Rio Celeste: Blue River Tubing, Waterfall & Wildlife Day Trip

Summary

Blue river tubing by Tenorio Volcano with sloths and fruit stops

You’ll hike rainforest trails to Rio Celeste waterfall, tube down its bright blue river with fresh fruit breaks, spot wildlife like sloths and monkeys with your local guide, and share a typical Costa Rican lunch before heading home tired but happy.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from La Fortuna just after sunrise—still groggy, but our guide Marco was already cracking jokes about the “three volcanoes in a row” we’d soon spot. I pressed my forehead to the window as we wound through patchy clouds and pineapple fields. The bus smelled faintly of wet earth and coffee thermoses. When Marco pulled over by this massive tree (he called it Arbol de la Paz), he explained it’s been here 400 years—older than most countries. I tried to wrap my head around that while touching its bark, rough and cool under my palm.

The hike to Rio Celeste waterfall was muddy but not too tough—just watch your step if it rained the night before. You hear the water before you see it, this low rushing sound that gets louder until suddenly there’s this wild blue pouring down between green walls. Honestly, photos don’t really get it right. We stood there for a while, just letting the mist hit our faces. Some folks tried to name all the birds flitting overhead (I gave up after “toucan”).

I didn’t expect tubing to feel so silly—at first I was worried about flipping over, but you sort of give in and let the current pull you along. The water is colder than you think, especially when you slide into those deeper pools. Marco tossed us slices of pineapple and watermelon from a drybag at one stop; they tasted almost fizzy after all that paddling. There were monkeys somewhere in the trees above us—I kept hearing them, never saw them.

Lunch was at this small place near the park entrance: rice, beans, chicken stew, plantains. Nothing fancy but somehow exactly what I wanted after swimming. On the drive back we slowed down for a sloth hanging upside down like a shaggy hammock (everyone piled out for photos). There was one last stop at a souvenir market where I almost bought a frog magnet but changed my mind at the register—no idea why now. Still thinking about that blue water though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rio Celeste and wildlife

• Stop at Arbol de la Paz for photos
• Hike trails to Rio Celeste waterfall
• Tube 1.5 hours down blue river
• Swim and snack on regional fruits
• Lunch after tubing
• Wildlife viewing on best route
• Stop at Souvenir Market

Top questions

How long is the Rio Celeste day trip from La Fortuna?

The tour lasts most of the day, including pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna or nearby beaches.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rio Celeste tour?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included except for self-drive guests.

What animals can I see on this wildlife trail?

You might spot two types of sloths, colored frogs, exotic birds, and monkeys along the way.

Is lunch provided during the Rio Celeste combo tour?

Yes, a typical Costa Rican lunch is included after tubing.

Do I need to be fit for blue river tubing?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended; not advised for pregnant travelers or those with heart issues.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, certified guides speak English and Spanish.

Can I swim in Rio Celeste during tubing?

Yes, there are several stops along the river where you can swim.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from La Fortuna or selected beaches (unless you’re driving yourself), all entry fees for trails and tubing on Rio Celeste’s blue water, fresh tropical fruits during your river break, an expert bilingual guide throughout the trip, plus a typical local lunch before heading back in air-conditioned comfort.