Rafting in the Costa Rica rainforest at Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica’s whitewater rafting fame includes the beautiful rivers of the Arenal Volcano area – the Balsa, Toro and Penas Blancas Rivers. The spectacular rainforest around the impressive, live Arenal Volcano, the area’s easy accessibility, and huge abundance of outdoor adventures make it a top place to visit in Costa Rica.

The best thing about whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is that you can do it all year long! In the dry summer season, splashing down a cool rainforest river is wonderfully refreshing. In the rainy season, the rapids get even more exciting as the rivers swell with rainwater.

The Balsa River is a good whitewater rafting adventure if you want fun and excitement without being too challenging or crazy. 

The trip is a half-day tour down class 2 and 3 rapids. You will paddle hard for over two hours of thrilling whitewater action, interspersed with tranquil pools to catch your breath and see the scenery. And the scenery on the Balsa River is dazzling. The river flows down a long, isolated rainforest river canyon, 30 minutes outside of the town of La Fortuna by the Arenal Volcano. Wildlife in the area includes monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds like Ospreys, Oropéndolas and Toucans.

At the end of the trip, you will be smiling … and wet! The tour includes a delicious typical lunch at a traditional country estate before returning to your Arenal hotel.

Online travel agency Costa Rica Special Deals is offering a great Costa Rica travel deal on this Arenal Whitewater Rafting Adventure. The tour includes: Rafting equipment, snacks, drinks, lunch, bilingual certified guides, and minivan transport from/to your hotel-river-hotel (La Fortuna and outside the La Fortuna area). Rate: $52.00 per person, tax included. What to Bring: quick-dry clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, and strap-on sandals or athletic shoes.

Take advantage of exciting Costa Rica vacation packages to visit Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica Special Deals has a 6-night Volcano & Beach Vacation Package to Volcano Arenal and Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, a 7-day Unforgettable Costa Rica Adventure Vacation to Arenal and Manuel Antonio Beach, and a three-night special rate at the Royal Corin Resort & Spa at Arenal.

Article by Shannon Farley