Imagine the feeling: you’re floating on water so turquoise it seems unreal. Above, the lush canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest is alive with the calls of exotic birds. Ahead, you hear the exciting rush of gentle rapids promising a moment of pure fun.
This isn’t just an activity; it’s a full sensory immersion into the magic of Rio Celeste.
This is river tubing, and in this guide, we—the local experts at Rio Celeste Aventuras—will tell you everything you need to know about this unforgettable adventure.
What Exactly is River Tubing on the Celeste River?
Many people hear “rapids” and think of extreme white-water rafting. But river tubing in Rio Celeste is a different kind of adventure. We navigate what are known as Class I and II rapids, which means they are perfectly safe and fun for beginners and families.
Think of it as a journey with moments of fun splashes and exciting currents, followed by peaceful floating through stunning natural pools. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and happy adrenaline, all while seated comfortably in your personal river tube. You get the thrill without the fear.
The Rio Celeste Aventuras Experience (Step-by-Step)
So, what does a tubing adventure with us actually look like? We believe your experience should be amazing from the moment you arrive. Let us walk you through the journey from start to finish.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome and a Short Walk to Paradise
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at our reception for a quick and easy check-in. Here, you’ll be greeted by your expert local guide for the day—Gerald or Nano. There are no long bus rides to a crowded public entrance; our access to the magnificent Rio Celeste is private and flows right through our property. It’s just a 20-meter walk from our base to the riverbank, meaning your adventure starts almost immediately.
Step 2: Gearing Up with Expert Safety Tips
Down by the water, your guide will hand you your high-quality safety equipment. Next comes a clear and practical safety talk. This isn’t a boring lecture; it’s a series of insider tips from guides who know every stone in the river. You’ll learn simple but crucial techniques, like how to avoid bumping your bottom on the rocks (lift your hips!) and how to navigate the current safely. We make sure you feel confident and secure before you even touch the water.
Step 3: The River Journey – Thrills, Swims, and a Jungle Spa!
For the next two hours, the river is your playground. You’ll experience the perfect mix of peaceful floating while admiring the majestic scenery, and moments of pure fun as you navigate the exciting rapids. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We’ll make stops to swim in tranquil pools and, for the daring, a chance to fly through the air on our famous Tarzan Swing! We even share a local secret: a special river mud that’s great for the skin. It’s a fun, natural jungle spa treatment you won’t forget!
Step 4: The Perfect Finish – Comfort and Relaxation
As your river journey ends, you won’t have to worry about a long walk back. Our comfortable shuttle bus will be waiting to pick you up and bring you right back to our starting point. You can use our facilities to change into dry clothes and then relax with fresh, delicious local fruits and water at our restaurant or in our camping area. It’s the perfect, tranquil way to end an exciting adventure, sharing stories and laughs with your group.
Is River Tubing in Rio Celeste Safe? Your Safety is Our #1 Priority
An adventure is only truly fun when you feel completely safe. At Rio Celeste Aventuras, your well-being is the most important part of what we do. The short answer is: yes, tubing with us is incredibly safe.
Here’s exactly why you can relax and enjoy the ride with complete peace of mind:
Our Expert Local Guides
Your tour is always led by professional, experienced guides like Gerald and Nano. They didn’t just learn about this river; they grew up on it. They know every current, every rock, and every change in the weather. They are trained in safety protocols, and their number one goal is to keep you a safe while you have the time of your life.
Professional-Grade Equipment
We provide all the necessary, high-quality safety equipment, including comfortable and secure life vests and helmets. All our gear is constantly inspected and maintained to ensure it meets the highest standards.
A Clear Safety Briefing
Before we enter the water, we provide a clear and simple safety briefing. We don’t just give you a list of rules; we empower you with the practical techniques to navigate the river confidently. You’ll feel prepared and in control from start to finish.
Our Private, Controlled Environment
Unlike many other tours, our adventure takes place on a section of the river that flows right through our own private property. This means we operate in a controlled, familiar environment, free from the unpredictability of crowded public river entrances.
The Guides’ Verdict: Why This is Our Favorite Tour
You’ve heard about the adventure, but what do our expert guides really think? We asked Gerald and Nano what makes the tubing tour so special for them.
Gerald: "It’s a journey of peace and connection.
What I love about the tubing tour is how it connects people directly with the river’s energy in a very personal way. Unlike a big raft, on your own tube you feel every current and see every detail along the banks. My focus is always on making it a completely worry-free experience, adapting the pace to each group. When I see a family quietly floating through a calm section, just listening to the jungle sounds, I know they’re not just on a tour—they’re making a real connection with this place. That’s the magic for me.
Nano: "It’s all about the pure joy of the river!
For me, tubing is pure joy! I love the energy of the group when we hit the fun rapids—the laughter and the splashing is the best sound in the world. And the Tarzan swing? Seeing someone conquer their fear and splash into that turquoise water is amazing. My mission is simple: to make sure every single person ends the tour feeling happy, refreshed, and full of ‘pura vida’ energy. It’s the most fun you can have on the river, guaranteed.
What is the minimum age for the tubing tour
The minimum age for our tubing adventure is 4 years old, making it a fantastic activity for the whole family.
Do I need previous experience to go tubing?
Absolutely not! Our tubing tour is designed to be beginner-friendly. The rapids are a gentle Class I and II, and our expert guides will give you a full safety briefing so you feel confident and ready for the fun.
What should I wear for the tour?
We recommend wearing a swimsuit under comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting wet, like shorts and a t-shirt. For footwear, secure water shoes, river sandals, or old sneakers are perfect. Please avoid flip-flops as they can easily get lost in the river.
Is there a weight limit for the activity?
For safety reasons, the maximum weight limit per person is 350 lbs
What happens if it rains?
Our tours often run even in light rain—it’s a rainforest, after all, and a little rain just adds to the adventure! However, in the case of heavy rain or unsafe river conditions, your safety is our priority. We will cancel the tour and offer to reschedule you for another time or provide a full refund.
Can I bring my camera or phone?
You can bring waterproof cameras like a GoPro at your own risk. For phones, we strongly recommend a high-quality waterproof case or bag. Rio Celeste Aventuras is not responsible for any lost or damaged electronic devices.