Chorro Rafting in Quepos: Class 3 & 4 Rapids

The Upper Naranjo River runs Class 3 and 4 rapids through a canyon, not a gentle float.

White-water rafting on the Upper Naranjo River in Quepos takes five hours and includes all safety gear, paddles, lunch, snacks and transport by air-conditioned vehicle. You paddle Class 3 and 4 level rapids through a canyon setting. A live guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 11 are welcome. The drive to the drop-off point winds through hilly landscapes.

The experience

Five hours gets you from pickup through the drive, the rapids themselves, and back. The Upper Naranjo River is where the action is: Class 3 and 4 rapids mean you're paddling fast water with waves and obstacles, not watching from a boat. The canyon background is the setting, and the river is what demands your attention and your paddle. All rafting safety equipment, the boat and paddles come with the booking.

Transport is air-conditioned, which matters on the drive through hilly landscapes to the drop-off point. A live guide in English or Spanish runs the trip and handles the technical parts. Your job is to paddle and stay in the boat. Lunch and snacks are included, so you eat after the rapids, not before. Children from age 11 can join, making this a family option when the younger ones are old enough to handle the water.

The operator built this around couples, families and friends who want to step outside their routine and try something that takes real effort. You come out of your comfort zone on purpose, which is the whole point. Moderate physical fitness is the baseline. Spinal injuries, pregnancy and poor cardiovascular health are reasons to sit this one out.

What’s included

• All rafting safety equipment, boat and paddles.
• lunch and snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from the drop-off point.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Explorer

Is this one for you?Moderate physical fitness is the entry point: the rapids demand active paddling and the five-hour day is not light work. If you want to operate the boat yourself rather than watch from the sidelines, this is the product. If you prefer to sit and let someone else do the work, a guided boat tour is a different choice.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years). Children under 11 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What are Class 3 and 4 rapids like for someone who has never rafted before?

Class 3 and 4 rapids on the Upper Naranjo River have waves, obstacles and fast current that demand active paddling and attention, but they are not extreme whitewater. A live guide leads the boat and tells you when to paddle hard or brace. First-timers paddle these regularly. Moderate fitness and the willingness to get wet are what matter.

How long is the actual time spent on the water paddling?

The five-hour total includes the drive to the drop-off point, the rapids themselves, lunch and the return. The operator does not break out the paddling time separately, but the Upper Naranjo River section is the centerpiece of the day, not a short burst.

Is the air-conditioned vehicle part of the booking, or do I arrange my own transport to the river?

The air-conditioned vehicle is included. Pickup and the drive through the hilly landscape to the drop-off point are part of the package, so you do not arrange separate transport.