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Rising early, I was hoping for a grand view of the Arenal volcano at sunrise before we set out for our whitewater rafting trip. Low clouds…no luck! In fact, we watched as it drizzled a bit while eating breakfast and wondered what our day might be like on the Balsa River. I knew we were going to get wet, but, I was hoping for a little sun!
Having booked a whitewater rafting trip with Arenal Rafting, we set out down the little rocky mountain road to make the thirty minute trek into La Fortuna. Although Arenal Rafting offers pick up at local hotels, we were a little too far from town so we had planned to check-in at the company’s office. Arriving early, we learned a lot about the area and what our day would entail from Arenal Rafting’s owner, Danial Anchia, a local whitewater enthusiast, pioneer of the adventure industry and member of the Costa Rica National White Water Rafting Team. We were definitely in good hands!
Departing at 9:00, we joined a friendly group on the tour bus, making our way down scenic highways, past other attractions and quaint towns. After a quick stop at a local restaurant for coffee and a bathroom break, we continued the journey to our starting point.
Even though I had done a short rafting trip (5 km) in Thailand in the Phang Nga province a few years ago, I felt a different dynamic here and was a bit nervous, especially when we were instructed on what to do within the raft…besides paddle. There was so much to remember, depending on what the conditions were in the river. If there were many rocks…“Get Down”…and we had to slide down to the floor of the raft and hold our paddles upright. “Paddle Forward” and “Paddle Back” were the easiest. Then, the scariest of the instructions…What To Do If You Fall Out of the Raft! Surely that wasn’t going to happen?
The waters of the Balsa River are controlled by the government and released during certain times of the day, allowing suitable conditions for whitewater trips down the river. As we waited for the river to rise to the appropriate level, we were divided into groups…my son and I were matched up with three lovely young ladies from Beijing and placed with Arenal Rafting guide, Melvin.
Stepping into the raft, we pushed off from the bank, the swift current carrying us rapidly down the river.
“Paddle Forward!” We all paddled…some a little more forcefully than others and some keeping better time with each other. It definitely took a little effort to get it down pat.
When we entered the areas of stronger rapids, my nerves ramped up, especially when we heard Melvin yell, “Get Down”. This took a few attempts, on my part, to remember the correct way to hold the paddle upright without decapitating my son who was with me, on my right, at the front of the boat.
The cold water continually splashed over the front of the boat, making us gasp and we relished the moments when the waters calmed for a few seconds. Thankfully, we all managed to stay in the raft, though I can’t say another raft from another company was as fortunate. As we swung around a large boulder, we watched their raft coming toward us, their smiles and elation turning to horror as they hit the boulder and flipped into the river…all while Melvin was yelling for us to “Paddle Forward!”. As I turned around, I realized that our numbers had increased as we had fished some of their group out of the river. A few scrapes and a drenching, but all were okay!
Soon the waters steadied to a slow flow and we were able to marvel at the beauty of the Costa Rican terrain. Breathtaking flowering trees, sloths hanging onto the occasional branch…we even spotted a toucan flying above us, making a river crossing. Truly, spectacular sights to behold!
Pulling our rafts onto a nearby bank, we mingled with other rafters while our guides prepared a delicious snack of fresh fruit to enjoy as we rested our weary arms.
A short while later, we headed back into the course, aiming to complete our journey. Letting my guard down, I felt a tug on my life jacket and thanks to Melvin, took an involuntary swim. I don’t know if I have ever experienced cold water like that…definitely takes your breath away!
Spotting our buses in the distance, parked under a bridge, we realized our intrepid journey had come to an end as our guides offered us warm, dry towels, waters and best of all, beer! We could all toast to a successful trip!
After a stop at a local restaurant to dry off and change clothes, we were treated to a lunch of chicken, rice and beans. Muy delicioso!
Our river journey had finally come to end. Not having had any experience with any other companies or recommendations when booking our whitewater rafting trip, it was fortunate that I found Arenal Rafting. A company that takes safety, as well as hospitality seriously, we couldn’t have enjoyed our adventure any more than we did!
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Arenal Rafting
- http://www.arenalrafting.com/
- Balsa River Tour, Class II and III rapids. Tour offered daily, departure 0900, return 1500. Appropriate for ages 8 years and older. $65 per person
- Toro River Tour, Class III and IV rapids. Tour offered daily, departure 0900, return 1500. Appropriate for ages 12 years and older. $85 per person.
- Upper Balsa River Tour, Class III and IV rapids. Tour offered daily, departure 0900, return 1500. Appropriate for ages 12 years and older. $85 per person.
- Transportation offered from local La Fortuna hotels.