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.
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 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.
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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 built two small parking lots 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). You will see signs that says “Parqueo Rio Celeste”
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.
Meri says
We were hoping to stop here on our way from La Fortuna to Guanacaste, but we will have all our luggage with us. Is there anywhere safe to park? Or are we going to be forced to take turns enjoying the river?
Sammi says
Hi Meri, there is a parking lot with a “parking guard” but I still recommend to take your valuables with you in a dry bag and keep it with you while at the river, and get a luggage cover for your trunk if you have a SUV.