Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float, Arenal/La Fortuna
Float down the Río Peñas Blancas to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and waterbirds with your naturalist guide.
Nice float and our raft guide was excellent.
We loved the river float. We saw so many animals, sloths, monkeys, iguanas, lizards, fish, and birds. Our kids loved paddling the rafts and even had... Read more
Wonderful guides, beautiful relaxed float on the river. Great snacks at the end.
SOOOO much fun! I cant even being to count the number of animals we saw.
Very relaxing, saw lots of wild life. Mariano and Diego were great. A surprise snack was lovely. Would recommend especially if you don't want to do... Read more
Overview
Highlights
- Float down the Río Peñas Blancas on a raft
- Spot monkeys and sloths in the trees along the riverbanks
- Look for a rare lizard capable of walking on water
- See a wide range of flora and fauna while enjoying a relaxing boat ride
Know before you go
4 hours
4 years old & up
Small group, 15 people or less
Snacks and water bottles included.
What you'll do
Your day starts with a pick-up at your hotel and a transfer to the launching point on the Río Peñas Blancas. Here you'll be greeted by your naturalist guide, get outfitted with life vests, and listen to a brief safety overview. Then it's time to hop into a four-person or six-person raft and cast off, beginning your relaxed but fun floating trip down the river. Your buoyant raft is designed not to disrupt the river's delicate ecosystem, and you'll have to paddle only rarely along the journey—the river will do most of the work!
Keep your eyes on the shores and the forest canopy, where your guide might help you spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, caimans, and a wide variety of birds, including herons, cormorants, American darters, and passerines. With some luck, you might catch a glimpse of the rare basilisk lizard, capable of walking on water. Your guide will also point out fascinating vegetation, like the ficus and kapok trees that lean across the river to form shaded tunnels. At the end of your scenic four-hour journey, you'll disembark at the docking area, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Start times
-
Daily8:00 am, 2:00 pm
What's included
- Round-trip transportation
- Naturalist guide
- Life vests
- Snacks and bottled water
- Entrance fees
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedSee alternatives
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Visit
Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more.
(Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll also learn about conservation and sustainability.
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Volunteer Experience
Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. (Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll learn about conservation and sustainability. As part of the volunteer tour, you will also have hands-on opportunities with the animals. Learn how to prepare and serve food to the animals, interact with them (following the guide's instructions), help clean cages or craft animal toys, and more. You will go home with unforgettable memories!
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Experience the rainforest after dark on this unique guided excursion to Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve near La Fortuna. As the sun goes down, you'll venture into the jungle, exploring this haven for plants, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal animals. Highlights your guide will point out along the way include bats, spiders, sloths, snakes, and some of the reserve's many native frog species, including the brightly-colored poison dart frog, one of the planet's most poisonous frogs. Since the reserve is closed to most groups by night, this is an exclusive opportunity to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
A bilingual guide will lead you on a nature walk through the Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus on this half-day tour. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide on a nature trail. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site. Finish the tour with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
See sloths in their natural habitat on this family-friendly excursion! During this two-hour tour in a private nature reserve just outside La Fortuna, you'll not only have the opportunity to view these slow-moving creatures hanging out in the trees, but you'll also learn all about the sloth's lifestyle, the history of the species, and the importance of sloth protection. Your expert guide will point out two- and three-toed sloths and bring your attention to other noteworthy flora and fauna as you walk along a 1-mile (1.5-km) trail. If you're lucky, you might even spot a mother sloth with her baby.
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a stunning variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. Follow a naturalist guide through the park's different ecosystems, including a new tree-planting zone, open pastures, regenerating forests, and small streams. The mix of terrain allows for optimal bird viewing. You'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbird flycatchers, black-cheeked woodpecker, and possibly the red-billed pigeon. An included breakfast follows the birding hike.
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Sky Adventures Hanging Bridges
Explore the forest from an elevated perspective on this excursion to Sky Walk, one of the first hanging bridges in Costa Rica. Follow a naturalist guide along a series of nature trails and five suspension bridges (some as high as 230 feet or 70 meters), stopping to appreciate various flora and fauna along the way. You'll see monkeys and snakes if you're lucky! During the 2-mile (3-km) hike, you'll enjoy views over the forest canopy and spot colorful birds, butterflies, and insects.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.
Traveler photos
Travelers often mention
Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews
Many reviewers enjoyed the opportunity to see a variety of animals such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, birds, and more during the river float. Some, however, noted that weather conditions impacted the number of animals they saw. (18 mentions)
Multiple reviews highlighted the guides as knowledgeable and helpful in pointing out and providing information about wildlife and other sights along the river. (11 mentions)
Unique experiences such as the guide's humorous pineapple cutting demonstration and unplanned events like rescuing stranded kayakers added memorable moments to the tour. (7 mentions)
The overall experience of floating down the river was described as relaxing and peaceful by many travelers. (6 mentions)
Traveler reviews
4.8
4.8
4.9
Because of weather, I also think we have not seen so many animals as we could see under different weather conditions.
At the end of the tour there is half an hour session about the chocolate production with chocolate tasting. Since we have been visiting chocolate plantation already with really... Read more
Too long on the raft; overall too long.
Would recommend especially if you don't want to do rapids but want to be on the water. Read more
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries with Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Coast to Coast Adventure: Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano & Guanacaste - 9 Days
Experience both Costa Rica's Caribbean and Pacific coasts on this nine-day adventure. From the capital of San José, you'll make your way to Tortuguero National Park to watch sea...
Arenal & The Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
On this 15-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs. You'll visit the famous Arenal...
Discover Costa Rica: Arenal & Monteverde - 7 Days
Tour two of Costa Rica’s prized gems on this weeklong adventure. Begin in La Fortuna and embark on a floating safari, followed by a cultural experience day covering food, the...
Costa Rica Nature & Beach Adventure: Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, & Jacó - 14 Days
On this 14-day tour, you’ll experience some of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. First, stroll the capital city of San José prior to adventuring through La Fortuna, from...
Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 16 Days
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling...
Arenal/La Fortuna Experiences
Show more Arenal/La Fortuna experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Uncover the wonders of EcoTermales Hot Springs in Arenal, an idyllic and economical hideaway ideal for adults and couples. Nestled within lush forests, indulge in mineral-rich...
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural...
Costa Rica Experiences
Show more Costa Rica experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312...
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Venture into the cloud forest for an outdoor adventure that involves hiking, zip lining, and more. Start by boarding the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Treetopia Park Monteverde,...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
Best of Arenal/La Fortuna
Best of Arenal/La FortunaHow Many Days to Spend in Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park (along with the gateway town of La Fortuna) is a highlight of any Costa Rica itinerary. In an afternoon, you can get a feel for the park from one of...
How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's best-known and most popular volcano, and travelers can experience it through hikes, horseback riding, and walking across hanging bridges. These...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famous Volcano
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Where to Eat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
After a day of trekking around the enormous Volcan Arenal, there are likely only two things you want: a soak in a nearby hot spring and a good meal. Luckily, La Fortuna is a...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...
Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip