8 Best Costa Rica White Water Rafting Tours

We have a wide range of options when it comes to river adventures, with both single-day tours and multi-day white water rafting excursions available, ranging from the gentle float of Class I rapids to the extreme thrill of Class IV whitewater. Whether you’d like an easy float down the river to spot wildlife with the whole family, or adrenaline-packed rapids with nicknames like “La Boca del Diablo,” there’s a Costa Rica white water rafting trip for you.

White Water Rafting and Safari Float Trips:

Relax on a safari float or gear up for a rumbling adventure along some of the most exciting rapids in the world. Check out our top recommendations for white water rafting below:

Safari Float on Penas Blancas River: Class I-II (La Fortuna)

This is a gentle, Class I-II safari float, ideal for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a laid-back, paddle-guided experience — no whitewater or rapids, calm drifting along a scenic rainforest river—a perfect wildlife-watching adventure with minimal effort.

Typical Itinerary

• Start: Guests are picked up in the Arenal/La Fortuna area and driven (~20 minutes) to the river launch.
• Float: Set off on an inflatable raft with a bilingual naturalist guide who points out wildlife (e.g., sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, caimans, and turtles) while navigating the peaceful waterway.
• Snack Break: Many tours include a mid-float stop to enjoy fresh fruit or local snacks, sometimes with a visit to a traditional Costa Rican ranch.
• Duration: Typically a half-day adventure, usually lasting around 4 hours.

Wildlife Highlights

• Forest canopy and riverbanks provide excellent chances to spot howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards, crocodiles/caimans, and a variety of tropical birds.
• Guides often share insights into the local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

Safari Float on Corobici River: Class I-II (Guanacaste)

Nestled in Guanacaste province, the Corobicí River offers a peaceful Class I–II safari float—gentle rapids ideal for families, senior travelers, and nature lovers alike. This floating safari takes you through the lush Dry Gallery Forest, a unique ecosystem rooted in the Tenorio Volcano landscape.

The journey typically lasts about 2 hours, beginning in riverside gardens before drifting downstream on a comfortable raft guided by a knowledgeable naturalist who shares insights about the region’s flora and fauna. Depending on water levels, the float may extend to portions of the Tenorio River.

Wildlife & Scenery

Expect captivating wildlife sightings set against the scenic backdrop of Guanacaste’s dry forest. Keep an eye out for:

• Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins
• Iguanas, coatis, lizards, and river otters
• Over 300 bird species (including herons, kingfishers, spoonbills, ibis, macaws, raptors)

White Water Rafting Rio Balsa: Class II- III (Arenal Region)

Arenal’s Rio Balsa whitewater rafting offers an exciting yet family-friendly adventure. The river features Class II and III rapids, making it accessible to both first-timers and thrill-seekers. The experience typically spans 1.5–2 hours of river time over a 6-hour full-day excursion, including transport and a hearty lunch.

Typical Itinerary

• Pick-up from Arenal/La Fortuna, followed by a scenic 45–50 minute drive to the rafting launch.
• Enjoy a full safety briefing and gear up with a helmet and paddle.
• Navigate 10 km (~6 miles) of rapids, including notable stretches like “Dredges” and “Magnetic Rock.”
• Mid-float, enjoy a swim break in calm water sections.
• Finish with a traditional Costa Rican lunch—often on a local farm—with fresh fruit and sugarcane juice.
• Return to the hotel after a memorable day on the river.

Wildlife & Scenery

This rafting route isn’t just about rapids—it’s a wildlife-rich journey through lush tropical landscapes. You’re likely to spot:

• Howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths from the raft
• Exotic birds—with vibrant colors and calls echoing along the riverbank

White Water Rafting Savegre River: Class II-III

Rafting on the Savegre River—one of Central America’s cleanest and most scenic rivers—is a perfect adventure for families and beginner rafters. This Class II–III tour combines mild rapids with lush tropical settings, offering both excitement and nature immersion. The tour generally lasts 6 to 7 hours, including transport, rafting, and a riverside lunch.

The journey starts with a scenic drive (about 1 hour from Manuel Antonio or Quepos) through plantations, rural villages, and forest. After gear fitting and safety briefing, rafters navigate playful rapids like “Welcome Rapid” and “Washing Machine,” with opportunities for refreshing swims and a calm float.

Wildlife & Scenery

• Float within a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, home to 59% of Costa Rica’s bird species, 54% of mammals, and 20% of its plant species.
• Keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, toucans, egrets, kingfishers, and vibrant forest flora lining the river.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River: Class III-IV

One of the top-rated rivers in the world for rafting, the Pacuare River offers beautiful views and crazy rapids to traverse. The river runs alongside the Talamanca Mountain Range, home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, parrots, jaguars, deer, butterflies, and ocelots! Due to the intensity of the rapids, age requirements for this trip are 12 years old during the dry season (December through May) and 14 years old during the rainy season (June through November).

Ritzy rapids like “Double Drop,” “Lower Huacas,” and “Cimarrona” offer thrilling Class III–IV challenges

Typical Itinerary

• Duration: Full-day tours often start with early pick-up (around 5:30–6:00 AM), lasting 5–6 hours, while multi-day trips typically span 2–3 days.
• Sections:
  • Upper: Class II–III rapids — family-friendly stretch.
  • Lower: Class III–IV terrain through the dramatic Pacuare Gorge.
• Inclusions: Transfers, certified guides, safety gear, breakfast, lunch, and sometimes overnight lodging at riverside eco-lodges like Pacuare or Rios Lodge.

Wildlife & Scenery

Float through dense jungle canyons with waterfalls plunging nearby. Along the way, watch for exotic wildlife like toucans, scarlet macaws, blue morpho butterflies, monkeys, and elusive ocelots.

White Water Rafting Tenorio River: Class III-IV

Embark on a thrilling Class III–IV whitewater rafting adventure down the Tenorio River, nestled in the lush Guanacaste region. This adrenaline-packed journey spans 12 kilometers (approx. 7 miles) and includes over 22 challenging rapids, culminating in a spectacular 12-foot waterfall drop known as Cascabel Falls. It’s an unforgettable ride through vibrant rainforest terrain, ideal for experienced and adventurous rafters alike. Because of the difficulty of this day trip, the minimum age is 14.

Typical Itinerary

• Pick-Up & Travel: Early morning hotel collection for the scenic drive into the Tenorio highlands—often via rugged 4×4 terrain.
• Rafting Start: After a safety briefing, you’ll jump in with your team to navigate the river’s twists, turns, and whitewater thrills.
• Journey Highlights: Tackle around 2–2.5 hours on the river, including the dramatic drop at Cascabel Falls.
• Wildlife Viewing: Calm stretches offer plenty of opportunities to spot rainforest wildlife in action.
• Conclusion: The tour ends with a hike back to your vehicle, followed by a satisfying traditional Costa Rican lunch—a perfect taste of local flavor.

Wildlife & Scenery

While navigating the rapids, be sure to look up—the surrounding forest is rich with wildlife:

• Howler and spider monkeys swinging from the canopy
• Iguanas, tropical birds, and even otters along the banks
• Vibrant foliage and panoramic views of Tenorio’s volcanic terrain

Overnight Rafting on the Pacuare River:

An overnight rafting trip is one of the most adventurous ways to experience Costa Rica. The Pacuare River, often ranked among the world’s best rafting destinations, combines thrilling rapids with serene rainforest beauty. Along the way, you’ll drift past waterfalls, lush canyons, and wildlife-rich riverbanks, before arriving at an eco-lodge tucked deep in the jungle. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline, immersion in nature, or a balance of both, the Pacuare offers it all.

Pacuare River Rafting: 1 Night/2 Days

Day 1 – Into the Gorge

Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating ride through Class III rapids in the Pacuare Gorge. Between splashes, you’ll pause for a riverside snack and a refreshing swim under a jungle waterfall. By afternoon, arrive at your riverside lodge where hammocks, tropical cocktails, and a gourmet dinner await.

Day 2 – The Lower Pacuare

After a hearty breakfast, rejoin the river to tackle the Class IV rapids of the Lower Pacuare. This section is renowned for dramatic canyon walls, waterfalls cascading into the river, and adrenaline-packed drops. Along the way, cool off in swimming holes or try sliding down natural rock waterslides—a memory you won’t soon forget.

Pacuare River Rafting: 2 Nights/3 Days

Day 1 – Adventure Begins

Embark on a thrilling ride through Class III rapids, pausing for riverside snacks and waterfall swims. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, where cozy accommodations, a chef-prepared dinner, and a restful night’s sleep await.

Day 2 – Jungle Immersion

After breakfast, the day is yours to explore. Options include horseback riding, canopy ziplining, or guided hikes through pristine rainforest. Or, if you prefer, simply relax in a hammock with a book while the river flows by. The lodge’s remote setting makes it a divine place to disconnect and recharge. Evening brings another delicious dinner and time to unwind with your fellow travelers.

Day 3 – Rapids & Return

Your final day brings more action on the river as you paddle down Class IV rapids in the Lower Pacuare. Along the way, soak in rainforest vistas, stop at waterfalls, and enjoy the thrill of world-class whitewater before finishing with a celebratory hot lunch.

Why Choose a Multi-Day Rafting Trip?

• Unmatched Scenery: The Pacuare winds through national parks and reserves, offering breathtaking rainforest views at every bend.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, and dazzling butterflies in their natural habitat.
• Adventure + Relaxation: A perfect mix of adrenaline-packed rafting and tranquil lodge downtime.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable naturalist guides make the river come alive with stories and insights.

Costa Rica White Water Rafting FAQs: