Amazing 3-Generation Family Whitewater Rafting - Last week my three-generation family of 10 went on the Desafio Balsa River white water rafting, class II and III tour. We had an incredible experience. We are all novices ranging in age from 11 to 80 and all of us were able to do it with no problems. Because of the size of our party, we had two boats (max 6 per boat). Our guides were amazing! Emanuel came with the van to pick us up at our hotel and gave us a great informational overview and safety overview on the ~45 min drive to the start of the rafting. He was the guide of one of the boats and took great care to ensure it was safe for even the older generation in our party. Alejandro was the guide for the other boat and he was also great! He gave us very clear instructions for when to paddle, when to “get down” in the boat to stay safe in big rapids, and when to stop and enjoy. We had so much fun. Our guides also pointed out much of the nature around us including explaining many of the trees and flowers, along with many animals. We saw sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and lots of different birds. Finally, there was also a third person in a kayak, Randy, who was there as an extra safety guide just in case there were any issues (which where weren’t) and to scout the river ahead for any hazards. He also was the “paparazzi” photographer for the group and took some amazing photos and videos which they sold to us for a pretty reasonable price afterwards ($40 per boat in our case). Most importantly, their attention to safety was their highest priority and it showed. We saw another company’s boat run into some trouble and got stuck between a couple large rocks. They looked like they might flip. Our guides stopped to help and gave instructions to the other company guide (who was newer) to help them get out. Alejandro had his rescue bag in his hand and was ready to swim over and help them if needed as well. Overall we had a great experience and would highly recommend Desafio for your tour company and Emanuel, Alejandro, and Randy as your guides. 5-stars for sure!

I had much more fun than anticipated! - I participated in this experience today and had the time of my life! All the guides were very friendly and professional. Our raft guide, Alejandro (nicknamed Fox) was extremely jovial and skilled. Two of us flew off the raft at different times, and he had us back in within seconds. I’m a fairly big woman, heavier than him, yet Alejandro pulled me out almost as easily as a mother pulling her baby out of bed. His love of rafting and the river was evident. Two emergency guides zigzagged among the four rafts in the group, ready to help if needed. One of them treated us to some entertaining acrobatics; imagine doing a headstand in his kayak on the water, and doing the equivalent of motorcycle wheelies. The trip was longer than expected, 15 km in about 1:40 hours. Fresh fruit was served almost toward the end of the run, and lunch was waiting for us after we finished and drove to their dining area. While we had fun in the water, a photographer guide took photos and videos from several vantage positions, available for purchase afterward. This was my first experience with white water rafting, and now I’m hungry for the next one! Give it a try and be rewarded with an incredibly fun experience.

Beautiful, very fun and recommended! - The guides were very cool and experienced. We felt safe and well taken care of. We loved the experience!

So much fun! - Highlight of our trip!! Our guide Jefferson was fantastic!! He was so kind and made sure we were safe but also had fun. This is the perfect exprience for first time rafters.

Very fun time and... - Very fun time and convenient pick up. There is even a meal included. Would recommend to do in Fortuna

Would recommended - We had a wonderful experience and would absolutely recommended. Our guide Jorge was so much fun! Our 15 and 18 years old children loved it so much.

It's very worth the experience - A great experience Highly recommended, the guides are very professional and make the tour very enjoyable Suitable for the whole family

Aurelio and the other... - Aurelio and the other guides were skilled, fun, and provided a great experience. We went in a rain storm but had a wonderful time.

Highly recommend this... - Highly recommend this adventure! We had a blast and our tour guide, Jorge, was very energetic and knowledgeable. He kept us safe at all times, but the vibe was always high. True pura vida!

Good rafting - Rafting went really well. Family had a great time. Knocked off a star for horrible logistics. Didn't pick up at right hotel after confirmed the name multiple times. Didn't answer the office phone or respond to WhatsApp messages when pickup was late. Also, it's not clear but the shoes you wear will get soaking wet. I would recommend flip flops over sneakers like they say, so you can store them..