Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting Balsa River

Costa Rica Rafting Class 2-3 Whitewater & Wildlife near Arenal

Rafting is one of the most-popular activities to do in Costa Rica and runs rain or shine just about EVERY day of the year. We offer the best Class 2-3 rafting near the Arenal Volcano on the beautiful Balsa River just 45 minutes from your La Fortuna hotel.

The Rio Balsa is the perfect rafting tour for first-timers, families with children, all nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who are simply looking for a fun rafting adventure in Costa Rica!

One of our friendly (and handsome) professional river guides will come by your hotel to pick you up. Be sure to be waiting in the lobby about 5 minutes prior to the established pick up time just in case he gets there a little early. He will check to make sure you have secure shoes, clothes to get wet in and that you have a day sack to bring along a change of clothes for after the tour. We sell dry bags and Chum sunglass holders, river shoes and commemorative souvenir Rio Balsa t-shirts at our office in our EGO Store in case you need any last-minute supplies.

After you are picked up from your hotel, we’ll drive through the lush, green Costa Rican countryside to our private Operations Center right next to the river. We are the only company equipped with bathrooms and changing rooms for your convenience and comfort.

We will get you fitted with your top-quality rafting gear such as an NRS helmet, lifejacket and paddle. Our "Paparrazzi" photographer will be hovering around you to catch the best shots (of the sometimes apprehensive faces) as you listen intently to the thorough safety talk from the head guide of your trip.

You will then be divided into groups of 4 or 5 paddlers -- we use high-quality 13-ft rafts that seat up to 5 people plus your guide in the back. Your professional guide will provide paddling and safety instructions to prepare you for your adventure!

True to the Desafio name, you will "challenge" yourself as you paddle down over 10 kilometers of continuous, exciting rapids with names like “Congo Loco” and “Rock around the Croc!” Rafting in Costa Rica is a little different than other parts of the world because our rivers have steep gradients with lots of rapids and are a little more technical and shallow, which makes for a fun ride on your rafting trip!

As you descend down this beautiful class 2-3 river, you’ll have a chance to admire the lush greenery, vines, and different types of insects, birds and animals -- your eagle-eyed guides will even point out the monkeys, sloths and toucans along the way!

About half way down the river your guides will provide you a smorgasbord of fresh tropical fruit as you relax with the rest of your group. Take a swim and immerse yourself in the wild nature around you!

When your rafting adventure is finished, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch at charming rural location. After your day full of nature, adventure, and delicious food, we’ll drive you back to your hotel on our comfortable, air-conditioned vans with FREE WiFi!

"I really did 'Experience Water Like Never Before' on my rafting trip with Desafio Adventure Company on the Balsa River. Much more fun than I thought a class 2 and 3 river could be. Highly recommended!" -- D. Stevens, Utah