Savegre River Rafting from Jaco: Class II-III rapids

The Savegre stays clean year-round, which means the rapids run consistent and the water stays clear enough to see the riverbed.

Savegre River rafting from Jaco is an eight-hour activity where you paddle Class II-III rapids through tropical rainforest, with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch and a professional guide in English or Spanish included. The river runs clean year-round, so the rapids hold their shape and the water stays clear. A minimum of two people per booking is required. Children under seven are not recommended for this trip.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Jaco or Manuel Antonio hotel, followed by breakfast before the drive to the put-in. Once on the water, you spend several hours paddling the Savegre's Class II and III rapids, descending through rainforest where herons, toucans, monkeys, king fishers and iguanas live along the banks. The guide handles the bigger technical calls, but you're the one moving the paddle through each rapid and reading the current as it comes.

After the run, the crew drives you back for lunch before dropping you at your hotel. The whole outing takes eight hours from start to finish. Bring a change of clothes (you'll be wet), and know that the river's consistent water quality means the rapids don't shift with the season the way many Central American rivers do. This matters because it keeps the difficulty predictable and the visibility good enough to actually see what's in the water around you.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• breakfast before the river and lunch after.
• safety equipment.
• a professional guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (8 to 65 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tucanes Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle the rapids yourself rather than ride along. You're the one in the boat moving the paddle, not watching a guide do the work. Small groups work best here. A minimum of two people per booking keeps the raft moving and the cost reasonable, and the eight-hour commitment suits travelers with a full day to spend on the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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 24h before the start.

What kind of rapids will I be paddling on the Savegre?

The Savegre runs Class II-III rapids year-round. The guide leads you through the technical sections, but you're paddling the whole time, not just riding along.

What animals might I see while rafting the Savegre?

Herons, toucans, monkeys, king fishers and iguanas live along the riverbanks. The rainforest setting means wildlife sightings are common, though timing and which species you spot depend on the day.

Does the eight hours include the drive to the river?

Yes. The eight hours covers hotel pickup, breakfast, the drive to the put-in, the actual rafting, the return drive, lunch and drop-off at your hotel.

Can children go on this rafting trip?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids aged seven and under are not recommended for this trip because of the Class III rapids.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, lunch, beverages, safety equipment and a professional guide in English or Spanish are all included.

How far is the Savegre from where I'm staying?

The put-in is about an hour's drive from the Manuel Antonio hotel area, which is why pickup and transport are part of the package.