- Duration
- 2–2.5 hours
- Start time
- 7:30am / 1:30pmSubject to availability
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Group style
- Private or small group
- Pickup
- Pickup can be coordinated
- Languages
- EN / ES
- Best for
- Families · All travellers
The experience
Safari Float – Peñas Blancas River
The Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River is the calmest way to experience Costa Rica's rainforest wildlife — no paddling, no rapids, no effort. You drift for roughly 2 hours (about 8 km) on a stable inflatable raft with a bilingual naturalist guide who quietly points out sloths draped over cecropia branches, spider monkeys crossing the canopy, howler monkeys, iguanas basking on riverside logs, Green Basilisks (Jesus Christ lizards), turtles, and — with luck — Spectacled Caimans on the muddy banks. The Peñas Blancas is a birding corridor: expect Sunbitterns, Amazon Kingfishers, Boat-billed Herons, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Ringed Kingfishers, Anhingas and the elusive Agami Heron along the shaded oxbows. The river winds through primary and secondary tropical rainforest at the northern foothills of the Arenal region, so wildlife density is high and the pace is slow enough for real photography from the water. Fresh tropical fruit is served on the raft. Included: your naturalist guide, safety equipment and river access fees. Transport is not included — we quote it separately by hotel and zone. Available as a small shared departure or as a fully private tour — a favorite for families with kids, seniors, birders, and anyone who wants a low-impact, high-reward Costa Rica wildlife experience.
Highlights
What makes this day different
Ideal for all ages and fitness levels
No paddling experience required
Wildlife sightings vary naturally
Itinerary
Your day, hour by hour
Indicative timings — we adapt to wildlife activity and weather.
7:30 AMHotel pickup
Transport required (quoted separately) — put-in and take-out are different points.
8:15 AMArrive at put-in
8:30 AMPeñas Blancas float
Stable raft float, no rapids — ideal for wildlife.
10:30 AMRiverbank wildlife
Howler monkeys, iguanas, herons and kingfishers.
11:30 AMReturn to hotel
Gallery
What you may see
Real photographs from our departures. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Included
What is included and what is not
Included
- Professional naturalist guide
- Safety equipment
- Transportation coordination
What to bring
- Light clothes
- Sandals or water shoes
- Binoculars
- Dry bag
- Camera
Logistics
Practical details before you book
Pickup can be coordinated
Share your hotel or Airbnb name during checkout and we confirm pickup time and any transport cost in writing.
What to know
- Light clothes
- Sandals or water shoes
- Binoculars
- Dry bag
- Camera
Where exactly it is
Peñas Blancas River, La Fortuna · 18 km from La Fortuna (≈25 min drive)
Tour Location· Safari Float – Peñas Blancas
4.8(127)Mon-Sat 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM; Sun 7:30 AM – 5:00 PMBooking window
Requests close 36h before departure. Inside that window we still try, but availability is not confirmed.
This experience accepts a card authorization online: the amount is held, never charged, until VIVO confirms.
2 Adults · 10
Cancellation & changes
- 36+ hours before tour → 100% refund to original payment method, minus 5% transaction fee
- Less than 36 hours before tour → 50% refund to original payment method, minus 5% transaction fee (free reschedule may be offered subject to availability)
- No-shows are non-refundable and non-rescheduleable
- The 5% administrative fee is non-refundable and covers non-recoverable bank/processor fees (Stripe and PayPal retain ~3% on every transaction even when refunded) plus the cost of processing the cancellation. It is waived when we cancel for operational or weather reasons.
- All refunds are issued to the original payment method (card, PayPal, or bank transfer used at booking). We do not issue cash refunds under any circumstance.
Compare
Choose with clarity
Duration, price, difficulty, transport and booking type, side by side.
Compare with other options in this zone
Real alternatives in the same destination, so you can decide without opening five tabs.
| Detail | You are viewingSafari Float – Peñas Blancas River | La Fortuna Waterfall Visit — Self-Guided | Ecocentro Danaus – Day Guided Rainforest Tour | Ecocentro Danaus – Night Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2–2.5 hours | 2–3 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Price | From $151 | From $34 | From $129 | From $129 |
| Difficulty | Easy | — | — | — |
| Transport | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Modality | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Booking | Instant date hold | Instant date hold | Instant date hold | Instant date hold |
| Includes | 3 items | 2 items | 2 items | 3 items |
Book
Secure your date
Authorize your card today; the charge only happens once VIVO confirms the operation.
How it works
- 1
Choose your date
Date, modality and travellers at checkout.
- 2
We authorize your card
The amount is held; NOT charged until VIVO confirms.
- 3
We confirm in writing
Email and WhatsApp with time, meeting point and assigned guide.
- 4
Your private portal
You receive your portal with itinerary, calendar invite and support.
You can also add this experience to your itinerary and book several together. View my itinerary
Price per person
From$151
All fees included.
Small group from $98
Reserve My Experience
Your card is authorized only, not charged.
Availability is checked live. VIVO captures the payment after finalizing the operational details.
Free cancellation 36h+ (−5% fee)
Secure payment · no hidden fees
Questions
Frequently asked
How long does this tour last?
It lasts 2–2.5 hours. Start times: 7:30am and 1:30pm.
Is transport or pickup included?
Transport is never included in the tour price. We quote it separately by hotel and zone so you only pay for the route you actually need.
Do I need to paddle or know how to swim?
No. The raft floats with the current and a guide steers; you sit, watch and photograph. Life jackets are provided.
What wildlife is realistic to see?
Sloths, howler and spider monkeys, iguanas, basilisks, kingfishers and herons are common. Caimans and Agami Heron are a lucky bonus — sightings are never guaranteed.
What happens if it rains?
Rain is part of the rainforest and the tour normally runs; we bring rain gear. If conditions become unsafe, we reschedule or refund according to our policy.










