Drake Bay: Rio Claro Floating Tour & Waterfall Swim with Lunch

Summary

Swim by waterfalls float Rio Claro spot monkeys then lunch by the sea

You’ll hike through lush forest from Drake Bay to a hidden waterfall for a swim, then float down Rio Claro spotting monkeys and tropical birds before ending at the beach. Afterward, share lunch with your group—muddy shoes and all. It’s equal parts wild and peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a lifejacket while I’m still catching my breath from the hike—honestly, that first hour up through the trees was sweatier than I’d expected, but our guide (Luis? or maybe it was Luis’s cousin) kept us laughing about “jungle gym” legs. The air smells like wet leaves and something sweet, maybe guava. When we finally reached the waterfall, nobody hesitated—just shoes off and straight into the cold water. It’s louder than you think, that kind of roar that fills your head and makes you forget about everything else for a second.

I floated on my back for a while before we started down Rio Claro itself. The river moves slow in some places—almost lazy—and then suddenly you’re spinning past branches or ducking under vines. Monkeys watched us from above (I swear one threw something at us), and there were these bright blue birds darting across the water. My arms got scraped on a rock at one point—nothing serious, just a reminder that this isn’t some theme park ride. Luis pointed out a sloth curled up high in a tree; I almost missed it because I was too busy staring at my own wrinkled fingers.

By the time we washed up near the beach, everyone looked half-drowned but grinning. The last stretch is just walking along the coast—barefoot because our shoes were soaked anyway—while salt wind stuck my hair to my face. Lunch came after we piled into the van again; rice and beans never tasted so good (maybe I was just starving). There’s something about eating with sand still between your toes that makes everything feel more real, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mountain hike and river floating

• Car ride to mountain start point
• Hike one hour to waterfall
• Swim and enjoy waterfall
• Float down Rio Claro river
• Walk 45 minutes along coast
• Car ride to lunch location
• Have lunch and finish tour

Top questions

How long does the floating tour in Rio Claro take?

The full tour takes several hours: about 30 minutes by car to the starting point, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour floating down Rio Claro, plus a 45-minute coastal walk and lunch afterward.

Is lunch included in the Drake Bay floating tour?

Yes, lunch is included at the end of your adventure after returning from Rio Claro.

What should I bring for floating tour in Drake Bay?

You’ll want comfortable hiking shoes (they’ll get wet), swimwear, sunscreen, and maybe dry clothes for after lunch.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Rio Claro tour?

Yes, private transportation including pickup is included as part of your day trip from Drake Bay.

Can beginners join this floating tour?

This tour requires moderate fitness; not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup from Drake Bay to the mountains, lifejackets for floating safely down Rio Claro, plenty of time to swim at a waterfall along the way, and finally a hearty local lunch before heading back home together.