The 10 Best Rafting Tours in La Fortuna

1.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204Our pick

Spend about eight hours combining Pure Trek’s waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and zipline in a rainforest canyon with class 2 to 3 rafting on the Balsa River. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and guides are included. Expect a physically demanding day, a 45-minute transfer, and possible bus changes between the canyoning and rafting operators.

“There was a little miscommunication on the transportation to the excursion, but the guides were very accommodating and made sure we were taken care of. The rappelling was amazing and maybe the best part of our trip to Fortuna.”

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2.White Water Rafting class V

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $150

From La Fortuna, Costa Rica Descents takes experienced rafters onto nearly nonstop Class V rapids on the Balsa River. Orlando leads the raft, with safety kayakers such as Jean Carlos nearby. Expect about six hours, hotel transfers, fruit snacks, lunch, and possible farm activities after the river.

“First of all, this was my first rafting experience ever and I was very nervous going into it. My boyfriend really wanted to do class V, so I sucked it up for him. I could not have been more safe than with Orlando and his team! Orlando is a veteran of these rivers and is a top notch guide. Jean Carlos was there for safety following us along in a kayak as well. They are both so experienced. Every time I almost fell out Orlando would grab me before I had the chance to actually fall out. He was on top of it & knew how to handle every situation…”

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3.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about eight hours canyoning through rainforest waterfalls, then raft the Balsa River through Class III rapids and calmer swimming sections. Guides provide gear, towels, water, fruit, transport, and lunch. Victor is singled out for strong rafting guidance and wildlife spotting. Start at 6:25 a.m. in La Fortuna.

“Canyoning is exhilarating. No prior experience needed. I am a 51 year old who is not athletic, but they were very helpful.”

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4.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Start with a 40-minute ride from La Fortuna, then raft through river rapids before switching to white-water tubes. Afterward, enjoy lunch, coffee, an organic farm visit, and a sugarcane demonstration. The $90 tour lasts about 6.5 hours, includes transport and equipment, and suits fit participants age 12 and older.

“What a great time. Everything was well coordinated and great. No complaints besides wishing for more rapids”

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5.Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend five hours rafting 11 km of Costa Rica’s Balsa River with guides such as Christian and Marcos. Expect Class 3 rapids, jungle wildlife, a riverside fruit stop, hotel pickup at 10:00 AM, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch after the run. No rafting experience or swimming skills are required, and the minimum age is eight.

“Our family has done whitewater rafting before and we all agree that this is one of the best. From pick up to drop off, Christian and his team were top notch in the equipment, safety and knowledge of the river. The Balsa River was nonstop action with very little calm water. We had a blast and really appreciated all the little extras like a towel to dry off, fresh fruits and snacks and a delicious wood fire Costa Rican lunch. Pura Vida!”

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6.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72

Paddle 10 kilometers of Costa Rican river with safety gear, trained guides, tropical fruit, swimming, and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup is available, and guide Bryan has earned special praise for his patient, helpful approach. The five-hour trip begins at 9:30 am and suits beginners with moderate fitness.

“Amazing experience! The instructor Bryan is amazing and will go and beyond for you. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.”

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7.Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start with four waterfall rappels from 49 to 131 feet, then tackle Rio Balsa’s class III rapids. Guides provide gear and safety instruction, and the rafting section includes fruit, wildlife spotting, and lunch. The day starts at 6:30 a.m., with guides such as Osa and Axle noted for clear instruction and good humor.

“We are adventurers, my kids are 9, 9 and 11 - the waterfall part of this tour is a true adventure and the hike takes work, that's my only warning to others, get ready to work for it - it's worth every second. We had a small group of about 12 people in our group - we arrived at the house where you get set up for the waterfall repelling and there were kittens, baby chicks and a family setting up for our breakfast (eat something small before you go b/c they don't feed you until after!) You get to the first small waterfall quickly and then you work your…”

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8.Adrenaline Pack (Zipline + Rafting)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $166

Start with seven zip lines and a Tarzan swing, then take on the Balsa River with a rafting guide such as Andre or Susan. You’ll cover nearly 2 miles of cable, face moderate rapids, stop for fresh fruit, and finish with lunch at a peaceful farm restaurant. Hotel transport and gear are included.

“Amazing combo! We had so much fun and felt completely safe. The guides for the ziplining portion where warm and friendly and had us laughing the entire time! The guide for the rafting portion pointed out lots of animals on the lower portion of the river. The lunch was delicious, as was the fruit they served during breaks. Overall, it was an amazing day!”

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9.White Water Tubin in the river BALSA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $70Best value

Spend about six hours tubing the Balsa River near La Fortuna with guides such as Jean Carlos, Carlos, or Mario. You’ll ride a sturdy tube through Class I and II rapids, stop for fresh pineapple and watermelon, and finish with a buffet lunch overlooking Arenal Volcano. Transport and hotel pickup in La Fortuna are included.

“Just fantastic friendly staff with lots of knowledge, great food and sugar cane demonstration. Was on the river for a long amount of time and felt well looked after.”

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10.Rafting Class 2-3 Sarapiqui AFTERNOON Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

Leave La Fortuna at noon for a roughly five-hour Sarapiqui River rafting trip with instruction from Desafio Adventure Company guides. Expect class 2 and 3 rapids, swimming, a river jump, wildlife spotting, snacks, and changing rooms with showers. Guides including Gabriel, David, Jeffrey, Walter, and Braulio have led recent trips.

“It was by far the best thing we’ve done while in Costa Rica. As a family we’ve done other rafting trips but this one just tops it all. Firstly, the staff: David and Gabriel were just amazing and so friendly. From the time we got picked up until we sat down for a late lunch, it was easy and smooth. I did find the ride from La Fortuna to the starting point quite long (around 1 hr) but we did get to see more of CR. If you need to shower after the ride, they have changing rooms and showers available including a towel. You can leave your belongings in…”

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