If you’re looking for an extreme adventure on the Balsa River, this white-water rafting tour is a great pick. Paddle your way down six miles (9.6 kilometers) of nearly non-stop white water—most rafting companies don’t take this extreme route on the Upper Balsa, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see any other rafts as you head through the rain forest canyon. This tour includes an extra stop at the El Salto swimming hole and lunch.

Balsa River white-water rafting tour from La Fortuna
Raft nearly nonstop class V rapids—experienced rafters only
Technical guide and safety kayakers support you throughout the trip
Lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna included

What's Included

Transportation
Lunch
Hotel pick up / drop off La Fortuna
Snacks

Gratuities
Photos

Meeting and Pickup

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

Meeting point

Costa Rica Descents Adventure Company
Via 702, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Via 702, 500 meter south from the Catholic Church of La Fortuna, next to Supermarket "Super Rosvil", 21007, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pick up times will vary based on the location of your hotel/accommodation. A member of the Costa Rica Descents Team will reach out to coordinate timing and locations.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Photos are not included if you want then you can buy then at the office.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 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

Reviews

5.0

53 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-3 of 53 reviews

Don’t book anywhere else! 10/10 experience!

Amanda_V, Dec 2023

First of all, this was my first rafting experience ever and I was very nervous going into it. My boyfriend really wanted to do class V, so I sucked it up for him. I could not have been more safe than with Orlando and his team! Orlando is a veteran of these rivers and is a top notch guide. Jean Carlos was there for safety following us along in a kayak as well. They are both so experienced. Every time I almost fell out Orlando would grab me before I had the chance to actually fall out. He was on top of it & knew how to handle every situation on the water. On the way to the river, they taught us about everything we were passing. It was like our own private tour of the region. They even pulled over and spotted some howler monkeys for us. The rapids were so much fun & an enjoyable challenge. Definitely the highlight of our trip! We were educated on the ins and outs of the rapids, the commands, and everything else we needed to know. During the ride, they brought us to spots with waterfalls and even a spot we could cliff jump. When we got back to their “office,” which is a beautiful building for hosting that backs to their organic farm, they gave us a great lunch & time to relax. After we ate, they gave us a tour of the farm and taught us about organic agriculture. We got to process raw sugar cane, try it, and try some of their moonshine. I really have to give these guys a shout for such an incredible experience overall. We never felt like strangers thanks to their hospitality and their vibrant personalities. What you get for this package is far beyond what you would expect. They deserve 5/5 stars and then some.

Book this adventure!

Steve_L, May 2023

If you want thrills and excitement with a great team then book this adventure. The wife and I just did this, and it was awesome! The staff is excellent and safe. Thanks to all of you

Response from Host, May 2023

Hello, Thank you for your comment and recommendation, it has been a pleasure for all the staff of Costa Rica Descents that you have chosen us to be part of your adrenaline day in the river, we hope to see you soon friends!!! Best regards, Heylen - Costa Rica Descents

Must do activity!

Dana_S, Feb 2022

We had the best day doing the class V rapids on Sarapiqui with Orlando! I cannot say enough positive things about him. The rapids were a blast but we never felt unsafe. He knows the river and was an excellent guide. He also provided cultural knowledge throughout the day and after the rafting trip, and showed us around the farm behind the company. We got to hold baby goats, crushed sugar cane, and took shots of moonshine together. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who is adventurous! And shout outs to Giancarlos (Rasta) and Gustavo!

Response from Host, Apr 2022

thank you so much! We love to read review like this.

From $150.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

White Water Rafting class V

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Overview

What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Pickup points

Start time

End point

Pickup details

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Reviews

From $150.00

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