Naranjo River Whitewater Rafting Class III-IV from Manuel Antonio

Class III-IV rapids drop steeply through a jungle canyon to sea level, not a gentle float.

Whitewater rafting on the Naranjo River near Quepos is a Class III-IV half-day run through a steep jungle canyon with Class III-IV whitewater, canyon walls that meet the water at 90-degree angles, and a bilingual guide leading groups of 2 to 10 paddlers. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos are included, along with lunch, helmet, life jacket and all gear. The actual rafting takes about 1.5 hours. Minimum age is 12, and you need at least moderate fitness. This is not a beginner's float.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting adventure 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 Naranjo River for 1.5 hours
• Return by van to office
• Enjoy lunch after tour (morning tour only)

The experience

What makes the Naranjo different from easier rivers in the region? The drop. The river falls steeply from the coastal mountains above Quepos through a canyon where the walls meet the water at 90-degree angles, and the whitewater is Class III-IV: bigger waves, stronger hydraulics, steeper sections. If you've paddled before or you're a fit first-timer who wants the excitement instead of the easy ride, this is the one. The jungle overgrows both banks, and you're moving fast enough that you're not sightseeing. You're paddling.

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or house in Manuel Antonio or Quepos. You'll head to the office, eat breakfast or lunch depending on which tour time you choose, then ride to the put-in. Once there, the guides fit you with a life jacket, helmet and paddle, run through a safety talk, and you're on the water for approximately 1.5 hours of actual rafting. A safety kayak stays with the group the whole way. When you finish, you load back into the vans and return to the office, then get driven back to your hotel.

Groups stay small (a minimum of 2 people per booking, maximum of 10), and your guide speaks both English and Spanish. Lunch is included after the tour. If you need a vegetarian option, let them know at booking. The whole outing runs about 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. A photographer travels with the group and sells prints if you want them.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
• lunch after the tour.
• bilingual guide.
• helmet, life jacket, paddle and all rafting gear.
• safety kayak accompanying the group.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 10 Dec

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Amigos del Rio

Is this one for you?If you've paddled before or you're fit and want the adrenaline instead of the scenic float, the Naranjo's Class III-IV rapids and canyon walls deliver what easier rivers don't: the drop and the speed make it a real challenge, not a warm-up run.

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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.

How hard is Class III-IV whitewater, and who should not book this?

Class III-IV rapids on the Naranjo River are for experienced paddlers or fit first-timers comfortable with big waves and strong currents. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. You need at least moderate physical fitness, and the minimum age is 12. Dress in a swimsuit, water shoes or ankle-strap sandals, and bring a towel and change of clothes.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The Naranjo River rafting includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, lunch, a bilingual guide, helmet, life jacket, paddle and all safety gear. Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, water shoes or tennis shoes with ankle straps, no flip-flops. Souvenir photos taken during the tour are available to purchase.

How long is the actual rafting, and how much time does the whole day take?

The actual time on the water is approximately 1.5 hours. The full outing from hotel pickup to drop-off is about 4.5 hours, which includes the ride to the river, safety briefing, the paddle itself, and the ride back.

What time does the tour start, and do I need a group or can I book alone?

An 11:30 AM tour is available and requires a minimum of 4 people per booking. Other tour times require a minimum of 2 people. The maximum group size is 10 paddlers. If you're booking solo or as a pair, confirm availability for your preferred time when you reserve.

Is there a photographer, and can I get pictures of the trip?

Yes, a photographer travels with your group throughout the rafting. Pictures are available to purchase after the tour if you want them.