Chorro Whitewater Rafting in Quepos: Class IV & V Rapids

Class IV and V rapids where narrow canyons and steep drops demand your full attention

Chorro whitewater rafting on the Naranjo River near Quepos is a 4.5-hour activity featuring Class IV and V rapids, technical routes and tight rock walls for experienced paddlers. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, lunch at the office afterward, bilingual guides, a safety kayaker and all gear. Approximately 1.5 hours are spent on the water. Minimum age is 15, and the operator recommends strong physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting adventure on Naranjo River

• Pick up from hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
• Sign in and have breakfast at office
• Drive 35 minutes to river put-in
• Outfit with life jacket, helmet, and paddle
• Receive safety talk and swim practice
• Raft down river for approximately 1.5 hours
• Return to Amigos Del Rio office
• Enjoy lunch at office
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and driven to the Amigos Del Rio office for check-in and breakfast, then a 35-minute drive to the river. Once there, you'll be fitted with a life jacket, helmet and paddle. The guides run a safety talk and a swim practice before the descent. This is where the intensity starts. The Chorro section of the Naranjo River is Class IV and V, meaning exploding water, steep drops and technical routes that demand constant attention. You'll navigate narrow canyons surrounded by huge boulders and cascading waterfalls for approximately 1.5 hours on the water.

The rapids here are among the most challenging in Costa Rica, and the tight rock walls and technical lines mean this is not a scenic float. You're actively paddling through demanding sections, reading the water and executing moves your guide calls. A safety kayaker stays with the group, and a photographer documents the run: photos are available to purchase afterward. The whole trip, from pickup to drop-off, takes about 4.5 hours.

After you come off the water, you'll ride back to the office where lunch is served. Then you're driven back to your hotel. The operator includes all taxes, fees, gear, guides, lunch and transport. Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray and water shoes or shoes with ankle straps, no flip-flops. A vegetarian meal option is available if you request it at booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
• breakfast at the office.
• lunch after the run.
• bilingual guides and a safety kayaker.
• all safety gear including life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• A/C transportation to and from the river.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 5 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 to 70 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Amigos del Rio

Is this one for you?This trip is built for paddlers comfortable with intense physical exertion and technical whitewater: Class IV and V rapids demand active paddling and quick reactions, so it suits experienced rafters or strong swimmers willing to push themselves, not first-timers or anyone hesitant in fast water.

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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 IV and V rapids like on the Chorro section?

The Chorro section of the Naranjo River features exploding water, steep drops, tight rock walls and technical routes that demand active paddling and constant attention to the water. You'll navigate narrow canyons surrounded by huge boulders and cascading waterfalls for the 1.5 hours you spend on the river.

How long is the whole trip from pickup to drop-off?

The trip is approximately 4.5 hours total, with about 1.5 hours spent actually on the water. The rest includes pickup, breakfast at the office, the drive to the river, gear fitting and safety briefing, and lunch back at the office before drop-off.

What's included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, breakfast and lunch, bilingual guides, a safety kayaker, all safety gear (life jacket, helmet, paddle), and A/C transport to and from the river. A photographer documents the run. Photos are available to purchase separately.

What should I bring and what fitness level is required?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray and water shoes or shoes with ankle straps, no flip-flops. The operator recommends this trip for individuals in strong physical condition. You must be at least 15 years old and able to handle intense physical exertion.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, a vegetarian lunch option is available. Request it when you book the trip.