Free Trip Planning!

Tubing on Rio Arenal

Arenal
From
$80
Per Person
Overall
88%
38 Guest
Ratings

How would you like to go whitewater tubing on the Rio Arenal? This is one of the most beautiful, yet overlooked attractions in the Arenal area and an awesome location for some fun on the river.

To start things off you will be picked up from your La Fortuna hotel and brought to the Montana de Fuego Resort, where the Go Adventure headquarters is located.

When you arrive, your guide will lead you on a short hike of around 15 minutes to the Maleku Villa. The Maleku are an indigenous tribe that inhabits the area.  This exhibit is a great way to learn about their culture and arts.  Please note that the stop at the Maleku Villa sometimes takes place after tubing.

The walk down to the river and villa is scenic, passing through fields. On clear days, you can see Arenal Volcano looming behind you. When you reach the river, a brief instructional course will be provided for whitewater tubing and then you will be on your way.

The Rio Arenal starts at the Lake Arenal dam and then continues east until it mixes with other rivers in the San Carlos countryside. It quietly passes through a gorgeous canyon behind many of the resorts outside of La Fortuna. Many tourists do not even realize it is there. The canyon is surrounded by lush jungle and there is actually a lot of wildlife down there. If you can look up from the fun while you are tubing you will see a magical world around you!

Make no mistake; this is not a sightseeing tour. The Rio Arenal offer class I and II rapids which is a lot of fun on a small tube. The tubing lasts a little over an hour depending on the flows.

After tubing, you will hike back out and return to the main resort.  By default, you will be returned to your hotel after the tour, but you can stay and enjoy the hot springs pools at the resort if you like.  In order to do so, you must tell the guide upon arrival so they can coordinate a different transfer back for you.

After the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. Including transfers, this tour is expected to last 3 – 4 hours though this is subject to change. Please notify us if you weigh more than 200 pounds as restrictions may apply. The tour includes transportation, guides, and, equipment.

Highlights

  • Whitewater tubing on the Rio Arenal
  • Visit the Maleku Villa
  • Access to the Montana de Fuego hot springs pools upon request

What to Bring

Sneakers, swimsuit, shorts or wet suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, change of clothes (pants, shirt, sneakers).

Includes

Bilingual guide, equipment and transportation.
Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal

Tour Times

8:00 12:00

Tour Type

  • Adventure
  • Rafting

Location

Lattitude: N 10° 30' 16.01" (10.504446)
Longitude: W 84° 42' 11.39" (-84.703163)

Recent Reviews

Overall
88%
Cleanliness
86%
Expectations
87%
Staff
92%
Comfort
91%
Value
89%
5/11/2025
The guides assigned for this tour were fantastic and so helpful.
3/23/2025
Our 2 guides were fantastic (I forgot their names)
3/23/2025
Also enjoyed the pre-rafting indigenous group education.