Black River Tubing Adventure: 5 km of Class 2-3 Rapids

Bounce down five kilometers of rushing rapids in your own tube raft, then climb back up on horseback through the forest.

Ride individual tube rafts down 5 km of Class 2-3 rapids on the Black River, bouncing through white water and drifting through quiet pools lined with tropical forest. The adventure starts with a scenic ride on Costa Rican ranch horses (or vehicle transport) from Hacienda Guachipelin down to the river, and guides accompany you throughout for safety. The whole experience takes about two and a half hours.

The experience

If you've got a free afternoon and want to spend it in the water instead of sitting still, this is the setup: you start at Hacienda Guachipelin and ride a Costa Rican ranch horse through forest trails to reach the Black River, or take vehicle transport if you prefer. Either way, you arrive at the water ready to get in your tube raft. A specially designed one with handles and a protective bottom, built to handle the ride ahead.

The river itself is five kilometers of Class 2 and 3 rapids, which means constant motion and splash but nothing that requires technical skill. You'll bounce and surge through the narrow, rushing water in your own tube, guided by someone who stays with you the whole way. Between the adrenaline stretches are quiet pools where the river slows and the tropical scenery actually comes into focus: dense forest walls on both sides, the water clear enough to see through. The guides make sure you stay safe and know what's coming, so you can focus on the ride.

Bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet. The water is cold and the rocks are sharp. Waterproof sunscreen and insect repellent matter in this climate, and a hat keeps the sun off between the shaded sections. The whole descent takes about two and a half hours from start to finish, which leaves the rest of your day open.

What’s included

• Safety briefing and all equipment including your tube raft with handles and protective bottom.
• a live guide in English or Spanish who stays with you throughout the descent.
• the scenic ride on horseback or by vehicle from Hacienda Guachipelin to the river.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adventure Tours Hacienda Guachipelin

Is this one for you?At two and a half hours, this fits into an afternoon without eating up your whole day. You can tube in the morning or early afternoon and still have time for lunch or other activities afterward. The horse ride to the river adds a different element from pure water sports, so you're not just sitting in a tube for the entire time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far down the Black River do you actually tube?

The Black River tubing run covers 5 km (3 miles) of Class 2 and 3 rapids, with quiet pools in between where the river slows down.

What are the tube rafts like, and do they feel safe?

The tube rafts are specially designed with handles and protective bottoms to keep you secure as you bounce through the rapids. Guides accompany you throughout the descent to ensure safety.

Do you have to ride a horse to get to the river, or can you drive?

You can ride a Costa Rican ranch horse through the forest trails from Hacienda Guachipelin to the river, or opt for vehicle transport if you prefer not to ride.

What's the minimum age to go tubing on the Black River?

Children are welcome from age 8 and up, so families with kids in that range can book together.

How long does the whole adventure take?

The experience runs about two and a half hours from the time you leave Hacienda Guachipelin until you finish the river descent.