Rafting and Canyoning in Arenal–La Fortuna

Rafting and Canyoning in Arenal

Two adventures, two natural settings, and a day dedicated to discovering La Fortuna’s wilder side.

The Rafting and Canyoning in Arenal combines a descent through a tropical canyon with a whitewater rafting experience, taking you from waterfalls and rock walls to the rapids of a river surrounded by forest.

The adventure begins with canyoning, an activity that takes you into an environment of canyons, vegetation, and waterfalls using rappelling techniques and specialized equipment.

After receiving safety instructions and putting on your helmet, harness, and other equipment, the descent begins. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll make your way through the canyon, combining walks over natural terrain with rope descents beside waterfalls and rock formations.

And after conquering the canyon, it’s time to swap your harness for a paddle.

The second part of the experience continues with rafting through Class II and III rapids, alternating between sections of fast water and calmer stretches where you can catch your breath and take in the forest surrounding the river.

Before entering the water, the guides explain basic paddling techniques, safety commands, and the procedures the team will use during the descent. Once on the river, working together becomes a fundamental part of the experience.

During the calmer stretches, you may also have the chance to spot birds and other wildlife along the banks, although every encounter depends entirely on nature.

Waterfalls, rock, forest, and whitewater make this a different way to experience Arenal: first descending into the heart of a canyon, then letting the river set the pace of the adventure.

 

Policies and Restrictions

Reservation: Booking in advance is recommended. The activity is subject to availability.

Punctuality: Participants must be ready at the time indicated in the confirmation. When transportation from the accommodation is included, the pickup time will depend on its location.

Physical fitness: This experience combines hiking over natural terrain, rappelling and rafting. A suitable level of physical fitness is required to take part in moderate- to high-intensity activities.

Age: Participation by minors is subject to the minimum age set by the operator, river conditions and the specific requirements of the canyoning route.

Weight and equipment fit: Participation may be subject to weight and size limits, as well as proper fit of the harness, life jacket and other safety equipment.

Health conditions: This experience may not be suitable for pregnant people or those with certain cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, back, neck or joint problems, recent injuries, or other conditions that could be affected by adventure activities involving physical exertion.

Mobility: Due to the terrain, descents and river activities, this experience has significant limitations for people with reduced mobility.

Swimming ability: Swimming and water competency requirements will depend on the conditions set by the operator and the section of the river used.

Safety equipment: All provided equipment must be used correctly, and participants must follow the guides’ instructions.

Alcohol and substances: Participation is not permitted while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or substances that may affect balance, coordination or the ability to follow instructions.

Weather conditions: Rain does not necessarily mean the tour will be canceled. However, heavy rain, thunderstorms, significant changes in river flow or unsafe conditions in the canyon may result in changes, delays or cancellations.

Wildlife: Animals roam freely, and sightings of any species are not guaranteed.

Conservation: Participants must respect the natural environment, stay with the group and avoid leaving litter along the way.

Cancellations

Cancellation, modification and no-show terms are subject to the policies stated in the booking confirmation and the operator’s conditions.

 

Specifications

Destination: La Fortuna and the Arenal region, San Carlos, Costa Rica.

Type of experience: Adventure, canyoning, rappelling, and rafting.

Duration: Full day, approximately 8 hours depending on the option booked and transportation.

Activity level: Moderate to high.

Previous experience: No previous experience is required, but participants must be in suitable physical condition and meet the requirements established by the operator.

Part One: Canyoning

Canyon descent
A route through a natural setting with rock walls, forest, and waterfalls.

Waterfall rappelling
The experience includes rope descents using specialized techniques and equipment.

Route through natural terrain
Between descents, there may be sections involving walking, rocks, water, and uneven or slippery surfaces.

Technical equipment
A helmet, harness, ropes, and other equipment required for the activity are provided.

Safety briefing
Before starting, the guides explain how the equipment works, basic techniques, and procedures to follow during the descent.

Part Two: Rafting

Class II–III rafting
The experience continues with a whitewater route featuring sections of varying intensity.

Teamwork
Participants paddle while following the guide’s commands to maneuver the raft during the descent.

Rafting equipment
A raft, paddle, life jacket, helmet, and other required equipment are provided.

Pre-trip instructions
Before entering the river, the guides explain paddling techniques, commands, and safety procedures.

Natural surroundings
During the calmer sections of the river, you can enjoy views of the forest and may have the opportunity to see wildlife. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The tour includes

• Guides for both activities.
• Technical equipment for canyoning.
• Safety equipment for rafting.
• Instructions and safety briefing.
• Water.
• Fresh fruit or a snack during the day.
• Lunch.
• Transportation, according to the option booked and the established service areas.

Important

The specific features of the canyoning experience, the number and height of the descents, the river section, and the rafting distance depend on the tour option booked.

Conditions in the canyon and river may vary due to rainfall, water levels, and other natural factors.

 

 

What to bring

Be prepared to get wet during both activities.

We recommend:

• Swimsuit.
• Comfortable, quick-drying clothes.
• Closed-toe shoes with good traction that can get wet.
• Water-resistant sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Towel.
• A complete change of dry clothes.
• Dry footwear for after the activities.
• A bag for storing wet clothes.
• Essential personal items.

Avoid wearing open-toed sandals, flip-flops, jewelry, or other accessories that could come loose during the activities.

Phones, cameras, and action cameras may only be used when permitted by the operator’s conditions and safety rules.

 

Amenities

Two activities in one day
The experience lets you combine canyoning and rafting without having to book each activity separately.

Specialized equipment
Technical and safety equipment required for both activities is provided.

Adventure guides
Guidance during the descents and rafting trip, with instructions before and during each activity.

Canyons and waterfalls
The first part of the day lets you explore an environment of rock, water, and tropical forest using canyoning and rappelling techniques.

Class II–III rafting
The second part features whitewater rapids and teamwork on a river surrounded by nature.

Fruit and water
Refreshments and hydration throughout the day.

Lunch
Food is included to complement the full-day experience.

Transportation
Available according to the option booked and the designated service areas.

 

Schedule

Approximate duration: 8 hours.

The departure time will be provided in the booking confirmation and will depend on the operator and the location of the accommodation.

As a general guide, this type of experience usually starts early in the morning so that both activities can be completed on the same day.

Weather conditions, river flow, and canyon conditions may lead to adjustments to the schedule or the experience itself