Manuel Antonio: Savegre River Rafting & Local Lunch Pickup

Summary

Savegre River rapids laughter local guides fresh lunch

You’ll paddle down the lively Savegre River with local guides from Manuel Antonio, feel the thrill of rapids and calm stretches alike, snack on fresh fruit by a waterfall, then share a hearty Costa Rican lunch with your crew. Expect laughter, teamwork, and small surprises that stick with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—kind of like distant applause, but sharper. That was the Savegre River just ahead of us, all white froth and green shadows. Luis, our guide, grinned as we clambered out of the van (air conditioning still clinging to my skin). He handed me a helmet and said something about “pura vida” I half-understood. I could smell wet earth and sunscreen. The river looked both inviting and a little wild—honestly, my stomach did a small flip.

I’d never done white water rafting in Manuel Antonio before, so I was nervous at first. But Josue cracked a joke about how he’d only fallen in “twice this week,” which made everyone laugh and loosen up. They showed us how to paddle as a team—Luis kept saying “adelante!” and somehow it worked. The Savegre River has these moments where everything goes quiet except for the slap of water against the raft. Then suddenly you’re spinning through rapids and getting soaked (I got a mouthful of river at one point—tasted like adventure and maybe sunscreen). At one bend we stopped by a waterfall for fruit snacks—pineapple so sweet it almost made my teeth ache.

Lunch after rafting was this big plate of casado—rice, beans, chicken, plantains—the kind of meal that feels earned when you’re still dripping river water onto your seat. The crew chatted with us about life in Quepos; I tried to say “gracias” properly but probably butchered it (Luis just laughed). The whole day felt less like a tour and more like hanging out with friends who know all the river’s secrets. And yeah, I still think about that view downstream, sunlight catching on every drop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day white water rafting adventure

• Get picked up by tour crew
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Raft on Savegre River with guides
• Work as a team navigating rapids
• Enjoy provided food during trip
• Complete rafting experience feeling satisfied

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Savegre River rafting tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included from your hotel or nearby location.

What is served for lunch on the rafting trip?

A traditional Costa Rican lunch is provided after rafting.

Are safety gear and equipment provided?

Yes, all life jackets, helmets, paddles, and rafts are provided by the tour operator.

Is this white water rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels except those with certain health conditions.

How long does the day trip from Quepos or Manuel Antonio take?

This is a full-day trip including transfer time to and from the Savegre River.

Are snacks included during the tour?

Yes, fresh fruit snacks are offered at a waterfall stop along the river.

Will there be bilingual guides on this day trip?

Yes, guides are bilingual (Spanish/English) and internationally trained.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, all necessary rafting gear (life jacket, helmet, paddle), expert bilingual guides leading you down the Savegre River rapids with stops for fresh fruit snacks at a riverside waterfall—and ends with a hearty Costa Rican lunch before heading back in comfort.