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River Tubing Adventure

Adrenaline-Filled River Rafting Tour!

River tubing in Arenal offers a fun and exciting way to experience the rainforests of Costa Rica. This activity is perfect for adventure lovers seeking a combination of adrenaline and natural beauty, and it's designed to be accessible for families and beginners as well as thrill-seekers. The Piedras Negras River tubing tour takes you through some of the region’s most beautiful rainforest, letting you float and bounce over a series of mild rapids and tranquil stretches. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll navigate twists, curves, and small drops while surrounded by vegetation and the sounds of the jungle. Outings begin with a safety briefing and all equipment is provided.

Highlights

checkmark Small but exciting rapids. Enjoy a hands-on adventure over gentle rapids and small drops that provide excitement but remain accessible for most ages and skill levels. 

checkmark Safe, guided experience. Knowledgeable guides stay with your group on and off the water, ensuring safety, sharing local insights, and assisting in navigation.

checkmark Wildlife Watching. The slow pace and proximity to the riverbank increase your chances of seeing colorful birds, monkeys, and fascinating flora along the route.

checkmark No experience needed. This adventure is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require strong swimming skills—making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers eager for a memorable outing.

Table of Contents

What to Expect from this River Tubing Adventure

Watery river fun for everyone

Enjoy a River Tubing Adventure in Arenal

River tubing on the Piedras Negras River is a hands-on way to enjoy Arenal’s rainforest. This tour suits families, beginners, and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering a mix of gentle rapids, small drops, and calm stretches through the rainforest. Guides accompany every group, helping you navigate the river and pointing out local wildlife along the banks, including monkeys, tropical birds, and a variety of rainforest plants.

Tours start with a safety briefing, and all necessary equipment, including tubes, helmets, and life jackets, is provided. The river’s rapids provide bursts of excitement without being overwhelming, while slower sections allow time to appreciate the surrounding scenery. Short trails along the river also let participants step out, stretch their legs, and enjoy the forest from land. The activity is beginner-friendly, requires no swimming experience, and is suitable for most ages.

What to Expect

You begin on a platform above the river, then descend to the water on a controlled device that positions you safely on your tube. Once on the river, you’ll float through twists, mild rapids, and small drops, guided at all times by trained professionals. The river’s curves and gentle waves keep the experience fun and active, while opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the rainforest make the tour engaging from start to finish.

FAQ about River Tubing in Arenal

Common questions about this activity:

Are the rapids suitable for beginners?

Yes. The rapids are mild and accessible, offering fun without being dangerous, though they provide enough movement to make the ride exciting.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?

No. All participants wear life jackets, and guides are present throughout the tour.

What equipment is provided?

Each person receives a tube, helmet, and life jacket. Guides manage all safety aspects.

Will I see wildlife along the river?

Yes. The river passes through rainforest habitat where monkeys, birds, and tropical plants are often visible along the banks.

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We were in great hands from the moment we landed! Loved the excursions, hotels, and our driver ā€œMarlon Brando.ā€ You made everything smooth with great planning and thoughtful check-ins. Truly an enjoyable and worry-free trip!

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Cindy L.

Austin, Texas

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Our agent made our honeymoon stress-free and fun! She was available throughout, even when I felt unwell early in the trip. Her support and great recommendations helped us feel better fast. So grateful for the special touches she added along the way.

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Cheyenne P.

Cheyenne P.

USA

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Wow—what an amazing trip! From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of Costa Rica is breathtaking, and the scenery changed constantly. It felt like a new adventure every day. Already dreaming of going back!

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Sabrina A.

Costa Rica

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