Arenal Rafting Company

Not all rafting companies perform equally on the water. Experience is everything — and on the Río Balsa, few teams compare to what this operator has built over more than a decade. With over 10,000 verified five-star reviews, Arenal Rafting Company has become the benchmark for Arenal rafting in the La Fortuna region. Their guides are bilingual, certified, and have logged thousands of hours on this river.

Choose Your Level — Gentle to Extreme

What makes this team stand out is range. The Balsa River offers multiple sections at different difficulty levels. Beginners and families gravitate toward the Class II–III middle section — a 10-kilometer run with 25 continuous rapids, plenty of splashing, and safe, fun energy. More experienced paddlers can request the upper section, where rapids escalate to Class III–IV and demand real teamwork and coordination.

The guide matches the experience to your group. No upselling, no pressure. Both routes include fruit and snacks on the river, full safety equipment, and a post-tour lunch with towels. Transportation departs from the La Fortuna base at 9:20 AM for the Balsa section and 8:20 AM for the Sarapiquí option. Arenal rafting with this operator means every detail is handled — you show up and paddle.

Pickup, Logistics, and the Sarapiquí Option

Hotel pickup is included for accommodations within 5km of La Fortuna Central Park. If you're staying further out or in an Airbnb, secure parking is available at the company office — 100 meters north of the La Fortuna police station. The Río Sarapiquí is also available for those seeking a wilder, more remote full-day experience at Class III–IV. It's a longer commitment, a different river, and a more physically demanding challenge.

For travelers who take Arenal rafting seriously — whether it's their first time or their tenth — this is the operator with the track record, the expertise, and the flexibility to match any group.

Activity Highlights:

• 10,000+ verified reviews — most reviewed operator in the region
• Bilingual certified guides with 10+ years on the Río Balsa
• Class II–III or Class III–IV — two difficulty levels available
• Balsa River or Sarapiquí River options
• Lunch, towels, and river snacks included
• Hotel pickup within 5km of La Fortuna

Best For: All skill levels — from first-time paddlers to experienced rafters ready for serious Class IV water.