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.

Top Whitewater Rafting Trips in Costa Rica

Pacuare River Rafting with Overnight

2 Days from $329

This 2-day extension tour takes you whitewater rafting through a tropical rainforest on the Pacuare River, where Class III-IV rapids make for an exciting excursion. You'll plunge through mountain gorges, run long stretches of powerful rapids and witness all kinds of tropical wildlife. Spend a night in the rainforest at Rios Tropicales Lodge.

Adventure Pacifica Express

9 Days from $1,856

Enjoy a 9-day version of our classic Adventure Pacifica tour. Experience all that Costa Rica has to offer with opportunities to hike, raft, search for wildlife, zip line and more. The tour includes visits to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloudforest, the rainforest jungles of Manuel Antonio, and whitewater excursions on the Rio Savegre.

Manuel Antonio Whitewater Rafting

1 Day from $139

This 1-day tour navigates the Class II-III whitewater of the Savegre River (or try class III on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges & float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way you'll see egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots & more. After the river trip, return to Quepos/Manuel Antonio area.

Caribbean Adventure

Tranquilo Bay
9 Days from $2,633

Experience the Caribbean from Costa Rica to Panama on this 9-day land-based adventure tour. Whitewater rafting and rainforest exploration along Costa Rica's Pacuare River combine with relaxation amidst the turquoise waters of Panama. Climb into the rainforest canopy, bask in the sunshine of Bocas del Toro, and snorkel & dive among the Caribbean reefs!

Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure

9 Days from $2,023

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.

Rainforest Alliance Costa Rica

11 Days from $3,303

This 11-day Costa Rica trip combines outdoor adventure with visits to Rainforest Alliance Verified farms and reserves. Learn about their sustainable practices and support responsible travel. Go whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River, hiking through rainforest, and kayaking or snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea!

White Water Rafting Travel Guide

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:

Pacuare
Pacuare Lodge
Rios Tropicales Lodge

Sarapiqui
Hotel La Quinta Sarapiqui
Selva Verde Lodge

Savegre Valley Hotels
Savegre Mountain Hotel