White Water Rafting Class II & III: La Fortuna

The river splits into two sections: class III rapids first, then class II water calm enough to breathe.

White water rafting on the Balsa River near La Fortuna combines class II and III rapids with a guided descent that takes roughly 5 hours from hotel pickup to return. The route is split into two sections (the first tackles steeper rapids, the second calms to class II water), so the intensity shifts across the day. A guide leads the group, all safety gear and a traditional Costa Rican lunch are included, and children from age 8 can join.

The experience

The Balsa River sits about 35 to 40 minutes from La Fortuna by shared transport. Once on the water, the first section moves through class III rapids where the current pushes hard and the guide calls out paddle timing. The second section flattens into class II water, which gives your arms a break and lets the landscape settle around you. Total time on the river is roughly 2 hours, with another hour for lunch and the return trip to your hotel, making the full activity about 4 to 5 hours door to door.

A live guide in English or Spanish leads the group through the day. You get a safety talk before launch, a life jacket and flotation devices, and a meal of traditional Costa Rican food at midday. The transport is shared with other clients, so you'll be paddling alongside travelers from other hotels and joining the group's rhythm rather than setting your own pace.

What’s included

• Safety gear and flotation devices.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
• shared hotel pickup and return transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Maquique Adventure canyoning

Is this one for you?The activity runs 4 to 5 hours total with roughly 2 hours of active paddling, so it suits travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical effort and want to spend a morning or afternoon on moving water rather than watching from a boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 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 are class II and III rapids like, and will I be paddling the whole time?

Class III rapids on the Balsa move faster and require active paddling to navigate. Class II is gentler and more forgiving. The first section of the route tackles class III water where the guide directs paddle strokes, and the second section moves through class II where the current is slower and paddling is steadier. You're in the water for roughly 2 hours of actual rafting across both sections.

How far is the Balsa River from La Fortuna, and what's the transport like?

The river is about 35 to 40 minutes from La Fortuna by van. Transport is shared with other clients, so you'll travel with other groups heading to the same departure point.

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

The activity includes a live guide, all safety gear and flotation devices, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, and shared transport from your hotel to the river and back. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. The operator does not provide photographs or arrange tips.