Rio Celeste is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica and understandably, many visitors want to be able to swim in its spectacular blue water.
However, swimming in Rio Celeste is strictly prohibited inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park so to dip your toes in the sky blue river, you must go to the spots outside the park.
The most popular one that is easily accessible and free is the Rio Celeste Free Pool.
In this guide, we’ll share with you exactly how to get there and what you need to know about swimming Rio Celeste in the free pool and public access.
This post has affiliate links which we may earn a small commission from if you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. Any prices listed may not reflect current pricing. It is the readers responsibility to research current pricing. Prices are quoted in USD. More info: Disclosure
Where Can You Swim in Rio Celeste?
The best place to swim in Rio Celeste is the free pool, just a 1 minute drive outside the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
It is super easy to find. Enter in Google Maps Rio Celeste Danta Free River Pool. Cick here to go to the Google Map location.
From the entrance of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, turn right and drive a minute until you turn a corner and you see a bridge ahead of you.
Parking
The locals have now built a parking lot on the side of the road where the entrance to the river is.
There are enough spaces for about 8 cars and they charge around 1000 CRC for parking ($2 USD).
Although the Rio Celeste Free Pool is still free with no entrance fee, you do need to pay a small parking fee.
Please note this is not a secure parking lot. The locals will not be responsible for any damages to your car or belongings. Please do not leave any valuables visible.
They have a fruit stand and some cold coconut water at the parking lot.
How to Get to the River
From the parking lot, there is a very short path down to the river to the left. Walk down and voila, you are at the blue river!
From Bijagua, this spot is about a 35 minute drive.
Swimming Rio Celeste
Once you are at the river, you can walk around the rocks, dip your toes and take photos. You can swim Rio Celeste here. Due to the minerals in the water which give the river its brilliant color, do not put your head underwater.
The water is cool and refreshing so it feels amazing in the hot and humid tropical rainforest climate.
You can walk down the rocks to the right or left side of the bridge. Just be careful walking on the rocks as it may be slippery.
During the weekday, this place is not too busy but it does get more crowded and busier on weekends and holidays.
I highly recommend to visit this free public access after you do the Rio Celeste hike. It’s a very nice add-on experience and 100% worth it!
Other Places to Swim in Rio Celeste
The Rio Celeste Free Pool is the most easily accessible place to swim in Rio Celeste and it is free. It’s a wonderful spot to swim in Rio Celeste because it is 100% natural and untouched.
There are some private properties nearby that have their own river access with picnic benches or a sandy area.
Some places are Cabinas Piuri and Posada Rio Celeste La Amistad, both extremely close to the Rio Celeste Free Pool. The entrance fees are around 5000 CRC per person. You can use their amenities, order food at their restaurant and go down to their river entrance.
Another option for a luxury hotel, is the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Their property is beautiful with their own private trail to the river which you can swim in.
Plan Your Visit to Rio Celeste
Make sure you plan your visit to the national park to see the sky blue river accordingly using our Rio Celeste guide.
You will find details on how to get there, the national park hiking trails, the waterfall, entrance fees and everything else so that your visit is stress free.
Also check out our Bijagua guide if you want to stay overnight in the area. Bijagua is the main town by the national park, only a 30 minute drive away.
Rio Celeste is only 2 hours from La Fortuna, 2 hours from Playas del Coco/Papagayo Peninsula and 2.5 hours from Tamarindo/Flamingo.
You can visit as a day trip from those areas or stop by on the way if you are driving from La Fortuna to Guanacaste or vice versa.
Tiffany says
I really appreciate how descriptive you are about the drive to various places, and just came across your comment about how you’re easily car sick. Me too! I’m trying to decide if we can even go to La Fortuna. Lots of people have commented on feeling sick from the windy roads. I’d really hate to miss most of the country, so I’m reading all of your posts to determine what’s reasonable for me. Sounds like Rio Celeste from Liberia is pretty easy? Any other “must sees” for a two week trip that doesn’t involve lengthy drives on curvy mountain roads? We’re flying into SJO and out of LIR. Thanks for this amazing website.
Sammi says
Hi Tiffany, the section that goes around La Fortuna (If you are coming from Guanacaste) is very windy and curvy so if you’re not driving, do not use your phone while in the car and take anti nausea medicine before the drive. If you go via Bijagua passing Rio Celeste, there is a shorter curvy section but that route does have more straight roads. I’d definitely still go to La Fortuna and just drive very carefully on that section. If you are renting a car, drive that route because you won’t get car sick if you’re driving.
mc says
How deep is the free pool. I don’t know how to swim and I’m 5’2.
Sammi says
Hi, you don’t even need to swim and go all the way into the river, you can sit on the rocks and dip your toes.
Scott A. Stone says
We’re back for the eighth time and taking friends to Samara but starting in La Fortuna. There’s a handful of Facebook comments that if you don’t pay the people at the car lot they’ll damage your car when you are away from it. Is there any truth to this that you know of? Find it hard to believe. We’ve never had issues anywhere.
Sammi says
Unfortunately we have heard of some “watchman” be rude and very unpleasant but if any of them try to threaten or intimidate you, take a picture of them and report them to the police asap!
Rachel says
Do you need a 4×4 car to access this road? Or will a regular car be fine?
Sammi says
The free pool is right off the main road so you don’t need a 4×4, this road is asphalted
Portland Pool Company says
Great article! Rio Celeste Free Pool in Costa Rica is a mesmerizing natural wonder with celestial blue waters, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in a lush tropical setting.
Brian M says
Can you walk to the pool if you’ve already parked in the waterfall parking lots?
Sammi says
You can, it’s around the corner a little over a kilometer, maybe like 15-20 minutes
Kerri says
Do you think it is better to pay for a tour or just drive in using our rental car. We are a family of five?
Sammi says
You don’t need a tour to go to the free pools or the national park, you can visit the national park on your own and then visit the pools after in your car
Andrej says
What is the temperature of the water?
Sammi says
Not sure exactly – it’s not freezing but very refreshing in the humidity, you can definitely swim/bathe comfortably
JoAnn Roberts says
How much more time does it add to go from La Fortuna to Andaz via Rio Celeste. It seems some time might be saved avoiding curvy Route 142 even though it is going out of the way. Just wondering what the time difference in travel is between going directly from La Fortuna to Andaz vs taking the Rio Celeste route. Thanks so much!
Sammi says
Honestly I think it is around the same, and you avoid all the curves going around the lake. There is one curvy section near the Tenorio Volcano National Park but thats about it. Lately we have been preferring to drive this route instead of around the lake to avoid the curves as I get very very car sick easily. But then you don’t get the nice views along the lake and honestly that drive is more beautiful than going through Bijagua but if you go via Rio Celeste, you can stop and visit the park to see the waterfall and river