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:
Jess was terrific and patiently guided us to make what we feel will be a wonderful family adventure.
David Herr
1 week ago
Jessica was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was very responsive to our questions and comments and in a very timely fashion. She worked with us in partnership to plan a trip specifically for us and our wants and needs.
Linda Coleman
2 weeks ago
Shannon has been a real pleasure to work with. Responsive, quick to come back with answers and alternatives, and very knowledgable. Everything you want in a travel planner!
S Dunn
3 months ago
Just as she did last time we booked with Adventure Life, Franny really listened to what we wanted for our trip and went the extra mile to help us build the perfect itinerary.
Michelle Resnick
4 months ago
What made our Costa Rica experience great was the wonderful places we stayed and transportation to get to our different areas to visit was excellent! The white water rafting and the snorkeling & dolphin watching were really fun!