Rio Celeste Tubing: Rapids, Clay & Wildlife in Costa Rica

Two hours of rushing rapids and still pools, with natural clay and jungle wildlife.

Rio Celeste tubing in Costa Rica combines 2 hours of fast-water thrills and serene calm sections on the same river, letting you swim in emerald pools, apply natural clay, and watch for sloths and birds in the rainforest. Families travel together with children from age 3, and pets are welcome. Tube rental, life jacket, helmet, water sandals, fresh fruit and towels are included.

The experience

Two hours on Rio Celeste splits between two kinds of water: the sections where the current pulls you fast and the stretches where you float and swim. You tube down the river at your own pace, moving through the jungle canopy while the water stays clear enough to see through. The rapids give the rush. The calm pools give you time to actually look around and soak in the rainforest.

Along the way you swim in natural emerald pools surrounded by thick vegetation, and you apply authentic natural clay to your skin. Something you do during the float, not after. The wildlife is there if you watch: sloths move through the trees above, birds call from the canopy, and native species show up in their habitat without the tour stopping to point them out. A live guide in English or Spanish stays with the group, and the activity level sits between easy and moderate, so it works for people who want movement without strain.

When you finish, you get fresh local fruit, dry towels, and time to change. Children from age 3 travel on the same tubes as the rest of the family, and if you have pets, they come along too: service animals are welcome, and the operator has specialized infant seats for the very young.

What’s included

• Tube rental.
• water sandals.
• helmet.
• life jacket.
• natural clay access.
• fresh local fruit.
• water.
• dry towels.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Río Celeste To know

Is this one for you?Book this if your family or group includes young children or pets. This is the tubing tour built for everyone to experience together, not the one that splits the group or leaves companions behind.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 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.

What happens during the calm sections? Do we just float, or do we get to swim?

You swim in natural emerald pools during the calmer stretches, plunging into the clear water surrounded by jungle vegetation. The calm sections give you time to actually stop and be in the river instead of just moving through it.

Is the natural clay something we apply ourselves, or does the guide do it?

You apply the authentic natural clay yourself during the float. It's part of the experience as you move down the river, not something added at the end.

What wildlife will we actually see on Rio Celeste?

Sloths, birds, and native species live in the rainforest canopy and along the river. You spot them in their natural habitat as you tube, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed on any given day.

Do we need to bring our own water sandals and life jacket?

No. Water sandals, a helmet, and a life jacket are all included in the activity. Fresh water and towels are provided too, along with fresh local fruit when you finish.