Río Celeste Falls, Tubing & Sloth Sanctuary Tour

Tenorio Volcano hike, river float, sloth spotting & waterfall tour: adventure in one day

A full-day private tour of Río Celeste combines hiking, tubing, wildlife spotting and rainforest immersion in Tenorio Volcano National Park near Tamarindo. You hike to the Rio Celeste Waterfall and its natural pool, float the river's turquoise water on a tube through gentle rapids and calm stretches, locate sloths in the forest canopy with a guide, and walk the Teñideros where two rivers meet and the water changes color. Hotel pickup and lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Rio Celeste and Rainforest Adventure

• Pick up at hotel
• Hike Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall and Laguna Azul
• Enjoy tubing on Rio Celeste
• Observe sloths in natural habitat
• Return to hotel

The experience

Río Celeste's defining feature is the river's turquoise color, caused by a unique mineral mix in the water. The tour starts with a hike through dense rainforest in Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you'll reach the Rio Celeste Waterfall and swim in the natural pool at its base. The park's trails also pass the Laguna Azul and the Teñideros, a confluence point where the water shifts color as two rivers merge. Along the way, a local guide points out the flora and fauna (monkeys, toucans and other species typical of the region), and explains the geology that makes the place distinct.

The tubing section takes you down the Celeste River itself. You'll float on a tube through a mix of gentle rapids and slower stretches, surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy. No previous experience is required. The guide ensures safety while you move at the river's pace. This is where the adventure sits, not extreme, but active enough to feel the current and the landscape around you.

Sloth spotting happens in the forest canopy, where the animals spend most of their time camouflaged in the leaves. The guide helps you locate them and explains their diet, behavior and ecological role. The tour wraps with a return to your hotel. The full day runs 10 to 11 hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch and pickup from your accommodation. Your group travels alone: no other tourists join the booking.

What’s included

Air-conditioned vehicle transport, private tour with your group only, hotel pickup and return, lunch, and a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesUp to age 90

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Guanacaste Airport Shuttle Cr

Is this one for you?The tour packs four distinct activities (hiking, tubing, wildlife spotting and rainforest exploration) into a single 10- to 11-hour day, so you experience the full range of what Río Celeste offers without splitting the trip across multiple bookings. The tubing section is gentle enough for families and beginners, though you should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and water entry.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Rio Celeste Waterfall like when you reach it?

The Rio Celeste Waterfall drops into a natural pool of turquoise water surrounded by rainforest. You can swim in the pool once you've hiked to it through the park's trails.

Is tubing on the Río Celeste difficult, or can beginners do it?

Tubing on the Río Celeste is designed for both beginners and experienced adventurers and requires no previous experience. You float through a mix of gentle rapids and calmer stretches, guided by local experts who ensure safety throughout.

What animals will I see on this tour?

The rainforest around Río Celeste is home to monkeys, toucans and other species typical of the region. Sloths are a main attraction. The guide helps you spot them in the canopy and explains their behavior and role in the ecosystem.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs 10 to 11 hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off, all hikes, tubing, sloth spotting and lunch.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather to operate. If it's canceled due to poor conditions, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.