Manuel Antonio: Savegre River Rafting Day Trip with Lunch

Rafting Savegre’s waves monkeys toucans wild forest lunch pickup

You’ll paddle through Savegre’s Class II-III rapids with a local guide, spot monkeys and toucans in the rainforest, share laughs (and maybe nervous shouts) with your group, then relax over lunch before heading back to Manuel Antonio. Expect cold splashes, wild scenery, and moments you’ll replay long after you dry off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Savegre River rafting adventure

• Pick up customers from hotel
• Drive to Savegre River put in
• Descend Class II-III rapids
• Observe wildlife in rainforest
• Drive back for lunch
• Drop off customers at hotel

The Experience

We were already bumping along the road out of Manuel Antonio before I realized how green everything was — like, actually every shade you can imagine. Our guide, Diego, kept pointing out birds I’d never have spotted on my own (I’m still not sure I saw that kingfisher, but he swears it was there). The van windows fogged up from the morning air and someone’s sunscreen. By the time we reached the Savegre River, I could hear the water before I saw it — louder than expected, almost cheerful.

I’d never done a day trip to Savegre River from Manuel Antonio before, so when they handed me the helmet and paddle, my hands felt clumsy. Diego ran through safety stuff again (he joked about not letting us fall out “unless you really want to swim with iguanas”). The first rapids hit faster than I thought — cold spray in my face and everyone shouting over each other. Somewhere between paddling hard and laughing at myself for missing a cue, I caught a glimpse of a monkey swinging overhead. The rainforest smells different when you’re right in it — wet leaves, something sweet I couldn’t place.

After all that noise and adrenaline, there was this quiet stretch where we just floated for a minute. Toucans flashed past (they look almost fake up close), and Diego told us stories about growing up near here. My arms felt heavy but good. We stopped for snacks by the riverbank — fresh pineapple, sticky fingers — then finished off with more rapids before heading back for lunch. Honestly? That last view of the river winding away is still stuck in my head.

Top questions

How far is Savegre River from Manuel Antonio?

The Savegre River is about an hour’s drive from hotels in Manuel Antonio.

Is this rafting tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome as long as children are over 7 years old and accompanied by an adult.

What class are the rapids on this tour?

The rapids are Class II-III year-round on the Savegre River.

Are hotel pickups included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip booking.

Is lunch provided on the rafting tour?

Yes, lunch is included after your rafting adventure.

Will we see wildlife during the trip?

You might spot herons, toucans, monkeys, kingfishers, iguanas and more along the riverbanks.

Do I need prior rafting experience?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide full instructions and safety equipment.

What should I bring for this rafting trip?

You should bring a change of clothes with you for after rafting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio hotels or nearby areas, all necessary safety equipment for rafting on Savegre River’s Class II-III rapids with a professional guide leading you through the rainforest scenery. Snacks are served riverside during your adventure and lunch plus beverages are provided before you return in the afternoon.