Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III: 12 rapids for families

You paddle through 12 rapids, not watch from a boat

Raft the Sarapiqui River Class II-III section with a certified guide, paddling through around 12 rapids suitable for first-time rafters and families. The 2-hour run drifts through rainforest, includes a midway swim stop in a natural pool, and ends with transport back to the base for a shower and change of clothes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting adventure on Sarapiqui River

• Arrive and prepare with sunscreen
• Travel to river starting point
• Receive safety instructions from guide
• Raft through 12 rapids
• Stop for refreshment and swim
• Continue rafting to end point
• Return to base by transport
• Change and shower

The experience

The Sarapiqui River Class II-III run is built for people new to rafting. You operate the paddle the whole way through 12 rapids that build in intensity without overwhelming, and the guide handles safety briefing and navigation. The section cuts through rainforest, so the water stays shaded and the banks stay thick with vegetation. Halfway through, you pull into a natural pool where you can swim, float or jump off a rock wall if you want to. It's a real break, not a photo stop.

The day starts at the base where you apply sunscreen and bug spray, then ride 20 minutes to the put-in point. Once on the water, the guide walks through what to do before you start paddling. After the swim break, you finish the remaining rapids and ride 20 minutes back to the base. There's time to shower and change if you're heading to lunch or dinner afterward. The whole thing (transport, gear, guide, snacks and a towel) is included. You bring nothing but your willingness to get wet.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• all rafting equipment.
• towel.
• snacks, cookies and fruit.
• transport from the base to the put-in and back.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (7 to 60 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Pura Vida Rafting

Is this one for you?You paddle the whole way: the guide steers safety and technique, but you're the one moving the raft through the water. Pick this if you want hands-on control and don't mind getting soaked. If you'd rather watch from a stable boat, a different product suits you better.

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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 rapids will I actually paddle on the Sarapiqui?

The Sarapiqui Class II-III section has around 12 rapids. They're graded to build gradually, so the first ones are gentler than the last, which makes the run work for people picking up a paddle for the first time.

What happens at the natural pool halfway through?

You stop in a natural pool where you can swim, float and jump off the rock wall if you want. It's a real rest, not a quick photo break. You get time to cool off and recover before finishing the second half of the run.

Do I need rafting experience to do this?

No. The Sarapiqui Class II-III is designed for people new to rafting. The guide gives a full safety talk before you start, and the rapids build in difficulty so you learn as you go.

What's included in the price?

The price covers a certified guide, all rafting equipment, a towel, snacks and cookies, and transport to and from the put-in point. You don't need to bring or arrange anything except sunscreen and bug spray.

How long is the actual time on the water?

You spend 2 hours paddling on the river. Add 20 minutes of transport each way and 30 minutes for a snack break, so the whole outing is around 3 hours from start to finish at the base.