Welcome to Heliconias Nature Inn, your haven of serenity and charm in the heart of La Fortuna, where adventure meets the majesty of nature. Our prime location, near the vibrant rivers of the rainforest, offers a unique gateway for those eager to dive into the natural beauty and thrills that only Costa Rica can offer.
At Heliconias Nature Inn, we take pride in connecting our guests with unforgettable natural experiences. That’s why we have partnered with a leading rafting tour provider, renowned for their excellence and commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. This thrilling rafting tour through the rainforest rivers is not just an adrenaline-packed adventure; it’s an invitation to explore and marvel at the splendor of Costa Rica’s natural habitat, where wildlife thrives in its purest form.
As you navigate the challenging rapids, keep your eyes wide open for the rich fauna that inhabits these areas, from colorful tropical birds to curious monkeys, and much more. This unique experience not only satisfies the craving for adventure but also offers moments of deep connection with nature that linger in memory.
Understanding the importance of a hassle-free experience, this tour includes transportation to and from our hotel, allowing you to relax and enjoy your adventure from the moment you step out our door. And all this, available at the same price, ensuring you receive the utmost value and convenience.
Enthusiastically recommended by our guests as a thrilling and 100% must-do adventure, this rafting tour is a highlight for everyone visiting the region. We are committed to ensuring that every aspect of your stay and your adventures in La Fortuna are memorable.
Discover the thrill of the rainforest rivers and let Heliconias Nature Inn be your guide to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Costa Rica. Book your stay with us today and prepare for an experience that exceeds all expectations!
Exciting Rafting Adventures in Costa Rica's Rainforest Rivers - Book Your Tour with Heliconias Nature Inn
Balsa Half-Day
Tour Details
Our rafting adventure on the Balsa River is the perfect outing for individuals from 8 to 108 years old. It’s an excellent choice for families, those new to rafting, lovers of nature, and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Over the course of our Balsa River excursion, participants will tackle around 25 rapids for approximately two hours of river time. This adventure offers a mix of mild to intermediate Class 2 and 3 rapids, spanning 11 kilometers through Costa Rica’s stunning natural habitats. As you drift down the picturesque river, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including toucans, kingfishers, herons, and you might even spot howler monkeys and sloths among the trees.
Sarapiquí Full-Day
Tour Details
Come join us for an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience in Costa Rica! Our adventure begins on the thrilling Class 4 stretch of the Sarapiqui River, winding through a breathtakingly deep and secluded gorge filled with imposing drops, numerous boulder obstacles, and steep inclines. After navigating two hours of heart-pounding rapids, the intensity eases as we transition to the more picturesque Class 3 section, enveloped by a lush forest alive with a myriad of bird species and wildlife. This excursion is perfect for both daring first-timers and seasoned rafters, with a minimum age requirement of 15. Rest assured, our bilingual guides, boasting extensive expertise, will prioritize your safety and comfort as you conquer over 40 epic rapids along the journey.
Twilight Safari Float
Tour Details
Embark on a remarkable Family-Friendly Twilight Nature Safari float along the tranquil Peñas Blancas River in Costa Rica—a truly immersive journey. Ideal for those eager to delve into the diverse flora and fauna of Costa Rica, this experience caters to all ages. Whether you’re introducing your young ones to the marvels of nature or seeking a peaceful adventure for the entire family, the gentle Class 1 rapids provide a glimpse into river exploration without the turbulence of tumultuous waters. Accompanied by seasoned guides, adept navigators, and enthusiastic naturalists, you’ll be treated to their wealth of knowledge about the local ecosystem, gaining valuable insights into the abundant biodiversity of the area.
What to wear and what to bring
Please remember to leave your wallets, passports, and valuables behind as it’s not safe to bring them on the shuttle or raft. We advise against bringing a camera or cell phone unless you’re on the Safari Float. Keep in mind that during rapids, you’ll be focused on paddling, not taking pictures. But don’t worry, we have a photo kayaker on almost all our trips who will capture all the action on and off the river.
To ensure your comfort during the rafting trip, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing. Before setting off on your adventure, make sure to wear or bring the following essentials:
- Swimwear or a T-shirt and shorts: Arrive at your hotel ready to go rafting and bring a change of dry clothes. There are toilets at the start, and at the end of the trip, there are showers and changing rooms. We’ll provide a clean microfiber towel for you at the end of the river journey.
- Shoes or sports sandals: Footwear that stays on your feet is essential for an enjoyable rafting experience. Please avoid wearing flip-flops, as they tend to break or get lost. Flip-flops are great for after the rafting trip.
- Sunscreen and hats: Apply sunscreen before the trip and before getting on the raft. If you’re prone to sunburn, consider bringing sunscreen on the boat. Each boat has a mesh bag for loose items like sunscreen and water bottles. Most hats can comfortably fit underneath the helmet.
- Medication: Bring any prescription medications you need with you. Inform your guide, and they will safely secure them in a dry bag. This also applies to EPI pens if you have severe allergies.
- Reusable water bottle: We provide potable water in our shuttle vehicle. We encourage you to bring a water bottle that you can refill rather than a single-use disposable plastic bottle.
What to bring on the vehicle:
Please bring a change of clothes packed in a small bag for after the trip. This can be left in the shuttle vehicle. You’re also welcome to bring some cash for incidentals like purchasing beer during lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Raft Without Any Previous Experience?
Most of our clients have never rafted before! Based on your sense of adventure, choose the Class 3 Balsa half-day trip or the more intense Class 4 Sarapiqui Full-Day Trip. Each trip has a minimum age for participation. Our minimum age is not based on one’s swimming ability or previous experience; it is based on mental maturity in the event of self-rescue and physical ability to paddle.
Is Rafting Safe?
Like all adventure sports, rafting does have an inherent risk. Your safety is our number one priority both on and off the river. Without exception, we believe in safety in every aspect of your trip, from requiring helmets on every trip to our drug and alcohol policy, from our shuttle vans and drivers to our guides and equipment. Rafting Costa Rica sets the standard for safety in Costa Rica! Between our company in California and Costa Rica, we have had a 100% safety record for the past 40 plus years, and this enviable safety record is one of the reasons why we are at the safety forefront of the whitewater industry.
Will I Fall Out of the Raft?
If you go rafting, you will get wet. Whether you fall out of the raft is another story. We prefer to run the fun and challenging lines of a rapid but keep you inside the raft. That’s not to say you will not have the occasional out-of-boat experience. However, it remains the exception rather than the rule. If you do fall out, 99% of the time, you’ll be holding onto the outside safety (OS) line around the raft and pulled in by a fellow paddler or guide.
Will My Child Fall Out of the Boat?
The answer is the same as the one above; however, kids tend to actually enjoy falling out a lot more than their parents! We frequently take kids rafting as young as 8 years old, and our highly experienced guides understand the responsibility of having kids on their raft. Our guides make rafting heaps of fun for kids—they do not have to try hard because, deep down, they are all big kids themselves!
How Fit Do I Have to Be?
Forget about the gym membership and leave the muscle supplements at home! There are no Schwarzenegger-like fitness requirements to go rafting! Anyone can raft; it’s more about a sense of adventure rather than being physically fit.
What If I Can’t Swim?
Although knowing how to swim is optional for our Balsa and Penas Blancas trips, we recommend you have good comfort with moving water for the Sarapiqui. You’ll be wearing a high-float life jacket, so if you make a premature exit from the raft, you’ll float and be pulled back in by a fellow paddler or your guide. If you fall out, your hair will get wet, and yes, you will get laughed at by your fellow rafters, especially if you fall out in a small rapid!
Excelente tour, muy recomendado
Did this tour with my family, it was awesome!