Raft down raging whitewater rivers like the Pacuare, Sarapiqui & Savegre while surrounded by pristine rainforest on your Costa Rica adventure. Costa Rica has warm tropical, crystal-clear waters featuring a plethora of Class III and IV rapids with exciting waves and holes that are perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike. Come experience why Costa Rica is considered one of the world's top destinations for whitewater rafting. Contact one of our Costa Rica travel experts for help finding the pefect combination of rivers and adventures for your dream trip to Costa Rica.
Where to go Rafting There are three main rafting locations on our multisport adventure tours: Pacuare River
Features Class III-IV rapids
Access from: San Jose, Arenal
Travels through mountains & rainforest
Expect to see: howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots, and more
Sarapiqui River
Features Class II-III rapids
Access from Tortuguero, Arenal
Travels through La Virgen community
Expect opportunities to swim in calm waters along the way
Savegre River
Features Class II-III rapids
Access from: Manuel Antonio, San Jose
Travels through jungle gorges & waterfalls
Expect to see: egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more
Whitewater Rafting Do's & Don'ts
DO:
Wear a life jacket at all times and keep it buckled
Listen carefully to your guide
Wear shoes, water shoes, or sandals with ankle straps, rather than flip flops
Advise your guide of any medical conditions
Help others back into the raft if they fall out
DON'T:
Stand up in a moving current
Splash people with your paddle or use it as a toy or weapon
Bring glass bottles or alcohol onto the raft
Go rafting alone
IF YOU FALL OUT OF THE RAFT, it's okay, just float on your back with your toes pointed up, facing downstream.
River Lodges for Whitewater Rafting Trips Many of the whitewater excursions are already built into the itineraries of our multisport and adventure tours, meaning that there's no need to decide which hotels to stay at. If you are planning to do a whitewater excursion as an extension, then consider these lodges:
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 weeks ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
