Formoso River Raft Ride (EcoPark Porto da Ilha)

The Formoso River raft ride in Bonito MS Brazil has a lot of tradition, because it was one of the first activities to be implemented in the area's natural wonders.

Formoso River is one of the main rivers in Bonito. Its water are crystal clear, however, because the raft ride happens in an area where the river is wide and deep, it may look less transparent than near the springs, for example. Either way, the views throughout the activity are gorgeous! Some groups may be lucky enough to see monkeys, birds, or other animals.

It is important to know that this raft ride is different from the idea of "going rafting". Rafting tends to be small rafts, that hold up to 6 people, going down agitated waters. This activity happens in larger rafts, up to 11 people, that go down mostly calm and chill waters. There are some falls and challenges, but most of the activity has relaxing and contemplative vibes, except for the little water fights and raft competitions the instructors encourage!

There are different raft ride operators in Bonito. H2O Ecoturismo e Eventos usually works with the one called EcoPark Porto da Ilha, due to safety and the fact that this operator offers access to Porto da Ilha itself. Porto da Ilha is a place where you can sunbathe, swim in the river, or even have lunch. It is important that you double check which raft operator is scheduled in your reservation.

OPERATION*:
- When you arrive at EcoPark Porto da Ilha's front desk, hand your voucher to the staff.
- Pay attention to the information on group organizando, which usually involves identification bracelets and logistics for the vehicles that will take everyone to the raft launching areas.
- Groups could be larger than 100 people, but each raft takes no more than 11.
- When it is time, the instructors will gather everyone to provide the mandatory equipment.
- Once the group is good to go, everyone goes into a bus or van to be taken to the raft launching areas (If you drove yourself, your car remains at EcoPark Porto da Ilha).
- Instructors organize people in each raft at the launching area.
- Once the raft is full and loaded, the instructor will start and hand out paddles for everyone to help row.
- This is also a time when people get more information about the place, the activity, and the area.
- During the 6 km downstream, there are some falls and obstacles, but most of the activity happens in calm and contemplative vibes.
- Depending on the group, weather conditions, and river conditions, there may be a stop for free swim.
- Regardless of the conditions, everyone gets wet during this activity, because of the popular water fights and raft competitions that happen along the way.
- As the raft gets close to the final dock, the instructors will provide directions and support for the group to dock the raft and get out safely.
- This final dock is already back at EcoPark Porto da Ilha, so everyone is then free to go change, etc.
- Lunch, when included, may be before or after the activity, depending on the scheduled time.
*This whole operation usually lasts around 2 hours, but it can very due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or specific group needs.

FACILITIES:
- Restrooms
- Restaurant
- Grass area of sunbathing
- River area for swimming
- Other activities' docks

WHAT TO BRING:
- On sunny days, caps or hats are a great idea
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
- Cash for general expenses

AGES*: Children under 5 years old cannot do this activity.
* The instructors may keep a person from participating in the activity if they feel the person presents any kind of threat to the group's safety.

PRICE: Per person

TRANSPORTATION: Not included, talk to us about including it

LUNCH: Not included, talk to us about including it

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THE SAME LOCATION: 
- EcoPark Porto da Ilha has stand up paddling, tubing and sometimes other activities happening. They all must be scheduled ahead of time and follow the place's plans for the day.

DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN BONITO: Around 12 km, not paved

Bonito activity prices are set by the attractions themselves and strictly controlled, equal at all agencies. Variations may happen because of rates expiration dates and/or differences between low and high season rates.