Sarapiquí River Rafting: Class II & III Rapids for Families

Three hours of rapids and rainforest on the Sarapiquí, built for first-timers and families

Class II and III rafting on the Sarapiquí River in Costa Rica, where you paddle through named rapids like Superman and Codo del Diablo, then float through calm jungle stretches to swim and spot wildlife. The experience includes transport to and from the river, an internationally certified guide in English or Spanish, all safety equipment, lunch, and tropical snacks; a minimum of two adults per booking is required, and the 8:30 am departure may shift if river levels change.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting adventure on Sarapiquí River

• Receive safety instructions
• Paddle through Class II and III rapids
• Navigate rapids Superman, Codo del Diablo, Mónica
• Float through calm jungle sections
• Swim and cool off in river
• Observe wildlife and tropical birds
• Enjoy tropical snacks and local meal

The Experience

Three hours on the water means you spend the morning paddling lively rapids balanced with moments to float and cool off. The Sarapiquí is known for friendly whitewater—Superman, Codo del Diablo, and Mónica are the named rapids you'll navigate—but the river also opens into calm jungle sections where you can swim, take in the rainforest, and watch for tropical birds and native plants your guide will point out. The pace is built for families and first-time rafters, not for pushing your limits; the rapids are real, but the day is designed so everyone paddles and everyone relaxes.

Your guide is internationally certified and covers safety instructions and paddling technique before you launch, so you know what to do with the paddle and how to sit in the boat. Transport to and from the river is included, as is all your safety equipment—helmet, life jacket, the works. You'll have a dressing room and lockers for your belongings, and there's a safety box if you need to leave valuables behind. Bring sunscreen and something to secure your glasses; the sun and spray are real, and a strap keeps your eyewear from ending up in the river.

After the paddle, you'll get tropical snacks and a local meal—cassava root yucca and fresh fruit—so you're not leaving hungry. WiFi is available at the center, and the whole operation reflects what the operator calls Healing with Nature: adventure and relaxation woven together, not one or the other. The 8:30 am start time may shift depending on river level, so flexibility on timing matters.

What’s included

• Transport to and from the river.
• an internationally certified guide in English or Spanish.
• all safety equipment including helmet and life jacket.
• safety instructions and paddling technique before launch.
• lunch and tropical snacks.
• dressing rooms and lockers.
• a safety box for valuables.
• WiFi at the center.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sarapiqui Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?The 8:30 am departure may shift with river level, so you'll need flexibility on timing. The three-hour paddle suits families and first-timers because the rapids are real but the day balances whitewater with calm jungle floats where you can swim and recover between sections.

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Top questions

What are the rapids like on the Sarapiquí River?

The Sarapiquí has Class II and III rapids with names like Superman, Codo del Diablo, and Mónica—lively enough to keep you paddling but friendly enough for families and first-time rafters. Between the rapids, you float through calm jungle sections where you can swim and spot wildlife.

What's included in the rafting experience?

Transport to and from the river, an internationally certified guide, all safety equipment, lunch, tropical snacks, dressing rooms, lockers, and a safety box for valuables are all included. The guide speaks English or Spanish and covers safety instructions and paddling technique before you launch.

How long does the rafting take?

The experience runs three hours on the water, with time split between paddling rapids and floating through calm jungle sections.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear a swimsuit, shorts or long pants for sun protection, and shoes with ankle straps—no flip-flops. Bring sunscreen and a strap or string to secure your glasses. The operator recommends a light rain jacket or polypropylene shirt for cool or rainy days; avoid cotton if it's sunny, as it makes you colder when wet.

Is there a minimum age or group size?

The minimum age is six years old, and a minimum of two adults per booking is required.

What if I'm new to rafting?

This experience is designed for first-time rafters and families. Your guide is internationally certified and will teach you paddling technique and safety before you get in the boat; the rapids are real but balanced with calm sections so you're not overwhelmed.