Here, you are going to read about the top white water rafting tours in Costa Rica with rapids ranging from Class I to Class V.
With rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, you can take it slow or go extreme. Even if you are an experienced white water rafter or adrenaline junkie, it’s always nice to have options for something easy.
Let’s get started so you can get to rafting in beautiful Costa Rica! Then we’ll discuss tips for first time rafters and the best times to go.
Be sure to see our reviews of Costa Rica Horseback Riding, Surfing Lessons and Manuel Antonio Guided Tours.
Best White Water Rafting Tours In Costa Rica
| White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal | Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, Class II-III | Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class III-IV in Costa Rica From La Fortuna | |
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| Departure Point: | WAVE Rafting, Av. 331, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna | Sarapiqui Outdoor Center, 75 metros norte del Ebais, Heredia, La Virgen | Arenal Rafting, Av 333 y Calle 460, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007 |
| Departure Time: | 8:30 AM | TBD | 9:10 AM |
| Duration: | 8 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours |
| Includes: | All safety equipment, lunch, snacks and beverages | All safety equipment | All safety equipment, lunch, snacks and beverages |
Quick Answer: The 8 Best Rated White Water Rafting Tours in Costa Rica
- White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal
- White Water Rafting Pacuare River From Puerto Viejo
- White Water Rafting Reventazón River From Puerto Viejo / Limon
- White Water Rafting Reventazon River From San José
- Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, Class II-III
- Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, Class III-IV
- Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui Jungle Run Class 3-4 from La Fortuna
- Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class III-IV in Costa Rica
Top Rio Toro River Rafting Tours
1. White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal
With this tour you have a choice between the Rio Toro river or the Sarapiqui river. Either one will be adventure filled with class III and IV river rapids. The 13 mile tour runs past the Poas Volcano for some dramatic views.
After you get picked up at your hotel, the tour starts with a 1.5 hour scenic drive through papaya and pineapple plantations where you end up at the base of the volcano.
After a safety briefing by the experienced guides you will embark on your journey where not only will you get to experience some of Costa Rica’s best rapids but also some of its most beautiful rainforests.
At the halfway point you will go ashore for a break and enjoy some snacks and a swim. At the end of the tour you will get to enjoy an authentic Costa Rican lunch.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
Top Pacuare River Rafting Tours
2. White Water Rafting Pacuare River From Puerto Viejo
The Pacuare River is the most recognized river for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica – and with good reason. Sheer cliff walls covered in green moss and vegetation line both sides of the river along several stretches of the Pacuare.
Beautiful, massive granite and sandstone boulders are also found along the route. Its extreme remote location makes for a daylong adventure into a jungle region of Costa Rica that is largely uninhabited.
The local rafting guides are knowledgeable and professional. Highly-recommended!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. White Water Rafting Reventazón River From Puerto Viejo | Limon
This 10 mile stretch of the Reventazon River has something for every rafter. The first half of the trip features long rapid runs up to Class III with nice size waves.
Then the rafts are beached at a beautiful lunch picnic spot. After lunch you enter a thick jungle section of the river that is calmer and home to Costa Rican rain forest wildlife.
The tour is guided by knowledgeable pros. After the day’s rafting you will be able to shower, change clothes and enjoy a cool drink before heading back to civilization.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. White Water Rafting Reventazon River From San José
If you are staying in San José this is the rafting tour for you. Here you will get a heart pounding thrill ride along with a relaxing sight seeing float down the river. You get the best of both worlds!
After your hotel pickup you enjoy a scenic ride to the river where you will be shown the basics of rafting along with safety instructions. All safety gear is included of course.
After the first part of the rapids part of the tour is over you will stop along the banks of the river for a traditional Costa Rican lunch and a cold river. This if the perfect part of the tour to take lots of photos of the rainforest.
This tour covers a total of 11 miles (16KM) and takes 11 hours total so be sure to get a good nights sleep!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, Class II-III
You’re in for an exciting day on the Sarapiquí River with this tour. Ideal for beginner to intermediates with a minimum age requirement of 14.
Since the rafting tour goes through class III and class IV rapids, you need to be in good physical condition, able to paddle.
The 14 mile tour goes through some of Costa Rica’s most lush and thick tropical rain forest. So when you are not on the rapids you can enjoy the view of the rainforest and see and hear the wildlife.
The experienced guides will walk you through every step of the way so don’t worry if you have never been rafting before. This is an adventure you won’t soon forget!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica, Class III-IV
This Sarapiqui River tour offers you the best of both worlds; adventure and nature!
There is a combination of class III and IV river rapids so it’s ideal for intermediates. This tour is available as either a half day or full day tour.
Not only will you get some heart pumping action it will take you through some of Costa Rica’s most lush and beautiful rainforest regions.
You not only get to raft the river but lunch is also provided where you can swim and jump in the river from surrounding cliffs.
You have the option of being picked up from your hotel in either San Jose or La Fortuna. The certified and experienced guides will have you on the water in no time after a safety briefing.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui Jungle Run Class 3-4 from La Fortuna
When you are rafting a river with rapids that are named “Terminator” and “Dos Locos” you know you’re in for some adventure! This relatively short tour of 6 miles will go through 30 separate rapids so you are in for nonstop ride.
There is a photographer following you to get some great action pictures, hopefully not of you falling out of the raft!
At the halfway point, you will get a break for snacks and depending on where you stop, you may get to swim in the river and do some cliff jumping if you are feeling particularly adventurous.
After the tour is over you will have the opportunity to have an authentic Costa Rica lunch and have a shower before heading back.
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Top Balsa River Rafting Tours
8. Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class III-IV in Costa Rica From La Fortuna
If your looking for a adventure packed white water rafting tour near La Fortuna with is the one for you.
There are plenty of sights all along the way while you float through the rain forest. You can expect to see (and hear) howler monkeys, ospreys, iguanas and sloths.
Your guide will point out all the sights so you don’t miss anything! This tour lasts about 5 hours going 9 miles (15KM) winding through the jungle.
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch along the banks of the river with a cold beverage. You can either drive the the tour location or arrange for a hotel pickup.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
The Rivers of Costa Rica
Río Toro River
Also known as Bull River, it can be a rough river with rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV. It isn’t for the faint of heart but a thrill seeking beginner or a more experienced rafter would take great pleasure in being able to ride some of the best rapids in all of Costa Rica.
The majority of the journey down river is a constant flow through Class III and Class IV rapids with a few Class II thrown in to allow you a short break to catch your breath.
Río Toro is a great place for visitors seeking adventure and looking to avoid dull moments of simply floating down stream.
After you finish rafting down Bull River, you can stop and visit the beautiful sights of the tropical forest that surrounds the river. Between the exotic wildlife, towering waterfalls, and natural hot springs, it’s sure to be a trip that won’t easily be forgotten.
Pacuare River
The Pacuare river stretches for 18 miles, cutting a winding, curving path through the beautiful and lush rain forest. Over the course of the 18 miles of river, you will travel through more than 50 different rapids.
Though the rapids in this river aren’t extremely intense or difficult to travel through, with such a large number of rapids over such a long distance, you will be sure to be exhausted and ready for a nice long nap at the end of your adventure.
But don’t let being tired stop you from enjoying the beauty of the rain forest. With amazingly beautiful plants and animals combined with the complete isolation from city life, you will find it easy to relax and enjoy every moment from the minute you arrive to the time you leave to go home.
This is a great river for beginners and experienced rafters a like. The long journey down river makes it a challenge but with many easier rapids, instead of a few intense rapids, you will have plenty of time to just relax with bursts of excitement here and there.
Reventazón River
This river is divided into two different sections, Pascua and Florida, and is known for being probably one of the most difficult and challenging rivers in all of Costa Rica.
Year around, even during the dry seasons, this river still manages to have high water levels with a seemingly constant supply of white water.
Choosing between with the Pascua or Florida part of the river may be difficult because both provide an awesome white water adventure, consisting mostly of Class III rapids throughout the entire journey down river.
This is a great river to visit any time of year and is definitely a must raft river, especially for those experienced riders looking for the next best rapids.
Sarapiquí River
This river is divided into three parts. Combined, the river covers 35 kilometers through the rain forest. In some sections of this river, there are quite a few Class IV and Class V rapids that will bring excitement and joy to even the more experienced rafters.
That isn’t to say that isn’t a great place for beginners as well, other places on the river have much calmer Class III and lower rapids, as well as calm water that are perfect for enjoying the scenery.
The Sarapiquí River is known for its scenery and many people also call it the scenic river. With something for rafters of all experience levels, as well as animal lovers, bird watchers and fans of nature, this river is a great place to visit while you are in Costa Rica.
Corobicí River
This is the perfect river for beginners with fast flowing water, and an array of Class I and Class II rapids. If you are looking for a nice relaxing and tranquil trip down the river this is a great place for the whole family, with rapids even small enough for the kids to enjoy.
Since the water is constantly moving, there is very little need to paddle so you and the kids can enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds the river. If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to see some wildlife in the process.
Things to Know About White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
One of the most important things to remember in rafting is to always put safety first. Rafting is fun but even on smaller rapids you can be in for a bumpy ride.
If you are new to rafting it is important that you go with an experienced rafter, preferably a river guide whose job and main goal are to keep you safe. Here are a few other things you should know before you hop on a raft:
ALWAYS Listen to Your Guide
Your guide is there to keep you safe and make sure you have a fun and memorable experience but they are also there to get you home safely so that you are able to share stories of those experiences with your friends and family. Even if you have been doing this for years, you still need to listen to your guide.
When they are explaining safety to you before you start down river, in calm waters and especially when you are going through a rapid. They will explain important commands and things that you need to know to keep you and your fellow rafters safe.
Wear Your Protective Gear
You will be given a life jacket and a helmet – it is critical that you wear these at all times. Even a world class swimmer should wear this gear.
Water is a powerful force of nature and if you get knocked out of the raft for any reason, you will be thankful you have your gear on.
Even if it is a little bulky and uncomfortable, it is definitely better than cracking your head against a rock or getting pulled under a big wave. Be smart and be safe – wear your helmet and life jacket.
Don’t Panic
The MOST important thing to remember: DON’T PANIC! Especially if you fall out of the raft. If you panic, you are just wasting time that you could be spending reacting to the situation. Remain calm and always revert back to rule number one under things to know: ALWAYS listen to your guide!
4 Tips for Beginner White Water Rafters
Here are a few helpful tips and things to remember:
1. Dress the Part
You aren’t going for a Sunday stroll through the park and you are definitely going to get wet. You will want to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. For the ladies, a swimsuit with a t-shirt and shorts is perfect for clothing.
Gentlemen, you can wear your swim trunks and a t-shirt. Water shoes, or something like outdoor sandals are probably your best bet. You want something that will stay on your feet so no flip-flops, or you might be going home without shoes.
Also remember, you will be wearing a life jacket so you probably won’t want to go shirtless or only wearing a bikini top because the life jacket might rub against exposed skin and cause irritation.
2. Wear Sunscreen
I cannot stress this enough. Even if it is an overcast or cloudy day, sunscreen is a must! You need a nice heavy duty waterproof sunscreen, at least SPF 30+ but SPF 50+ is preferred.
Cover any and everywhere that there is exposed skin. Your face, ears and neck are the most obvious places but if you are wearing shorts that expose your knees, put sunscreen on your knees as well.
Other areas to consider are arms and shoulders, the tops of your feet if they are exposed, your chest and any area that isn’t covered by your life jacket.
3. Be Careful What Your Bring in the Raft
Don’t bring anything with your that you won’t mind getting wet or even possibly floating down river without you.
Cellphones, money, credit cards, cameras, water bottles, sunglasses, or anything else you might consider taking with you should be sealed in a waterproof container and safely secured.
Things of value are probably best left hidden away in your car and some rafting places even provide storage lockers you can put your personally belongings in. If you are going to take a camera, think about taking one of the waterproof GoPro cameras.
Whatever you do take with you on the raft make sure that it is securely attached to your person. If you were to fall out of the raft, jump out of the raft to go for a swim, or even just be hit by a big rapid, you don’t want your things to get washed away from you before you can grab them.
4. Talk to your Guide
Make sure your guide knows your experience level, and if you are afraid of going on the rapids, make them aware. The last thing you want to do is end up in the middle of a Class V rapid frozen in fear.
Rafting is fun but if your guide isn’t aware of your feelings, experience and expectations, it can put not only you but everyone in the raft with you in danger.
You don’t want to attempt rapids that you aren’t ready for yet. If you are new to rafting take it slow, work your way up. Even if you stick to Class II and Class III rapids, it will still be a thrilling journey down river.
Best Time for White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
The best time of the year for rafting kind of depends on your preference. If you are interested in a more intense rafting experience, you will probably want to go during the rainy season.
This is generally between June and October. The rapids tend to be slightly more intense during this time of the year because water levels are higher.
If you prefer a more relaxed rafting experience or you are a beginner, just looking to get your feet a little wet, you should probably go during the drier season.
A great way of trying white water rafting is combining it with a yoga retreat!
When water levels are lower due to less rainfall, the rapids aren’t usually as intense as they would be during a wet season. The dry season in Costa Rica is usually between December and April.
Ready to Go?
I don’t know about you but I am certainly ready to book a ticket to Costa Rica and check out the rapids. Thinking about the beautiful places, with various classes of rapids in another country just gets my adrenaline pumping. Start planning your next vacation to go rafting in Costa Rica!
I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best white water rafting tours in Costa Rica to suite your experience level. If you want to comment or recommend a river or tour I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch. Have fun and be safe out there!
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Río Toro River is our top pick for the best white water rafting tour
