Bordered by dense tropical wilderness and surrounded by unsurpassed natural beauty, the rivers of Costa Rica offer some of the best whitewater rafting. With its mountainous landscape, unprecedented rainfall and warm waters, whitewater rafting is available practically year round. Rafting is considered to be of one the most unique ways to see and experience Costa Rica. The untamed splendor of whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is unmatched.
The rivers of Costa Rica offer exceptional whitewater rafting experiences for not only experienced rafters but for the novice as well. Offering rapids from class I to class IV, your Costa Rican rafting experience can be as leisurely and relaxing or as heart-pounding and adrenaline pumping as you desire. If you are looking for a more adventurous whitewater experience on class III and class IV rapids, a guide service is highly recommended. Rafting Costa Rica day tours are available by local guide services for all classes of rapids. It will be important to choose a reputable guide service, as there are no regulations pertaining to these services in Costa Rica.
Before booking your rafting in Costa Rica, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider including: region, river, length of trip, trip requirements, and type of trip desired.
Guanacaste Region
Located in this region are the Corobici River, the Pacuare River, the Pejibaye River, the Reventazon River, and the Sarapiqui River. Full day guided tours ranging from peaceful floats down the river to exciting class III and IV rapids that will challenge even the most experienced rafter are offered in this region. Trips vary from 2 ½ hours to 5 hours. Most guide services offer transportation to and from your hotel, offer instruction and equipment, and provide breakfast, snacks, lunch and drinks. In general, guide services require that their customers be in normal physical condition and most have minimum age limits.
Central Pacific Region
The rivers in this region include the Naranjo River and the Savegre River. These rapids of these rivers are rated class II to class IV, and trips for both beginning and experienced rafters are available. As with most guide services, transportation and meals are provided and there are minimum physical health and age requirements.
Northern Lowlands Region
The Balsa River and the Toro River are located in this region. From class II to class IV rapids, this region offers excellent rafting options. The Toro River offers practically nonstop class III and IV rapids. Beginners or families looking for a rafting experience in this region will probably want to do a half day tour on the Balsa River as the Toro River is challenging even for experienced rafters. Again, guide services generally provide transportation, food and drinks, and have minimum age and physical requirements.
Guide services offer two types of trip service for rafting in Costa Ricas: Conventional and Connoisseur. Differences between these two services are number of rafts on each trip, types of meals served and overall service offered.