Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio

Rapids, a waterfall swim, and a hot meal in one morning from Manuel Antonio

Savegre River rafting near Quepos is a half-day activity for families with kids as young as 6, mixing playful Class II-III rapids with a midday waterfall swim and snack while guides prepare lunch. The drive from Manuel Antonio takes about an hour and a half each way, and the full outing runs roughly 6 hours from hotel to hotel. You choose between a private group (minimum 2 people) or a shared small group (minimum 4 people), both led by a professional guide in English, Spanish or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Savegre River Rafting and Lunch

• Drive 1.5 hours to river put-in
• Attend safety briefing
• Raft rapids: Welcome, Rita, Oh God
• Raft rapids: Piñata, Devil’s Mouth, Rollercoaster
• Stop at waterfall for swim and snack
• Continue rafting rapids: Gringo Eater, Santo Domingo
• Drive 15 minutes to lunch location
• Enjoy hot Costa Rican meal
• Drive 30 minutes back to Quepos

The experience

The Savegre is one of the cleanest rivers in Central America, and this run treats it as a family adventure rather than an adrenaline test. You start with a drive south from Manuel Antonio through oil plantations and teak forests to the put-in at Río Blanco, where a safety briefing gets everyone ready. The rapids have names that set the mood (Welcome, Roller Coaster, Washing Machine, Santo Domingo), and they're designed to soak and excite without terrifying. Kids scream, but they stay engaged.

Halfway through, the guides pull over at a waterfall where you swim while they lay out fresh fruit, cookies and cold drinks. It's the break that turns a morning of paddling into something the whole family remembers. After you finish the last big rapid, Santo Domingo, the river calms and you paddle out to meet the minibus. A short drive takes you to lunch (either on the riverbank or at a local restaurant), where a hot Costa Rican meal arrives at your table. Then it's a 30-minute ride back to Quepos.

The whole outing runs about 6 hours from the time you're picked up at your hotel to the time you return. You can book as a private group (your group only, minimum 2 people) or join a small group with other guests (minimum 4 people). Children pay the same as adults and are welcome from age 6. A professional guide leads in English, Spanish or Italian, and lunch and snacks are included in the price.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• snacks of fresh fruit and cookies at the waterfall.
• lunch at a local restaurant or on the riverbank.
• all rafting equipment and safety gear.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small GroupGuide in English, Spanish or Italian · No fixed timePickup is included

Savegre River Rafting Trip from Manuel AntonioGuide in English, Spanish or Italian · No fixed timeWhitewater rafting on the Savegre River, Class II-III, with a waterfall hike, covering 8 miles of river. Includes a Tico lunch and snacks: fresh pico de gallo with chips on the river. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by H2O Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the private option if your group wants the raft to itself and can gather at least two people. Choose the small group option if you're traveling solo or as a pair and want to share the cost with other families on the same morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 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.

How far is the Savegre River from Manuel Antonio?

The drive from Manuel Antonio to Río Blanco, where the rafting starts, takes about an hour and a half each way through plantations and forest.

What are the rapids like on the Savegre?

The Savegre runs Class II-III rapids: playful and splashy rather than extreme. Rapids like Welcome, Roller Coaster and Washing Machine are designed to excite families without scaring them, and the last big one, Santo Domingo, comes before the river calms for the paddle-out.

Can I bring my 6-year-old?

Yes, the minimum age is 6, and children pay the same price as adults. The rapids and the waterfall swim are built for families with younger kids.

What's included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and return, a professional guide, all snacks and lunch, and the full 6-hour outing on the water and the drive.

Do I book a private group or join other people?

You choose at checkout: book the Private option for your group only (minimum 2 people), or the Small Group option to share the raft with other guests (minimum 4 people). Both are led by the same professional guide.