01
Find the Rhythm
The river asks for your attention quickly, listen, paddle, respond and begin finding the rhythm between your own movement, your guide and the water around you.
All Thrill Experiences
Day Thrill · Costa Rica
Balsa River White Water Rafting, Class II/III
Some adventures hit all at once. This one builds with the river. Take on 10 kilometers of Class II/III white water on Costa Rica’s Balsa River, where energetic rapids bring the action before the river settles into calmer sections surrounded by tropical nature.
The Thrill
What this experience can mean.
Find your rhythm in the river. The Balsa asks you to participate from the first active sections: listen to your guide, paddle with the people beside you and learn how quickly separate movements can become one shared response to the water. Then the river changes. As the rapids ease, so does your attention. There is time to look beyond the next wave and notice the tropical landscape around you. That contrast is part of this Thrill: energy without rushing through the place, teamwork without needing previous experience, and the satisfaction of becoming part of the river rather than simply watching it.
Check what’s included and what you need to bring.
Included
- Guided 10 km Class II/III white water rafting experience.
- Professional guides.
- Safety equipment.
- Transportation from La Fortuna and surrounding areas.
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch.
- Fresh fruit.
- Beverages.
Wear & bring
- Closed-toe water shoes or secure sandals with a strap
- Comfortable clothing that can get wet
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Important: Minimum age: 6 years Maximum weight: 300 lb / 136 kg Previous rafting experience: Not required Swimming ability: Not required River activities take place in changing natural conditions, the guide has final authority on participation and route adjustments when necessary for safety. Please let us know before booking if you have a relevant medical condition, recent surgery, pregnancy, medication requirement or other concern that could affect participation.
What to expect
The shape of your Thrill.
02
Move as One
Rafting turns individual effort into shared movement, each paddle stroke matters more when it becomes part of something bigger, a small reminder that challenge can build confidence, connection and capability at the same time.
03
Learn the Flow
You do not need previous rafting experience. Follow your guide, learn when to paddle and when to respond, and discover how quickly something unfamiliar begins to feel possible.
04
Let the River Slow Down
As the river becomes calmer, the experience changes with it. The next rapid stops being the only thing that matters, creating time to look around, notice the flora and fauna and experience a quieter side of the river.
Gallery
See the experience.
Itinerary
How your experience unfolds.
01
01 Meet the River
Meet your rafting team, prepare with your guides and safety equipment, and get ready to exchange solid ground for the Balsa River.
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02 Into the White Water
The adventure begins with the livelier side of the Balsa. Work together through Class II and III rapids as the river brings waves, movement and changing water beneath the raft
03
03 Pause Along the River
Take a moment between sections of river to reset, enjoy fresh Costa Rican fruit and prepare for what comes next.
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04 A Different Side of the Balsa
As the river becomes calmer, the experience shifts with it. Look beyond the paddle and take in the surrounding flora and fauna while finishing the river journey.
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05 Costa Rican Lunch
Back on land, change into dry clothes and recharge with a traditional Costa Rican lunch before wrapping up the experience.
Choose your moment. We confirm the details.
Choose your date, time and number of travelers. We confirm availability and pickup details before sending your secure payment link.
- 01ChooseDate, time & travelers
- 02Add detailsPersonal & pickup information
- 03Confirm & payWe confirm, then you pay
- 04GoConfirmation & voucher ready
01 · Select your date
When would you like to go?
FAQ
Before you go.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No. Previous rafting experience is not required. The tour is designed to accommodate first-time participants as well as people who have rafted before.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Swimming ability is not required. A life jacket, helmet and other safety equipment are provided for the activity.
How difficult are the rapids?
The route is classified as Class II/III. The earlier portion provides the more active white-water experience, while later sections become calmer.
How long is the rafting route?
Approximately 10 kilometers.
How long should I plan for the complete experience?
Plan for approximately five hours overall, from around 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The river portion itself is approximately 2.5 hours.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 6 years. River conditions may affect which sections younger participants can safely complete, and the guides make the final safety decision on the day.
What is the maximum weight?
300 lb / 136 kg.
Will I get wet?
Yes. This is a white-water activity, so wear clothing and footwear that can comfortably get wet and bring a change of clothes and towel for afterward.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Costa Rican lunch is included, together with fresh fruit and beverages.
Can I drive directly to the tour?
Yes. Secure parking is available at designated meeting locations. Guests driving themselves should arrive approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start, and the final meeting point should be confirmed before the tour.
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Stay curious after this Thrill.
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