White Water Rafting
Breathtaking and exhilarating, maneuvering through the white water rapids of Costa Rica is an activity that so many enjoy, and some even use as a way of transport between locations.
Adventure
Best
Extreme
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica Overview
Tourists love white water rafting in Costa Rica because it combines adventure, wildlife watching, and transportation all in one spectacular excursion. The nation’s rivers criss-cross the country, bisecting some of the most popular destinations and guaranteeing you a chance to test your skills and flex your muscles on some of the continent’s most formidable rapids. Costa Rica issues the challenge; do you accept?
- Ideal for families, couples, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.
- The tamer months are November–May, along with some wildlife watching included.
- First-timers and kids are welcome. There are even Class I safari floats but if you want a challenge there are Class II-V rapids available
- It can be used as transport between tourist towns
- Most popular places to try this activity: Turrialba, Arenal, and Sarapiquí
Intensity
High
White Water Rafting Is Featured in These Trips
Here are some of the combo trips we recommend you to check out if you want to experience White Water Rafting:
What to Expect from White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
Professional guides explain staying safe, paddling together, making turns, checking your safety gear, and then you’re ready to go.
On your mark, get set, PADDLE! As you begin the river run, your guide will be calling out instructions, as your brain is understanding the process. Your body and legs are keeping you on your raft, as your arms are moving tandem with your fellow rafters. Don’t forget about blinking away the splashing water and beading sweat out of your eyes.
Costa Rican Vacations travel agents recommend paying close attention to the instructions before the activity starts and then letting yourself go with the flow. Feel at one with your fellow rafters and let your subconscious remember the rules of how to paddle together, make turns, etc. Don’t worry about making your strokes perfect. Instead, focus on the feel of moving over the water. Let your body become one with the waves. Once you get the hang of paddling, keep an eye out for toucans, sloths, and monkeys.
FAQ about White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
- What is one of the best white water rafting rivers in Costa Rica? There are so many good choices to answer this question, but the Pacuare River gets the win because it’s been ranked internationally, by National Geographic, as one of the top five rivers in the world for white water rafting. There are 52 rapids in this one river. Not many other rivers in the world even come close to offering that. The fantastic views will take you far from city life. You will likely lose count of how many exciting animals you see, not to mention beautiful greenery and scenery, including waterfalls and a gorge. You’ll start with some light rapids and practice your skills, then come to some more fun, like the “Terciopelo snake” and “Double drop” rapids. Next, you come to a 150-foot waterfall before continuing to more challenging rapids.
- Is Costa Rica white water rafting safe? Costa Rica white water rafting tours are safe because they all include a safety lesson before getting in the water. Part of the lesson is about maneuvering with your team safely, and another part is securing your life vest and helmet correctly. Tours of the more advanced rapids often have age restrictions and require swimming knowledge. All levels require the use of protective gear, like life jackets and helmets. Trained guides go with tours for added safety.
- Who can go white water rafting? There are tours for all ages and many levels, from safari tubes floating to raging rapids and everything in between. The only thing to consider is whether you have the physical ability to paddle for the length of the tour because each member has to paddle at the same time to steer the raft correctly. Our experts can help you choose the location and rapid class best for the level of serenity or difficulty you prefer.
- Which location is best for white water rafting in Costa Rica? All the locations have their unique features, but one of the most fun options is to go rafting in multiple locations by using rafting as a form of transport from one place to the next. It’s a great story to tell loved ones back home and a memory you’ll surely keep forever. Your luggage will go in a van while you travel by raft.