Float the
Blue River.
Float at water level through Rio Celeste's famous turquoise current, gentle rapids and rainforest wildlife passing by from a view almost no visitor gets.
View pickup areas
Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Float Through Costa Rica's Famous Blue River
Experience Río Celeste from a completely different perspective as you float through its world-famous turquoise waters. This relaxing tubing adventure combines gentle rapids, spectacular rainforest scenery, and incredible wildlife into one unforgettable private experience suitable for the whole family.
River Tubing Adventure
Float comfortably through gentle rapids and calm sections of Río Celeste while enjoying one of Costa Rica's most scenic river experiences.
Turquoise Waters
Experience the incredible volcanic-blue waters that have made Río Celeste one of Costa Rica's most photographed natural wonders.
Wildlife Along the River
Watch for monkeys, tropical birds, butterflies, iguanas, and other native wildlife that inhabit the rainforest surrounding the river.
Family-Friendly Adventure
Suitable for guests aged 4 and older, this private experience offers the perfect balance of fun, nature, and relaxation for families, couples, and small groups.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Gear Up
Float the Blue River
Dry Off & Traditional Lunch
Ride Back to Your Hotel
- Wear swimwear under quick-dry shorts or leggings, you will be wet throughout.
- Water shoes or secure-strap sandals are recommended. Flip-flops will not stay on in the rapids.
- Bring a dry change of clothing and a small towel for after the float.
- Waterproof cases for cameras and phones are strongly recommended.
- Apply sunscreen before departure and bring extra, much of the river run is in open sun.
We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy for tours and day experiences: cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 48 hours and 6 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled experience are not eligible for a refund, although exceptional situations may be reviewed individually.
No refunds or credits are issued for changes in river colour due to rainfall or weather conditions. This is a natural occurrence.
Experiences cancelled due to genuinely unsafe river conditions (not colour change) will be rescheduled or fully refunded.
River color changes from rainfall are natural and are not treated as a safety cancellation, see our reservation policy for details.
Departures may be adjusted for genuinely unsafe river conditions such as high water or flash flood risk.
If Wild Papagayo cancels due to unsafe river conditions, we'll reschedule whenever possible or issue a full refund.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Extra set of clothes
✓ Towel
✓ Water shoes / sandals
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your guide and float are dedicated exclusively to your group, not combined with other travelers.
This float is suitable for guests aged 4 and older, the rapids are gentle enough for a family-friendly pace.
Rio Celeste's color can shift after heavy rainfall, this is a natural occurrence and not something Wild Papagayo can control, so no refunds are issued for color changes specifically. Genuinely unsafe river conditions are handled separately, see our weather policy.
Monkeys, toucans, kingfishers and other tropical birds are frequently spotted along the river corridor. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, though frequent.
Swimwear under quick-dry shorts, with secure-strap water shoes or sandals, flip-flops won't stay on through the rapids.
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included, along with bottled water and snacks.
Pricing varies by pickup location and group size. Reach out on WhatsApp or through the booking form and your Wild Papagayo concierge will confirm an exact quote.
Tubing at Río Celeste — Blue River Tubing
Private tubing experience on Río Celeste, float through the striking aquamarine blue river in lush rainforest, navigating small rapids with birds, monkeys and rich biodiversity. Minimum age 4. Lunch included.
Private Guide Only
Your certified private guide, exclusively dedicated to your group, for guests arriving in their own vehicle. Guide pickup included on the way to the destination. Excludes tubing equipment and lunch.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ Río Celeste tubing, tubes, life jackets, helmets provided
✓ Traditional Costa Rican lunch
⚡ The river runs its most vivid blue during drier stretches of weather; heavy rain can temporarily change the color, a natural occurrence that happens at any time of year.
