Canyoning in Costa Rica: the 8 Best Tours

1.White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $170Our pick

Spend about eight hours canyoning near Alajuela, with five rappels, three through waterfalls, a zip line, creek hiking, and a short rainforest walk. Add white-water rafting, fruit and drinks, safety gear, and a Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, chicken, or fish. A moderate fitness level and swimming ability are recommended.

“This was hands down the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica! The entire experience was thrilling and unforgettable, from rappelling down waterfalls to canyoning through stunning gorges and rafting in the rushing rivers. Each activity was increRead more”

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2.Canyoning Area 360

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99Best value

Start with a 7:00 am pickup from La Fortuna, then drive about 30 minutes to a private canyon area. Guides such as Pablo, Orlando, Warner, and Fofo provide gear and safety instruction before three waterfall rappels. Finish with a hot river soak, rainforest hike, and Warrior buffet lunch with coffee and dessert.

“Orlando & Pablo were excellent guides! We appreciated the friendly and safe environment they created. We had a wonderful time! Highly recommend. The gear was in excellent condition and met industry standards for use and care.”

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3.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start early in La Fortuna for a full day of canyoning and Balsa River rafting with Arenal Rafting. Rappel beside waterfalls, hike rainforest gorges, paddle a 45-minute Class III section, swim, spot wildlife, and finish with lunch. Guide Victor is praised for safety and animal spotting.

“I traveled with my husband and son to celebrate our son's high school graduation. This adventure was our favorite while in La Fortuna! We are risk takers and love to do crazy stuff- and this one definitely exceeded our expectations. The canyoning was unlike anything we've every experienced. Thrilling, yet we knew we were in good hands. The same with rafting. We were even able to see a sloth at one point! We knew the activities included lunch, but the breakfast was a super bonus surprise! We had definitely worked up an appetite after rappelling (and hiking back up the mountain). Highly recommend to adventure seekers!!!”

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4.Canyoneering and Canopy Tour in Turrialba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105

Meet Explornatura in Calle Chirraca near Turrialba for a guided canyoning and canopy course. You’ll learn the equipment, rappel four waterfalls, ride five zip lines, cross a 132-foot hanging bridge, and finish with lunch. Guides including Cris, Chris, Eric, Rob, and Samhir are praised for patient instruction and close attention to safety.

“Great experience. We are a family of 7 with 3 younger children, 13, 10 and 8 and it was the perfect balance of exciting (ziplining & rappelling) and yet well organized and safe. Chris, Rob and Samhir did a wonderful job as guides. Everyone was friendly and patient. The food afterwards was great and overall we have a wonderful time. I would recommend the tour to anyone!”

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5.Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start with four waterfall rappels in La Fortuna, including drops up to 131 feet, then raft the Rio Balsa through Class III rapids. Guides Osa and Axle help keep the day friendly and safe, while the river section adds fruit, swimming, wildlife, and a Costa Rican lunch. Expect an early start, a two-hour van ride, and moderate physical effort.

“We are adventurers, my kids are 9, 9 and 11 - the waterfall part of this tour is a true adventure and the hike takes work, that's my only warning to others, get ready to work for it - it's worth every second. We had a small group of about 12 people in our group - we arrived at the house where you get set up for the waterfall repelling and there were kittens, baby chicks and a family setting up for our breakfast (eat something small before you go b/c they don't feed you until after!) You get to the first small waterfall quickly and then you work your…”

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6.Jungle Hike with Canyoning and Rappelling in Drake Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Sukia Travel for a six-hour rainforest adventure from Drake Bay. Guides such as Emilio, Bryan, Allen, and David lead you through Corcovado National Park, across rivers, down waterfalls by rappel, and into swimming pools. Expect a small group, 4x4 transport, lunch, and a demanding route.

“Ended up being a private excursion with our guide Emelio. The company as a whole were attentive and aided us to make our experience both smooth and exhilarating. Emelio was knowledgeable, personable, and an amazing guide. Highly recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure.”

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7.Full Day Class II-III Rafting and Canyoning Rappelling from La Fortuna-Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · from $191

Start near La Fortuna with waterfall rappelling, canyon climbing, zip-lining, and the popular monkey drop. Then raft the Balsa River for two hours through Class II and III rapids with guides such as Mario, Julio, or Sassy. Lunch, transport, equipment, snacks, and drinks are included.

“This was a great day to spend with my adult son. lots of adrenaline and great staff. Also good food.”

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8.Half-Day Canyoning in Balsar Abajo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $113

Meet Drew, Emanuel, Jeff, and their team at Balsar Abajo church for a five-hour canyoning trip through the Osa rainforest. Walk 3 kilometers between eight waterfall rappels, including a 45-meter first descent and a 35-meter finale. Safety gear, snacks, and return transport to your vehicle are included.

“Just awesome. Physically tough. The water was clean and clear, but the real star is the walking through the jungle. I will be back”

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