Upper Balsa River Costa Rica: White Water Rafting Adventure Class 3/4

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Upper Balsa River in Costa Rica. Class 3/4 rapids, swimming stops, and fresh fruit await. Suitable for ages 5+.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Calle Coopezamora - Arenal Rafting’s Class IV adrenaline-packed white water rafting adventure is a thrilling rafting experience within the Costa Rican rainforest. For those in good physical condition, we’ll take you for a 15-kilometer ride down the river you won’t forget anytime soon! Stop along the way to rest a bit, do a little swimming, and…
What's Included
  • Transportation from hotels located less than 6 km away from our main office
  • Pick up time may vary up to 20 min depending on hotel’s location, please call to get real time
  • Fruits on the river
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Towel
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase) at the end of the tour.
  • We do extra pickups in some hotels for a charge of $40
  • Pick up service at hotels located over 6 km away from our main office
Meal Options
  • Costa Rican Casado - A casado is a meal using rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla, and an optional protein source such as chicken, beef, pork, fish and so on.
Additional Information

The balsa river is the best white water rafting choice in the northern area of Costa Rica this great class 3 &4 on the upper part,
Balsa River for an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon! Stop along the way to rest a bit, do a little swimming, and enjoy some fresh Costa Rica fruit. After white water rafting, you will get a clean towel and a water…

Location
Arenal Rafting
100 METERS NORTH FROM THE POLICE STATION, AVENUE 333 STREET 460. You can find us on WAZE or GOOGLE MAPS as ARENAL RAFTING COMPANY. AT 9:15am.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1941 Ratings)
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1 star
A1405hmchrisb
Aug 8, 2025
Fantastic Team and Guides - Their team is fantastic and puts on such a great experience. We loved it so much that we went back for a second trip with them! Carlos Vasquez, Emanol, Pato and Juan Miguel were all so much fun and made it memorable for us. 10/10 recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explorer54120159330
Aug 2, 2025
Awesome trip!! - Amazing! Carlos R was awesome!! Very knowledgeable and entertaining!! We had a great time and felt safe while also being excited. Would def recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gordon
Aug 2, 2025
This was top class in that we knew the guides were highly experienced and they balanced safety with thrills. - Our guide was Rupper and he was an absolute legend. The level of service included an entertaining 45 min bus transfer when we were introduced to the main safety measures and expectations. These guys don’t mess around!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage798094
Aug 1, 2025
Family rafting in the Arenal! - I researched this company and was not disappointed! They are super friendly, professional and totally safe. We are a family of 4 from The Uk with a 10 year old and a 13 year old. We all had an amazing time. Moises kept us entertained on the journey and Gilbin was an awesome raft guide, calling out clear instructions and joking with us all the way. It was our first time rafting and we were so glad that they’d recommended the 3/4 rapids it was the right level of fun! Thank you guys we all had a fabulous day! 🤪 lunch and fruit were amazing too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrish4836
Jul 31, 2025
A great day on the river with Carlos. - This was the perfect family trip and a great adventure. Carlos was an amazing guide with his great knowledge, enthusiasm and humor. From the second we were picked up to the delicious meal at the end it was exactly what we were looking for!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream16845044436
Jul 31, 2025
Book this rafting trip! - Carlos and Juan Jose were phenomenal. Carlos made the bus ride fun and informative. Juan Jose was a great boat guide, he kept us safe and no one fell out. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Drinkgeentea
Jul 31, 2025
Fantastic Experience - Carlos and Juan Jose were incredible guides. They were professional, skilled, and fun on this rafting experience.everything was well organized, from the pickup, to the gear, snacks, lunch, and facilities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annhgraham
Jul 31, 2025
Exciting! - Papucho is an excellent guide and instructor. He made me feel part of a team and ensured everyone looked out for everyone else. It was my first time white water rafting (I’m not a water baby) and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience & felt completely safe 😁 Papucho not only cares about his clients, but also the environment and his culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Miketravelguy6
Jul 28, 2025
High quality WWR - Super fun, nonstop action at the beginning - the rapids were lots of fun but not too scary, and our guide was great at maneuvering the boat
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan_w
Jul 25, 2025
Recommended - Very nice experience. We did the class 3-4 which is definitely doable if you have no experience, even with children, although they are quite 14+ In total DE the alles sam expensive EN about 5 hours, including transport and lunch afterwards. On DE way to the river we also stopped twice to spot a sloth.
Review provided by Viator
From $80
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).