Rainforest Sloths & Río Celeste Tubing Adventure

Starting at $199

Experience the best of Costa Rica’s rainforest and adventure! Spot sloths and other wildlife in their natural habitat on a guided walk through a lush nature reserve, then float down the iconic turquoise waters of Río Celeste on a thrilling yet accessible tubing experience. End your journey with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning in comfort. This full-day tour blends wildlife, adventure, and cultural immersion for an unforgettable experience.

Rainforest Sloths & Tubing on the Stunning Río Celeste

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and adventure on this full-day guided experience. Start with a wildlife encounter in a sloth sanctuary, where expert guides help you spot these slow-moving icons along with monkeys, toucans, and vibrant rainforest creatures. Then, take on the refreshing waters of Río Celeste as you float, swim, and navigate gentle rapids on a tubing adventure through the rainforest. After the thrill, savor an authentic Casado lunch at a traditional local restaurant. With private transportation, expert guides, and a seamless itinerary, this tour is perfect for those seeking both adventure and nature in one unforgettable experience.

Specifics:

  • 🕒 Pick Up Time: 7:30 am
  • 📍 Meeting Point: At your door or hotel’s main lobby
  • Duration: Full day.
  • 🚙 Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours each way, with scenic views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes
  • 🙋‍♂️ Minimum Amount of People: 2
  • 👶 Minimum Age: 5 years old
  • 💲 Price Includes: Private transportation, a dedicated bilingual tour guide, entrance tickets, tubing equipment, a traditional lunch, all taxes & fees, and a $5 allocation to The Linking Forests Fund, supporting the protection of Costa Rica’s biodiversity with every tour you join.
  • 💡 Price Note: The listed price applies to groups of 5 or more travelers. For groups of 2, the price is $359 per person, for groups of 3, it’s $271 per person, and for groups of 4, it’s $227 per person. If your group includes more than 9 people, please contact us for a customized quote.
  • 🛑 Not included in the price: Gratuities or any items and services not mentioned in the Included section.

What’s Included & Not Included:

Included:

  • 🌍 Dedicated bilingual
  • 🚐 Private transportation
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Why You Should Consider This Activity:

Observe Sloths in Their Natural Habitat
Seeing a wild sloth in its natural environment is a rare and unforgettable experience. With the help of expert guides, you’ll have the best chance of spotting these fascinating creatures while directly supporting ecotourism and responsible travel initiatives that protect their habitat.

Up-Close Wildlife Encounters in a Biodiversity Hotspot
Explore the rainforest with a knowledgeable local guide, increasing your chances of spotting an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for colorful poison dart frogs, playful monkeys, and striking keel-billed toucans, all while learning about the region’s rich ecosystems and unique plant life.

✅ Thrilling Yet Accessible Adventure on the Río Celeste
Float along the iconic Río Celeste, navigating a mix of serene sections and gentle rapids. Stop along the way to enjoy a Tarzan swing and natural volcanic clay, adding a fun and unique touch to the experience. 

✅ Savor Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine
Conclude your experience with a traditional Casado lunch at a family-run restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a variety of options with accommodations for all dietary preferences.

✅ Seamless & Stress-Free Experience
Relax and enjoy a well-organized tour with private transportation, expert guides, and a balanced itinerary. With every detail carefully planned, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and adventure without worrying about logistics.

What To Expect:

Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive to the Rainforest
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel or vacation rental. Enjoy a scenic drive through Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, passing through the pampa guanacasteca—vast tropical plains dotted with cattle ranches and dry forest— before reaching small rural villages. As you gain elevation, notice the shift in microclimates, with cooler temperatures and denser vegetation signaling your approach to the continental divide and the rainforest.

Guided Walk in a Sloth Nature Preserve
Upon arrival at the private nature reserve, take a moment to freshen up before going on a guided walk through well-maintained trails. Your expert guide will help you spot sloths in their natural habitat while sharing insights into their behavior and ecological importance. Sloths are not the only inhabitants of the lush forests, keep your eyes open for the possibility of spotting other wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, motmots, and vibrant tropical frogs. The easy-going walk lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, making it an enjoyable experience for all fitness levels.

Tubing Adventure on the Río Celeste
After a 40-minute drive through lush rainforest bordering Tenorio Volcano National Park, arrive at the operations center, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and essential gear, including a life jacket, helmet, and tubing float. Once ready, head to the river for an exhilarating 5 km tubing adventure that unfolds in distinct sections. The journey begins with a calm natural pool, offering a chance to float and swim before transitioning into gentle rapids. As you drift through the rainforest, keep an eye out for lizards, river birds, and occasionally sloths resting in the treetops. Midway, stop at another scenic pool featuring a Tarzan swing and natural volcanic clay, where you can jump into the water or apply the mineral-rich clay for a refreshing experience. The final stretch leads you to the take-out point, where a short 5 km drive along private farm roads brings you back to the operations center. The river’s signature blue color and flow speed naturally vary depending on recent rainfall, making each journey a unique adventure. The experience lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the river’s conditions and time spent at the pools. 

Fresh Fruit Snack & Relaxation
After completing the tubing adventure, enjoy a refreshing snack of locally sourced seasonal fruits such as pineapple, watermelon, or mango. Take advantage of the changing rooms and restrooms at the operations center before heading to lunch.

Traditional Costa Rican Lunch at a Local Soda
Already on our way back home, along the main road, we will stop and unwind for a deserved authentic Casado lunch at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant. Choose from a selection of proteins, including grilled, breaded or sauce chicken, beef, pork, fish or cheese, paired with rice, beans, fresh salad, and a refreshing fresco made from seasonal tropical fruits. Vegetarian and dietary accommodations are available upon request.

Relaxing Return Drive & Hotel Drop-Off
After a fulfilling day of adventure and wildlife encounters, enjoy a relaxing drive back to your hotel or vacation rental. Take in the final glimpses of the stunning Costa Rican volcanoes before arriving at your destination.

What to Bring:

Essentials:

  • Proper Footwear: Closed-toe, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. For tubing, consider bringing water shoes or wearing sneakers and packing sandals for the ride back to ensure dry, comfortable footwear after the activity.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics suited for hot and humid tropical climates, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
  • Hat & Sunglasses: Shield yourself from Guanacaste’s intense sun.
  • Sunscreen: Eco-friendly sunscreen is highly recommended to protect both your skin and the environment.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Help reduce plastic waste by bringing a refillable bottle.

Recommended for enhanced experience:

  • Daypack:  To carry personal items, snacks, and water.
  • Camera or Phones: They may be brought at your own risk. A limited number of dry bags are available at the operations center.
  • Biodegradable Insect Repellent: Protect yourself while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Change of clothes or bathing suit: Wear a bathing suit for the tubing experience and bring a dry change of clothes to ensure comfort during the return trip to your hotel.
  • Towel: Bring a towel to dry off after the river tubing experience for added comfort.
  • Waterproof Bag/Case: Use a waterproof bag or case to protect valuables if you choose to bring them to the river. However, your belongings can be safely stored in the locked vehicle.

Additional Info:

  • Age Requirement: 5 year old and older
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
  • Languages: Available in Spanish and English
  • Physical Rating: Active
  • Group Size: Open to all group sizes
  • Surroundings: Land and Freshwater Adventures

Essential Considerations

  • Age & Health Restrictions: Minimum age is 5 years old. River Tubing is not suitable for guests with severe back, knee, or mobility issues, or for pregnant women.
  • Mandatory Safety Briefing: Before tubing, all participants receive a safety talk at the operations center.
  • Personal Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips and outdoor adventures. Even though the chances of needing it are minimal, it’s best to be fully covered in case of unforeseen events.
  • Basic First Aid Supplies: Address minor injuries.
  • Prescribed Medications: Be sure to bring any essential medications, as access to clinics or hospitals may be limited in remote areas.
  • Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Your guide is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the area. Always follow their advice for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Preserve Natural Beauty: Take only pictures, leave only footprints by staying on designated paths to protect fragile ecosystems and minimize environmental impact.
  • Carry Out Trash: Even biodegradables should be packed out.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; don’t feed or disturb them.
  • Considerate Behavior: Keep noise levels low and be mindful of fellow hikers and locals.

Wildlife & Adventure in the Rainforest Awaits!

Experience the best of Bijagua’s rainforest, wildlife, and adventure in one seamless day

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Cancellation Policy:

We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled excursion will receive a full refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made between 72 and 48 hours before the excursion will receive an 80% refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the excursion are non-refundable, and no-shows will incur a 100% penalty charge.

All changes and cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to hello@linkexpeditions.com and must be confirmed by us to take effect. Please note that tours, excursions, activities, and field trips must be prepaid in full to secure your booking. All prices are quoted in USD.

Some experiences we offer are facilitated by trusted vendors we have carefully selected to align with our values. For these specific activities, the cancellation policy will be subject to the vendor’s terms and conditions. For example, fishing and private catamaran tours typically have a 50% penalty charge if canceled within 21 days.

While we strive to accommodate everyone, our cancellation policies are in place to help us continue providing you with the best possible service. Late cancellations not only affect our operations but also limit opportunities for other travelers who may have wished to book. By adhering to these policies, we can ensure your excursions and transportation are secure, offering you a smooth and hassle-free experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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