Family-Friendly Safari Float on Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna

Summary

La Fortuna Jungle River Float: Wildlife & Relaxation for All Ages

Looking for an easy adventure near La Fortuna? This gentle safari float lets you spot monkeys, tropical birds, and more while relaxing on the Sarapiqui River. Great for families or anyone wanting to soak up Costa Rica’s nature without rushing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at El Roble de Sarapiqui was how the air felt—warm, a little damp, with that earthy smell you only get near the river. Our guide, Carlos, handed out life jackets and cracked a joke about how even the monkeys would be jealous of our gear. We climbed into the raft right by the Red Eye Frog restaurant—locals swear by their coffee—and set off down the gentle Sarapiqui River.

Floating past tangled vines and overhanging branches, it got quiet except for bird calls and the soft dip of Carlos’s paddle. He pointed out a flash of green overhead—great green macaw!—and later we spotted a family of howler monkeys lounging in a tree. There were moments when we drifted close to the banks and I caught sight of tiny blue morpho butterflies fluttering just above the water. The river’s lower section is calm enough that even kids seemed at ease, peering over the edge to spot turtles or maybe a sneaky iguana sunning itself.

About halfway through, Carlos let us hop out for a quick swim. The water was cool but not cold—just right after sitting in the sun. Back on board, we floated by the edge of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. He explained this stretch is famous for rare birds and sometimes even black river otters (no luck for us that day). The whole trip took about two hours but honestly, time slipped by fast.

We finished up in Jacare and rode back to the Red Eye Frog. Lunch was a classic Costa Rican casado—rice, beans, plantains, salad, and chicken if you wanted it. I’m not usually big on coffee but their brew had this nutty aroma that made me go for seconds. If you’re looking for something easygoing but still packed with wildlife, this safari float is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle Safari Float on Sarapiqui River

• Jungle Safari Float on Sarapiqui River
• Wildlife spotting with bilingual guide
• Float near Mesoamerican Biological Corridor
• Optional river swim and refresh
• Traditional Casado lunch at Red Eye Frog Restaurant

Top questions

Is this safari float suitable for young kids?

Yes, it’s perfect for families with children. The river section is calm and guides are experienced with all ages.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No worries if you’re not a strong swimmer. Life jackets are provided and you can choose whether or not to swim during the break.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

You’ll likely spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds like macaws and kingfishers, plus maybe some lizards or turtles along the banks.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes! After the float you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch at a local restaurant, along with coffee and snacks.

What’s included

Your tour covers snacks, a hearty Costa Rican lunch (casado), roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus all safety gear like helmets and life jackets. Guides handle everything so you can just relax and enjoy the river.