Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Float down the Río Peñas Blancas to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and waterbirds with your naturalist guide.
Overview
Drift gently along the serene waters of Río Peñas Blancas on a peaceful rafting excursion perfect for families and nature lovers alike. This slow-paced float takes you through a richly biodiverse section of Costa Rica’s rainforest, where you’ll have excellent chances of observing animals such as sloths, monkeys, turtles, iguanas, and even elusive caimans. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you’ll also enjoy spotting bird species like herons, American darters, cormorants, and various colorful passerines. Along the way, your guide will highlight different types of tropical flora and towering trees that line the riverbank, creating a tunnel of green above your raft. With minimal paddling required, this journey allows you to fully relax while soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you.
Highlights
- Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the calm Río Peñas Blancas
- Spot monkeys, sloths, and reptiles relaxing along the riverbank or in the trees
- Catch a glimpse of the elusive basilisk lizard—famous for running across the water
- Observe a wide variety of flora and fauna in a tranquil jungle setting
- Learn fascinating insights from an expert guide about the local ecosystem
Know before you go
Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
Ages 4 and older
Group
Small group experience, up to 15 people
Food & Drink
Includes light snacks and bottled water
What you’ll do
The adventure begins with a comfortable hotel pickup and transfer to the starting point along the Río Peñas Blancas. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your naturalist guide and receive your safety gear and a short orientation. Then, you’ll step into a four- or six-person raft designed to navigate the calm river without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. With minimal effort required to paddle, you’ll be free to focus on nature all around you.
Glide under the canopy of lush tropical vegetation, with your guide pointing out wildlife as you float. Expect to see sloths hanging quietly from branches, monkeys leaping between trees, iguanas sunning themselves on rocks, and perhaps turtles or caimans peeking from the water. With a bit of luck, you may even witness the rare basilisk lizard dash across the river surface on its hind legs.
This journey is also a treat for bird enthusiasts, as the area is home to various aquatic and forest birds. Look for herons stalking fish along the river, cormorants drying their wings, American darters, and smaller species like tanagers and warblers. Your guide will also share insights about the trees and plants, such as ficus and kapok trees whose limbs stretch across the river to form shaded tunnels.
After approximately two hours of floating, you’ll disembark at the endpoint, where you’ll enjoy a light snack and refreshments. Then, your driver will take you back to your hotel, closing out a relaxed and enriching wildlife adventure.
Start times
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Daily8:00 am, 2:00 pm
What’s included
- Round-trip hotel transfers
- Professional naturalist guide
- Rafting equipment and safety gear
- Bottled water and snacks
- All entrance fees
A-Activ-27sep2025-322







