Safari Float and wild life experience in Arenal
5
Safari Float and wild life experience in Arenal
By Caribbean Winds Costa Rica
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About
Come and enjoy this unique excursion on the Peñas Blancas River, immerse yourself into a rainforest river ecosystem watching a variety of arboreous and aquatic animals.
You will enjoy the best animals behavor and feel the real wild life in this amazing experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-75, max of 12 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat Safety Gear
- Water Botttle
What's not included- Lunch
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Balcón Arenal Restaurante y Sport Bar Lazy Twins, F9C4+978 Entre ruta, C. 468, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa RicaBalcon Arenal Restaurant, Next to Hotel Las Colinas, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007
Pickup details- Exact pick up time will be confirmed after booking, time may vary 10 or 15 minutes depending on Hotel Location. The next Hotels have an extra transport charge: Arenal Lodge Lost Iguana La Mansion Observatory Lodge El Castillo Town Hotels Chachagua Rain Forest Tilajari
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 298637P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 298637P1
From
£57.50
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- christianpN2415HP0 contributionsi liked it very muchbest guides you can imagine. Carlos and Fei love what the are doing and you can see and feel it in every single moment. the Kajak-Tour was ecaxtly right, not to difficult, not to easy, through wounderful nature and a lot of animales to seeWritten 19 December 2024
- LondonBlog0 contributionsFantastic tour and guidesWhat a great tour down the river We saw everything we wanted to see Sloths caymans all sorts of different birds and nature. Carlos the guide was excellent , he was very informative and he could see animals everywhere even when they were well hidden Highly recommend this tour and companyWritten 29 October 2024
- Daydream501348377950 contributionsA serene float to look for wildlife.Taking the Safari Float on a hot day in February was a fabulous idea. From the prompt, friendly pick up to the informative discussion on the short drive to the river, the excursion started off well. Once on the river it was cool and serene. Our guide, Phi, was extremely experienced with water craft as well as knowledgeable about the flora and fauna around us. We saw iguanas, monkeys, toucans, owls, a porcupine and various birds. (Of course, every trip will be different.) Definitely a great choice.Written 3 February 2024
- stevenmI3913VF0 contributionsWildlife river cruiseThe guides were great both Byron and Gerald taking the time to explain the river, jungle and quickly spotting wildlife. We also planted a tree to help maintain the river banksWritten 2 February 2024
- benhG2828OP0 contributionsWildlife rafting with CarlosThis was a fantastic experience led by our guide the amazing Carlos. His knowledge & passion made our rafting experience truly memorable. Well worth doing. Carlos also provided us with the means of planting a tree to help support the continued re forestation of the rain forests. Costa Rica is an exceptional country filled with the rich wonders of the natural world.Written 6 December 2023
- olivsantos0 contributionsGreat tripWe went on this trip with Carlos and it was amazing. Great birds, great monkeys, great iguanas and two sloths in the end! It totally worth it!Written 5 December 2023
- L2068PJalyssas0 contributionsIncredible river safari experienceWe had an amazing experience floating down the river while spotting wildlife. Our tour guide seemed very experienced and was able to quickly spot animals and point them out to us. This is a great company and you can tell they really want to give tourists an incredible experience. Would definitely recommend Caribbean Winds.Written 29 December 2022
- shereenbourne0 contributionsVolcano hike and bird watchingOur tour guide Pèpe was excellent the entire tour. I got a little altitude sickness and he was able to assist as we returned back to the starting point. The walk up to the lookout point was not too bad.Written 14 June 2022
- katiec5570 contributionsExcellent hikeCarlos was an amazing guide who gave us a private tour around the volcano. Excellent knowledge and a keen eye for spotting wildlife. The hike wasn't too taxing despite a hangover, but relaxing in the hot springs with a coco loco afterwards was a real treat. Would definitely recommend.Written 13 April 2022
- Heidi S0 contributionsHanging Bridges TourWe took a guided tour of the hanging bridges in Mount Arenal with Kristal as our guide from Caribbean Winds. Her knowledge and deep respect for the Flora and Fauna Of the rainforest was profound. She spoke excellent English which was nice and enabled us to really ask detailed information about the plants and animals. As an added bonus she took professional quality pictures of the animals with a scope so that we could have them as memories!Written 9 January 2022
- 460hermannw0 contributionsPassionate and professional tourguideOur tour guide Kristel was very motivated and full of knowledge. She showed us a lot of aspects of the nature during the tour of the hanging bridges. We learned a lot about the plants and the animals there.Written 20 December 2021
- jacobd570 contributionsFunny, kind and professional tourThis was the best tour on our vacation. Kristel was amazing and informative. We met her in town, and she arranged two full days of adventure for us. She even took action, when one activity took a little too long, so it nearly overlapped with the next. It was all arranged perfectly. I would highly recommend her.Written 27 November 2021
- 54winfriedm0 contributionsAmazing Tour to Rio CelesteCarlos really made our day!! We went with him to Rio Celeste stopped on the way to take the best pictures of Volcano Arenal and of sloths he spotted on a tree along the way! He is very knowledgeable and explained a lot about the flora and fauna we encountered AND we had a lot of fun together! The Rio Celeste is really impressive and we recommend everybody to go!Written 29 October 2021
- Pico-Union0 contributionsWaterfallI would like to recommend in choosing Carlos Salas from Caribbean Winds to get to know Costa Rica. He was a very knowledgeable guide who provided a lot of information about Costa Rica. He was very patient and made us feel included in everything we did. Thank you very much Carlos for making our trip a very memorable experience.Written 1 October 2021
- Breily R0 contributionsArenal volcano tourI did the Tour With Caribbean winds to the hike to the volcano where we could observe a lot of nature, the guide was very excellent, he taught us a lot about Costa Rica, the activity of the volcanoes, the history of the Arenal volcano since 1968, The Tour was very educational, excellent quality of guide Carlos Salas Montiel I do not regret anything 100% recommended.Written 30 August 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
More to explore in La Fortuna de San Carlos
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5.0
130 reviews
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Traveler50260
5 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
Absolutely wonderful family experience. Carlos and his team provided a 10/10 experience on the safari float. Family of grandma, parents, aunt, and kids 10 and 12 enjoyed it immensely. the crew was so welcoming and ensured we had an excellent time. Carlos is so skilled at maneuvering the raft, spotting wildlife, sharing interesting facts, and allowing us to capture so many fantastic shots. His authentic love of nature is evident in everything he does. The kids planted a tree to help fight deforestation. This was the highlight of our trip to La Fortuna.
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer30736722103
4 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We had a fantastic time on the river with the expert guides Carlos, Marvin and Faylan. We were on the lead raft with Carlos and he was absolutely determined that we get the best opportunities to see the animals. The rafting was really neat and the river environment was of course, amazing. He had a camera and tripod with a zoom lens which he would continually unpack so we could see what he was seeing, as an expert in the jungle.
He was never rushed and took time stopping and turning the raft so we each could get the best view and take opportunities for photos. He knew we might not be here again, and he wanted us to each have the richest experience possible.
Asking numerous questions, our group was never able to stump him. He was a total expert, not just on the wildlife, but on the Central American Cultures as well. Very well versed in history. I could have talked with him for hours.
During the trip, Carlos wanted to point out we were on farmer's property . Indeed after the trip, we disembarked on part of the farm that had the outbuildings and many farm animals, which my kids thought was pretty cool as well. The farm family was very warm and inviting. Thanks to them for using their property, and to Carlos' group for allowing us to experience the amazing things we did.
He was never rushed and took time stopping and turning the raft so we each could get the best view and take opportunities for photos. He knew we might not be here again, and he wanted us to each have the richest experience possible.
Asking numerous questions, our group was never able to stump him. He was a total expert, not just on the wildlife, but on the Central American Cultures as well. Very well versed in history. I could have talked with him for hours.
During the trip, Carlos wanted to point out we were on farmer's property . Indeed after the trip, we disembarked on part of the farm that had the outbuildings and many farm animals, which my kids thought was pretty cool as well. The farm family was very warm and inviting. Thanks to them for using their property, and to Carlos' group for allowing us to experience the amazing things we did.
Written 8 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike c
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Friends
Carlos and Byron from Carribbean Winds were amazing! We managed to book a 12 person guided tour for the La Fortuna safari boat tour last minute. They are both very enthusiastic and passionate and made sure our experience was enjoyable from the very start. I can't recommend them enough! We saw all sorts of wildlife and enjoyed fresh fruit at the end. It wasn't rushed at all, in fact they often paused the boat to enjoy the scenery, spot the animals, and take pictures. Thank you Carlos and Byron!
Written 27 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
16Hewy20
7 contributions
May 2022
My partner & I had an amazing time on the river Safari with Carlos. He spoke perfect English which was great for us being able to easily hear and understand.
On the river Carlos had a fantastic eye for spotting all sorts of wildlife. We were very fortunate to see a number of birds, a lot of monkeys, caiman’s and sloths. Refreshing cold water was provided during the Safari and following the end of the river we were treated to delicious pineapple, mango and another a sour fruit. All-in-all a great experience by an extremely knowledgeable and local guide.
I would also highly recommend Carlos’ own bar & restaurant - Balcon Arenal where we visited twice for some great food with a wide variety of well priced beverage options.
On the river Carlos had a fantastic eye for spotting all sorts of wildlife. We were very fortunate to see a number of birds, a lot of monkeys, caiman’s and sloths. Refreshing cold water was provided during the Safari and following the end of the river we were treated to delicious pineapple, mango and another a sour fruit. All-in-all a great experience by an extremely knowledgeable and local guide.
I would also highly recommend Carlos’ own bar & restaurant - Balcon Arenal where we visited twice for some great food with a wide variety of well priced beverage options.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claire
London, UK19 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
I was very lucky to find out about this company and the safari float just a couple of days before leaving for Costa Rica and I am so happy I did.
Everything was just incredible - from the initial contact and whatsapp messages with Carlos (who was extremely friendly and accommodating); to the driver, our guide, and the activity itself. Everyone at Caribbean Winds clearly take a lot of pride in what they do, and it really shows. We decided to holiday in Costa Rica due to the country's eco-tourism credentials, and this activity was an ideal way to admire the wildlife in a respectful way. Unfortunately, another company we used in Manuel Antonio for a kayak trip in the magroves, were activle trying to encourage people to interact and feed the wildlife which we disapprove of.
I don't have enough words to praise our guide, Faylan. His passion and enthusiasm was infectious. We got to see plenty of wildlife while learning about this wonderful country. We worked together to fish a plastic bottle out of the river, we shared some beautifully presented fruit after the tour, and I was lucky enough to help Faylan plant an avocado tree at the river bank which was quite emotional. This trip was the highlight of our trip to Costa Rica, and I throughly recommend it to everyone who is visiting the area, it is a must-do activity.
Everything was just incredible - from the initial contact and whatsapp messages with Carlos (who was extremely friendly and accommodating); to the driver, our guide, and the activity itself. Everyone at Caribbean Winds clearly take a lot of pride in what they do, and it really shows. We decided to holiday in Costa Rica due to the country's eco-tourism credentials, and this activity was an ideal way to admire the wildlife in a respectful way. Unfortunately, another company we used in Manuel Antonio for a kayak trip in the magroves, were activle trying to encourage people to interact and feed the wildlife which we disapprove of.
I don't have enough words to praise our guide, Faylan. His passion and enthusiasm was infectious. We got to see plenty of wildlife while learning about this wonderful country. We worked together to fish a plastic bottle out of the river, we shared some beautifully presented fruit after the tour, and I was lucky enough to help Faylan plant an avocado tree at the river bank which was quite emotional. This trip was the highlight of our trip to Costa Rica, and I throughly recommend it to everyone who is visiting the area, it is a must-do activity.
Written 4 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlennaCB
Milwaukee, WI47 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Fantastic! On our last day in Costa Rica, we took a marvelous rafting trip with Fi, Jordan, and our driver (who had a magical skill with a knife). on our lovely raft on a quiet and moving river, we saw so many birds! we saw a flock of gorgeous parakeets, enhingas,hawks, flycatchers, and so much more. the real surprise though, was when we saw the group of white faced capuchin monkeys, and the rival group of howler monkeys, with several babies. we learned so much about their habits from our very knowledgeable guide, Fi. these people believe in giving back. They also brought a tree along to plant. to help restock the river banks from erosion. and if this wasn’t enough, when we got out, we were rewarded with the culinary skills of our driver who sliced and presented an incredible array of tropical fruits. a beautiful way to learn and experience this natural sanctuary of floral and fauna and wildlife. pura vida. this group is the real deal. and authentic!
Written 7 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dörte M
19 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
A fantastic tour all around! The guides were very nice and during the trip to the river we were told a lot about the country and its people!
The trip was really great, the guide was so dedicated, knew sooo much and passed it on to us in a very humorous way! He spared animals perfectly even though March is a somewhat less active time, at least as far as crocodiles and caimans are concerned! Trees were planted along the way and at the end there was a delicious fruit meal!
What I also noticed was that nobody asked for tips 😅
The trip was really great, the guide was so dedicated, knew sooo much and passed it on to us in a very humorous way! He spared animals perfectly even though March is a somewhat less active time, at least as far as crocodiles and caimans are concerned! Trees were planted along the way and at the end there was a delicious fruit meal!
What I also noticed was that nobody asked for tips 😅

Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Myles K
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
My friend and I visited Costa Rica for the first time and we met Carlos in La Fortuna on our first night. From the moment we met Carlos, he felt like our friend and a guide that we could trust. We booked the safari float tour with him down the Peñas Blancas River and it was an awesome way to spend a few hours in La Fortuna. Carlos was amazing at spotting out wildlife during the tour and getting to know what types of wildlife we were excited to see, particularly the howler monkeys. He is extremely knowledgeable and many of the our guides on the river were seeking his expertise. Carlos allowed us to relax, take in the sights and sounds, and soak in the tranquility of the moment. I would highly recommend Carlos to anyone traveling to Costa Rica, he's a superb guide and even more importantly a genuine person!
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Myles!!!!
Thank you for this amazing review!!!!
We are more than happy to has been part of your visit!
Thank you again for you preference!
Written 6 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glen M
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
We had an amazing trip! Our guides were fantastic and educated us on so much including the history of Costa Rica, wild life, agriculture, culture and so much more. Many thanks to Alejandro, Carlos and Faylan for an unforgettable trip. We highly recommend Carribean Winds and these fine Ticos.
Pura Vida!!
Glen and Danielle
Pura Vida!!
Glen and Danielle
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
Was expecting rain all day and still booked the rafting tour BUT the whole day turned out beautiful and the experience was INCREDIBLE. My daughter is young so there aren’t many excursions for toddlers except hikes and hot springs but this was a hit with her.
Our guide Fi was knowledgeable about history, flora and fauna. We saw monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and a baby caiman. The whole time, from pick up to drop off was a learning experience and my family goes on trips to learn about culture and history. He was also very good with my daughter which is always a nice touch.
Five stars for this experience. Would recommend to all.
Our guide Fi was knowledgeable about history, flora and fauna. We saw monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and a baby caiman. The whole time, from pick up to drop off was a learning experience and my family goes on trips to learn about culture and history. He was also very good with my daughter which is always a nice touch.
Five stars for this experience. Would recommend to all.
Written 14 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ari
Toronto, Canada
Hello, is a 4 year old kid (accompanied by her parents) allowed on this activity?
Thanks
Written 15 January 2025
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