Costa Rica · WHITEWATER RAFTING

The 15 Best White Water Rafting Trips in Costa Rica

26 tours  ·  from $60

The Pacuare is the famous one, the Balsa and the Sarapiquí are the ones you can do on an afternoon. These 15 are compared on class, river time, minimum age and whether lunch and transfer are included.

White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure - A zip line built into the creek route
Canyoning & Rappelling, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

1.White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $170Our pick

Maquique Adventure combines five canyon rappels, three through waterfalls, with a zip line, creek hike, rainforest walk, and white water rafting. You also get fruit, drinks, and a Costa Rican lunch of rice, beans, and chicken or fish. Expect an active eight-hour day near Alajuela.

“This was hands down the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica! The entire experience was thrilling and unforgettable, from rappelling down waterfalls to canyoning through stunning gorges and rafting in the rushing rivers. Each activity was increRead more”

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Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna - Pure Trek canyoning begins in the forest
Canyoning & Rappelling, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

2.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Start with Pure Trek’s waterfall canyoning near La Fortuna, including rappelling, rock climbing, and a forest zipline. Then ride to the Balsa River for Class 2 to 3 white-water rafting, a swimming stop, snacks, drinks, and lunch. Guides such as Byran, Myron, Augusto, and Mario have earned praise for calm safety briefings and good humor.

“Best tour!! Rappelling was A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!!!!!!!! I could have done it all day. So fun! Rafting was exciting, jumping off the cliff was fun and the pineapple and beer was a treat!”

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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio - Safety practice before the first rapid
Manuel Antonio Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio

3.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $125

From Manuel Antonio or Quepos, you’ll ride about an hour to the Savegre River for a six-hour rafting day. Expect Class II to III rapids, a safety kayaker, wildlife, snacks, drinks, a homemade Costa Rican lunch, and an eight-person maximum. Guides such as Nico, Mario, Jairo, Nicholas, and Jonathan have earned high marks for safety and family care.

“This is the third time we’ve gone with this company and have not been disappointed once. I highly recommend them to anybody looking for fun and adventure. I will use them again 100%”

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White Water Rafting class V - Orlando’s role and the safety kayak team
La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

White Water Rafting class V

4.White Water Rafting class V

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $150

Set out from La Fortuna at 8:30 a.m. for a six-hour class V rafting trip with Costa Rica Descents. Orlando leads the raft, with Jean Carlos and other safety kayakers nearby. Expect hard rapids, waterfalls, a possible cliff jump, fruit snacks, lunch, and a relaxed farm visit with sugar cane and goats.

“Our reservation was cancelled due to weather conditions but this company deserved 5 stars for their communication and promptness of resolution. I will definitely utilize their services during my next visit. Pura Vida!”

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La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour - Reaching La Leona through rocks, ropes, and caves
Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Whitewater Rafting

La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

5.La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $260

Set out from Huacas with a private guide and driver for cliff-jumping in Curubandé, a rope-and-ladder hike to La Leona Waterfall, and white-water tubing on the Colorado River. Guides such as Paul, Sebastian, Alberto, and Juan Carlos are praised for helpful coaching, photos, and local stories. Closed-toe shoes and good fitness are essential.

“This is quite an adventure. Sebastian met us at our hotel and drove us to the sights. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English very well and keeps things fun. We were too chicken to do the cliff jumping but the waterfall was gorgeous and tubing was a thrill. Bring good shoes you can get dirty and be prepared for a workout. A hard days work ends with Casado and a beer.”

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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco - The scenic road to the put-in
Jacó Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

6.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $167

Leave Jaco early for the Savegre River, where guides such as Orlando, Jairo, and Leonardo lead you through Class II and III rapids. The day includes breakfast, rainforest wildlife, a waterfall stop, river snacks, lunch, safety gear, and hotel transport. Expect a long scenic drive and a small group of up to eight.

“The guide (Mario) was excellent. Good river guide and very personable. The ride up the valley to the put in was incredibly beautiful.”

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Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure - Rappels, pools, and rainforest gorges
Arenal Volcano Tours, Canyoning & Rappelling, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

7.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start early in La Fortuna with canyoning through rainforest gorges, rappels, pools, and rocky cliffs. Then raft the Balsa River through 45 minutes of Class III rapids and a gentler hour with fruit, swimming, and chances to spot sloths, toucans, and iguanas. Guides such as Victor keep the river section safe and lively.

“I traveled with my husband and son to celebrate our son's high school graduation. This adventure was our favorite while in La Fortuna! We are risk takers and love to do crazy stuff- and this one definitely exceeded our expectations. The canyoning was unlike anything we've every experienced. Thrilling, yet we knew we were in good hands. The same with rafting. We were even able to see a sloth at one point! We knew the activities included lunch, but the breakfast was a super bonus surprise! We had definitely worked up an appetite after rappelling (and hiking back up the mountain). Highly recommend to adventure seekers!!!”

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La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, River Tubing, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

8.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Spend about six and a half hours rafting and tubing on a river near La Fortuna. You will receive safety training and equipment, stop for fresh fruit, then finish with lunch, coffee, an organic farm walk, and a sugarcane demonstration. The tubing is active white-water tubing, not a lazy river ride.

“Unfortunately the outflow of the river was reduced by the power company due to some maintenance issue so we were not able to get the tour we were expecting. We were not able to tube the last portion of the trip due to safety concerns. The first part of the tour was as advertised however we did pay extra to tube the last part and we ended up with rafting the last portion on a very diminished flow. I understand the safety aspect but feel we overpaid for what we received.”

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Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna - From La Fortuna pickup to the river
La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

9.Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $88

Raft 11 km of Costa Rica’s Balsa River on a 5-hour Class 3 trip from La Fortuna. Christian, Marcos, and their team provide instruction, safety support, fruit, snacks, towels, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. You do not need rafting experience or swimming skills, but participants must be at least 8 years old.

“Marcos and his crew were amazing. Loved the trip start to finish. Highly recommend this one for both the first professionalism and fun vibe of this crew.”

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Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio - The drive south from Quepos
Manuel Antonio Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

10.Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $146

Take a private, guided rafting trip from Quepos down the Savegre River. Expect moderate Class II and III rapids, a rainforest walk, waterfall swim, fresh fruit, cookies, and a Costa Rican casado lunch. Guides such as Ronny explain local culture during the drive, while optional river photos capture the action.

“This tour was very fun! I am not a huge fan of the water/swimming ect but my husband really wanted to do it so I acquiesced. I am glad I did! I had waaay more fun than I had expected and the rapids weren't bad at all we did class 3. We got to hang out for awhile at a fun waterful and stuff ourselves on pineapples and cookies before finishing the trip. My only complaint was the lunch that was included after the trip, they'd have almost been better off not including it at all. It was nearly 20 for 2 drinks, and the food was dry and 'meh'.…”

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Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio - What the 1 hour and 45 minute river run feels like
Manuel Antonio Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

11.Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $134

Join H2O Adventures for a private Naranjo River rafting trip from Manuel Antonio or Quepos. Expect a 35-minute transfer, about 1 hour and 45 minutes on the river, Class 3 to 4 rapids, birdlife, a riverside snack, and bilingual guides such as Gregory, Lando, Jonathan, and Eric.

“Such an amazing and adventurous times!!! Went with 2 kids, did rapids 3-4. The team is extremely professional and very knowledgeable of the river and the rafting itself.Gregory and John were our instructors in the raft, taught us how to properly paddle and work as a team. Landon was out safely guard, he was rafting in front to make sure we are safe at all the times, he also helped us to get back in the raft after falling. El Capitan the most fun and experienced driver, took us through the tiny and steep jungle roads!”

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Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose - Entering the Five-Mile Pacuare Gorge
San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

12.Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $119

Leave San Jose at about 5:30 a.m. for a full day on the Pacuare River, with breakfast, lunch, equipment, and round-trip transport included. Paddle through Class II to III rapids, the dramatic 5-mile gorge, Huacas Waterfall, and calmer wildlife areas. Guides such as Roberto, David, Robert, and Luis have led past trips.

“The scenery was amazing and humbling! The rafting was a blast, and experience il never forget. The guide was great, but the views of the mountains, rainforest, wildlife was once In a life time experience.”

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Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica - The safety briefing and first practice
San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

13.Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60Best value

Spend about three hours rafting 12 kilometers of the Sarapiquí River near La Virgen. Certified guides such as Arturo, Felipe, Andres, and Philippe lead beginners through Class II to III rapids, with a safety talk, equipment, transport, fruit, cookies, and a swim stop in a natural pool. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“We had a wonderful experience on the river today! They provided my family with lasting memories and they were very affordable and friendly. I would defiantly do this trip again if I am ever lucky enough to get back here to Costa Rica! My son and I have been on at least a dozen rafting trips and this is easily at the very top of our experiences - it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!”

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La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch - The 9:30 a.m. start and meeting point
La Fortuna Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

14.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72

Start at 9:30 a.m. for a guided 10-kilometer rafting trip near La Fortuna. You get safety instruction, gear, tropical fruit, a swim stop, drinks, and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup is available. Guides such as Bryan work with beginners, though moderate fitness and comfort in moving water are needed.

“Amazing experience! The instructor Bryan is amazing and will go and beyond for you. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.”

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Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR) - Why the canyoning feels like an adventure
Arenal Volcano Tours, Canyoning & Rappelling, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

15.Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start with ABC Canyoning’s four waterfall rappels, ranging from 49 to 131 feet, then raft the Rio Balsa through Class III rapids. Guides Osa and Axle help keep the day friendly and safe, while a fruit stop, wildlife sightings, and a Costa Rican lunch round out this active La Fortuna outing.

“We are adventurers, my kids are 9, 9 and 11 - the waterfall part of this tour is a true adventure and the hike takes work, that's my only warning to others, get ready to work for it - it's worth every second. We had a small group of about 12 people in our group - we arrived at the house where you get set up for the waterfall repelling and there were kittens, baby chicks and a family setting up for our breakfast (eat something small before you go b/c they don't feed you until after!) You get to the first small waterfall quickly and then you work your…”

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