Ziplining over Blue River in Playa Flamingo: Tubing & Sloths

Fly across the blue river on a zipline, then float back down it by tube

A three-part rainforest activity in Playa Flamingo combines ziplining over the bright blue Tenorio river, tubing downstream on the same water, and wildlife spotting in the canopy above. You're picked up from your hotel, guided through each activity by a bilingual instructor, fed lunch, and returned by mid-afternoon. The river's distinctive color comes from minerals in the Tenorio volcano where it originates.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zipline and tubing on blue river

• Pick up at 7:00 am
• Zipline over the blue river
• Tube on the blue river
• Observe sloths, frogs, birds, butterflies
• Drop off at 3:30 pm

The experience

The blue river is the centerpiece: mineral deposits from the Tenorio volcano give the water its pale turquoise color, and you cross it twice, once suspended on a zipline, once floating on a tube. The zipline puts you above the water with a view of the canopy. The tubing lets you drift downstream at the river's pace, moving through the same rainforest but from water level. Both happen on the same stretch of river, so you see it from two angles in a single morning.

Wildlife appears throughout: sloths hang in the trees above the water, frogs call from the banks, and birds and butterflies move through the canopy. A bilingual guide leads the whole sequence and points out what to watch for. The day runs from 7 a.m. pickup to 3:30 p.m. drop-off, with lunch and bottled water provided. You'll wear a harness for the zipline and bring a towel for the tubing. The operator supplies both, along with an air-conditioned vehicle for transport to and from your hotel.

The activity suits all fitness levels, and infants and small children can come along: specialized seats are available for the youngest travelers, and a stroller works for parts of the day. Bring a photo or copy of your passport for the activity itself.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• bilingual guide.
• bath towels.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

Options for this experience

3 options

Group prices-privateGuide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:00Three activities in one, zipline over the blue river: tubing on the blue river and sloths. Duration: 12 hours. Pickup is included.

Three activities in one: a zipline over the blue river, tubing on the blue river, and sloth viewingGuide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:00Pickup is included

Private 3-in-1 zipline tourGuide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:00Private 3-in-1 zipline tour: zipline over the blue river, tubing on the blue river, and sloths. Duration: 8 hours. Typical lunch. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Seven Sense Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The three-part structure (zipline, tube, wildlife) fits a half-day window, so you have the rest of your day free in Playa Flamingo. Book the private option if your group wants to move at its own pace. The group option keeps costs lower if you're comfortable sharing the guide and activities with other travelers.

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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 (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 does the blue river actually look like when you get there?

The Tenorio river is a pale turquoise or light blue color caused by minerals from the Tenorio volcano where it originates. The color is visible from both the zipline above and the tube on the water itself.

Do you zipline and tube on the same river or different ones?

Both activities happen on the blue Tenorio river. You zipline across it first, then float back downstream on a tube on the same water.

What wildlife will I actually see?

Sloths, frogs, birds and butterflies are present in the rainforest canopy and along the riverbanks. A bilingual guide points them out during the activities.

How much time do you spend in the water versus on the zipline?

The itinerary includes both ziplining and tubing as separate activities within the same morning outing. The guide structures the sequence and timing on the day.