Savegre River Rafting from Jaco: Class II & III Rapids

Navigate twists and turns through Class II and III whitewater on your own raft

Savegre River rafting from Jaco is a small-group activity on Class II and III rapids where you operate a 6-passenger raft guided by an experienced instructor, with a kayaker accompanying the group. The 90-minute drive to the launch site passes through rainforest and rural villages. The river itself mixes adrenaline-pumping sections with calmer stretches where you can swim or step out to take in the surroundings. After the paddle, a 30-minute ride returns you to base camp for a hot meal.

The experience

An 90-minute scenic drive from Jaco takes you through rainforest and the rural villages of San Gerardo de Dota to the Savegre River launch site. The road itself is part of the experience. You'll see the landscape shift from coastal lowlands into mountain terrain before you reach the water. Once there, you'll get a safety briefing and practice time before boarding a 6-passenger raft (or 2-passenger option) with a bilingual guide and a kayaker who stays close throughout the expedition.

The Savegre River is known for its mix of Class II and III rapids: sections that demand real paddling effort but stay within reach for anyone with moderate fitness. Between the whitewater, you'll have moments to look at the flora and fauna along the riverbanks, and calmer pools where you can jump in for a swim or climb out to sit on the rocks. The rapids themselves twist and turn enough to keep the adrenaline up without requiring expert technique.

After the paddle, a 30-minute ride back to base camp gives you time to dry off and change into fresh clothes. Lunch is included (the operator can accommodate vegetarian requests if you note them when booking) along with fruits, water and snacks throughout the day. The whole outing runs about 6.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• A bilingual guide and safety briefing.
• 6-passenger raft with a kayaker accompanying the group.
• fruits and bottled water.
• lunch and snacks.
• hotel pickup from Jaco.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a shared group experience on Class II–III rapids with a set schedule (drive, briefing, paddle, return). Book the 2-passenger option instead if you need a private raft.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 Jaco, and what's the drive like?

The launch site is 90 minutes from Jaco by road through rainforest and rural mountain villages in San Gerardo de Dota. The scenic drive is part of the experience and shows the landscape shift from coast to highlands.

What class of rapids will I be paddling?

The Savegre River has a mix of Class II and III rapids. Class II requires active paddling and involves waves and turns. Class III is more intense but still manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. A bilingual guide leads the group and a kayaker stays with you throughout.

Do I need whitewater rafting experience to do this?

No. You'll receive a safety briefing and practice time before you get on the water. The guide will teach you what you need to know, and the rapids are designed for mixed ability levels as long as you have at least moderate physical fitness.

What happens during the calmer parts of the river?

Between the rapids, you can take a refreshing swim in calm pools or step out of the raft to sit on the rocks and take in the surroundings. The riverbanks are home to abundant flora and fauna, so there's plenty to look at during these quieter stretches.

Is lunch included, and can you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes, lunch is included after you return to base camp. The operator can accommodate vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements if you note them when booking. Fruits, water and snacks are also provided throughout the day.