Blue River Tubing — Río Celeste, Costa Rica
Float a turquoise volcanic river through rainforest — then ride, taste chocolate, and swim.
A full-day private combo tour with door-to-door pickup from Guanacaste.
Blue River Tubing is a full private day, about 7 hours, on the lower Río Celeste, north of Guanacaste, Costa Rica: 45–60 minutes floating the turquoise volcanic river on tubes plus a swimming stop, with horseback riding and a chocolate tasting the same day. Lunch and door-to-door transport included — from $375 per person, minimum 4 guests.
What Is Blue River Tubing?
"Blue River" is the local name for the lower Río Celeste — the same river famous for its electric turquoise color, caused by a unique volcanic mineral reaction at the Tenorio Volcano confluence. By the time it reaches the tubing stretch near Bijagua de Upala, the current is smooth and playful, winding through lush lowland rainforest.
Unlike whitewater rafting, Blue River tubing is an easygoing float: no paddling required, just drift downstream while your guide points out the forest canopy, birds, and the river's shifting hues. The water stays refreshingly cool even in dry season.
What's Included
- Round-trip private transport from your hotel
- Certified bilingual guide throughout
- Tubing equipment & life vests
- Horseback riding session (~90 min)
- Chocolate farm tour & tasting
- Swimming stop at the Blue River
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch
- Water & snacks during the day
What does the Blue River Tubing day look like?
- 7:30 AMPickup from your hotel in the Guanacaste coast. Relax as we head toward the Tenorio highlands.
- ~9:30 AMHorseback riding through working ranch and secondary forest trails with panoramic Tenorio views.
- ~11:00 AMGear up and float the Blue River — typically 45–60 minutes of river time plus a swimming stop.
- ~12:30 PMChocolate farm tour: learn how cacao goes from tree to bar, and taste single-origin Costa Rican chocolate.
- ~1:30 PMTraditional Costa Rican lunch at a local finca restaurant.
- ~2:30 PMDepart for the coast. Drop-off at your hotel, usually by 4:30–5:00 PM.
How Far Is the Blue River from Guanacaste?
The tubing area is near Bijagua de Upala, in the Alajuela province foothills of Tenorio Volcano — a scenic drive from the Guanacaste coast. We handle all transport, door to door.
| Departure Area | Approx. Drive Time | One-way Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Liberia / LIR Airport | ~1 h 15 min | ~75 km |
| Papagayo / Playa Hermosa | ~1 h 45 min | ~100 km |
| Tamarindo / Flamingo | ~2 h 15 min | ~130 km |
| Sámara / Nosara | ~2 h 45 min | ~160 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue River tubing safe for kids and non-swimmers?
Yes. The current on the tubing stretch is gentle — it is a leisurely float, not whitewater. Life vests are provided for everyone, and your guide stays close throughout. Children from about age 6 and up typically handle it well.
What should I wear and bring for Blue River tubing?
Wear a swimsuit under light quick-dry clothing, and bring a change of clothes. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a small dry bag for your phone, and closed-toe sandals or water shoes. Leave valuables at the hotel.
Does the Blue River tubing tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, with flexibility. The river can run higher after heavy rain, which can make the float more exciting. We monitor conditions daily and update you the evening before your tour.
Will the Blue River actually be blue on my day?
The turquoise color is most vivid in dry season (December–April) and less intense after prolonged rain. Even in green season the water retains a beautiful aquamarine tint. The river is always striking — and tubing is just one highlight of a full-day combo.
Can we do just the tubing, without the horseback riding or chocolate tour?
The combo format is our standard because the drive time makes a tubing-only trip less efficient. Contact us via WhatsApp to discuss a tailored itinerary — we can sometimes substitute horseback riding for a Río Celeste waterfall hike.
More Río Celeste Experiences
Ready to Float the Blue River?
We handle everything — transport, guides, gear, lunch. All you bring is a sense of adventure.