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Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica

Name: Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica
Brand: Arenal Rafting
SKU: 36775P3
Price: 85.00 USD
Rating: 5.0 (1428 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceLa Fortuna, Costa Rica

White Water Rafting Adventure Class III and IV on the Upper part of Balsa River

5 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Class III and IV white-water rafting adventure
9-miles (15-kilometers) of paddling down the Balsa River
Enjoy a break to swim, relax, snack and have a beer
Lunch at a local restaurant after your rafting trip

Sample Menu

Main

Costa Rican Casado

A casado is a meal using rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla, and an optional protein source such as chicken, beef, pork, fish and so on.

What's Included

Fruits on the river
Lunch
Bottled water
Transportation from hotels located less than 6 km away from our main office
Towel

Souvenir photos (available to purchase) at the end of the tour.
We do extra pickups in some hotels for a charge of $40
Pick up service at hotels located over 6 km away from our main office

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Arenal Rafting
Av 333 y Calle 460, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
100 METERS NORTH FROM THE POLICE STATION, AVENUE 333 STREET 460. You can find us on WAZE or GOOGLE MAPS as ARENAL RAFTING COMPANY. AT 9:15am.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

09:10 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

-Bring comfortable clothes to get wet and paddle, secure shoes for rafting (closed toed shoes are safer, flip flops or crocs are NOT RECOMMENDED), bring also changing clothes. -Make sure you show up at the reception of your hotel or pick up place at the right time. Guides and drivers only wait a maximun of 5 minutes after the pick up time. If you are not sure about your PICK UP TIME call or send a whatsapp message to +506 89342626. Please Note: "Pick up time" refers to the time we pick you up at the hotel, "Start Time" refers the time when the tour starts. Pick up service is included ONLY for hotels located 5 km around La Fortuna Central Park. We DO NOT offer pick service on Airbnb, however you can drive or take a taxi to our main office in La Fortuna, where we offer safe parking and more facilities.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Near public transportation

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Adrienne_R

I had an absolute blast on the water! Tom, our guide, was so fun and energetic. He really made the whole experience so awesome! The vibe was great, water was adventurous, food was delicious and staff was nothing less than superb! Tom was so sweet too. He found a little puppy in the road, named it River and took it home.

Reviews

5.0

1,428 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,428 reviews

Must-do!

Marc_F, Apr 2024

Amazing experience! Loved the history of the animals and the river itself. The rapids were challenging but not at all above our expectations.

Thrills!

Judy_W, Apr 2024

So fun! The guides were great. We felt safe the whole time. Would 100% do it again. Pictures were a great deal too!

Excellent experience. ...

Mario_R, Apr 2024

Excellent experience. Raft guide Juan Miguel ensured that we had a blast going down the river. Saw a bunch animals along the way. Would recommend!

Amazing Experience made even better with an amazing guide!

Luciano_V, Apr 2024

Jason was very funny, knowledgeable, informative, kept us all safe, and made the experience very engaging! On the tour you will be rafting for about 2 hours but it is so fun and we had such an amazing time! Would do it again 10/10 Don’t bring your phone, you will lose it or will get water damaged 100%

Excellent

Nehal_N, Apr 2024

Staff was very friendly and professional. They made the whole experience smooth and fun! I would totally do this again.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hey there! Thanks a bunch for your awesome review! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear that you found our staff to be friendly and professional – creating smooth and fun experiences is what we're all about! It's fantastic to know that you had such a great time with us that you'd be up for doing it all over again. We'd love to have you back for another round of adventure on the river! Thanks again for choosing us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more fun shortly! Best regards,

Do it!!

Chris_F, Apr 2024

Guides: A+ Didier and Juan Miguel brought so much energy. It made the trip. Their excitement to do what they do transferred to us. So much fun. River difficulty: 5/10 if you’re worried about the class 3-4 don’t be. It’s a good amount of challenging Recommendations: sunscreen on your knees and arms.

Absolutely great fun, must do in La Fortuna

Elena_F, Apr 2024

Great fun. Be ready to get soaked. We did the 3/4 trip with our 15 and 18 years old kids, we all had so much fun. Lunch at the end was delicious but not really necessary as the adventure on the river is sufficient but nice to talk to the other people who shared the trip with you

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a great time on our 3/4 trip. It's fantastic to know that everyone had fun, even with the expectation of getting soaked! Rafting is all about enjoying the thrill of the water, and it sounds like you embraced the adventure wholeheartedly. We're glad you enjoyed the delicious lunch at the end, although we understand that the real highlight was the adventure on the river itself. It's always nice to connect with fellow adventurers and share stories after an exhilarating experience like rafting. Thank you for choosing Arenal Rafting for your family adventure, and we hope to see you again soon for more fun on the river!

Fun on the rio

Sarah_N, Apr 2024

It was an easy 3/4, nothing outlandish at all. Our guide, Cesar, was great and so fun. We also got a lot of good food in the end.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We're glad to hear that you had a good time rafting with us, even though it was a more relaxed 3/4 level experience. It's wonderful to hear that Cesar, your guide, added to the fun of your adventure. Our guides strive to ensure that every trip down the river is enjoyable and memorable for our guests. We're also happy to hear that you enjoyed the good food provided at the end of your trip. We believe that great food is the perfect way to conclude an exciting day of rafting! Thank you again for choosing Arenal Rafting for your adventure, and we hope to see you again soon for more fun on the river!

Elvis Rocks!

Amanda_H, Mar 2024

The Arenal Rafting team is amazing. They are so easy to work with & very accommodating. Elvis was our guide and he was hilarious. So much fun to ride with & he even caught my mother in law when she fell in. The ride was great, not scary, & just enough adrenaline that most people will enjoy it. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with the Arenal Rafting team. Providing excellent service and ensuring our guests have a fantastic time is our top priority, and we're glad to hear that we were easy to work with and accommodating. Elvis sounds like an incredible guide, and we're thrilled that he made your experience so enjoyable with his humour and expertise. It's great to hear that he was able to assist your mother-in-law when she fell in.

The Highlight of the trip to La Fortuna with amazing guide JASON!

Laurie_K, Mar 2024

This was an INCREDIBLY FUN trip on the Balsa River. The guides were extremely professional and thorough about safety protocols and procedures. That said, our guide JASON did an excellent job of determining our boat’s collective appetite for adventure and took us down some of the bigger rapids that some of the other rafts skirted around. There are a couple opportunities during mellow patches of the river to get out of the boat and float, highly recommended. The stop for fruit was incredible, wish I had a photo of all the delicious fruit the guides prepared for us. I can’t say enough how impressed I was with the company and the entirety of the experience. I’m not sure that you can request a guide but if you are lucky enough to get Jason, your trip will be that much better. Just book it!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello, Thank you for your enthusiastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an incredibly fun trip on the Balsa River with us. It's fantastic that our guides were extremely professional and thorough about safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We're delighted to hear that Jason did an excellent job of tailoring the adventure to your boat's appetite for excitement and took you down some of the bigger rapids. The opportunity to float during mellow patches of the river sounds wonderful, and we're glad you enjoyed it. We're thrilled that you found the stop for fruit incredible and wish you had a photo of all the delicious fruit prepared by our guides. Your praise for the company and the entirety of the experience means a lot to us. While we can't always guarantee specific guides, we'll certainly pass along your compliments to Jason. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you again for more unforgettable adventures in the future!

Would go again

Lorraine_C, Mar 2024

My new husband and I loved this tour. Our tour guide, Carlos, was super fun and knowledgeable. We spent about 2 hours on the water and the lunch was delicious.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you and your new husband loved the tour. It's wonderful to know that Carlos, your tour guide, was super fun and knowledgeable, enhancing your experience on the water. We're glad you enjoyed the approximately 2-hour adventure on the water and that you found the lunch delicious. Creating memorable experiences and providing delicious meals are always our goals! Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, and we wish you both a lifetime of happiness together. We hope to see you again for more unforgettable experiences in the future! Pura vida!

So fun!!

Jess_B, Mar 2024

I was a little worried to do class 4 but it was pretty mild (in dry season). Our guide Johnny was so great. One of the funnest tours I’ve done. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear that your concerns about the class 4 rapids were alleviated, especially during the dry season. Johnny sounds like an excellent guide, and we're thrilled that he made the tour one of the funniest you've experienced. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to see you again for more adventures in the future!

Fun on the river!

Sean_R, Mar 2024

Fun time on the river! Victor was a great guide. Clear instructions and he knew a lot about the animals and sights. I went solo and met some great people! Would do again!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fun time on the river with Victor as your guide. It's fantastic that you found his instructions clear and appreciated his knowledge about the local wildlife and sights. We're also glad to hear that even as a solo traveler, you were able to connect with great people during the trip. We appreciate your feedback and would love to have you join us again for another adventure on the river! 🌊🚣‍♂️😊

Wonderful

Sylvia_H, Feb 2024

Our guide was great and the experience was perfect. We enjoyed the fruit the fun on trip. Maybe could of been a little longer maybe 10-15 mins more

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hello Sylvia, Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had a perfect experience with our great guide. We're glad you enjoyed the fruit and had fun during the trip. We appreciate your suggestion regarding the length of the trip and will certainly take it into consideration for future tours. Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for our guests, and your feedback helps us improve. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌊🚣‍♂️🍉

Just do it!

Kaushik_K, Feb 2024

Amazing experience. Our guide Jack Sparrow was fantastic and ensured we were safe throughout. Never the less, the rapids are super fun. Second time rafting after a long time. Exciting stuff.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time on your rafting adventure with Jack Sparrow as your guide. Safety is always our top priority, and we're glad to hear that Jack ensured you had a safe experience while still enjoying the super fun rapids. It's great to know that despite it being your second time rafting after a long break, you found it to be exciting and enjoyable. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to Jack, who will be thrilled to hear about your positive feedback. We appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for more thrilling adventures in the future!

Fantastic all around!

Connor_W, Feb 2024

We had an excellent bus and tour guide who made the trip more engaging, there were multiple rest stops to take in the scenery and allowing us to catch a breather, and the food provided was also great!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience with our bus and tour guide, who added to the engagement of your trip. We understand the importance of taking breaks to appreciate the scenery and catch your breath, and we're glad you found the multiple rest stops enjoyable. Additionally, we're thrilled that you enjoyed the food provided during your journey. We strive to provide a memorable and comfortable experience for all our guests, and we're grateful for your feedback. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another enjoyable adventure!

A must do

Melissa_J, Feb 2024

Such a fun experience. Our guide Juan Miguel did such a great job keeping us safe yet with plenty of dips n spins with our raft. I definitely recommend booking this excursion.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fun time on the river. It's wonderful to know that Juan Miguel did a great job of keeping you safe while also adding plenty of excitement with dips and spins in the raft. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted that you enjoyed your excursion with us. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future! Pura Vida! 🌊🚣‍♂️

Prepare to get wet! Amazing time!!!

Timothy_P, Feb 2024

This was our first time rafting and it did not disappoint! Our guide was very knowledgeable, hilarious, and took part in our rambunctious group's jokes and splashing. Felt safe the entire time. The views were amazing and the rapids were so much fun. Stopped for fruit halfway. Spotted a few sloths along the river as well. Highly recommend!!!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your first-time rafting adventure was such a success. It's fantastic that your guide was knowledgeable, hilarious, and fully engaged with your lively group, making the experience even more enjoyable. Safety is always our top priority, so we're delighted to hear that you felt safe throughout the entire trip. The amazing views, fun rapids, and refreshing fruit stop all sound like highlights of your adventure. And spotting a few sloths along the river must have been an incredible bonus! Thank you for your enthusiastic recommendation! We truly appreciate it and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future. 🚣‍♂️🌟😊

Our guide was amazing! We...

Stacey_K, Feb 2024

Our guide was amazing! We felt safe and had a ton of fun. He also gave us alot of information about the area and pointed out a ton of wildlife. His name was Johnny.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello! Thank you so much for your review. We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with Johnny as your guide. Safety is our top priority, and we're glad that you felt safe throughout the trip while having a ton of fun. It's wonderful to hear that Johnny provided you with a lot of information about the area and pointed out a ton of wildlife along the way. We're passionate about sharing the natural beauty and wildlife of the area with our guests, and we're delighted that Johnny was able to enhance your experience in this way. Thank you for rafting with us, and we hope to see you again soon for more adventures! Pura Vida!

Seamless and added perks

Jill_S, Jan 2024

The entire experience was seamless including the transportation, the rafting, and the lunch. Victor was our raft guide and he not only navigated a great rafting experience he also pointed out and explained nature and history. I recommend this rafting company!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Hello, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you had a seamless experience from start to finish, including transportation, rafting, and lunch. It's fantastic to know that Victor was your raft guide and provided not only a great rafting experience but also shared insights about nature and history along the way. We appreciate your recommendation and are thrilled to hear that you recommend our rafting company. Providing informative and enjoyable experiences for our guests is what we strive for, and we're glad Victor delivered on that. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future! 🚣‍♂️ Pura vida!

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