Rio Celeste tubing & wildlife tour from La Fortuna
Float the blue river and watch the rainforest come alive
A full-day tour from La Fortuna, Tamarindo or Flamingo Beach into Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you tube down the turquoise Rio Celeste for 90 minutes, swim at stops along the way, and return via the best wildlife-viewing route. The guide speaks English and Spanish, lunch and roundtrip transport are included, and you stop at the 400-year-old Tree of Peace and the Souvenir Market on the way back.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Rio Celeste tubing and wildlife tour
- Depart from La Fortuna or nearby areas
- Stop to admire the 400-year-old Tree of Peace
- Tube 1.5 hours down the blue Rio Celeste river
- Swim and snack on fresh regional fruits
- Have a typical lunch
- Hike trails to see Rio Celeste waterfall
- View wildlife: sloths, frogs, birds, monkeys
- Stop at Souvenir Market
- Return to resting place
The experience
The day starts with a drive into the tropical rainforest on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano, where the guide takes you through trails to the Rio Celeste waterfall. The turquoise water is the first thing that hits you. Before the tubing begins, you'll stop to photograph the imposing Arbol de la Paz, a 400-year-old tree that anchors the landscape. The river itself is the main event: you spend an hour and a half floating downstream on a tube, stopping at several points to swim in the blue water and eat fresh regional fruits. The pace is set by the current and your own comfort, so there's no rushing through it.
After tubing, a typical Costa Rican lunch refuels you for the return journey, which follows the best route for spotting wildlife. This is where the rainforest reveals itself: two types of sloths, colored frogs, monkeys, and exotic birds show up if you're watching. The guide knows where to look and what to listen for, so the animals aren't a matter of luck. On the way back you'll stop at the Souvenir Market before heading to your hotel or starting point.
Transport is roundtrip from La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach or the Papagayo area, depending on which option you choose. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can meet the group at the national park entrance instead. The whole day runs 10 to 11 hours from pickup to drop-off.
What’s included
- Roundtrip transportation from La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach or Papagayo (or self-drive option).
- certified guide in English and Spanish.
- entry to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste waterfall.
- 90-minute river tubing with swim stops.
- fresh regional fruits during tubing.
- typical Costa Rican lunch.
- wildlife viewing on the return route.
- stop at the 400-year-old Tree of Peace.
- visit to the Souvenir Market.
- hydration throughout the day.
Options for this experience
2 optionsYou pick the guide language when booking.
Before you book
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by BLUE ZONE TOURS
Is this one for you?Choose the private transportation option if you're staying in La Fortuna, Tamarindo or Flamingo Beach and want to skip the drive yourself. The guide handles the route and timing, so you can rest on the way and focus on the river and the wildlife. Pick the self-drive option if you have a rental car and want to meet the group directly at the park entrance.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the guide in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: 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 24h before the start.
What's the Rio Celeste waterfall actually like when you get there?
The Rio Celeste waterfall sits in the middle of the tropical rainforest on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano, and the water is a striking turquoise blue. You'll see it early in the day during the guided walk through the park's trails, and it's the landmark that frames the whole experience before you get on the river itself.
How much of the day do I actually spend in the water tubing?
The tubing portion lasts an hour and a half, with stops built in for swimming and eating fresh fruit along the way. You're floating downstream rather than paddling, so the pace is steady and the effort is low.
What kind of wildlife will I actually see on the drive back?
The return route is chosen specifically for wildlife viewing, and you'll have a chance to spot two types of sloths, colored frogs, monkeys, and exotic birds. The guide knows the best spots and times to watch, though sightings depend on the animals being active when you pass through.
Do I need to arrange my own transport, or is it included?
Roundtrip transport is included if you book the private transportation option, with pickup from La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach or the Papagayo area. You can also choose to drive yourself and meet the group at the national park entrance instead.
What's included in the lunch?
A typical Costa Rican lunch is served after the tubing, refueling you for the wildlife-viewing drive back. The meal is included in the tour price.
Rio Celeste tubing & wildlife tour from La Fortuna
10h–11h · EN · ES
from US$ 149 per person
4.97235 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider