River Tubing Sarapiquí, Costa Rica: Jungle Rapids Activity

Float through jungle rapids on your own tube, swimming and jumping into natural pools along the way.

River tubing on the Sarapiquí River in Costa Rica is a two-hour activity where you descend the rapids in an inner tube, swim in natural pools, and jump from rock walls into the water. A guide leads in English or Spanish. Safety vest, helmet and towel are included, along with tropical fruit snacks. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

The experience

You descend the Sarapiquí River on a tube shaped like a cookie, moving through the rapids while the jungle closes in around you. The water is warm and clear, and the guide points out the tropical forest as you float: the exuberant vegetation, the wildlife, the canopy overhead. You're not watching the landscape. You're moving through it, and the river sets the pace.

The activity builds around swimming and jumping. You'll stop at natural pools to swim, and at certain points the guide leads you to rock walls where you can jump into the water below. Between the rapids and the pools, there's time to take in the surroundings: the cloud forest, the variety of plants and animals that live here. A snack of tropical fruits waits for you partway through, eaten outdoors on the riverbank.

Safety gear (a vest and helmet) comes with the booking, along with a towel and photographs taken during the day. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Children from age 6 can join. The activity is built for families and works for any fitness level, though it's not suitable for people with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions.

What’s included

• Safety vest and helmet.
• towel.
• tropical fruit snack.
• photographs taken during the activity.
• guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (35 to 55 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Sarapiqui Tubing Tour.

Is this one for you?The two-hour window fits a free afternoon without eating into the rest of your day, so you can tube the river and still have time for other plans in Costa Rica. If you're arriving with a few hours before evening plans, this activity fills that gap without requiring a full-day commitment.

Traveler reviews

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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: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 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 24 h before the start.

What's the Sarapiquí River like when you're actually on it?

The Sarapiquí River runs through Costa Rica's jungle with warm, clear water and a series of manageable rapids. You float through sections of tropical cloud forest where you can see the vegetation and wildlife around you, and stop at natural pools deep enough for swimming.

Can I bring my six-year-old on this tubing activity?

Children from age 6 are welcome on the river tubing. They wear the same safety vest and helmet as adults, and the guide stays with the whole group throughout the two hours.

How much of the two hours is actually on the water versus stops?

The activity runs two hours total. You're in motion on the tube for most of that time, with breaks built in for swimming at natural pools, jumping from rock walls, and a snack stop partway through.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You wear a safety vest throughout, which keeps you afloat. The guide is with the group the entire time. The activity suits all fitness levels, and you control how much you swim or jump. You can stay in the tube and float through sections if you prefer.