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Safari Float on Rio Penas Blancas in Search of Exotic Wildlife

Arenal ・ Arenal Zone 2 ・ Arenal Zone 3 ・ Nuevo Arenal ・ Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
From
$86
Per Person
Overall
95%
565 Guest
Ratings

The Safari Float on the Rio Penas Blancas is a great tour for observing wildlife in the Arenal Volcano area. Often referred to as the Monkey Tour, this tour is perfect for anybody that does not want to travel all the way to Cano Negro in search of exotic animals.

The day starts off when you are picked up from your La Fortuna hotel. After all participants are picked up, you will be driven about 20 minutes out of town to the Penas Blancas River. Your guide will provide safety and paddling instructions. Then you'll climb into your inflatable whitewater rafting boat and go for a leisurely paddle downstream in search of wildlife.

This part of the river is rated only Class 1 for easy paddling over light rapids but it flows at a steady speed to push you gently along. The paddles are mostly used for steering to see both sides of the river for a better vantage point to see wildlife.

The Rio Penas Blancas corridor is home to many species of wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, basilisks, turtles, crocodiles, toucans, anhingas, and more. While we cannot guarantee what you see, your guide will point out the wildlife visible on the day of your visit. At some point during the tour snacks will be provided. The take out point is a small rustic ranch owned by a Costa Rican family whom you might meet.

After the tour you will be returned to your hotel. The tour usually lasts 4.5 – 5.5 hours including round trip transfers, though this is subject to change. The tour includes transportation, equipment, guide, and snacks.

Highlights

  • Paddle through a biological corridor
  • Search for exotic wildlife


This supplier maintains a zero-plastic policy, so no water bottles will be offered, only a refrigerated water dispenser for visitors to refill their own reusable bottles.

What to Bring

Camera, dry bag, change of clothes, sunblock, insect repellent, binoculars, enclosed sandals or river shoes, rain gear, reusable water bottle.

Includes

Transportation, equipment, guide, snacks. This supplier maintains a zero-plastic policy, so no water bottles will be offered, only a refrigerated water dispenser for visitors to refill their own reusable bottles.

Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal, Arenal Zone 2, Arenal Zone 3, Nuevo Arenal, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

Tour Times

07:30, 14:00

Tour Type

  • Nature
  • Learning/Family

Location

Lattitude: N 10° 30' 28.74" (10.507982)
Longitude: W 84° 30' 33.56" (-84.509323)

Recent Reviews

Overall
95%
Expectations
94%
Experience
94%
Guides
96%
Logistics
94%
Value
95%
11/15/2025
The tour was great from the pick-up at the hotel to the actual experience. Very professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Our tour guide spotted lots of wildlife and gave us detailed information and was able to answer all of our questions. The snacks were authentic and tasty, it was fun trying the moonshine!
11/10/2025
Snack provided was delicious! Our guide Warner was very informative and fun
9/5/2025
Very nice trip with very nice guide

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