Rafting San Gil: Class 2/3 Fonce River for first-timers

Run 10 km of Class 2/3 white water without needing to know how to swim

Rafting on the Fonce River near San Gil is a 3-hour activity on Class 2/3 rapids that starts 10 km outside town and ends at the San Gil boardwalk, open to first-timers and children from age 5 with no swimming ability required. Hotel pickup and a bilingual guide are included. You choose a departure between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The trip covers 10 km of river with chances to see local wildlife and plants.

The experience

The Fonce River run works for families, first-timers and anyone who wants white water without the technical skills. You don't need to know how to swim (the guide and safety kayak handle that), and kids as young as five paddle alongside adults. The river itself is the draw: 10 km of Class 2/3 rapids surrounded by the fauna and flora of the region, moving at a pace that lets you take it in instead of just holding on.

The day breaks into two halves. An hour and a half covers preparation, gear fitting and logistics at the starting point near Charala, about 10 km from San Gil. Then you're on the water for an hour and a half of actual paddling. A tropical fruit break happens during the run, and at the end there's a snack and beer back in town. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport yourself.

A bilingual professional guide leads the whole thing, and a safety kayak stays with the group. Equipment (raft, paddles, life jacket) comes with the booking. You can request GoPro photos of the run for an extra fee if you want proof of what you did out there.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from San Gil.
• all rafting equipment including raft, paddles and life jacket.
• bilingual professional guide.
• safety kayak support throughout the run.
• tropical fruit break during the paddle.
• snack and beer at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 69 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Exploradores Colombia

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving in San Gil with a free afternoon and want a guided group paddle on Class 2/3 rapids: the bilingual guide manages the route and difficulty so you can focus on paddling, not planning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I go rafting on the Fonce River if I've never done it before?

Yes. The Fonce River Class 2/3 rapids are designed for first-timers and require no prior experience. A bilingual guide leads the whole run and a safety kayak stays with the group, so you're supported the entire time.

Is the Fonce River safe for children?

Children from age 5 can raft the Fonce River. It's marketed as a perfect family trip and great activity to do with kids. You don't need to know how to swim, and the guide and safety kayak are there throughout.

How long is the actual time spent on the water?

The time on the river is one hour and thirty minutes. The full activity takes three hours total, with the extra time spent on preparation, gear fitting and logistics before you launch.

What's included in the rafting price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, all rafting equipment, a bilingual professional guide, a safety kayak, a tropical fruit break during the run, and a snack and beer at the end are all included. GoPro photos are available for an extra cost.

When can I schedule the rafting trip?

You can choose a departure time between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., arranged with the operator when you book.

What should I wear and bring for the Fonce River?

Wear shorts, short or long lycra, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes or adjustable sandals. Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent and water. The operator provides all safety gear and equipment.