Get wet and wild whitewater rafting down a beautiful jungle river in Costa Rica! With experienced professional river guides, you’ll navigate downstream in a durable, inflatable raft with intervals of rushing rapids. The rapids are graded from calm to extreme to ensure safety when deciding your ability level from beginner to advanced. Ranging from Class 1 to Class V, Class l requires minimum navigating with occasional increases in current speed and gentle rapids. Class V, considered extreme, requires an experienced navigator as the large rocks and fast current demand rafting mastery. It is a sport that necessitates a knowledgeable guide and teamwork. Whatever your skill level, you’ll likely agree that your rafting experience is not only exhilarating but also gratifying, as you navigate the magnificent scenery along the canyons and basins. You may want to combine your rafting tour with waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and hot springs. Many options are available!
Rafting, Canyoning, Waterfalls
Look no further if you are seeking adventure! The rappelling and rafting combo is an awesome full day of thrills and spills! Imagine rappelling down rainforest waterfalls and then wrapping up the day whitewater rafting on one of the most popular rivers in Costa Rica… The day starts off when you are picked up from your local Arenal Volcano area hotel. You will be brought to the base ...
Suggested age range: 8 - 60
Adventure, Nature, Learning Family, Rafting, Hiking, Waterfalls
Embark on a captivating adventure in Costa Rica by hiking to the Rio Celeste waterfall and later enjoying a thrilling tubing experience downstream on the same river. The journey begins with a scenic hike through the lush tropical rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park. As you trek along well-maintained trails, you'll be enchanted by the diverse flora and fauna that call this pristine ecosy ...
Suggested age range: 5+
Adventure, Rafting
Tubing at Rio Celeste in Costa Rica offers an exhilarating and unique adventure amid the breathtaking natural beauty of the country. Rio Celeste, known for its striking blue color, is a stunning river flowing through the lush rainforests of Tenorio Volcano National Park, and on through the rural countryside, in the northern region of Costa Rica. The park is renowned for its captivating landscap ...
Suggested age range: 5+
Adventure, Rafting
How would you like to go whitewater tubing on the Rio Arenal? This is one of the most beautiful, yet overlooked attractions in the Arenal area and an awesome location for some fun on the river. To start things off you will be picked up from your La Fortuna hotel and brought to the Montana de Fuego Resort, where the Go Adventure headquarters is located. When you arrive, your gu ...
Suggested age range: 10+
Adventure, Rafting
At Rio Perdido, one of the most beloved activities is the exhilarating White Water Tubing adventure. This popular experience takes guests on a thrilling journey through over a mile of breathtaking canyon landscape, where they'll encounter narrow rock walls and rolling whitewater. Along the way, adventurers can keep an eye out for the hot waterspouts and a variety of elusive wildlife, including ...
Suggested age range: 12+
Adventure, Extreme, Rafting
Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure on the Rio Coto Brus! This full-day whitewater rafting tour is designed for thrill-seekers aged 14 and up who crave an adrenaline rush in the heart of Costa Rica's stunning wilderness. You'll embark on an unforgettable journey through Amistad National Park, navigating 14 kilometers of untamed river from Tablas to Potrero Grande. Brace yourself for ...
Suggested age range: 14+
Adventure, Extreme, Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Rio Guabo, where you'll encounter an exhilarating mix of Class II, III, and IV rapids! This half-day adventure, running from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, is perfect for experienced rafters and adventurous first-timers aged 14 and up. Starting in the Baru Mountains, you'll navigate 10 kilometers of pristine river, from the Tres Piedras section to ...
Suggested age range: 14+
Rafting
Looking for some thrills, spills and all around good time on the river? If so, you will love whitewater rafting on the Rio Balsa! The day starts off when you are picked up from your Arenal Volcano area hotel. After picking up fellow adventurers you will be brought to the river. The drive from La Fortuna takes about 50 minutes, passing through small rural villages, mountains, and fore ...
Suggested age range: 8 - 65
Adventure, Extreme, Rafting
This whitewater rafting expedition, known worldwide, is one of the most sought-after tours by adventure junkies and adrenaline seekers. The Rio Pacuare is famous not only for the excellent rafting, but also for its unique and stunning landscapes. You’ll paddle downstream 18 kilometers and ride through approximately 52 Class lll and Class lV rapids!The tour will begin when you are picke ...
Suggested age range: 12+
Adventure, Extreme, Rafting
White water rafting enthusiasts from around the world visit Costa Rica just to experience the excitement of the Pacuare River. Its Class lll and Class lV rapids wind through ever-changing landscapes from pristine rainforests to rock canyons.Your day will begin when you are picked up at your hotel and driven to the Rio Pacuare for a fun packed day riding the rapids. Your experienced rafti ...
Suggested age range: 12+
Extreme, Rafting
Hold on tight and brace yourself for adventure! Whitewater rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui is sure to provide plenty of thrills, spills and all around awesome experience. The day starts off as you are picked up from your Arenal Volcano area hotel. After picking up your fellow adventurers, you will be driven through the scenic north central country side. The drive takes about an hour to ...
Suggested age range: 12 - 55
Adventure, Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui, departing from the vibrant town of La Fortuna. This adrenaline-pumping adventure promises the perfect blend of excitement and immersion in Costa Rica's pristine natural beauty. The Sarapiqui River is renowned for its challenging rapids, rated class II and III, making it a top destination for rafting enthusiasts seeking an exhilar ...
Suggested age range: 7+
Extreme, Rafting
Safe fun for family and perfect for first timers, imagine the excitement learning to shoot whitewater rapids in the renown Savegre River led by safety trained rafting experts.You’ll begin this trek riding a 4 x 4 as you and your family or group will journey through remote areas of jungle canopy for approximately 45 minutes following spectacular views of the river until you reach a that ...
Suggested age range: 8+
Adventure, Extreme, Rafting
Whitewater rafting Rio Tenorio is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping river adventure that is not for the faint of heart. The Tenorio River has Class lll and Class lV rapids that will keep you busy paddling your oars as you splash your way downstream. Whitewater rafting in Guanacaste’s beautiful tropical forest terrain is an exquisite opportunity to explore the wild rivers and jungles of Costa Ri ...
Suggested age range: 12+
Costa Rica, with its pristine rivers and diverse landscapes, has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's premier destinations for whitewater rafting. For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, embarking on a whitewater rafting tour in Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of navigating roaring rapids with the opportunity to immerse oneself in the country's stunning natural beauty. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the exhilarating world of whitewater rafting in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica's rivers are as varied as the landscapes they flow through. From gentle meandering streams to tumultuous torrents, there's a river and a rafting experience for every skill level. What sets Costa Rica apart is its lush rainforests, volcanic terrain, and abundant wildlife, all of which provide a dramatic backdrop to your rafting adventure.
Costa Rica offers a variety of rivers, each with its unique characteristics and levels of difficulty. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Pacuare River
Class: III-IV
Highlights: Towering rainforest canyons, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
2. Sarapiquí River
Class: III-IV
Highlights: Lush tropical rainforest surroundings and a vibrant array of bird species.
3. Savegre River
Class: II-III
Highlights: Scenic beauty, rainforest, and a chance to spot exotic birds.
4. Naranjo River
Class: III-IV
Highlights: Challenging rapids set against the backdrop of Manuel Antonio National Park.
5. Reventazón River
Class: II-III (Pacuare Gorge offers Class III-IV)
Highlights: Diverse scenery, wildlife, and the option to navigate the famous Pacuare Gorge.
6. Balsa River
Class: II-III
Highlights: Beautiful scenery, chance of wildlife, and continuous action.
Whitewater rafting tours in Costa Rica offer several advantages:
Safety First:
Experienced guides ensure your safety and provide essential training.
Equipment Provided:
Tours include all necessary equipment, from helmets and life jackets to rafts and paddles.
Local Knowledge:
Guides share insights about the river's ecology, history, and cultural significance.
Varied Experiences:
Different rivers cater to various skill levels, so everyone can enjoy the thrill of rafting.
Wear Appropriate Gear: Dress in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and secure your footwear. Most tours provide wetsuits and splash jackets if needed.
Stay Hydrated: Bring water to stay hydrated during breaks.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses with a strap. The reflection from the water will burn your skin much faster than when you are on dry land.
Listen to Your Guide: Pay attention to the safety briefing and follow your guide's instructions.
Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by not littering and minimizing your impact.
Whitewater rafting tours in Costa Rica are an exhilarating and immersive way to experience the country's natural wonders. As you paddle through lush rainforests, navigate thrilling rapids, and witness the rich biodiversity, you'll create lasting memories of adventure and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a first-time adventurer, Costa Rica's rivers offer an exciting and accessible playground for all. So, prepare to conquer the rapids, soak in the incredible scenery, and discover the magic of whitewater rafting in this captivating Central American paradise.
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