White Water Rafting in Costa Rica: 16 Best Tours and Tips

Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3

On this tour, you will get to experience 2.5 hours of thrilling rapids on the Balsa River with Arenal Rafting.

Arenal Rafting is our favorite rafting company in the La Fortuna area. Their experienced guides will take great care of you and you’ll have so much fun!

Be prepared for a lot of paddling and an unforgettable action-packed escapade that will surely be the highlight of your vacation.

Included:

• Transportation from La Fortuna area hotels
• Fresh fruit during your time on the river.
• Towels for post-rafting.
• Refreshing beers and water to quench your thirst.
• A delicious traditional Costa Rican meal, the “Casado”, to refuel after your adventure.

Departure Times: Tours depart daily from 09:00 to 14:45.

Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4

This tour is also run by Arenal Rafting.

On this adventure, you can expect:

• Rafting Experience: A thrilling Class IV white water rafting adventure on the Balsa River, spanning 15 kilometers.
• Nature Stops: Opportunities to swim and rest amidst the rainforest.
• Refreshments: Fresh Costa Rican fruits during breaks.
• Lunch: A traditional Costa Rican meal at a local restaurant post-rafting.
• Transportation: Roundtrip transfers from local La Fortuna hotels.
• Equipment: All necessary rafting gear for the adventure.
• Guidance: Expert guiding services throughout the journey.
• Towels: Provided for your convenience after the rafting experience.

Please note: This tour is recommended for participants aged 12 and above.

Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall

On this tour, you will embark on a thrilling white-water rafting journey down the scenic Savegre River.

The adventure begins with a fully-narrated drive, offering you an insightful opportunity to learn about the local wildlife.

As you tackle the exhilarating Class II and III rapids with the guidance of experienced professionals, there’s a special treat in store—a stop at a secluded waterfall.

Once the rafting concludes, you’ll head back to the Amigos Del Rio headquarters in Manuel Antonio for a delicious lunch before being transported back to your hotel.

Included:

• Informative narrated drive through picturesque towns and landscapes.
• A mid-rafting snack at a serene waterfall.
• Safety kayaker accompanying the group for added security.
• Delectable lunch post-rafting adventure.

Departure Information: Tours begin with a pickup from your hotel or rental home, followed by an approximate 1-hour and 10-minute drive south to the Savegre River.

Whitewater Rafting Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio Class III-IV

This is a thrilling adventure along the Naranjo River. On this tour you can expect:

• Advanced Rafting: An exhilarating half-day white-water rafting adventure on the Naranjo River. This trip is specifically designed for experienced paddlers.
• Canyon Ride: Experience the rapid descent of the river as it flows from the mountain to sea level, journeying through the Naranjo Canyon.
• Transportation: Convenient pickup and drop-off from select hotels in Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
• Meals: A meal is provided either before or after the rafting, depending on the time of the tour.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River

On this tour, you will embark on a thrilling white-water rafting journey down the Pacuare River.

You will navigate through 38 pulsating Class III-IV rapids.

While you tackle the challenging rapids, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife.

After conquering the waters, a hearty lunch awaits to wrap up your unforgettable day before you are chauffeured back to your hotel.

Included:

• All the essential rafting equipment for a safe expedition.
• An experienced guide to help you navigate the rapid-filled waters.
• An amazing traditional lunch to refuel after your riveting adventure.
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making your experience seamless from start to finish

White Water Rafting Class 3/4 Tenorio River

On this tour you will go white-water rafting down the Tenorio River, setting off from Tamarindo.

As you navigate through eight miles of Class III and IV rapids, get ready to paddle, splash, and maneuver your way through the thrilling twists and turns the river offers.

And for those seasoned rafters seeking an added thrill, there’s an opportunity to tackle the unique class V-12 foot drop.

Included:

• Comprehensive briefing on safety and equipment usage.
• A thrilling 2.5-hour rafting journey through Class III and IV rapids, with the optional class V-12 foot drop.
• All the necessary equipment to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
• A chance to witness the harmonious blend of dry and rainforests, home to a rich variety of wildlife.
• A delectable lunch to wrap up your action-packed day.
• Convenient transportation: Starting with an early morning pickup in the Tamarindo area, and post-adventure drop-off back to the same.

White Water Rafting Tenorio River Class 3/4

On this tour you will navigate the narrow, rapid-filled waters on specially designed rafts. It is a great balance of thrilling adventure with the serene beauty of nature.

You will conclude your rafting escapade with a delectable hot lunch by the Rio Corobici.

Included:

• Ground transportation from most hotels in Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, and Playa Ocotal areas.
• Rafting equipment: vest and helmet.
• Expert guidance from professional rafting guides.
• Hot lunch at Rio Corobici.
• Shared transportation for a comfortable return journey.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River

On this tour, you will embark on an exhilarating journey down Costa Rica’s Pacuare River, renowned for its stunning whitewater rapids.

Challenge yourself as you paddle through over 50 rapids ranging from class II to IV, spread across an 18-mile (29-km) stretch.

This adventure is not just about the thrill. The river gorge is adorned with lush cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the untouched beauty of the tropical rainforest.

While the rapids will get your heart racing, the calmer stretches of the river offer a chance to soak in the natural beauty and spot the diverse wildlife that calls this region home.

Included:

• A traditional breakfast to kickstart your day.
• A delectable lunch to savor after your rafting escapade.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

2 Day Rafting Tour

Included:

• Private transportation
• Two breakfasts
• Two lunches
• One dinner
• Accommodation at the Lodge for one night
• Safety equipment and briefing
• Expert white-water rafting guides
• Admission ticket

Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Pick up from the main hotels in San José.
• 1.5-hour drive to the breakfast location for a traditional Costa Rican meal.
• Arrival at the Rio Pacuare banks. Safety briefing and gearing up.
• Start the white-water rafting adventure, navigating through class 2 and 3 rapids and absorbing the scenic beauty.
• Lunch stop at a pristine beach along the river.
• Arrival at the Lodge for relaxation and an overnight stay.
• Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 2:

• Start the day with a hearty breakfast.
• Gear up and embark on the day’s rafting journey, tackling class 3 and 4 rapids like Huacas Arriba, Huacas down, and Dos Montañas.
• Lunch break at another beautiful riverside beach.
• Conclude the rafting experience and reach the end point.
• Opportunity to shower, change, and relax.
• Return trip to the hotels in San José.

3 Day Rafting Tour

Included:

• Professional guides
• All safety equipment for rafting
• Three delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfasts
• Three lunch stops along the pristine beaches of the Pacuare River
• Two nights of lodge accommodation amidst the tropical jungle’s ambiance
• Several guided walks through private reserves, exploring waterfalls and freshwater pools
• Opportunities to witness diverse wildlife, including toucans, oropendolas, morpho butterflies, and possibly sloths
• Return transportation to main hotels in San José

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Pacuare River

• Pickup from main hotels in San José, followed by a 1.5-hour drive.
• Stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and change into river attire.
• Safety briefing and gear up at the banks of the Pacuare River.
• Rafting adventure commences, navigating through class 2 and 3 rapids.
• Lunch stop at a pristine river beach.
• Arrival at the lodge for an overnight stay amidst the soothing sounds of the river and jungle.

Day 2: Exploration and Relaxation

• Wake up amidst nature and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
• Guided walks through private reserves, exploring multiple trails, waterfalls, and freshwater pools. Opportunities to swim and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Return to the lodge for lunch.
• Afternoon relaxation in hammocks, additional optional guided walks, or simply bask in the serenity of the lodge.
• Candlelit dinner at the lodge.

Day 3: Adrenaline-packed Descent

• Early morning breakfast accompanied by coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Gear up for another white-water rafting experience, this time tackling class 3 and 4 rapids like Huacas Arriba, Huacas down, and Dos Montañas.
• Relish the rainforest’s beauty, keeping an eye out for vibrant wildlife.
• Lunch stop at another scenic river beach.
• Continue rafting until reaching the end point of the tour.
• Return transportation to respective hotels.

Rafting Resort Experience

Pacuare Lodge is a completely different resort experience than anything you have probably experienced before. The main focus of the lodge is white water rafting.

This is the place to go if you want a completely unique nature experience with the luxury of an eco resort. 

We suggest spending three to four nights here to fully embrace it.

Note: Keep in mind that there are a few other places nearby with similar names. Make sure you are booking Pacuare Lodge by Böëna when you arrange your stay. 

Amenities

So much is included in your stay here!

• Pick-up from San José hotels and transfer to the Pacuare Lodge (and back)
• Canopy Tour
• Canyoning Tour
• Bird-Watching
• Indigenous Hike
• Ancient Trail & Hidden Waterfall Hike
• Sustainability Tour
• Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Afternoon coffee

There is also a pool on the property, a spa, and restaurant

On site Activities

Relax in the pool, enjoy the spa, try out one of the many included activities, sit by the river and listen to the nature sounds.

Off-Site Activities

The main off-site activity you will be doing is white water rafting. It is possible to arrange your tour through the helpful Pacuare Lodge staff

Rooms

There are five suite layout options. These range from sleeping two to four guests.

Dining

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your stay. Alcohol is not included but it is possible to purchase alcoholic drinks.

The food here is excellent and there are a wide variety of meal options for all dietary needs and taste preferences.

La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio

On this tour, you will get to enjoy an exhilarating white-water rafting experience down the Balsa River.

Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, followed by a short 30-minute drive to the starting point.

For the next 2 hours, navigate through enthralling rapids like “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges”.

After rafting you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then you will embark on a 4-hour journey to Manuel Antonio, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

You’ll reach Manuel Antonio by 7 pm.

Included:

• Lunch to refuel after your thrilling expedition.
• Snacks to munch on.
• Bottled water to keep you hydrated.
• All necessary equipment: Raft, Paddles, Rafting Vest, and Helmet.
• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for maximum comfort.
• Expert guidance from a professional guide ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.