Arenal Volcano: Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning
Experience Costa Rica’s most extreme canyoning adventure at Gravity Falls near La Fortuna, rappelling down an impressive 150-foot tropical waterfall into crystalline pools, jumping from a thrilling series of 10 to 40-foot waterfalls and cliffs into deep canyon waters, swimming through pristine jungle wilderness with professional guides providing all high-quality safety gear, and concluding with a delicious Costa Rican lunch, all with round-trip transportation from La Fortuna included for this heart-pumping rainforest expedition.
Overview
Lower yourself down a sheer canyon wall, ropes taut as river mist slicks the rock and your heart pounds with each controlled drop. Professional guides rig you securely for four rappels, no experience needed—they demo every clip and lean before you go.
Leap into three clear natural pools, the splash echoing off Arenal's gorge walls. Clip onto two ziplines that shoot you across the chasm, wind whipping past as wildlife flashes below. Cap it with a short riverbank stroll through calm waters, then trek forest paths to a waiting lunch.
Your 3-hour escapade includes air-conditioned pickup, all gear, bilingual pros, and a Casado buffet to refuel.
Real talk: moderate fitness gets you through, but jumps jar if you land flat.
Snag a spot now—these small-group thrills cap at 15.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) professional guides.
- All canyoning equipment: helmet, harness, ropes.
- Access to lockers, showers, and trails.
- Typical Costa Rican Casado lunch buffet with salad, rice, beans, meat choice, veggies, chayote hash, and natural juice.
- Bottled water.
- Professional photographs (available for purchase).
- Gratuities for guides.
- Personal expenses like souvenirs.
Itinerary
- Get picked up from your hotel or meet at La Roca Canyoning, 1.6 km north and 1.3 km east of Lake Arenal dam.
- Check in, get fitted with helmet, harness, and ropes, then attend a step-by-step safety briefing.
- Short trail walk to the Arenal River canyon entry.
- Start with the first rappel down a rock wall into the canyon.
- Jump into the first natural pool for a refreshing plunge.
- Continue to the second rappel and pool jump.
- Clip in for the first zipline crossing the gorge over rapids.
- Tackle the third rappel and jump, then the second zipline.
- Finish with the fourth rappel, followed by a gentle walk along the calm Arenal River bank.
- Trek through forest to La Roca restaurant for natural drinks and Casado lunch, with time to shower and change.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to help your adventure go well, based on common experiences with rappels, jumps, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Swimsuit under quick-dry clothes and grippy closed shoes aren't optional. Several guests said canyon rocks turn super slick, and tennis shoes beat sandals for footing. One packed extra sunscreen that saved skin during waits.
- Rappel and jump tips. Guides break it down clear. Beginners felt secure with the setups and calls. A group loved the waterfall spray on drops, but said pool jumps hit deeper than expected—keep feet down.
- Zipline buzz. Quick but intense over the river. Guests called them the high-point breather, with gorge views adding kick.
- Lunch wind-down. The buffet recharges fast. Folks praised the fresh chayote and juice after exertion, but note meat choices—veggie swaps easy if asked early.
- Group setup. Fifteen max flows smooth. Past visitors said it avoids backups at rappels, giving time for photos or chats.
- Best time to visit. December to April fits drier rocks and steady flow. Guests in early 2025 said January runs kept temps mild with vivid wildlife. May to November ramps water but slicks surfaces. Some dug the fuller pools.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Solid grip, clearer views | Less flow, warmer midday | 8-10 AM for cool starts |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | Mightier pools, greener canyon | Slippery descents, possible tweaks | Morning to skip showers |
Common issues. Pass if back, heart, or pregnancy risks. Guests found rappels steady but jumps splashy for beginners—guides offer skips. Weather might adjust order, but rain adds mist without full cancel.
FAQ
Do I need adventure experience?
No experience required. Guides explain every step and handle setups. Past beginners felt confident after the first rappel, saying the training and gear made it accessible.
What if it rains?
Light rain continues with no problem—canyon gets mistier but stays safe. Heavy downpour might tweak jumps. Guests in showers called pools fuller and thrilling, with ponchos keeping basics dry.
Suitable for kids?
Fine for active teens 12+ with moderate fitness who follow safety. Younger ones may find rappels tall. Families said older kids loved ziplines and jumps, but check height for harness.
How tough physically?
Moderate: rappels need arm control, jumps balance. Short walks easy but wet. Average guests coped well, but back issues strain on descents—guides help with form.
Vegetarian lunch possible?
Yes, choose fish or request veggie swaps for beans/eggs over meat. It keeps salad, rice, veggies intact. Vegetarians found it satisfying post-activity, but flag early.
Why this canyoning over others?
Four rappels, three jumps, two ziplines packed in one spot beats scattered sites. Past guests said the small group, river finish, and lunch made it more complete than basic tours.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.