White Water River Rafting Class II-III from San Jose to Arenal
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy this family friendly, fun outdoor river rafting activity on your way from San Jose to Arenal. After receiving instruction by your certified guides, you'll practice your skills before beginning the tour. Paddle along the scenic and exciting Balsa River stopping along the way for fresh fruits, beverages, a chance to take a refreshing Balsa River plunge and lunch.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum Age 8
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Weather dependent. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is flooding or other government river closure. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Participants will get wet, please dress ready to raft in bathing suit and shoes that will stay on feet. No flipflops allowed
Not responsible for items lost or damaged on river, please do not take anything on the river that you are not willing to lose.
Not responsible for items left on bus from San Jose, please check carefully before getting off bus
Tour requires a 2 person minimum to book
What To Expect
Wave Expeditions
This exciting Class II-III white water rafting tour begins with your pickup at your hotel in San Jose. The bus may stop at other hotels to pickup fellow rafters. Storage above your seat is available for your backpack, change of clothing and toiletry items you might need at the end of the tour. Along the route to the river bank you'll pass through fields of yucca, papaya and other plants. Have your camera ready, because your bathroom break is an awesome spot to get amazing photos of nature and iguanas. Once you arrive at the put in spot on the river bank, your guides and safety kayakers will instruct you on how to raft, teaching you the basic moves and rafting commands you and your rafting team will need to know before you begin the tour. Enjoy a wet and wild ride as you guide your raft down rapids such as “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges” on your 2-hour trek down the beautiful and tropical Balsa River. Drink in the majestic foliage of the rain-forest as you watch for monkeys, sloths and toucans while you raft. Enjoy a swim, tropical fruits and cold drinks during your break from the action. A delicious, typical lunch is served at a traditional country estate designed for guests to truly experience Costa Rica’s peaceful country life. Come to understand the meaning of Costa Rica’s favorite saying, “Pura Vida!” The rafting bus will take you to your Arenal hotel between 4 and 4:30pm.
Options
White Water River Rafting Class II-III from San Jose to Arenal
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Fresh Fruits in the river
Delicious typical lunch
Professional guide
Equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest and Helmet
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do experience
dawnaI9659EN,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This adventure began early in the morning with a pickup from our Arenal Springs Resort. They picked up and took us to where we needed to go. They gave us everything we needed. Love jackets, helmets and paddles. We just wore clothing that could get wet and close toe water shoes. They briefed us on safety and our guides did practice runs checking for understanding before starting. There were 6 people per raft and our guide so our group of 8 was divided but it was ok. Half way through we got fresh fruit and a small break out of the raft. After the break we changed into dry clothes and headed for a Costa Rican lunch. After we were returned to our resort! Such an amazing experience! Not too scary and being a first timers didn’t know what to expect. Definitely do it!
100% recommend for everyone, even families with kids!
Bianca D,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience! From the hotel pick up and the attentiveness of the guides to the amazing food at the end! 100% recommend!
Incredible activity!
Evan S,Dec 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must if you are visiting Costa Rica. This activity was surreal. Staff were so incredible and friendly. Was definitely not a difficult activity, and the staff were very clear as what to do. Mid-way, there was a small break, where staff cut up dozens of the most delicious pineapples and watermelons. Definitely glad we were able to do this on our trip, and we would go back and do this over and over again.
The entire family loved Waves rafting!
ET From DC,Dec 23, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of four included an 8 and 12 year old and all of us had an amazing time, including my thrill seeking husband. The rafting experience exceeded my expectations and the team was extremely professional from start to finish. Waves’ boats, helmets and other gear was the highest quality compared to the rafting companies that were on the river with us at the same time. They even had a changing rooms at the end before we headed to lunch. Our guide Mario was excellent with our kids and it was clear that safety was his top priority. I would use Waves for other tours without any hesitation. A 5 star experience all around.
Great experience!!!
nathaliev714,Nov 25, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a combo tour of rappelling and rafting! The experience was amazing! We fortunately, we’re the only ones that had booked for the afternoon, it was during their slow season, as well as COVID. The tour guides were very friendly, took great pictures, and knew a lot about Costa Rica as well as the wildlife. While we were rafting we saw monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and toucans. We also stopped and ate a fresh pineapple that they cut open for us on the river. After we stopped at a restaurant for an authentic lunch, they gave us a shot of moon shine, and we crushed up some sugar cane. It was both a fun experience and we didn’t expect the additional stops! Would highly recommend this place!! Nathalie
The best of Costa Rica/ The best in Costa Rica
manuelalm0ntec,Mar 10, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was afraid to go rafting. However, Carla Y Momo's (Jorge) instructions relaxed me quite a bit. Excellent Service, Safe, Friendly, Trust, Going above and beyond. It was an unforgettable experience. They made us feel great. Costa Rica is beautiful.You must buy the professional camera photos taken by the best paparazzi Brandon. Brandon takes some spectacular pictures, it's worth buying. That's over 100 souvenir photos. They made this experience a lovely one. I recommend them. Excellent Service!! Thanks Wave Rafting!! I was afraid to go rafting. However, Carla and Momo's (Jorge) instructions relaxed me bit by bit. Excellent service, safe, friendly, confident, they go beyond. It was an unforgettable experience. They made us feel very good. Costa Rica is beautiful, you must buy the photos with a professional camera taken by the best paparazzi Brandon. Brandon takes some spectacular pictures, they are worth buying. There are over 100 souvenir photos. They made this experience a delightful one. I recommend them. Excellent service! Thank you Wave Rafting!
What a ride!
Rps5022,Mar 10, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our entire experience was amazing! My wife and I did the class II-III rapids tour with Mario and we could not have had more fun. He was an expert in the raft, of course, but also about the river and surrounding wildlife. If you do ONE excursions while you are in the Arenal area then do yourself a favor and make it with Wave Expeditions. (Ask for Super Mario!)
Super Mario
GilD505,Feb 11, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did it with our 2 kids 9 and 11 years old. Our guide was Super Mario great guy with excellent attitude. Thanks Mario
Complete satisfaction on a turbulent river
dionisio d,Jul 26, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In my first experience in Cat 3/2 karting I found in Alonso, our guide a serene voice even in the most turbulent moments. With unbeatable quality equipment and previous training our "downhill" was exciting and safe. I absolutely recommend this experience
Must to
pkapu,Aug 27, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Balsa river adventure coupled with lunch at the organic farm was easily the highlight of our adventure filled vacation in Costa Rica!
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Operated by Wave Expeditions