip departs daily from La Fortuna. The Balsa River rafting trip is perfect for first-time rafters ages 8 to 108. Previous rafting experience is optional, and you do not have to know how to swim. Join us on the Balsa River for a day filled with fun whitewater surrounded by majestic jungles teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Our shuttle vehicle will pick you up from your hotel at 10:00 AM with an approximate return time of 3:00 PM. Our Balsa River trip includes a fruit stop riverside and many wildlife viewing opportunities, especially on the journey’s second half. A traditional Costa Rican lunch and beverages will be served after the trip. Our rafting trips are unmatched and are operated with our client’s safety and comfort as a priority. The Balsa River is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from La Fortuna. If you’re seeking adventure and natural beauty, rafting the Balsa River is the perfect choice for your Costa Rica vacation.
Water Refill and Soft Drinks are available throughout your shuttles and trip
All Rafting Equipment including Lifejacket, Helmet and Paddle
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restrooms and Changing Rooms before and after the trip
Clean Dry Towel to dry off after the Trip
Typical Costa Rican Lunch served after your trip with vegetarian options
Soft Drinks are included
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Adventure613480,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was such an awesome experience!! Thanks to Hora io and his team they made this an exiting and memorable experience!
Adventure20396255730,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Perfect experience great surf proffesional and great service . Good atmosphere very tasty food and great guides thank u for all
abiw385,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really great rafting experience along the Rio Peñas Blancas, saw so much wildlife even with the rain, including a two-toed sloth and yellow-throated toucan! The local guide was brilliant - would highly recommend!
973linamar ac,,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The rafting experience was amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Our guide on the raft, Marco, made everything fun and safe, while Horacio in the kayak was always looking out for us. Right when we got on the bus, they welcomed us with drinks and fresh towels, which was such a thoughtful detail. The guides were super friendly, explained everything clearly, and made the whole trip really fun. During the river run we also had a break with fresh fruit and snacks. At the end, Esteban surprised us with incredible photos that captured every moment, and the tour included a delicious lunch at Fogón de Chela restaurant. Everything was perfectly organized, full of energy and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Highly recommended!
noaj39,,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The rafting was really amazing! We had a wonderful time. It’s an experience we will never forget! Special thanks to Horacio, Marcos & Esteban.
Vicacuna,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experienced guides Marcos, Horacio, Mauricio and the driver (who si don’t remember his name), thanks to them! Even when my wife and I have never did rafting before, it was pretty easy-going and fun! Prepare to get wet and have total confidence of leaving your belongings in the van. Lunch included!


sophiakO3722ZO,,Jun 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was so amazing and i highly recommend it. it was the funnest tour on our packed itinerary and Marcos was the most knowledgable guide we’ve had and his companion horacio was very friendly. we learned more about costa rica while riding through the rapids than we did on our informational tours. not to mention the rafting was super fun! they are very accommodating if you have allergies and we enjoyed a picnic with fruits and sloth sightings amidst the rapids.
505juanandr sc,,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent attention and the wave of the guides Horacio and Marquitos. An unforgettable adventure. Despite being level 3 felt the adrenaline!
Odyssey807904,,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
EXCELLENT SERVICE, very professional guys, perfect elements, safety, good work. PERFECT. they gave us all the instructions, very polite, super recommended.


dalcoss,,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our white water rafting adventure was nothing short of spectacular, and much of that was thanks to our incredible guide, Marcos! From the moment we set off, his expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for raftingmade us feel both safe and energized. Marcos not only navigated the rapids flawlessly but also took the time to ensure everyone felt comfortable and confident. His ability to balance excitement with safety was impressive, making the entire experience exhilarating yet completely enjoyable. Whether it was sharing his deep knowledge of the river, pointing out the various animals in our surroundings, cracking jokes, or giving us just the right amount of challenge, he made this trip truly unforgettable. Stopping on the river, with views of the volcano for a light snack of fresh fruit and chips enhanced the experience even more. Following the rafting we were all taken for an authentic Costa Rican meal which was amazing!! The whole experience was a TEN!! The scenery was breathtaking, the adrenaline rush was unmatched, we cant wait to do it again.
Operated by Rafting Costa Rica