Rafting and Canopy Tour from San Jose: Sarapiqui

Two activities in one day: nine cables through the canopy, then nine miles of rapids.

A full-day activity from San Jose combining canopy and white-water rafting in Sarapiqui, with guide, lunch and hotel pickup. You zip-line across nine cables strung through secondary forest, then paddle class II-III rapids on the Sarapiqui River, with calm stretches between the whitewater sections.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your San Jose hotel and a drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park to Sarapiqui in the northeast. Once there, you begin with the canopy tour: nine cables of different lengths carry you across the treetops of secondary forest, with the final cable crossing the Sarapiqui River itself. The whole canopy section takes about an hour and a half.

After lunch, you move to the river for the rafting. The Sarapiqui runs class II and class III rapids: the kind that demand active paddling but leave room to breathe between sections. Nine miles of unexpected whitewater alternates with calmer stretches, so you get both the adrenaline and the chance to watch for birds and wildlife in the surrounding forest. If rafting does not appeal, you can swap it for a horseback riding tour instead.

The whole outing runs ten hours door to door. You need moderate fitness and should wear long pants or shorts, a shirt, and sturdy shoes or boots. A guide leads both activities in English or Spanish, and the operator handles all transport and equipment.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from San Jose.
• transportation through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
• canopy tour with nine cables and safety gear.
• lunch.
• white-water rafting equipment and guide instruction.
• all entry and activity fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (9 to 55 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The day demands a moderate level of fitness and comfort in the water, since you are actively paddling rapids rather than watching from a boat. The ten-hour length means an early start and a full commitment, but it packs two distinct activities into one outing so you do not need to choose between them.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 24 h before the start.

How many cables does the canopy tour include?

The canopy tour has nine cables of different lengths stretching across the secondary forest, with the last one crossing over the Sarapiqui River itself.

What are the rapids like on the Sarapiqui River?

The Sarapiqui River has class II and class III rapids, with nine miles of unexpected whitewater broken up by calm intervals, so you paddle hard through the rough sections and recover between them.

Can I choose a different activity instead of rafting?

Yes. You can swap the white-water rafting for a horseback riding tour if you prefer.

What should I wear for this day?

Wear long pants or shorts, a shirt (not too short), and boots or tennis shoes. The operator provides all safety equipment for both the canopy and the rafting.

Does the price include lunch?

Yes. Lunch is included in the full-day package, along with transportation from your San Jose hotel, the guide, and all equipment.