Rio Balsa rafting with kids?
 

Hey all,

Starting to plan activities for our July trip. We have two boys, ages 6 and 8. I was going to plan a safari float while we're in the Arenal area, but now I'm looking at the Rio Balsa class 2-3 rafting trip. While the Desafio site recommends ages 10 and up, I've read elsewhere that this is a good, safe rafting trip for children. Has anyone done this with their kids? Any advice, even alternatives, are welcomed.

Thanks!

John

I have done rafting, but not with kids, however I know this activity has been customized for them in different tour operators. I did the rafting with a company in Turrialba (Pacuare river) and I know the have packages for kids, they have like family rafting tours, where you can go with the kids, in rapids class 2 and 3, I think your kids ages are fine for that, you can check with this people http://www.explornatura.com, look for day trips, family rafting, there are based in Turrialba, but if I am not mistaken, they have offices in Arenal, so check with them.

We did a class III rapids trip, and I think 6 might be a little young for that. We got tossed out of the boat twice, and our boat actually flipped over. We thought it was great, but would your six-year old be okay with that? Most of the companies require that kids be 8-10.

Thanks for the input so far. Volcanogirl, that's what I'm trying to asses. I've done a few trip myself here in the US - some calm and some where I've been thrown off a raft. I'm certainly looking for an experience with no chance of that happening, so I was wondering when they say "class 2/3 rapids", what that means, exactly?

I'm worried the safari float might be a bit dull for them.
Also considering 2-person kayaks in the mangroves near Manuel Antonio. So many choices! :-)

I've done the Rio Balsa with Desafio and although it wasn't extremely rough, I would be hesitant about bringing a 6 year old. If he wasn't paddling & sat in the middle of the raft he might be ok but I would contact Desafio and ask their opinion. They might not even take them since they're under 10.

Just saw a video of the Rio Balsa rafting trip. You guys are right (as usual). Definitely not for us...yet. We may just do the safari float. Thanks so much for the advice!!

Check out Cano Negro too; they have powered boats that tour the river looking for wildlife, as well as kayaking. Sunset Tours and Desafio are both good groups.

I am thinking about Cano Negro. My concern is that it is such a long day of basically sitting - just car to boat. I'm thinking they might get very restless. I was considering hiring a guide (Erick Guzman) this way I can drive up there myself, with a few stops along the way, possibly. Not sure. Again, any advice is welcomed!

You're right - it is a long day. Our tour did stop along the way at a little restaurant where you can use the restroom and get snacks; the trees are covered with huge iguanas. If you do it on your own, it would be a good stop for you - we got great pictures there.