Desafio Jungle Safari Float

La Fortuna: Sarapiqui River Jungle Safari Float

from $91 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Meeting point: La Fortuna
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Desafio Adventure Company

Overview

The float begins at the Red Eye Frog restaurant in El Roble de Sarapiqui, and from there a guide does all the paddling and steering while you sit back and watch the bank. The section used is class 1 water on the lower Sarapiqui, so there is no white water to contend with. It is essentially a slow drift with a wildlife commentary attached.

The route runs alongside the San Juan La Selva Biological Corridor, part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, and the guide points out what he or she spots along the way. Sloths, howler monkeys, lizards and black-river otters are all possible, and the bird list here is long: ospreys, boat-billed herons, parrots, kingfishers and the endangered great green macaw. Along the way there is a chance to get out of the raft and into the river if you want to refresh yourself.

The trip wraps up back at the Red Eye Frog restaurant with a traditional casado lunch and gourmet Costa Rican coffee. Door-to-door it runs between 6 and 8 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna stays. One reviewer took the tour with both parents in their 80s and found it very doable, which tells you most of what you need to know about the physical demands.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tropical fruit snack
Traditional Costa Rican lunch called “Casado
Costa Rican gourmet coffee
Helmet, paddle, rafting boat, life jacket
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages
Breakfast
Pictures

Itinerary

Hotel pickup in La FortunaAn air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi collects you from your La Fortuna accommodation.
Transfer to El Roble de SarapiquiYou are driven to the Red Eye Frog restaurant, the put-in point for the float. Helmet, paddle, raft and life jacket are provided.
Safari float on the SarapiquiA roughly 2-hour paddle down the calm class 1 section, with the guide steering and pointing out wildlife along the corridor. There is an optional chance to get out and swim in the river along the way.
Lunch at the Red Eye FrogBack at the restaurant you are served a traditional casado lunch with gourmet Costa Rican coffee, and a tropical fruit snack is included in the day.
Drop-off in La FortunaThe vehicle returns you to your La Fortuna stay.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from what to pack to how the weather is handled.

What to wear. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet, plus water shoes and swimwear for the optional river dip. A change of clothes for after the float is a good idea. Sunscreen and insect repellent both earn their place in your bag.
Fitness and pace. The guide paddles and steers, so you mostly sit and watch. One reviewer did the trip with both parents in their 80s and reported it was very doable. You should be in generally good physical condition with no recent surgery, per the operator's own guidance.
Food and drink. A tropical fruit snack and a full casado lunch with gourmet coffee are included. Breakfast is not included, so eat before pickup. Alcoholic beverages are also not included, and it is worth carrying some water and cash.
Weather. Tours run rain or shine. If river or weather conditions force a change, the guide may offer an alternative tour of similar difficulty, which you can accept or take a full refund instead. River levels in Costa Rica vary often.
Photography. Pictures are listed as not included, so plan on taking your own. Bring your own camera or phone for photos. A guide will also point out animals you might otherwise miss, which helps with spotting shots.
Practicalities on board. Hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna stays are included, in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi. Smoking and pets are not allowed. The tour runs in Spanish and English.

Common issues. The honest limits are mostly environmental. Rain does not stop the tour, but heavy conditions can push the guide to offer an alternative trip of similar difficulty, or a full refund if nothing runs. The listing is candid that the river environment includes insects, snakes, crocodiles and unpredictable water levels. Pictures, breakfast and alcoholic beverages are not included. No reviewer raised complaints, though wildlife sightings are never promised, only possible.

Common Questions

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna hotels and stays are included. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board. You are returned to your accommodation at the end of the day.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip hotel transport, a tropical fruit snack, a traditional casado lunch, gourmet Costa Rican coffee, and all rafting gear: helmet, paddle, raft and life jacket. Alcoholic beverages, breakfast and pictures are not included.

How long is the tour?

The full outing runs 6 to 8 hours door to door. Of that, about 2 hours are spent floating on the river itself. The remaining time covers the drive, food and the rest of the day's arrangements.

Is it suitable for older adults or families?

The float uses the quiet class 1 section of the Sarapiqui, and the guide does the paddling and steering. One reviewer took the tour with both parents in their 80s and said it was very doable. The operator describes it as suitable for nature lovers of all ages, though you should be in good physical condition with no recent surgery.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If unsafe conditions lead the guides to cancel, a full refund is also given. If they substitute an alternative tour of similar difficulty, you can accept it or take a refund.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes and shoes, water shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and some cash. Bring your own camera if you want photos, since pictures are not included. Leave pets at home, as they are not allowed, and there is no smoking.