Quepos: Savegre River Rafting Class II-III & Waterfall

Paddle Through Costa Rica's Savegre Canyon and Stop at a Hidden Waterfall

You get picked up from your hotel, driven to the Savegre River, and spend roughly four hours paddling Class II and III rapids through jungle canyon, stopping at a waterfall midway. Lunch and all gear (helmet, life jacket, certified equipment) are included, and the driver brings you back to your hotel by afternoon. No need to arrange transport, find the river, or figure out what to eat after.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

The experience

Picture this: you're in a raft cutting through Class II and III rapids, canyon walls rising on both sides, the sound of whitewater drowning out everything else. The Savegre River near Quepos doesn't announce itself. It just grabs you. The pickup happens early from your Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotel, then a 70-minute drive south through El Silencio and Santo Domingo takes you past rural farmland and into the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people move to Costa Rica and never leave. Your guide points out the river from the road before you even get there, and you can already hear it.

The actual rafting on the Savegre is what you came for. Class II and III rapids mean you're paddling hard, not just floating: your guide calls out the strokes, and the raft pitches and recovers over waves that feel bigger than they probably are when you're sitting in the middle of them. The primary rainforest closes in on both sides, and the canyon narrows in places so that the walls seem to lean over the water. Halfway through, you stop at a waterfall for a snack and a breather. It's not a long break, but it's enough to realize your shoulders are already tired and you've got maybe another hour of paddling left. The water is cold and clear, and if you're quick about it, you can wade in before climbing back into the raft.

After you finish the run, the boat takes you back to the Amigos Del Rio headquarters in Manuel Antonio, where lunch waits. This is where the adrenaline settles and you actually taste your food. They offer a vegetarian option if you let them know when you book. The A/C transport back to your hotel gives you time to stop shaking and start planning whether you're doing this again tomorrow or sleeping instead. Groups stay small, capped at 10 people, which means the guides actually know who you are and the raft doesn't feel like a tour bus with paddles.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, a 70-minute drive to the Savegre River, certified guide and safety kayaker, all rafting equipment (helmet and life jacket), a snack at the waterfall stop halfway through, lunch at the headquarters in Manuel Antonio, and A/C transportation back to your hotel. Taxes and fees are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:30

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

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 24h 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 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Amigos del Rio

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the rapids and the scenery without arranging your own transport or timing: the pickup and return handle the logistics, and the small group size means you're not competing for the guide's attention or the raft's space.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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 24h before the start.

How long is the drive to the Savegre River from Quepos?

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes south through El Silencio and Santo Domingo.

What's the difficulty level of the rapids?

Class II and III rapids. Suitable for adventurous beginners and experienced rafters with at least moderate fitness.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served at the Amigos Del Rio headquarters in Manuel Antonio after rafting. Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, certified guide, helmet, life jacket, snacks, lunch, and all rafting equipment. Taxes and fees are included.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes, and closed-toe shoes or sandals with ankle straps. No flip-flops.

What's the minimum group size?

Minimum 2 people per booking. The 11:30 AM tour requires a minimum of 4 people.

What's the maximum group size?

Maximum 10 people per booking.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, minimum age is 6 years old.

What size life jackets are available?

The largest life jacket fits a 52-inch chest.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.