6 La Fortuna Rafting Tours Worth Flying For

1.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204 a head Our pick

Start with Pure Trek’s waterfall canyoning, including rappels, rock work, and a forest zipline. Then ride about 45 minutes to the Balsa River for Class II and III rafting, a swimming stop, snacks, drinks, and lunch. Guides such as Byran, Myron, Augusto, and Mario have earned praise for calm, careful instruction.

“There was a little miscommunication on the transportation to the excursion, but the guides were very accommodating and made sure we were taken care of. The rappelling was amazing and maybe the best part of our trip to Fortuna.”

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2.White Water Rafting class V

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $150 a head

This six-hour Costa Rica Descents trip takes you from La Fortuna to the Balsa River for demanding class V rapids. Guide Orlando leads the raft, with safety kayakers such as Jean Carlos nearby. Expect river instruction, waterfalls, a possible cliff jump, fruit snacks, lunch, and a farm visit with sugar cane tasting.

“If you want thrills and excitement with a great team then book this adventure. The wife and I just did this, and it was awesome! The staff is excellent and safe. Thanks to all of you”

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3.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160 a head

Start early in La Fortuna for canyoning through rainforest gorges, with rappels, pool jumps, and steep hikes. Then raft the Balsa River through a 45-minute Class III section and a gentler hour of swimming, fruit, and wildlife spotting. Guides such as Victor keep the rafting lively and safe, with lunch, water, towels, and transport included.

“Canyoning is exhilarating. No prior experience needed. I am a 51 year old who is not athletic, but they were very helpful.”

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4.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90 a head

Start at 9:00 am with a 40-minute ride from La Fortuna to the river. After a safety briefing, raft the first section, pause for fresh fruit, then try white-water tubing on the second half. Finish with lunch, coffee, an organic farm walk, and a sugarcane demonstration. Groups are limited to 12.

“We will remember this day out for a long time! The white water rafting was great, and we even managed to spot some wildlife in the trees and on rocks along the river as well. The tour really fell down though on it's lack of communication on what the plan was for my husband and I when it came to the tubing part of the tour... It was after the half way break of the tour that they tried to put us in the tubes and we realised what we'd signed up for. Just to give some general advice on the tubing - there was only myself and my husband…”

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5.Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $88 a head

Paddle 11 km of Class 3 rapids on the Balsa River with guides including Christian and Marcos. You will get hotel pickup at 10:00 AM, a riverside fruit stop, chances to spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans, then a traditional Costa Rican lunch and drinks. No rafting experience or swimming skills are required.

“Our family has done whitewater rafting before and we all agree that this is one of the best. From pick up to drop off, Christian and his team were top notch in the equipment, safety and knowledge of the river. The Balsa River was nonstop action with very little calm water. We had a blast and really appreciated all the little extras like a towel to dry off, fresh fruits and snacks and a delicious wood fire Costa Rican lunch. Pura Vida!”

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6.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72 a head Cheapest seat

Start at 9:30 a.m. for a guided 10-kilometer rafting trip near La Fortuna. You receive safety instruction and equipment, then paddle through rapids with chances to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and iguanas. The day also includes tropical fruit, drinks, swimming time, hotel pickup, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! One of the best experiences I’ve had while traveling! Guides were knowledge, friendly and helpful in learning how to raft. The river was a good introduction to rafting and I highly recommend this trip over other companies. Much more personal and small compared to others.”

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