Upper Naranjo River White Water Rafting Class 3 Rapids

You float through a mini canyon with high rock walls, then jump from cliffs if you want to.

White water rafting on the Upper Naranjo River's Chorro section near Quepos puts you on class 3 and 3+ rapids through a pristine mini canyon with jungle waterfalls and calm water sections where you can float in your life vest alone. The tour runs 4 hours, includes hotel pickup 30 minutes from Quepos, a bilingual guide, safety kayaker, all equipment and a fruit snack at the end. It operates December 15 through May 15.

The Experience

The starting point is only 30 minutes from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, so you spend most of your time on the water instead of in a vehicle. A bilingual guide and safety kayaker travel with your group, which stays small to medium size — no large groups that dilute the experience. You get a complete safety briefing before you push off, then paddle through the Chorro section's mini canyon with high rock walls on both sides.

The rapids are class 3 and 3+, which means they move fast and demand attention but work for families and first-time rafters. Between the technical sections, the river opens into calm pools where you can float on your back in your life vest and watch the jungle close in. Waterfalls drop into the canyon along the way. If you want more than floating, the tour offers cliff jumping from 5, 10 and 15 feet — optional, so you jump only if you choose to.

At the end you get a fruit snack with pineapple, juice, water and cookies. The drive back to your hotel or rental is 20 minutes. All equipment — life vest, helmet, paddle and raft — is provided, and transportation includes pickup at your accommodation and return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transportation.
• complete safety briefing and all equipment (life vest, helmet, paddle and raft).
• bilingual guide and safety kayaker.
• fruit snack with pineapple, juice, water and cookies.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Tropical Adventures

Is this one for you?Small to medium groups mean you're not paddling with a crowd, which is what keeps the tour personal and the pace manageable for families and first-time rafters. The 30-minute drive from Quepos also means you spend your time on the river, not on the road.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

200 verified traveler reviews

5 ★198

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How far is the Upper Naranjo River from Quepos?

The starting point is a 30-minute drive from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and the return drive is 20 minutes, so the total travel time is under an hour.

Can I do this rafting tour if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The class 3 and 3+ rapids are suitable for the whole family and first-time rafters. You get a complete safety briefing before the tour starts, and a safety kayaker travels with your group for extra support.

What happens during the calm water sections?

You float in the calm pools wearing your life vest, drifting through the mini canyon and past jungle waterfalls. These sections give you a break from paddling and a chance to take in the canyon walls and vegetation.

Is cliff jumping part of the tour?

Cliff jumping from 5, 10 and 15 feet is an option during the tour, but it's not required. You jump only if you want to.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return, all safety equipment (life vest, helmet, paddle and raft), a bilingual guide, a safety kayaker, a complete safety briefing, and a fruit snack with juice and water at the end.

What should I bring on the rafting tour?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, water shoes or sneakers (Keens or Tevas work well; no flip-flops), sunglasses with a strap, sunblock, extra bottled water, and a camera. Bring a little cash just in case.