Rafting Savegre River from Manuel Antonio: Class II & III rapids

Paddle Class II and III whitewater while spotting sloths and howler monkeys

White-water rafting on the Savegre River from Manuel Antonio combines Class II and III rapids with wildlife viewing in Costa Rica's Central Pacific. After hotel pickup and a one-hour drive, you attend a safety briefing, practice paddle strokes, then run the rapids with a professional guide, safety kayaker, and photographer. The day ends with a typical Costa Rican lunch before return transport to your hotel.

The experience

The Savegre River is a Class II and III run, which means you'll paddle through moderate to challenging rapids but the guide and safety kayaker stay with you throughout. You meet at your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos in the morning, then drive about an hour to the river while your guide shares local knowledge about the area. The drive itself is part of the day. It gets you away from the coast and into the terrain where the wildlife actually lives.

Once you reach the water, a safety briefing and stroke practice prepare you for what's ahead. Then you're in the raft with your guide steering from the back, a safety kayaker paddling alongside, and a professional photographer capturing the run. The rapids demand your attention and effort, but they're designed for both beginners and experienced rafters. Between the whitewater, you'll see sloths, howler monkeys, and other Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitat. The river is where these animals come to drink and move through the forest.

After you paddle out, you change into dry clothes and eat a typical Costa Rican meal prepared by a local: rice, beans, plantains, and chicken. Then you reboard the vehicle for the return trip to your hotel. The whole day runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
• all safety equipment and paddles.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• safety kayaker.
• professional photographer.
• snacks and beverages throughout the day.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Faro Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The full day, about six hours, includes the drive, safety briefing, paddling time, and lunch, so plan for a morning or early afternoon departure. The rapids demand active paddling and physical effort in the water, which is what makes the wildlife viewing and the whitewater itself possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 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. No refund if you cancel.

What are Class II and III rapids like for someone who has never rafted before?

Class II and III rapids on the Savegre River are moderate to challenging, but the guide and safety kayaker stay with you the entire time. A safety briefing and practice strokes before you launch prepare you for the water, and the trip is designed for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Will I actually see wildlife while rafting, or is that just marketing?

The Savegre River runs through habitat where sloths, howler monkeys, and other Costa Rican animals live and drink. You see them in their natural setting during the rafting portion, though sightings depend on the day and time.

How long is the drive to the Savegre River from Manuel Antonio?

The drive from your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos to the river takes about an hour. Your guide provides commentary about the area and local life along the way.

What's included in the lunch after rafting?

Lunch is a typical Costa Rican meal prepared by a local: rice, beans, plantains, and chicken. It's served after you finish rafting and change into dry clothes, before the drive back to your hotel.