Manuel Antonio: Savegre River Rafting & Waterfall Stop

Summary

Whitewater rapids rainforest & waterfall snack break from Manuel Antonio

You’ll paddle down Costa Rica’s Savegre River with a local guide, tackle fun whitewater rapids, pause for fresh fruit by a jungle waterfall, then share lunch back in Manuel Antonio. Expect laughter, splashes, rainforest sights—and maybe even a butterfly or two—plus hotel pickup so you can focus on the adventure itself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost chickened out when I saw the helmets and paddles stacked up at Amigos Del Rio. The whole drive from Manuel Antonio — winding through El Silencio and Santo Domingo — I kept thinking about what Class II-III rapids actually meant. Our guide, Diego, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get wet but you’ll love it.” He was right. The Savegre River looked calm at first, all green reflections and birds flicking over the water. Then we hit our first rapid and suddenly my heart was hammering louder than the river itself.

Paddling together is weirdly bonding — especially when you don’t know half your raft-mates’ names yet. There’s this moment where everyone’s just yelling “forward!” or “left!” over the roar, but then Diego shouts something in Spanish (I think it was encouragement?) and we all laugh because nobody understood except him. The air smelled sharp and fresh, like crushed leaves after rain. At one point I caught a flash of blue morpho butterfly skimming past; honestly didn’t expect to notice that while trying not to fall out.

Halfway down we stopped at a waterfall tucked behind vines. It wasn’t huge but the spray felt cold on my sunburned arms — really wakes you up after adrenaline. They handed out pineapple slices so sweet they almost stung my tongue. I tried to say “gracias” without sounding like a total tourist; Diego winked anyway. After more rapids (and one very undignified squeal from me), we finished up back at headquarters for lunch — nothing fancy, but rice and beans taste pretty great when you’re soaked and starving.

I still think about that river sometimes — how wild it felt but also kind of safe with Diego watching us like a hawk. If you’re anywhere near Manuel Antonio and want something more than just beach days, this whitewater rafting trip is worth every bruise and soggy shoe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Savegre River rafting and waterfall visit

• Pick up from hotel or rental home
• Drive 1 hour 10 minutes to Savegre River
• Drive through El Silencio and Santo Domingo
• Raft down Class II and III rapids
• Stop at waterfall for snack
• Return to Amigos Del Rio headquarters
• Enjoy lunch at headquarters
• Return guests to hotels

Top questions

How long does the Savegre River rafting trip take?

The full tour lasts around 6 hours including transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotels.

Is hotel pickup included for this whitewater rafting tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Manuel Antonio or Quepos.

What class are the rapids on the Savegre River?

The rapids are mostly Class II-III—fun for adventurous beginners as well as experienced rafters.

Is lunch provided during the rafting tour?

Yes, lunch is served at Amigos Del Rio headquarters after rafting is finished.

Are there age or health restrictions for this trip?

The minimum age is 6 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need to bring anything special for the rafting day?

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

Does the tour include a stop at a waterfall?

Yes, there’s a snack break at a jungle waterfall along the river route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotels, all taxes and fees covered up front, certified safety equipment plus guides (including a safety kayaker), snacks by the waterfall mid-trip, lunch back at base camp—and plenty of river time before heading home dry-ish again.