Rafting Class II-III La Fortuna: ATV and river in one day

You paddle Class II-III rapids after riding an ATV through volcano views

Rafting Class II-III on the Balsa River combined with ATV riding on a private farm near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The morning starts on trails below Arenal Volcano, then shifts to a two-hour paddle through roaring rapids in the afternoon. Guide, all rafting gear, lunch and hotel pickup are included. The full day runs about nine hours from pickup to drop-off.

The experience

The day splits into two halves, each one a different kind of action. You start on an ATV quad at a private farm with views of Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna town spread below, riding trails for about two and a half hours. After a thirty-minute drive to the Arenal River, you get a break with cold drinks before the raft guides walk you through the basics and give you time to practice before you push off into the Balsa River's Class II-III rapids. The paddle itself runs two hours, with stops along the banks where you can jump in or swim, and the guides set out fresh tropical fruits and cold drinks mid-run. At the end, you get a typical Costa Rican lunch before the air-conditioned vehicle drops you back at your hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.

What you bring matters here: wear a bathing suit and shoes that stay on your feet, and pack a backpack with dry clothes and toiletries for the change afterward. You will get wet. The raft, paddles, vest and helmet come with the package, along with bottled water throughout the day. A professional guide leads both the ATV and rafting sections and speaks English or Spanish. If you need a vegetarian lunch instead of the standard meal, let the operator know when you book. Weather can cancel the river section if there is flooding or a government closure. If that happens, you get an alternative activity or a full refund.

For the ATV portion, you have two options at checkout: ride your own quad (minimum age 16 with a valid driver's license) or share one with an adult (minimum age 8). Either way, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels in La Fortuna, and the operator will confirm your pickup location when you book.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• ATV quad riding on a private farm below Arenal Volcano for about two and a half hours.
• two-hour Class II-III rafting paddle on the Balsa River with stops for swimming.
• all rafting equipment (raft, paddles, vest, helmet).
• fresh tropical fruits and cold drinks on the river.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels in La Fortuna.

Options for this experience

2 options

Combo Rafting and ATV, DoubleGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Lasts 8 hours, includes lunch, bus or van transport, and pickup is included

Combo Rafting and ATV, Single RiderGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Youth (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Wave Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose the solo ATV option if you hold a valid driver's license and want to control your own quad. The shared option works for younger riders and families who want to ride together. The full nine-hour day packs two different activities into one booking, so you get both volcano views and river action without separate bookings.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 15 years). Under 8: they 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.

Can I ride my own ATV, or do I have to share one?

You choose at checkout. Solo riders must be at least 16 and show a valid driver's license. Shared riders can be as young as 8 and ride with an adult on the same quad.

What happens if the river floods or closes before the tour?

The Balsa River section may be cancelled if flooding or a government closure occurs after you book. If that happens, the operator offers an alternative activity or a full refund.

Do I need to know how to raft before I book?

No. The raft guides teach you everything you need to know and give you time to practice your skills before the two-hour paddle starts.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The package includes the ATV ride, all rafting gear (raft, paddles, vest, helmet), a professional guide, lunch, fresh fruit and drinks on the river, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Bring a bathing suit, shoes that stay on your feet, and a backpack with dry clothes and toiletries.

How long is the full day, and when do I get back to my hotel?

The activity runs about nine hours total from pickup to drop-off. The bus returns you to your hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.