La Fortuna: Balsa River Rafting & Local Lunch with Pickup

Summary

Raft wild Balsa River rapids spot monkeys eat local lunch

You’ll paddle through lively class II & III rapids on the Balsa River with a local guide, float past jungle where monkeys and birds call overhead, snack on fresh fruit mid-river, and share a Costa Rican lunch with volcano views. Expect laughter, splashes, maybe a nervous moment or two — but mostly just pure fun in good company.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway into our helmets when José, our guide, grinned and asked if anyone had ever fallen out before. I laughed — nervously — because the Balsa River looked both playful and a bit wild under the morning clouds. The van ride from La Fortuna was short but bumpy, passing that bright blue church and the sleepy park where old men played chess. I kept looking out for sloths in the trees but only spotted an iguana sunbathing on a fence post. Guess you can’t force these things.

The first splash hit colder than I expected — not freezing, just enough to wake me up. The class II and III rapids tossed us around, but honestly, between paddling and shouting over the water (and laughing when my friend nearly lost her paddle), it felt like we’d been doing this forever. José yelled “pura vida!” every time we cleared a rapid. At one point he pointed out a howler monkey in the canopy; its call was so much deeper than I thought it’d be, almost like thunder far away.

There were calm stretches too, where we floated and some folks jumped in for a swim. The river smelled earthy and green — hard to explain unless you’ve been there. We stopped for fresh fruit on a gravel bank; pineapple so sweet it made my teeth ache. Later, at lunch (buffet-style, upstairs with Arenal Volcano peeking through mist), someone tried to say “gracias” with a mouthful of plantain and nearly choked — everyone cracked up, even one of the kitchen ladies watching from behind the counter.

I still think about that view from the restaurant window: rain just starting to tap on the glass, steam curling off rice on my plate. If you’re looking for white water rafting near La Fortuna that’s fun but not terrifying (and comes with stories you’ll want to tell later), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White water rafting and local sights

• Use bathroom and changing rooms
• Drive through La Fortuna town
• See La Fortuna park and church
• Drive by El Salto Waterfall
• Enjoy organic buffet lunch
• Raft class II and III rapids
• Stop to swim in calm water
• Spot wildlife along the river
• Learn about local plants and chocolate

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this white water rafting tour?

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

What level are the rapids on the Balsa River?

This tour features class II & III rapids — suitable for beginners and families.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, an organic buffet-style Costa Rican lunch is included after rafting.

Are there age restrictions for rafting?

The minimum age is 6 years old and maximum is 70 years old.

Will I see wildlife during this tour?

You might spot sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and tropical birds along the river.

How long does it take to get from La Fortuna to the river?

The drive is short; you’ll pass through La Fortuna town before reaching the river.

Is swimming allowed during rafting?

Yes, there are calm sections where you can jump in for a swim if you want.

Are changing rooms available before rafting?

Yes, bathrooms and changing rooms are available at the office before heading out.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna, all rafting equipment with guidance from experienced locals on class II & III rapids of Balsa River, stops for fresh organic fruit along the way, plus a buffet-style Costa Rican lunch served at a restaurant overlooking Arenal Volcano before heading back home.