White Water Tubing La Fortuna: Class I-II Balsa River

Tubing lets you ride the rapids without the paddle work.

White water tubing on the Balsa River near La Fortuna is a six-hour float trip through Class I-II rapids with a guide steering the group through the best routes. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch at a restaurant overlooking Arenal Volcano, and a mid-river fruit break are included. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

White water tubing and lunch

• Use bathroom and changing rooms
• Drive through La Fortuna town
• Pass by El Salto Waterfall
• Tube on Balsa River class I-II rapids
• Stop riverside for fruit break
• Enjoy organic buffet lunch

The Experience

You start at the office in La Fortuna with access to bathrooms and changing rooms, then drive through town past the church and park, passing El Salto Waterfall on the way to the river. The Balsa River's Class I-II rapids give you the rush of white water without the intensity of rafting — your guide navigates the group through the best channels while you steer your tube and soak in the current. The river does the work; you hold on and feel the push of the water.

Halfway through, the group pulls over at a riverside stop for fresh fruit before heading back into the flow. By the time you reach the takeout, you'll be thoroughly wet and cooled off from the heat. Lunch comes after, served buffet-style at a two-story restaurant with views of Arenal Volcano, so you eat with the mountain in sight. The whole day runs six hours from start to finish.

Bring a swimsuit, water shoes or sport sandals that stay on your feet, sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes for after. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you'll understand the route and any safety calls. This works for families and groups — it's the kind of activity where the river's pace sets the day instead of a schedule.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna.
• transportation to and from the river.
• a guide for the six-hour float.
• fresh fruit at the riverside break.
• buffet lunch with Arenal Volcano views.
• access to bathrooms and changing rooms at the office.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Descents

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the route and safety calls in whichever language your group needs — that matters when you're floating with children or traveling with friends who don't share a language.

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Top questions

What are Class I-II rapids like on the Balsa River?

Class I-II rapids on the Balsa River offer excitement and movement without the intensity of higher-grade whitewater — you'll get splashed and pushed by the current, but the guide steers the group through manageable sections. It's thrilling enough to feel the power of the water without requiring paddling skill.

Do I need experience to tube, or is this for beginners?

No experience is needed. The guide handles navigation and route selection while you float and steer your tube. The activity suits all physical fitness levels, and children from age 6 can join.

What happens at the riverside fruit break?

Midway through the float, the group pulls over at a riverside stop to rest and eat fresh fruit before continuing downstream.

Is the lunch included, and where do we eat?

Yes, lunch is included and served buffet-style at a two-story restaurant with views of Arenal Volcano. You eat after the river section ends.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can choose which language works for your group when you book.