Costa Rica attracts thousands of tourists each year due to its appeal as the premiere eco friendly destination in the Americas and everything that goes with it: serene settings, yoga/spa/nature retreats. But there is another side to this Central American country: Eco-Adventure and Water Rafting. From family-friendly easy to moderate whitewater all
the way to intense Class IV+ whitewater for the most hardcore enthusiasts, Costa Rica offers many options to adventure-minded travelers. See below some rivers that will surely whet your appetite.
Please remember: This is a participation sport and you will be required to paddle.
Balsa River:
The Balsa River is a fantastic half day option for those wanting a class 2/3 river with exciting whitewater and great family fun. Paddle The Balsa River, a beautiful class II River located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and just minutes from your La Fortuna Hotel. The Arenal River winds throughout Arenal Canyon offering spectacular views; lush tropical scenery, and wildlife. This is a great river for families and beginners. It may be combined with the zip line and waterfall rappelling. The cultural tour, entertainment and lunch at the end is to write home about.
Tenorio River:
Our meeting point is the Rincon Corobici Restaurant in Canas, Guanacaste. The trip must start before 9:00 a.m., since this is a full one day tour. From here, we will drive to the river putt-in for approximately 40 minutes. At the putt-in the safety talk will be conducted while fitting helmets, lifejackets and paddles. After a few practice strokes you will begin a thrilling 2+ hour whitewater trip that includes a 12 feet drop (class V). Due to the river’s topography; the rapids can be skipped by clients if desired. A snack on the river bank with fresh fruits, cookies, natural beverages and water is served midway. Enjoy nature as monkeys, iguanas and several bird species are abundant.
At the end of the tour you will taken for a 55 minutes drive to get to the Rincon Corobici Restaurant where you will have a delicious lunch waiting also you are able to use clean rest rooms and souvenir shopping.
Pacuare River:
The Pacuare is the quintessential tropical river. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges which shelter jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and an incredible variety of birds. Also found within these gorges is some of the best whitewater in all of Central America, ranging up to Class V in difficulty. The Pacuare is the only river in Costa Rica which contains these amenities, including virgin rain forest, while also being quite accessible. The lowland tropical forest here is remarkable for its luxuriant variety and the amazing abundance and diversity of wildlife found within it.
It is not difficult to paddle the entire lower Pacuare in a day, but overnight trips are much more relaxed. With a two-day trip it is possible to hike up two or three side canyons; a three day trip allows time to explore the jungle by way of the numerous trails that have been used by the local Indians and Campesinos for years.
Sarapiqui River:
The Sarapiqui River is a great introduction to whitewater rafting for first time paddlers looking for a class II-III challenge to families interested in a fun, rollercoaster wave action trip. Located in our Arenal/La Fortuna area.
Set in the lowlands of the rain forest one will enjoy breath-taking views of tropical birds and lush jungle landscapes. Sarapiqui allows one to not only enjoy the rapids but also revisit that childhood freedom to play we often loose sight of in the midst of the daily riors life brings, relaxing in the flat, crystal pools between the rapids, swimming and splashing around. Even beginners and families enjoy the big splash of rapids named “Gringo’s Hole” “Confusion” and “Air force” which will give your family an experience they will never forget!
This trip begins in Fortuna where our expert guide will pick you up in private transportation from your hotel and you will travel 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at the river. At the river, after fitting all of your equipment, we will give you a safety orientation talk and paddle practice before the adventure begins.
Once on the river, in store for you is three action packed hours where in the middle you will stop for a fruit break and rest time to restore your energy for the latter half of the paddle. At the end of the river portion your private transportation will be waiting for you and will take you five minutes to”Tirimbina” the Flow operation center in Sarapiqui. There you will get a towel and be able to shower and change in private facilities getting ready for lunch, buffet style. After drinking a cup of Costa Rican coffee one can better digest their food with a walk in the beautiful lush gardens and cross a 300 meter long hanging bridge over the Sarapiqui river taking in a bit of a different perspective from above than below. What good memories! The return trip to Fortuna will be 1 hour and 30 minutes where you can relax after your hard days work.
Bill’s note: Use shoes with closed toes. Canyoning shoes with the hard toes are perfect. Tender hands? Take gloves, neoprene diving gloves are good, black dot, gardening gloves all save blisters. Fast drying clothes are best but still take a dry change. The driver stays with the bus so your goods are safe.
Want to river raft but have concerns? Talk to us 877 853-0538 or e mail agent@billbeardcostarica.com
See our NEW HD VIDEO on Costa Rica scuba diving, river rafting and many adventure activities.
Our agents can set up the all inclusive or al a carte vacation package and itinerary you want throughout the country.
For Reservations & Information
Contact Our Office At 877 853-0538 or 954 453-5044 M – Sat., 9 – 9 ET
To see all the adventure tours that Bill Beard’s operates Throughout Costa Rica: CLICK HERE
For single, triple, quad or group rates, contact our agents.
Our Reservation Office Is Located In La Fortuna, Costa Rica In The Shadow Of Arenal Volcano, behind the Catholic Church, Near The World Famous Hot Springs.
For Reservations & Information
Contact Our Office At 877 853-0538 or 954 453-5044 M – Sat., 9 – 9 ET
Sign up for our Latest Newsletter & Adventure Travel Deals
Costa Rica River Rafting