Arenal Rafting - Rio La Balsa White Water Rafting Class III & IV
Run the Class III-IV rapids of the Río La Balsa on this Arenal rafting tour — La Fortuna's most thrilling river run with jungle scenery and a lunch break.
The Arenal rafting Rio La Balsa Class III & IV tour is the sweet spot of Costa Rican whitewater — enough Class IV punch to be a serious adventure, scenic enough that you'll want to do it twice. This Arenal rafting Rio La Balsa Class III & IV tour drops you onto the upper Balsa River where continuous rapids, jungle canyons, and reliable warm water make for one of the country's most beloved half-day rafting trips.
You'll meet your certified bilingual guide at the put-in for a thorough safety and paddle briefing. The upper Balsa is famous for its named rapids — "The Stairway," "Witches Brew," and "Mike Tyson" — a continuous mix of Class III and IV that rewards solid paddling and rewards beginners with the trip of their lives. Expert guides position the raft on every drop and call clear strokes; your job is to listen and paddle hard.
Between rapids the river slows into emerald pools where you can swim, jump from low cliffs (guide-supervised), and float on your back staring up at howler monkeys in the canopy. The Arenal rafting Rio La Balsa Class III & IV tour ends with a Costa Rican lunch buffet at the take-out and round-trip transport back to La Fortuna.
- Continuous Class III & IV rapids on the upper Balsa River
- Named rapids: The Stairway, Witches Brew, Mike Tyson
- Certified bilingual rafting guides
- Calm emerald swim pools between drops
- Costa Rican lunch buffet at the take-out
- Round-trip transport from La Fortuna
- Suitable for fit first-timers age 14+
The Arenal rafting Rio La Balsa Class III & IV tour suits travelers with moderate fitness and a confident relationship with water. Wear a swimsuit and quick-dry clothing, bring water shoes (no flip-flops), and pack a dry bag for valuables.
Book your Arenal rafting Rio La Balsa Class III & IV tour through Toorizta to lock in your seat on the region's most balanced whitewater adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?About 6 hours including transport and lunch.
How long is the rafting?About 2.5 hours on the river.
What's the difficulty?Class III & IV — intermediate, fit first-timers welcome.
What's the minimum age?14 years old.
Is hotel pickup included?Yes, within La Fortuna.
Is lunch included?Yes — Costa Rican buffet.
Do I need experience?No, but confident swimming required.
What should I wear?Swimsuit and quick-dry clothing.
Is it safe?Yes — Class V-rated guides and premium gear.
Can I bring a GoPro?Yes with secure mount.
What if it rains?Tours run rain or shine.
What's the cancellation policy?Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour.
Highlights
- Continuous Class III & IV rapids on the upper Balsa
- Named rapids: The Stairway, Witches Brew, Mike Tyson
- Certified Class V-rated bilingual guides
- Emerald swim pools between rapids
- Costa Rican lunch buffet included
- Hotel pickup within La Fortuna
- Year-round operation
What's included
Round-trip transport from La Fortuna Certified bilingual guide Raft, paddle, helmet, life vest Lunch buffet Fresh fruit and water
What to bring
Swimsuit and quick-dry clothing Water shoes (no flip-flops) Dry bag for valuables Change of dry clothes Reef-safe sunscreen Light rain layer
What's not included
Gratuities Waterproof camera rental Alcoholic drinks Photography package Travel insurance
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Within 24 hours, no refund. Minimum age 12; must be comfortable swimming. Not advised in pregnancy. Wear swimsuit, quick-dry shorts, water shoes. Bring towel, dry change. Helmets, vests, paddles, lunch, transport included. Reschedules for flood or low-water conditions only.