Manuel Antonio: Naranjo River Whitewater Rafting with Pickup

Summary

Whitewater thrills on the Naranjo River near Manuel Antonio

You’ll feel every twist of the Naranjo River’s rapids as you paddle through jungle canyons near Manuel Antonio with expert local guides. Expect laughter, splashes, quick moments of calm between wild stretches, plus hotel pickup and lunch after your run. This is one of those days that stays with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the river itself—it was the racket of cicadas and this thick, green smell as we stepped out of the van near the Naranjo. Our guide, Diego, handed me a helmet and grinned like he knew something I didn’t. He asked if we’d ever paddled Class III or IV rapids before; I just laughed and said I’d try not to fall out. The air was heavy but not too hot, and you could hear water smashing against rocks somewhere below, hidden by all that jungle.

We crammed into our raft—there were five of us plus Diego—and right away it felt like the river was trying to shake us loose. The canyon walls shot up on both sides, so close you could almost touch them if you leaned out (not recommended). At one point Diego shouted “Adelante!” and we all paddled like mad through this foaming stretch—I swear I swallowed half the river. My arms burned but in a good way. There was this moment when everything went quiet for a second between rapids, just birds and that weird sweet smell from some flower I couldn’t place. Then another wave hit and we were yelling again.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much—maybe it was nerves or maybe just how Diego kept making jokes about crocodiles (he promised there weren’t any here). We passed a few farms and saw some kids waving from behind palm trees—one of them mimed rowing and then pretended to tip over, which made us all crack up. By the time we pulled out at the end my shirt was plastered to me and my legs were shaking a bit, but honestly I felt kind of proud. Lunch back at their office tasted better than it probably should’ve—rice, beans, something spicy—and everyone swapped stories about who screamed loudest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting on Naranjo River

• Pick up from hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
• Sign in and eat meal at office
• Travel to river put in
• Get fitted with life jackets, paddles, helmets
• Receive safety talk from guides
• Raft on river for approximately 1.5 hours
• Return by van to office
• Enjoy lunch after morning tour

Top questions

How difficult is whitewater rafting on the Naranjo River?

The Naranjo River offers Class III-IV rapids. It’s best for experienced paddlers or adventurous beginners comfortable with big waves.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included from most hotels or houses in Manuel Antonio or Quepos.

How long does the actual rafting last?

The time spent rafting on the river is about 1.5 hours.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, breakfast or lunch is included depending on your tour time.

What should I wear for rafting?

You should wear a swimsuit, water shoes or sandals with ankle straps (no flip flops), and bring a towel and change of clothes.

Is there an age limit for this trip?

The minimum age is 12 years old for safety reasons.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Will there be photos taken during rafting?

A photographer will be present; pictures are available for purchase after your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, all safety gear (helmet, life jacket), bilingual local guides leading your whitewater adventure down the Naranjo River canyon, a snack along the way plus breakfast or lunch depending on your tour time—and transportation back once you’ve dried off.