Have questions? We're here.
Whitewater Rafting in Colombia on the Rio Buey

Whitewater Rafting Tours

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Experience the thrill of rafting down a powerful, raging river surrounded by pristine rainforest and thrilling whitewater. Adventure Life offers whitewater rafting trips on the best rivers in the world for beginners and experienced rafters alike. Raft down exciting whitewater rivers in Costa Rica such as the Pacuare, Sarapiqui & Savegre. Costa Rica has warm, tropical, crystal-clear rivers surrounded by remote rainforest, offering abundant Class III and IV rapids with exciting rapids that will thrill even the most experienced rafter. In Peru, we offer multi-day rafting trips on the Apurimac and Urubamba Rivers. Whitewater rafting in Chiang Mai is also a popular activity in Thailand. Contact us for help in choosing the ideal combination of rivers and adventures for your dream rafting trip.

10 Best Whitewater Rafting Tours for 2025-2026

Top 4 Places to Go Whitewater Rafting for 2025-2026

10 Best Whitewater Rafting Trips in Central America for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Costa Rica Unbound $7,500 8 May 04, 2025 Embark on an 8-day luxury cruise aboard M/Y Kontiki Wayra, exploring Costa Rica's breathtaking Pacific coast. Sail through Golfito, Los Mogos, Punta Adela, Caño Island, Puerto Jiménez, and Corcovado National Park before arriving at Quepos. Experience stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, pristine beaches, and gourmet dining aboard this exquisite yacht.
0
Pura Vida Express $4,200 5 Nov 16, 2025 Discover the stunning Pacific coast of Costa Rica with a 5-day luxury cruise onboard M/Y Kontiki Wayra. Sail through Golfito, Los Mogos, Puerto Jiménez, Punta Adela, and Corcovado National Park. Experience the breathtaking scenery, abundant marine life, and pristine beaches.
0
Discover Costa Rica $2,877 9 May 01, 2025 This thrilling 9-day Costa Rica multisport adventure tour takes you whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, biking through tropical plantations, hiking the cloud forest at the Savegre Reserve, zip-lining through the canopy at Hacienda Baru, snorkeling & kayaking in Ballena National Park, and strolling along the beaches of the Pacific coastline.
0
Costa Rica Highlights $2,292 6 May 01, 2025 Explore western Costa Rica's highlights during this 6-day vacation. Glide through the Arenal Rainforest Reserve on the Skytram and Skytrek Tour. Experience Rincon de la Vieja with the Adventure Pass at Hacienda Guachipelin, then unwind at Playa Panamá. Explore Tamarindo's marine wonders with a kayaking and snorkeling tour.
0
Caribbean Adventure - Bocas Town $2,781 8 May 01, 2025 This 8-day land-based tour highlights the best of Costa Rica and Panama! Whitewater excitement and rainforest exploration in Costa Rica couple with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama for a perfectly paced vacation. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and fall into the rhythm of the Caribbean!
0
Wild Costa Rica $2,314 8 May 01, 2025 This exhilarating 8-day tour takes you first on a thrilling two-day whitewater rafting trip along the Pacuare River and then into the lush jungle to learn about the birds, monkeys, sloths, and other animals that live there. This is followed by a 3-day trip to Playa Nicuesa, where you can see beautiful macaws before heading back to San Jose.
0
Costa Rica Multisport $2,678 9 On this active 9-day Costa Rica vacation you'll explore the rainforest by raft, hike, zip-line, and kayak - from Los Cusingos Biological Reserve to the summit of Chirripo Peak and down to the coastal beaches of Ballena National Marine Park & Terraba Sierpe Mangrove Swamps.
0
Turtles & Rainforest Pacuare Reserve $2,425 8 May 01, 2025 This 8-day eco-tour of Costa Rica combines nature and adventure as we join biologists to study giant leatherback sea turtles for two nights at Pacuare Nature Reserve. Then we head to Selva Bananito Lodge for a rainforest trip and finish with a whitewater rafting adventure on the raging rapids of the Pacuare River.
0
Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure $2,102 9 May 01, 2025 Embark on a 9-day adventure across Costa Rica, driving yourself from one destination to the next. Raft through Rincon de la Vieja National Park, hike the pristine jungle & skywalks of the rainforest canopies of Arenal Volcano National Park, and relax on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
0
Wild Costa Rica Corcovado $2,149 8 May 01, 2025 Experience an 8-day Costa Rica vacation package that immerses you in the natural wonders of Central America. After a two-day whitewater rafting trip on the Pacuare River, explore the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, where you can go horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, whale watching, or take a rainforest canopy tour.
0

Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting Travel Guide

Best Places for Rafting in Costa Rica
On our multisport adventure tours, there are three main rafting locations:

Pacuare River
  • Contains Class III to IV rapids
  • Accessible via San Jose and Arenal
  • Journeys through mountains and jungle
  • Howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots, and more can be observed.
Sarapiqui River
  • Contains Class II to III rapids
  • Access from Tortuguero, Arenal
  • Travels through the La Virgen neighborhood
  • Expect calm water swimming opportunities throughout the trip.
Savegre River
  • Contains Class II to III rapids
  • Manuel Antonio and San Jose provide access.
  • Explores jungle gorges and waterfalls
  • Expect to witness egrets, ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and parrots, among other species.
Whitewater Rafting Trips in River Lodges

Our multisport and adventure packages already include several whitewater excursions, so you don't have to worry about where to stay. Consider these lodges if you want to go whitewater rafting as an additional activity:

Sarapiqui
Selva Verde Lodge
Hotel La Quinta Sarapiqui

Pacuare
Rios Tropicales Lodge
Pacuare Lodge

Savegre Valley Hotels 
Savegre Mountain Hotel
Dos & Don'ts of Whitewater Rafting

DO:
  • Always wear a life jacket with the buckle fastened.
  • Observe your guide attentively
  • Put on shoes, swimming shoes, or sandals with ankle straps instead than flip-flops.
  • Inform your guide of any medical conditions
  • Assist anyone who has fallen from the raft to reenter it.

DON'T:
  • Stand up in a moving river
  • Splash somebody with your paddle or employ it as a toy or weapon.
  • Bring glass bottles or alcoholic beverages on the raft.
  • Go rafting by yourself

It's acceptable if you fall off of the raft; simply float on your back with your toes pointed up and your back facing downstream.

Video of Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica

Top 10 Whitewater Rafting Vacations in South America for 2025-2026

Peru Whitewater Travel Guide

4 Best Whitewater Rafting Packages in North America for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Explore Bella Coola $3,764 6 Jul 04, 2025 Take a 6-day tour of the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest and Bella Coola Valley. Experience stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable adventures. From serene river drifts along the Atnarko River to guided nature walks and climbing the Via Ferrata, explore the region's cultural heritage with local guides.
0
Best of Montana $3,395 6 Jun 28, 2025 Embark on a 6-day adventure through Montana from Bozeman to Missoula. Experience Glacier National Park, rafting the Flathead River, cruise the Missouri River, and hike scenic trails. Learn about Native American history with a Blackfeet guide and explore historic towns. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and ancient forests on this unforgettable journey.
0
Kenai Backcountry Lodge $2,472 3 May 29, 2025 Spend three nights in the Alaska wilderness with stays at Kenai Riverside Lodge and Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Raft the Kenai River from one lodge to the next as you travel deeper into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Spend a day exploring the backcountry wilderness of Alaska, spotting wildlife and experiencing breathtaking scenery.
0
Denali Extension $3,285 6 May 20, 2025 Spend 6 days exploring Alaska with opportunities to whitewater raft, hike in Denali National Park, trying your hand at fishing, and see the glaciated landscapes of Denali National Park from above. Spend your Alaska trip spotting wildlife, riding the Alaska Railway and learning about the rich history of the Gold Rush era on this Alaska tour.
0

Whitewater Rafting Traveler Stories

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By