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The rafting tour on the Balsa River is only 45 minutes from La Fortuna and has class II and III rapids.
This river is connected to the Arenal Dam, so you will always have water to enjoy the experience, no matter the season.
The Rafting Tour on the Balsa River (Class II-III) is a trendy tour in the Arenal region, as it is very accessible and easy to enjoy.
It goes through approximately 11kms/7 miles, and offers more than 20 rapids, taking about 2 hours to complete.
Croplands and small patches of rainforest surround the Balsa River, and you can enjoy watching animals such as monkeys and sloths, or beautiful birds such as toucans, oropendolas, kingfishers, herons and colored tanagers.
You will start the Rafting Tour on the Balsa River when your specialized tour guides and their transport pick you up at the hotel and take you to the starting point.
Upon arrival at the river put in, your guides will assign a raft and equipment to each of the participants and will provide you with a life vest, a helmet, and a light paddle.
Immediately afterward, your guide will give you guidelines to enjoy rafting on the river.
Some of the things you will learn in this safety briefing are: How to move your body, where to put your feet, and how to handle the paddle. As well as some essential safety observations.
As in any other adventure tour, make sure you understand all the instructions given, as they are crucial once in the river. Ask all the questions you want.
The first part of the tour is quite intense, as this is where you’ll find the most potent rapids with names like ‘Morning Coffee’ and ‘Rock around the Croc.’
Your guides will give you a break on a sandbank to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh tropical fruit before moving on to the next part.
In the last section of the trip, the ride is smoother, surrounded by forest, with more bird and wildlife sightings, and the tempting opportunity to jump off the raft and float in tranquil lagoons.
Depending on the time of your tour, you will enjoy a delicious typical lunch at a local restaurant before or after the tour.
Departure: 9:30 am / 2:30 pm.
Minimum age: 07 years old.
