La Leona Waterfall and Tubing Tour
Ride exciting rapids on a guided river tubing adventure in Rincon de la Vieja
Imagine riding through fast rapids in a volcanic river canyon, then floating gently beneath the branches of tropical forest, maybe even spotting some monkeys or bats along the way.
This river tubing tour in the Rincon de la Vieja region takes you right into Costa Rica’s nature and on an action-packed adventure through the Colorado River.
White Water River Tubing
✅ Beginner friendly
😊 Suitable for Kids 6+
🛟 Guided at all times
Ready to go? Check availability and choose your tour option below.
Plan Your Visit
Booking & Tour Information
- Booking Options
- Highlights
- Quick Facts
- What is White Water River Tubing?
- What to Expect on the River Tubing Tour
- River Tubing Prices and Tour Times
- Is This Tour Right for You?
- Is This Tour Suitable for Kids?
- Why Book with us
- What Visitors Say (Google Reviews)
Practical Information
Good to know
Booking Options
Choose how you’d like to experience your river tubing tour: self-drive or transportation included, group or private tours. Looking for even more activities in the Rincon de la Vieja area? Explore our combo tours.
Choose Your Transportation Option
Self-Drive Tour
Meet at Location
Best if you have your own or rental car or prefer to travel independently
Transportation included
Hotel Pickup Service
⭐ Most convenient option – we take care of everything
⚠️ Tours often sell out – reserve in advance
💡 Flexible Transfer Option:
Add the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour as a stop between two destinations. For example, if you’re traveling between La Fortuna and Tamarindo, you can stop along the way to join the tour. Our driver will pick you up at your location, wait during the tour, and then continue to your next destination.
River Tubing & La Leona Waterfall in One Adventure
Combine river tubing with the La Leona Waterfall for a full day of exploring the Rincon de la Vieja region.
⭐ Most Popular
La Leona Waterfall and Tubing Tour
Many visitors choose to combine river tubing with the La Leona Waterfall Hike and a Costa Rican lunch to make the most of their day.
1️⃣ Ride fast rapids and enjoy calm sections on a guided tubing tour along the Colorado River.
2️⃣ Swim through a volcanic canyon and climb over rocks to discover La Leona Waterfall.
✔ No extra travel needed – all activities start from the same location and are easy to combine
✔ Available as group tour or private tour
✔ Optional: Add a traditional lunch at our La Leona Restaurant
Group Tour or Private Tour?
Choose between a private tour with your own dedicated guide or a shared group experience.
White Water River Tubing → Private Tour
Perfect if you’re traveling with small children, want more flexibility, or prefer a more personalized experience with your own dedicated guide.
Start times
7am to 3pm
every 30 min
Private guide
Just for your group
Minimum age
6 years
⚠️ All tours must be booked in advance.
ℹ️ Occasionally, there may be other tour groups in the river, but your private tour experience with a dedicated guide will not be affected.
White Water River Tubing → Group Tour
The river tubing group tour is a great option if you want to enjoy a fun and social guided experience with other travelers.
Start times
9am • 12pm • 3pm
Group Size
20+ participants
Minimum age
6 years
💡 Don’t worry if you’re traveling solo – just reach out to us and we’ll help you join a guided group tour.
⚠️ All tours must be booked in advance.
ℹ️ The group follows a shared pace with a guide focused on the group as a whole rather than individual participants.
Explore More Combo Tours in the Rincon de la Vieja Area
Want to extend your river tubing adventure even further? Discover more of our combo tours.
River Tubing
& Rio Negro Hot Springs
Need to relax after the river tubing tour? Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch, natural hot springs and a volcanic mud bath.
One Day
Adventure Pass
Experience a full day of adventure with zip-lining, river tubing, horseback riding, a traditional lunch, and relaxing hot springs.
Highlights
🌊 Ride the River Rapids
😄 Fun & Exciting Adventure
🛟 Guided & Safe Experience
✅ Beginners & Kids Welcome
Quick facts
Location
Curubandé, Guanacaste
Distance
20 minutes from Liberia
Duration
~ 1.5 – 2 hours
Beginners
Yes
Swimming Required
No
Guided Experience
Yes
What is White Water River Tubing?
Join us for a river tubing adventure on the narrow, fast-flowing Colorado River with 3 km (2 miles) of exciting rapids.
You’ll float through calm sections and splash through fun rapids, all while surrounded by the tropical dry forest and volcanic canyon walls in Rincon de la Vieja.
With specially designed individual tubes and experienced guides positioned along the river, the tour is safe and suitable for beginners and kids.
It starts in Curubandé, just 20 minutes from Liberia and 40 minutes from Liberia Airport (LIR).
What to Expect on the River Tubing Tour
Here’s what your river tubing tour in Rincon de la Vieja looks like from start to finish.
👉 Quick overview
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
| 3km downstream in the Colorado river (2 miles total) | ~ 1.5hrs from start to finish (Depends on group size) | Moderate Level, Beginner-friendly |
Step-by-Step Description of the Adventure
Step 1 – Tour Start & 4×4 Ride
Meet your guide at the reception and get ready with your life jacket and helmet.
Then hop onto a 4×4 vehicle for a short ride to the river, a fun start to your adventure.
Step 2 – Walk to the River
Enjoy a short walk through nature down to the riverbank.
Step 3 – Safety Briefing & Tubing Start
Before starting, your guide will give a short safety briefing, explaining the key dos and don’ts of river tubing.
You’ll then enter the river and begin with class I & II rapids, giving you time to get comfortable before approaching the first class III rapids.
Step 4 – Ride the Rapids
Splash and bounce your way through the rapids, with experienced guides positioned along the river to help you safely navigate each one.
Step 5 – End of the Tour
At the end of the tour, you’ll walk up a few stairs to a 4×4 vehicle waiting to take you back to the reception, marking the end of your adventure.
River Tubing Prices and Tour Times
Our river tubing tours run at the following times:
La Leona Waterfall and River Tubing
Private Tours
7am to 12:30pm every 30 minutes
Group Tours
9am • 12pm
White Water River Tubing
Private Tours
7am to 3pm every 30 minutes
Group Tours
9am • 12pm • 3pm
Tours run daily throughout the year. Schedules may vary depending on weather and river conditions, especially during the rainy season (September–October).
👉 For current availability, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, live chat or email.
⚠️ Tours must be reserved in advance.
If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours or may not be able to join a tour that day. Especially during high season, tours fill up quickly.
River Tubing Tour Prices
| Visit Option | Cost Adults (13+) | Cost Children (4-12) |
| Only River Tubing: Group Tour | $55 | $45 |
| Only River Tubing: Private Tour | $65 | $60 |
| Tubing + La Leona Waterfall Group Tour | $75 | $65 |
| Tubing + La Leona Waterfall Private Tour | $90 | $75 |
Is This Tour Right for You?
The La Leona Waterfall River Tubing tour is beginner-friendly and great for kids, but it may not be ideal for everyone.
Who is this tour NOT suitable for?
❌ Not suitable for people with knee, ankle, walking or mobility limitations
❌ Children under 6 are not allowed
❌ Baby carriers are not allowed
❌ Not suitable during pregnancy
✔ No prior river tubing experience is needed, but a basic level of fitness is required.
⚠️ For safety reasons, two people are not allowed in the same tube. Our certified guides are there at all times to support you and ensure everyone’s safety.
💡 Can’t swim? No problem!
Swimming is not required during the river tubing tour, as you stay in your tube the entire time. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, so if you fall into the water, you can simply float.
Your guides will assist you at any time to ensure you safely get through the rapids. If you happen to fall out of your tube, they will quickly help you get back in so you can continue the experience.
Is This Tour Suitable for Kids?
The guided river tubing tour is a fun and exciting adventure for children aged 6 and above. Here’s how we make the experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your little ones:
✔ Certified and Experienced Guides
Our highly trained guides ensure a safe and fun adventure for all ages.
✔ Individual Tube Sizes
We provide specially designed tubes in different sizes based on your child’s height and weight. They have strong handles for easy grip while riding through the rapids, as well as a protective bottom for added safety.
✔ Extra Support for Small Children
Small children are assigned a dedicated guide who stays with them throughout the entire tour. The guide will hold onto their tube to ensure they stay safe and cannot fall or flip out. Children do not use paddles, so the guide will assist to push them through the slower sections of the river.
Our guides create a safe, stress-free experience, so you can fully enjoy the adventure knowing your child is in expert hands.
Why Book With Us?
Here’s why travelers choose to book their tour with us:
100% Accident-Free Record
Thousands of tours operated safely thanks to strict safety protocols and experienced guides.
Certified and Experienced Guides
All guides are certified, trained in first aid, and fully prepared for any situation.
High Safety Standards
We operate under strict safety standards and only run tours when conditions are safe, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.
Local Tour Operator
Locally owned and based in Curubandé, specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja area for authentic local experiences.
Join thousands of happy guests and experience one of the top-rated Rincon de la Vieja tours.
Check availability and secure your spot.
What Visitors Say (Google Reviews)
See real reviews from our customers on Google:
Rebecca G
April 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jonathan was an amazing tour guide ! He kept us safe and we had so much fun ! Highly recommend! A must visit in Costa Rica !
Source: Google Reviews
Elizabeth Wieber
April 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had such a fantastic time on our hike at La Leona! Our guide, Justin, was terrific, very knowledgeable and fun! Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants a fun, rigorous, and beautiful experience!
Source: Google Reviews
Diego Dmolina
April 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike was amazing! Absolutely worth the stop. Our tour guide Justin went above and beyond, he was so great with our kids and very helpful and attentive to our tour. This was so much fun, very highly recommend!!!
Source: Google Reviews
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 6k+ reviews
How to Get to the River Tubing Tour
The tour starts at the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike reception in Curubandé, about 20 minutes from Liberia.
You can arrive by bus, by car (own or rental), or choose a tour with transportation included for the most convenient option.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Location on Google Maps
How to Get to the River Tubing Tour by Bus
Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach the tour starting point in Curubandé. However, it requires some planning, as there are very limited options to get to and from the tour.
Getting there (Liberia → Curubandé)
- Departure from: Parada Municipal (Liberia)
- Bus time: 6:45am
✔ Allows you to join the tour at 9am
❌ Does NOT run on weekends
Returning (Curubandé → Liberia)
- Departure from: Bus station close to the church
- Bus time: 1:15pm
✔ Fits after completing the morning tour
⚠️ Only bus available to get back
After your river tubing adventure, you can relax and enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal at our La Leona Restaurant while waiting for the bus.
👉 Keep in mind that buses in Costa Rica don’t always run exactly on time, so don’t worry if yours arrives a little late.
(March 2026)
How to get to the River Tubing Tour by Car
Follow the directions and visual route guide below to reach the starting point. A 4×4 vehicle is not required, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
Directions from Liberia
1️⃣ From Liberia, drive north for about 5km along Highway #1.
2️⃣ Turn right at an intersection with a green sign pointing to “Volcan Rincon de la Vieja.” Keep an eye out, as this sign can be easy to miss!
3️⃣ Continue for another 10 minutes until you reach the village of Curubandé.
4️⃣ Keep right when you see the church.
5️⃣ You’ll find the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs along the road.
Visual Route Guide
Tour with Transportation Included
The easiest and most convenient way to get to your river tubing adventure is by booking a tour with transportation included. Enjoy a stress-free visit with hotel pickup and experienced drivers, without worrying about schedules or directions.
Why choose transportation included?
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Get the best price by booking transportation together with your tour
✔ Experienced local drivers who know the route inside out
✔ Pickup available across Guanacaste
✔ Flexible transfers: include the tour as a stop between two destinations
✔ Optional stops along the way for food and souvenirs
As we specialize in this tour and operate this route daily, you don’t have to worry about anything, just be ready at your chosen pickup point at the scheduled time, and we will take care of the rest.
👉 Perfect option to reach the tour starting point if you don’t have a car or want to enjoy a fully relaxed experience.
Convenient shuttle service throughout Guanacaste.
What to Bring to the River Tubing Tour
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
- Closed-toe shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps (No flip-flops!)
- Shoes with a good grip (Keens or Chacos are suitable as well)
- Extra clothes and shoes to change into after the tour
- A towel
- A small bottle of water
- Bug spray and sunscreen
What’s included in the river tubing tour:
- Individual Tubes, size according to your height and weight
- Life jackets (mandatory for all participants, no exceptions)
- Helmets
- Paddles (optional)
- Certified tour guides
- 4×4 transportation to the trailhead
Facilities
At the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour base, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable experience.
- Free parking: Safe and private parking is available on-site and monitored during operating hours, so you can securely leave your belongings and luggage in your car.
- Bathrooms
- Changing rooms
- Showers
- Lockers: Available to store valuable items during the tour
- Snacks & Drinks: Small snacks and refreshments are available for purchase
- On-site restaurant: Enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal after your tour
How We Keep You Safe on the Tour
Your safety is our top priority, so you can relax and fully enjoy your river tubing experience. Our tour setup is designed to guide you safely through every rapid.
🛟 Safety Equipment
You’ll be provided with a helmet, life jacket, an individual tube suited to your height and weight, and an optional paddle.
The tubes have either strong handles or ropes for a secure grip and a protective bottom for added comfort and safety.
🛡️ Experienced Guides Along the River
Our certified guides are positioned along the river, ready to assist you and ensure you stay safely in your tube.
If you get stuck on a rock or in a calmer section, they will help you continue along the river.
🌊 Controlled Rapids Entry
Ropes across the river mark stronger rapids ahead. You’ll pause here while your guides let you know when it’s your turn, so not too many participants enter at the same time.
👥 Small Group Sizes
We operate in smaller groups to ensure a safe and more personalized experience. This allows our guides to provide better support and attention compared to larger tours with high participant numbers.
What Do the Rapid Classes Mean?
During your river tubing adventure, you’ll encounter three different classes of rapids, ranging from calm sections to more exciting and fast-flowing areas.
Class I – Calm & Easy
These are the calmest parts of the river, with a gentle, slow-moving current. They’re perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Class II – Fun & Moderate
These rapids bring more excitement, with a faster current, small waves, and splashes, while still easy to navigate.
Class III – Exciting & Fast
These are the fastest sections, with bigger drops, stronger currents, and plenty of splashes for an adrenaline-filled ride.
🛟 To keep you safe, our experienced guides are strategically positioned along the rapids, ready to assist you at all times and help prevent you from flipping or falling out of your tube.
Best Time to Do the River Tubing Tour in Costa Rica
Best time to do the tour (Dry Season)
The best time to do this river tubing tour in Rincon de la Vieja is during the dry season (late November to late August).
During these months, water levels are stable and the river offers a perfect balance of calm sections and exciting rapids.
Rainy season in Rincon de la Vieja (Important to know)
In the rainy season, especially in September and October, water levels can rise significantly, increasing the risk of sudden flash floods.
⚠️ During this time, we closely monitor conditions that could indicate unsafe river levels. If conditions are not safe, the river tubing tour will not be offered to ensure the safety of our guests and guides.
If you plan to visit during rainy season and would like to check if tours are available, feel free to contact us.
What Visitors Say on TripAdvisor
Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.
Kristin W
April 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scenic with right amount of adventure
Fun excursion for our entire family. Highly recommend Victor as a personal guide.
Source: TripAdvisor Reviews
Christina Lopez
March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
JUST DO IT!
we had a blast! Our guides name was Diego ! He was so sweet and kind ! Would do it again 10/10
Source: TripAdvisor Reviews
Michelle W.
March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an absolute treasure of a find. We were able to see monkeys and learn about some of Costa Rica’s culture during our tour. The guides were so fun, and we had such a gorgeous, life changing experience.
Source: TripAdvisor Reviews
Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 530+ reviews
La Leona Waterfall and Tubing Tour Photo Gallery
Feel the excitement as you ride through fast rapids and enjoy every moment on the river.
Ready to experience the river tubing yourself?
FAQ
Is the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the river tubing tour near Rincon de la Vieja is a great and safe adventure for kids aged 6 and above.
Our experienced guides are positioned along the river and assist children throughout the entire tour, ensuring they get safely through every rapid. For younger children, a dedicated guide stays close at all times, holding onto their tube and helping them navigate the river.
Life jackets and helmets are provided and mandatory for all participants. Children are also assigned individual tubes suited to their size, with strong handles for a secure grip.
What happens if I fall out of the tube on the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
Don’t worry, this can happen occasionally and is completely safe. Our guides are always nearby and will quickly help you get back into your tube.
With your life jacket, you can float comfortably in the water until you’re assisted.
Can we go together in the same tube on the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
No, for safety reasons, each participant, both kids and adults, must use their own individual tube.
Our experienced guides are always nearby to assist your children throughout the tour, ensuring they get safely through the river while having fun. This allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience yourself.
Do I need to book in advance for the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
Yes, booking in advance is required to join the river tubing tour in Rincon de la Vieja.
Tours often fill up quickly, especially during high season in Costa Rica. If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours or may not be able to join a tour that day.
How to get to the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
You can reach the starting point of the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour by car, bus, or with transportation included.
The tour is located in the village of Curubandé in the Rincon de la Vieja region, about 20 minutes from Liberia and 40 minutes from Liberia Airport.
For detailed directions and transportation options, please see the sections above.
Do you have different tube sizes on the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
Yes, tubes are selected based on each guest’s height and weight. Children receive smaller tubes, while larger tubes are provided for adults to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Can I leave my belongings in the car during the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
Yes, our parking lot is monitored during all operating hours and is visible from the reception, so it is safe to leave your belongings in your car during the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour.
We also have small lockers available, just ask at the reception to get a key.
The village of Curubandé is generally a very peaceful and safe place, as people make their living from tourism and are committed to creating an enjoyable experience for visitors.
Do I need prior experience to do the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
No prior experience is required. The river tubing tour is beginner-friendly and suitable for most visitors, including children.
However, it may not be ideal for people with mobility issues, children under 6 years old, or during pregnancy. A basic level of fitness is required.
What equipment is provided on the La Leona Waterfall River Tubing Tour?
We provide helmets, life jackets, and an individual tube suited to your height and weight. Paddles are also available if you’d like to move faster through calmer sections.