Sarapiquí River Rafting: Class II–III Near Arenal
Eight hours on the water: rapids, wildlife stops, tropical fruit and a riverside lunch
Sarapiquí River rafting near La Fortuna is a full-day activity where you paddle Class II–III rapids with a bilingual naturalist guide, equipment and lunch included. The river runs through rainforest with wildlife and flora visible from the water; you'll stop to taste local fruits and eat a typical meal at a restaurant in the area. Children from age 7 can participate, and hotel pickup is arranged.
The Experience
The day starts with pickup from La Fortuna and a drive to the Sarapiquí area. Once at the river, your guide covers safety and equipment management before you push off into the water. The rapids are Class II–III, which means moving current and waves but no extreme drops — the pace is steady enough that families with kids 7 and older can handle it, yet active enough to keep your attention the whole time.
As you paddle downstream, the rainforest closes in on both sides. Your guide points out the flora and fauna visible from the water and stops the group to taste fruits that grow in the area — a small detail that breaks up the paddling and gives you a real sense of what grows here. The eight-hour day includes a full lunch at a restaurant in the area, so you're not eating trail snacks.
Bring your own water bottle and wear light clothing, shorts, and either tennis shoes or trekking sandals. Sunscreen and a hat are essential. Binoculars or a camera are worth packing if you want to catch the wildlife detail your guide spots.
What’s included
- All rafting equipment.
- bilingual naturalist guide.
- hotel pickup from La Fortuna.
- a fruit tasting stop during the paddle.
- a typical lunch at a local restaurant.
- eight hours of paddling and wildlife viewing on the river.
Operated by Canoa Aventura
Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary and safety briefing in whichever language works for you. Families with kids 7 and older fit the pace; adults of any fitness level can manage the Class II–III current.
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Top questions
Can kids go rafting on the Sarapiquí River?
Children from 7 years old and up can participate in this rafting activity. The Class II–III rapids are manageable for that age group, and the full-day pace is designed as a family-friendly adventure.
What's included in the eight-hour rafting day?
The Sarapiquí River rafting includes all equipment, transportation from La Fortuna to the river, a bilingual naturalist guide, a stop to taste local fruits, and a typical lunch at a restaurant in the area.
What should I wear and bring for this rafting trip?
Wear light clothing, shorts, and either tennis shoes or trekking sandals. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your own water bottle. Binoculars and a camera are optional but useful for spotting wildlife.
How difficult are the Class II–III rapids on the Sarapiquí?
Class II–III rapids have moving current and waves but no extreme drops. They're active enough to keep the day engaging but manageable for families and anyone with basic fitness, which is why the activity suits all physical fitness levels.
Is hotel pickup included in the rafting activity?
Yes, transportation from your hotel in La Fortuna to the Sarapiquí River area is included in the booking.
Sarapiquí River Rafting: Class II–III Near Arenal
8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 106 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.96101 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
