Sarapiquí River white water rafting: Class IV rapids, 2 hours

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (845 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars
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1/50
Duration5h
GroupUp to 50
LanguagesEN · ES
PickupAt your hotel

Six people, 30 rapids, two hours of paddling through protected rainforest

White water rafting on the Sarapiquí River is a Class IV activity where you paddle a six-person raft through continuous rapids and waves for over 2 hours, guided by a professional bilingual guide. The river flows through the La Selva Biological Station, one of the three most important neotropical research reserves in Costa Rica, where you'll spot sloths, monkeys and toucans during the descent. Pickup from hotels within 6 km is included; the tour departs daily at 8:30 am and returns by 2:30 pm.

The Experience

You arrive at the meeting point in the morning and get fitted with a helmet, personal flotation device and paddle. The guide runs through safety procedures and explains what to expect on the water — the Sarapiquí is known for continuous Class 3 and 4 rapids with big splashing waves and obstacles that demand hard paddling and teamwork. This is not a scenic float; it's a physical challenge where the guide calls out commands and you respond as a crew.

The descent covers more than 30 rapids over 2 hours. Between the paddling, wildlife moves through the canopy around you — sloths, monkeys, toucans and more — because the river cuts through the 3,739-hectare La Selva Biological Station, a protected territory that draws researchers from around the world. The combination of adrenaline and the setting is what sets this river apart from other rafting in the region; you're not just running rapids, you're running them through one of the most important biological reserves on the continent.

After the paddle, you get towels and change into dry clothes. Lunch is a traditional Costa Rican casado (a plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains and protein), served with fresh fruit and water. The tour wraps by early afternoon, giving you the rest of the day free. Souvenir photos taken during the run are available to purchase at the end.

What’s included

  • Professional bilingual guide and safety kayaker.
  • all safety equipment (helmet, personal flotation device, paddle).
  • fresh fruit and bottled water on the river.
  • traditional Costa Rican lunch.
  • towels.
  • pickup from hotels within 6 km of the main office.
Good to know
Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Arenal Rafting

Is this one for you?Most rafting in the region runs gentler water; this one is continuous Class IV rapids where you paddle hard for two hours straight. Book it if you want the adrenaline and the physical challenge, not a scenic float.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the Sarapiquí River like for someone who has never done Class IV rafting before?

The Sarapiquí is continuous Class 3 and 4 rapids with big splashing waves and obstacles over 2 hours, so it demands hard paddling and good teamwork. The guide is professional and bilingual, and a safety kayaker is present on the water. You must know how to swim and be in good physical condition; the minimum age is 14.

How much of the day does this tour take up?

The tour runs from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, so it's a full morning and early afternoon. Pickup from hotels within 6 km of the main office is included, though the pickup time may vary by up to 20 minutes depending on your hotel's location.

What wildlife will I actually see on the Sarapiquí?

The river flows through the La Selva Biological Station, so sloths, monkeys, toucans and other species move through the canopy during the descent. The timing and visibility depend on the day, but the protected rainforest around the rapids is active habitat.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, all safety gear (helmet, personal flotation device, paddle), fresh fruit and water on the river, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, towels, and pickup from hotels within 6 km. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

What do I need to bring and wear?

Bring changing clothes, clothes you don't mind getting wet, and water shoes or tennis shoes with good grip. You'll be paddling hard and getting splashed, so plan to be soaked by the end.

Sarapiquí River white water rafting: Class IV rapids, 2 hours

5h · EN · ES · at your hotel

from US$ 85 per person

★★★★★★★★★★4.96845 reviews
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