One of the most pleasant and unique ways to experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife is on a wildlife safari in La Fortuna. On these river float tours, you can gently drift down the water and observe the animals and birds in their natural surroundings.

Surrounded by lush rainforest and located in the shadow of a volcano, La Fortuna is the perfect place to explore Costa Rica’s wilderness.

Here's all you need to know about a wildlife safari, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in La Fortuna.

What are the best wildlife safaris in La Fortuna?

La Fortuna guided twilight wildlife safari

You can experience Costa Rica’s diverse diurnal and nocturnal wildlife on this guided twilight safari in La Fortuna. Discover s sloths, opossums, owls and bats, while you listen to the haunting night sounds of the forest. Also savor delectable Costa Rican snacks and great coffee.

From your hotel in La Fortuna you will go on a 25-minutes drive to the Peñas Blancas River. Before the start, you will get instructions from your experienced guide on conducting yourself while on the raft.

Once ready, you will start floating on the river at dusk. You will marvel at the way the gleam fades from the sky as the sun sets, and enjoy the tranquility and darkness.

While your river guide – also a trained naturalist – does the rowing, you can admire the nocturnal wildlife along the river. The boat is fitted with a special illuminating system that will add a magical touch to your river passage.

You will also discover that most of the forest’s mammals are nocturnal. You will exit the river at some point to visit the "Hidalgo Family Home.”

Here you will discover and appreciate aspects of Costa Rican culture, including tasting a traditional Costa Rican snack. This tour is accessible to people with mobility impairments.

Wildlife safari, La Fortuna waterfall, volcano hike and hot springs

Enjoy a full day of adventure on this delightful wildlife safari from La Fortuna. Your itinerary will include a river cruise to observe amazing wildlife, a waterfall visit with lunch, a volcano hike and a hot springs soak.

Your wildlife safari kicks off in La Fortuna, from where a 25-minute drive takes you to the river floating starting point in La Perla town. You will first receive security instructions for the trip down the Peñas Blancas River, where you will see a good variety of animals and birds. Your raft excursion lasts for about 2 hours.

Then continue to the La Fortuna Waterfall flowing from lush jungle forest and plummeting about 65 meters to the emerald pool below. At the waterfall, you will tread around 580 steps to the base where you can have a refreshing swim.

If you have your swimming suit available, you can brave the pool’s chilly water and afterwards savor a Costa Rican lunch.

You will then proceed along El Silencio hiking trail on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, and demarcated with remains of previous volcano lava spills.

For a perfectly relaxing manner to finish the day, you can finally soak in the magnesia-rich waters of the EcoTermales hot springs. Transportation for this tour is wheelchair accessible.

How much do wildlife safaris tours in La Fortuna cost?

The 3-hour guided twilight safari costs US$80 per person and the 11-hour wildlife safari, La Fortuna waterfall and volcano hike and hot springs tour costs US$270 per person.

What is included?

The La Fortuna wildlife safari includes transport by van, pickup and drop-off, food and drinks (including coffee and juice). Your wildlife safari with La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike and hot springs includes lunch and dinner, alcoholic beverages, an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, and fees and taxes.

Where does it start?

La Fortuna wildlife safari start with a hotel pickup in the city. For the wildlife safari, waterfall visit, volcano hike and hot springs tour, you can go straight to the meeting point (D-55, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna), or request pickup.

How long does it last?

The average duration of the wildlife safaris in La Fortuna is about 3 to 4 hours. The wildlife safari that also visits La Fortuna waterfall, volcano hike and hot springs lasts for 11 hours.

When is the best time for a wildlife safari in La Fortuna?

The morning or late afternoon are both great time for wildlife safaris in La Fortuna, as the animals are then most active. Mornings are usually quieter with better weather.

December to April is a good time to visit La Fortuna for outdoor activities, but this is also the busiest period, meaning higher prices. In the wet season from mid-April to November there are fewer people and waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest.

Is it safe?

Considering the nature of the activity, wildlife safari floating tours are totally safe. You are guided by experienced river guides who will not compromise your safety in any way. These tours are not recommended, however, for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children of all ages are allowed on these wildlife safari tours, including kayaking tours. There is no age restriction on the La Fortuna twilight wildlife safari and La Fortuna waterfall, volcano hike and hot springs.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Wildlife safaris in La Fortuna are dependent on good weather. If your tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or request a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in La Fortuna?

Travel tips

Make sure to book your La Fortuna wildlife safari in advance.
Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Don't forget to bring your camera for souvenir photos.

Wildlife Safaris in La Fortuna