Challenge the rapids of Rio Negro in a tube

White water tubing Rio Negro

I did white water rafting in Australia, now it was about time to try white water tubing in Costa Rica. The difference between rafting and tubing is that when you go rafting you’re in a boat and you are together with others, when you go tubing your alone in your tube. One of the girls on the tour described her tube as a “huge dunkin doughnut in camouflage” and that’s actually a pretty good description.

This tour starts at the foot of the great Victoria Waterfall. We were a big group of people doing this tour together and the saying “the more, the merrier” is really true in this case. First the guide gave us some information about the safety. Among other things, he told us that they would be there to rescue us if we would go in to the water. We were ready to start challenging the rapids of the river. One by one we went in to the river and once you’re in all you have to do is hold on to your tube and enjoy the ride, especially when going backwards. There are several big rapids on this trip and even though those are the funniest parts it’s also nice when you get to the slower parts and you have time to enjoy the nature around you.

This is an activity that I can recommend for everyone, young and old. You just have to prepare yourself to get wet. I managed to stay above water the whole way but still my clothes got completely soaked in water. I believe I was smiling all the way down the river.