La Fortuna: Afternoon White Water Rafting & Volcano Views

Summary

Rafting wild rivers near Arenal with volcano in sight

You’ll paddle through lively Class II & III rapids just outside La Fortuna, guided by locals who know every bend of the river. There’s time to swim beneath volcano views, snack on fresh fruit riverside, and end with hot chocolate as dusk settles over Arenal. If you want adventure without an early start — this is it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous until we actually pulled up to the river — but yeah, there it was, that little flutter in my stomach. We’d left La Fortuna just after lunch (I liked not having to wake up at sunrise for once), and our guide Diego kept cracking jokes about how “nobody falls in unless they want to.” The drive was short, maybe half an hour, and I remember passing El Salto Waterfall out the window — it looked like something out of a movie, all that green and spray. The air smelled kind of sweet, almost muddy but fresh.

Getting into the raft felt clumsy at first — I’m not exactly graceful in a life jacket. The water was colder than I expected when it splashed over my feet. Diego ran through the safety stuff again (he’s done this a million times, you can tell), then off we went. There were these sudden bursts where the raft would buck and everyone would shriek or laugh — even my dad, who’s usually pretty quiet. In between rapids, the river calmed down enough that Diego let us jump in for a swim. Floating on my back with Arenal Volcano right there above the trees… I still think about that view sometimes.

Afterwards we were all dripping wet and hungry, so they handed out big chunks of pineapple and watermelon while we changed out of our soggy clothes. The drive back was slower; everyone was tired in that good way you get after being outside all afternoon. We stopped at this two-story restaurant with huge windows facing the volcano — hot chocolate never tasted so good. I tried to thank Diego in Spanish but probably messed it up; he just grinned and gave me a thumbs-up anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon white water rafting adventure

• Use bathroom and changing rooms
• Drive to river past El Salto Waterfall
• Enjoy white water rafting class II & III
• Return and have hot chocolate or coffee

Top questions

How far is the rafting location from La Fortuna?

The river is about 30 minutes’ drive from La Fortuna town.

Is this white water rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes, this tour is designed for families and beginners looking for Class II & III rapids.

What time does the afternoon rafting trip start?

The tour leaves daily at 14:00 (2:00 PM) from La Fortuna.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within La Fortuna are included.

Are snacks or meals provided during the tour?

You’ll get fresh fruit after rafting and hot chocolate or coffee at a restaurant afterwards.

Can you swim during the rafting trip?

Yes, there are calm sections where you’re allowed to jump in for a swim.

Are there changing rooms available before or after rafting?

You can use bathrooms and changing rooms at the office before heading to the river.

What should I bring for this activity?

A swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, and water shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna, roundtrip transport to the river (about 30 minutes each way), all equipment needed for Class II & III white water rafting with a local adventure guide, plenty of fresh fruit after your paddle session, plus time to relax with hot chocolate or coffee at a restaurant overlooking Arenal Volcano before heading back around sunset.