Sarapiqui River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna
The Sarapiqui is declared a National Patrimony, and the rapids prove why.
White water rafting on the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna combines Class III & IV rapids with a full day that includes a 90-minute drive through plantations at the base of Arenal Volcano, safety instruction from a trained guide, a mid-river snack of tropical fruits, and a typical Costa Rican lunch afterward. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels. Children must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.
What’s included
- Professional guide in English or Spanish.
- all rafting equipment including raft, paddles, vest and helmet.
- air-conditioned vehicle for the 90-minute drive each way.
- fresh tropical fruits eaten on the river bank.
- typical Costa Rican lunch after the run.
- bottled water.
- hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Wave Expeditions
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Eight hours from start to finish, and the first 90 minutes happen on land. You'll drive through papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations at the base of Arenal Volcano before reaching the put-in spot on the Sarapiqui River. Once there, your guide walks through the safety procedures and the paddle commands you'll need to know before the raft hits the water. The river itself is set deep in rainforest and declared a National Patrimony: big waves and technical rapids are the reason Class III & IV rafting here ranks among the best in Costa Rica.
Halfway through the run, you'll pull onto the river bank to refuel on fresh tropical fruits while the rainforest surrounds you. At the end of the journey, a cold drink and dry towel wait before a short ride back where you can change into dry clothes. Lunch is a typical Costa Rican meal served after you're off the water. The raft, paddles, vest and helmet are all provided. You bring a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet: no flip-flops allowed, and you will get wet.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in the La Fortuna area. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and a vegetarian lunch option is available if you request it when you book. Weather can affect the river: in rare cases of flooding or government closure, you'll be offered an alternative trip or a full refund.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day of challenging rapids with the logistics handled: the drive, the guide, the equipment and the meals are all arranged, so you show up ready to paddle Class III & IV water in a rainforest setting without organizing the transport or the food yourself.
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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.
What are Class III and IV rapids like on the Sarapiqui River?
Class III & IV rapids on the Sarapiqui mean big waves and technical sections that demand active paddling and following your guide's commands, but the river is managed by trained professionals who brief you on safety and technique before you start.
How long is the drive from La Fortuna to the rafting put-in?
The drive takes 90 minutes each way, winding through plantations at the base of Arenal Volcano before you reach the river.
What's included in the price besides the rafting itself?
The price covers the professional guide, all rafting equipment (raft, paddles, vest and helmet), hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels, bottled water, fresh tropical fruits eaten on the river bank halfway through, a typical Costa Rican lunch after you finish, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive.
Can children go rafting on the Sarapiqui?
Children can join if they are at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult on the raft.
What should I wear and bring for a day of Class III-IV rafting?
Wear a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet, no flip-flops allowed, because you will get wet. The guide provides the raft, paddles, vest and helmet. Don't bring anything on the river you're not willing to lose.
Is the typical Costa Rican lunch suitable for vegetarians?
A vegetarian lunch option is available. Request it when you book the rafting trip.
Sarapiqui River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna
8h · EN · ES
from US$ 113 per person
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