Sarapiqui River: Extreme White Water Rafting & Wildlife

Summary

White water rafting in Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui with wildlife and local flavors

You’ll charge through Sarapiqui River’s wildest rapids with a local guide cheering you on, spot sloths or toucans between splashes, snack on fresh fruit right on the raft, then end up sharing stories over a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Expect to feel both exhausted and oddly peaceful by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before we were already bouncing through the first set of rapids on the Sarapiqui River. Our guide, Andrés, grinned like he’d seen every nervous face before — probably had — and shouted something about “paddle hard!” over the roar. The water was colder than I expected, sharp against my arms, but it felt good under the sun. There was this weird mix of adrenaline and just… noticing things: how the jungle pressed in green and close, how a toucan flashed past (I almost missed it), how everyone in our raft kept laughing after each wave even though we were soaked.

Somewhere between rapids, when things got a little calmer, Andrés pointed out a sloth way up in the trees. I squinted forever before I saw it — just a fuzzy lump at first. He told us about La Selva Biological Station nearby; apparently, it’s one of those places scientists get excited about. Honestly I didn’t expect to learn much on a white water rafting tour, but there was this moment where everything went quiet except for birds and dripping paddles. It smelled like wet earth and fruit skins (they handed out pineapple slices right from the raft — sticky fingers, worth it).

The last stretch was wild — more class IV rapids that made my arms ache in a good way. We pulled out by some old trees where towels waited (blessed) and Andrés high-fived everyone like we’d won something big. Lunch was this plate called casado — rice, beans, plantains, chicken — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after all that effort. I still think about how tired and happy I felt sitting there with muddy shoes under the table. If you want an extreme day trip from San José or La Fortuna with real river energy (and actual wildlife), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sarapiqui River white water rafting adventure

• Arrive at meeting point by 08:30
• Receive safety instructions and gear
• Board raft with professional guide
• Raft through over 30 class 3 and 4 rapids
• Observe wildlife like sloths and toucans
• Enjoy fruit on the river
• Finish rafting after 2 hours
• Have Costa Rican Casado lunch
• Relax with PURA VIDA time

Top questions

How difficult is the Sarapiqui River white water rafting?

The tour covers class IV and III rapids for over two hours; participants need strong physical fitness and must know how to swim.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sarapiqui rafting tour?

Yes, pickup is included for hotels within 6 km of the main office; pickup times may vary by up to 20 minutes depending on location.

What wildlife might I see during rafting?

You might spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and other local animals along the riverbanks during your descent.

Are meals provided on this white water rafting day trip?

Yes—fresh fruit is served on the river and a traditional Costa Rican lunch (“casado”) is included after rafting.

What should I bring for Sarapiqui River rafting?

Bring clothes to get wet in, changing clothes for after, tennis or water shoes—towels are provided.

Is there an age limit or weight restriction?

The minimum age is 12 years old; not recommended for people over 120 kilos (260 pounds).

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes—just let them know at booking if you need vegetarian food.

How long does the rafting last?

The actual rafting runs for about two hours across more than 30 rapids.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if you’re staying within 6 km of their main office (they’ll confirm your time), all safety gear like helmet and life vest plus instructions from professional bilingual guides before you hit the river. You’ll get fresh fruit served right on board mid-ride (sticky hands are part of it), towels when you finish up drenched but happy, bottled water throughout—and finally a proper Costa Rican casado lunch before heading back out into regular life again.