Day Trip to Caño Negro Including Río Frio Boat Experience from La Fortuna
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Day Trip to Caño Negro Including Río Frio Boat Experience from La Fortuna
By Blue Pass
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About
See more of Costa Rica’s natural landscape without the stress of navigating on this convenient day trip to Caño Negro—hotel transport included. The itinerary features a river boat safari through a wildlife refuge known for its birds, monkeys, and lizards, which you can spot and learn about with the help of your guide. Round out the tour with a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-75, max of 20 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
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Highlights
- Sightsee in Caño Negro without the stress of planning
- River boat cruise offers rare views of the natural landscape
- Guide points out easy-to-miss plants and animals
- Lunch, round-trip hotel transport, and entrance fees included
- Lunch
- Local taxes
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry/Admission - Los Chiles
What's not included- Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Restroom on board
- Entry/Admission - Muelle
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Blue Pass, F974+WVV 500 metros al sur del Polideportivo de La Fortuna Contiguo al puente de la Habana, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, Barrio Pilo, 21007, Costa RicaThis is our main office next to La Habana river bridge. We will be happy to meet you here or at your hotel.
Pickup details- - If your hotel is not listed, please contact us for pick up place availability at your location. - If your hotel is not listed it might apply extra pick-up charges or you can drive to a meeting point. Extra Pick-up charge Arenal Zone 2 Hotels: Arenal Observatory Chachagua Rainforest Linda Vista Del Norte Lost Iguana Resort and Spa Volcano Gold Extra Pick-up charge Arenal Zone 3 Hotels: Los Heroes Hotel La Mansión Inn Rancho Margot El Tucano Hotel If your hotel is not in the Arenal – La Fortuna area please contact us for special pick up quotation.
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. - Wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21909P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Binoculars and camera suggested
- Sun lotion
- Mosquito repellent
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- 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: 21909P1
From
$99.00
per adult
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Itinerary
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- fornofa0 contributionsA beautiful challengeWe had such a sweet tour guide. Everyone here is so welcoming and wonderful. The hike was very scenic and there are a LOT of stairs so be prepared. But once you jump in the water, it will be so worth it. It will be freezing at first but then feel so good. The waterfall was so beautiful! The restaurant they drove us to after was very yummy and it was fun to just hang out with our tour guide after. We never felt rushed which was also very appreciated.Written February 10, 2025
- jitster20200 contributionsGreat hike on way to nearby ZipliningGreat family hike - about 2.5 hrs for the longest trail. You may want to buy discount tickets in town - we went here as it was on the way to our afternoon zipline reservation. else it was $24 each. The only problem was it was cloudy, so we couldn't see the top of Arenal. But a fun hike none the less. Parking was free, and they have a snack shop/bathroom at the end. Staff was very friendlyWritten February 4, 2025
- Churtman0 contributionsHighly recommend Blue Pass and DavidWe would highly recommend David, who was our guide. His English was excellent. He had great local knowledge, and most importantly knew all the names of the birds.Written January 21, 2025
- A8508KWjoanned0 contributionsGreat afternoon.The lake is beautiful, so peaceful with incredible scenery and Alberto was a fabulous guide. Very knowledgeable and fun. Thank you!Written January 14, 2025
- 260kerrir0 contributionsA must do while in La Fortuna.Wonderful experience. We did not get a guide, but felt we would have seen more wildlife with one. I would bring some sort of rain gear. We had on boots and our friends had on closed toe hiking sandals. You will have to sign a waiver for the sandals, but I felt those were sufficient for the trails.Written December 30, 2024
- womble19840 contributionsA great local company and the tour was wonderfulThank you to Melvin our tour guide who took us down the river on a wonderful trip. We had a young family (9, 8 and 4 yrs) and he took good care of us. The river is amazing and the guide speaks very good English so was able to explain a great deal to us about Costa Rica in general as well as the native wildlife and ecology. The children thought he was a brilliant and fun guide - he really engaged with them and made sure they had fun. We stopped for a cooking lesson at a local cafe which was lovely and the hostess was very nice. The bus was very new and safe and the pick-up was on time and all as planned. Would highly recommend using this local company and thank you to our guide and driver!Written December 30, 2024
- F3285LTsusant0 contributionsVery good tours in one long dayWe had a great (long) day doing their 3 in 1 tour. Started with a paddle down the Penas Blanca River, then to the La Fortuna waterfall, a farm to table lunch and climb to Arena. We had Cesar as a helpful driver. The trip was made wonderful by Melvin. He was fully bilingual, informative and super patient with all of us, esp my 11 yr old. We saw monkeys, caymans, sloths and many birds. My boys say their favorite part was the waterfall. Bring a swimsuit, towel and water shoes. They picked us up at 7 am and we didn't return until 6 but more of it was in the van than I thought. It was good we didn't have to carry everything everywhere. I would do another tour with Melvin if we came again in a heartbeat.Written November 26, 2024
- M3242NXrebeccah0 contributionsOutstanding!We are on our honeymoon and had Eddy and Eddy as our driver and tour guide. We were the only two guests and it was EXCELLENT. Great knowledge, conversation, animal spotting and hike. We would highly recommend this tour!Written July 24, 2024
- Reviewer3150 contributionsExcellent guidesGuides are very good. Their English is excellent and they work hard to make sure you have an enjoyable trip. They are good at spotting wildlife and help with pictures using your own phone and their spotting scopes. They are also knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and history. Highly recommend!Written January 30, 2024
- lsthomas0 contributionsINCREDIBLE kayaking in lake ArenalHad so much fun kayaking on the lake with Eddy! The views of the mountains and small islands are incredible! Able to see so many birds and other wildlife. Definitely a workout though, and winds can be pretty tough. Totally worth it for the experience, and Eddy made sure everyone had a good time and learned about the area. Very personable and fun! Would 100% recommend for a visit in La FortunaWritten January 26, 2024
- denisedP1424TQ0 contributionsRelaxing float trip, lots of animals to seeWe were picked up right on time at our resort and driven to the starting point. Our guide Nelvin was friendly, energetic and very knowledgeable. We were the only two on our tour so very personalized. Nelvin put in extra effort to make sure we were always in the best spot to see the sights. We saw many types of birds, several different iguanas, howler monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys. The snack at the end was tasty and much appreciated.Written November 30, 2023
- beverlycV2349MG0 contributionsA Nice Scenic Hike Maybe OverpricedWell-maintained trails with nice views. No animals or wildlife. Great drinks and food at the restaurant. Entrance fees high but the owner is improving the property.Written November 25, 2023
- jamiemO3196WC0 contributionsFantastic Safari FloatWhat a fun excursion! We were picked up from our resort and dropped off at the put in site. Our guide, Cesar was very knowledgeable and pointed out many animals and birds we would not have noticed. We got to see a tayra, which he stated was rare; and also a Spectacled Owl with her baby, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, bats, vultures, and even a dog. He answered all of our questions and gave us the opportunity to dock the raft, swim and take photos. The river was pretty low so we didn't have to do much paddling, just floated along. At the end of the tour after getting out of the raft, we got a show from the howler monkeys. they were swinging in the trees just above our heads, babies eating bananas and "talking" to each other and basically showing off (or so it seemed). We then had a snack at the family owned soda called Cafe Mila. They served us fruit, fresh juice and fried plantains which were delicious. Of all our excursions, this one was my favorite!Written May 16, 2023
- katesC8851OB0 contributionsKayaking with RogerGreat to be kayaking when I know our rivers at home are still solid! Roger, our guide, is true CR, born under the volcano & had great knowledge of Lago Arenal, and area.Written April 28, 2023
- christiec7500 contributionsGreat waterfall, swimming allowedSwimming in the falls was so much fun. The water was cool and deep near the falls. There are other spots to swim that has shallow water that's easier for kids. Lots of steps to get back up, but so worth it. The restaurant at the top was excellent.Written April 22, 2023
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.
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The5MRanch
Calabasas, CA854 contributions
Apr 2023
We didn't actually do this specific trip, but a very similar one and it was certainly a great day trip. Our guide, Gabriel, was great at spotting wildlife as was the skipper on the boat. Certainly a must do from Arenal if you have the extra day.
Written April 30, 2023
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.
mendip_7
Axbridge, UK178 contributions
It's a long trip with maybe a little too much information about agricultural crops on the way, but an interesting stop at a bridge where iguanas live, and coffee and toilet break before the boat tour. It's a really scenic river, and we saw many birds, various monkeys and a baby crocodile. We were lucky to have a group of only 4 people so we could move around the boat and get really good views. Both the guide and the boat driver were great at spotting things. Lunch after was adequate if not exciting. Around 7 hours all told.
Written March 20, 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.
Katheb123
Des Moines, IA154 contributions
Jan 2020
We were supposed to go to Rio Celeste or see the blue water at the waterfall but on our way our guide, Julio, received a call from the office stating that due to heavy rains the prior day the water was not blue but mud. He offered the group an opportunity to change the tour to Cano Negro instead. The group agreed so off we went.
We saw a ton of wildlife and the guides were outstanding at spotting things for us to see as well as explaining the history. While I was a little disappointed of not going to Rio Celeste to see the water, this was a fantastic tour.
I appreciate the company looking out for the guest and trying to offer us the best opportunity for our trip. There was a $100 each difference in the tour cost but I guess this was better than hiking 3 miles in mud to see mud!
Thanks Aventuras Arsenal for your professionalism and for our great guide Julio and drive Lily.
We saw a ton of wildlife and the guides were outstanding at spotting things for us to see as well as explaining the history. While I was a little disappointed of not going to Rio Celeste to see the water, this was a fantastic tour.
I appreciate the company looking out for the guest and trying to offer us the best opportunity for our trip. There was a $100 each difference in the tour cost but I guess this was better than hiking 3 miles in mud to see mud!
Thanks Aventuras Arsenal for your professionalism and for our great guide Julio and drive Lily.
Written January 16, 2020
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.
Dear Katheb123 Thank you for your review of our tour. We are thrilled you enjoyed your experience and hope you will return for more days among the Rainforest. We hope next time you can visit Rio Celeste in a sunny day.
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happyanderl
Munich, Germany294 contributions
A beautiful tour. 2 hour drive in a van. Short stop at a bridge with large iguanas. Then we went on the boat. It can hold about 30 people. The trip on the picturesque river takes 2.5 hours and the guides make a great effort to find every animal, no matter how small, and give you enough time to take photos. We saw 20 different species of birds. But also monkeys, caimans and turtles. Everything is very relaxed 😎 Lunch was good and plentiful 🐊☀️🥳

Written May 16, 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.
Judi W
Orlando, FL423 contributions
Feb 2020
We were promptly picked up at our hotel. Our guide was Carlos and he did an excellent job. We had about a two hour ride in the van to the boat launch. Once wer were on the boat the tour lasted about 3 hours. The guides pointed out several birds, Howler Monkeys and also white faced monkeys. After the tour we stopped at a restaurant and had a delicious lunch of chicken and rice.
Written March 9, 2020
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.
Laura C
7 contributions
Jan 2020
With so much to choose from, we were happy we went on the river criuse. Hosts were great, funny, informative about the eco challenges in the country - they provided lunch (rice, beans, salad, chicken, cold drinks, beer) and a fun two hour tour of the river. The boat has shade, and a great view of riverside birds, caimen, monkeys, iguanas. It rained, felt even more magical. Worth the trip if you want a chill day on the water.
Written January 10, 2020
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.
Dear compasspointswest
Thank you so much for your fantastic review and taking the time to share your experience at Caño Negro -Rio Frio Boat Tour, We are looking forward to welcome you back .
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriel S
Townsville, Queensland, Australia58 contributions
This is a well organised tour, you do have a 2 hour drive to get here but it is worth it. For us an added bonus was that it was sunny something we haven’t seen much of so far. We saw quite a few different bird species and a couple that are hard to find elsewhere like the potoo and grebe. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. The only thing I would have changed would be the time of day, I would have loved to have been there earlier but that would have meant a 5 am pick up which I don’t suppose many would be keen on. All in all a great day with a very nice lunch.
Written January 24, 2020
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.
Dear Gabriel Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a fantastic review. We were thrilled to read how much you enjoyed the tour, We are looking forward to welcome you again.
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane S
Bath, UK61 contributions
We took this trip with Carlos as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. On the journey up to the Rio he stopped the van and set up his telescope so we could see a sloth by the road.
The journey from la Fortuna took a couple of hours. The boats were huge and there were only 2 small parties so it was very comfortable. We were lucky and saw howler, white faced and spider monkeys. We also saw a caiman, iguanas and a Jesus Christ lizard. There were so many birds. It really did feel like a good morning out. We were on the river for a couple of hours. Then we were given a really good typical lunch of rice beans and meat.
We were back in the hotel by 3 so it didn’t feel like all day at all.
Definitely worth doing.
The journey from la Fortuna took a couple of hours. The boats were huge and there were only 2 small parties so it was very comfortable. We were lucky and saw howler, white faced and spider monkeys. We also saw a caiman, iguanas and a Jesus Christ lizard. There were so many birds. It really did feel like a good morning out. We were on the river for a couple of hours. Then we were given a really good typical lunch of rice beans and meat.
We were back in the hotel by 3 so it didn’t feel like all day at all.
Definitely worth doing.
Written July 27, 2019
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.
B9847HBjanes
Thank you very much for your beautiful description of your tour experience . We're glad that you tought our staff were very nice. We appreciate all the nice things you said about your overall experience with the Caño Negro - Rio Frio Boat tour. If you ever have a chance, please let us know why you scored the tour with 3 stars instead of 5. We also really appreciate the constructive criticism as it provides us the opportunity to improve the experience we're able to offer to our clients.We are looking forward to welcome you once again.
Written November 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elan_from_EC
Belmont, CA8 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We booked our tour about a day in advance. We were picked up from our hotel by a van with our guide at 7:15. There we a total of eight people on the tour. The ride from La Fortuna to Cano Negro took almost two hours, with a brief stop near the end. The boat was waiting for us when arrived, a large boat with space for about 50 people, but we were only eight so there plenty of space to move around and see wildlife from any angle. Our guide was very knowledgable. He spoke good English, was friendly and humorous. The guide and the boat driver have a sharp eye for the wildlife. We got to see plenty of animals of every time you’d expect, monkeys, iguanas, birds, caymans, lizards, you name it. The Rio Frio was over its banks due to heavy rains in the previous days. The caymans were hard to spot with all the river banks submerged, but we did spot one. We enjoyed beautiful weather and a wonderful, very satisfying tour. On the way back we received a simple Costa Rican meal before heading back to our hotel. We were back by about 3pm. Overall, an excellent experience!
Written December 9, 2019
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.
Dear Elan_from_EC Thank you so much for your 'super' review of our experience in Caño Negro and Rio Frio Boat tour. We appreciate your wonderfull descriptions, especially about our outstanding team! We are looking forward to have you again .
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grizz35
British Columbia, Canada20 contributions
Dec 2019
Was an amazing trip and our guide Carlos was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We saw lots of wildlife including sloths, howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, jesus christ lizard and so much more. Well worth the time and money.
Written December 6, 2019
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.
Dear Grizz35 Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts of the Caño Negro and Rio Frio boat tour.
We cannot wait to welcome you back.
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
does the tour actually go into the refuge? I heard some do not as they don't want to pay the entrance fee.
Written January 7, 2019
Hi, about what time do you get back to your hotel in La Fortuna?
Written October 29, 2018
Around 6 p.m. Plenty of time for shower and supper
Written November 5, 2018
Our tour included lunch which was at a nice little cantina five minutes from the boats. We stopped for coffee and toilet break before as well as lunch on return. Once on the boat no toilet.
Written June 3, 2018
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