Top Costa Rica Rafting

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Navigate 38 Class III-IV rapids on this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for teenagers and adults alike. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are included.

Exploring riverside areas by yourself can be dangerous, especially in an unknown area. This Celeste River Tubing Experience lets you float down the river in a group with a guide who knows the river well. You’ll catch sight of the beautiful landscape as you tube. Plus, a helmet is provided for safety.

More than just a white-water rafting tour, this trip from La Fortuna also includes a hike on an organic farm, a look at coffee and chocolate production, and a chance to see wildlife like sloths and iguanas in their natural habitat. Between activities, navigate tumbling class II to III white-water rapids along with a guide.

Grip it and rip it on the upper Balsa River during the half-day whitewater rafting adventure over class III and IV rapids. Feel heart-pumping action while immersing yourself in Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty. Cap it all off with an authentic lunch chased down with a glass of handmade sugar cane juice that you get to press yourself while learning about local culture.

Max out the adrenaline (and the fun) during this full-day adventure combining a white-water rafting trip and zipline excursion. Zoom through the rain forest canopy during a series of heart-pounding zipline rides, some on cable spans as long as 3,200 feet (980 meters). Then battle the Class II and III rapids of the Balsa River. Lunch, snacks, and rafting gear are all included.

More than just a fun white-water rafting trip, this tour on the Savegre River includes a fully-narrated drive to the put-in location for an opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Plus, in the middle of running Class II and III rapids with a guide, you stop to visit tucked-away waterfall—chances are you'll be the only people there.

Immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and adventure of Costa Rica on this all-day experience. First, learn about coffee, sugar cane, and ceramics, then head out on a ziplining adventure or traverse the hanging bridges. Go for a horseback ride through the forest. Finally, relax in a natural hot water pool and slather yourself in volcanic mud.

Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Pacuare River with a professional guide to lead the way. You'll travel around 29 kilometers (18 miles), conquering a variety of rapids ranging from class II to class V. At the end of your tour, you'll sit down to dine on a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Experience the thrill of navigating class III and IV white waters on this adrenaline-pumping tour of the Tenorio River. Get an up-close look at local wildlife as you paddle your way through raging rapids. Ideal for first-timers and experienced travelers alike. After the adrenaline rush, refuel with a Costa Rican lunch before heading back to your hotel.

Hop onto your tube and get into the Celeste River to float down the 1.8mi (3k) of river. Sometimes you'll be gently floating along, and other times there will be a bit of rapids. You'll be wearing a provided life jacket and helmet for safety. Check out the landscape of the Tenorio National Park as you float through the pools of the Rio Celeste.

Barrel down the Naranjo River on a half-day guided adventure for seasoned paddlers. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel into the Quepos mountains with a professional, first aid- and mountain rescue-trained guide. Get your thrills with steep drops and rushing rapids. Marvel at the lush scenery and enjoy a homemade lunch included in the tour price.  

This white-water rafting adventure from La Fortuna is a great choice for families and first-time rafters. You don't need any prior experience to enjoy the trip down class II and III rapids—a guide makes the whole trip easy for everyone in your group. This tour also includes transportation, fresh fruit, and beer for unbeatable value.

Insert some thrills into your Costa Rican vacation. This tubing tour takes you onto the Celeste River (Río Celeste) so that you can experience the wild beauty of Costa Rica's coastline by letting the current carry you along. As you float along the river in a tube, you'll soak up the surrounding tropical nature and spot various wildlife.

Prove your paddling skills on some of Costa Rica's best whitewater on a full-day rafting trip down the Pacuare River. Navigate class III-IV rapids on the river as you navigate through a scenic gorge surrounded by verdant cliffs, waterfalls, and unspoiled tropical rainforest. Keep an eye out for wildlife like sloths, coatis, and toucans during calmer stretches, and stoke your energy with lunch at a riverside camp.

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

Navigate the powerful rapids of the Tenorio River on this all-day rafting trip. You’ll maneuver your way along the waters through the Guanacaste mountain range, taking in the surrounding landscape of the lowlands. The river boasts Class 3 and 4 rapids; participants should be in good physical condition in order to take part.

Navigate the white-water rapids of the Tenorio River on this tour from the Playa Hermosa area. After learning rafting commands and being outfitted with a rafting vest and helmet, head down the fast-moving river that includes a famous 12-foot (3.65-meter) waterfall drop. Plus, spot monkeys, lizards, and native birds in the surrounding land along the way.

The Balsa River is one of the best spots in Costa Rica to try white water rafting, and this 6-hour tour from La Fortuna is suitable for complete beginners. Tackle the Class II and III rapids, enjoy spectacular views as you cruise through the rainforest, and look out for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths and toucans. Hotel pick-up and lunch is included.

Battle Class III rapids while looking out for sloths, howler monkeys, and more on this rafting trip down the Savegre River from Manuel Antonio. A professional river guide and safety kayaker ensure a fun and safe trip for beginners and experienced rafters alike.

Take a tranquil journey through Costa Rica's amazingly biodiverse rain forest on this half-day safari float down the Peñas Blancas River near La Fortuna. Paddle through the calm waters without a motor so you can appreciate the many sounds of the jungle and observe wildlife like sloths, turtles, birds, and monkeys without disturbing them. Travel with a professional guide, who will point out passing plant and animal species and enhance your appreciation of the incredible ecosystem.

Get your adrenaline pumping with this full-day white-water rafting excursion from Playa Flamingo, including lunch. A thrilling choice for first-time rafters, you’ll tackle the Class III and IV rapids of the Tenorio River and hurtle down a 12-mile (20km) stretch of river, in the shadows of the Tenorio Volcano.

Venture beyond Quepos to the mountains located on the edge of the province where you’ll be able to access the upper section of the Naranjo River for this intense whitewater rafting experience. Paddle the river’s section known as "El Chorro" with Class IV and V rapids, plus steep drops, tight rock walls, and technical routes. This experience is only available during the dry season.