Savegre River Rafting from Manuel Antonio: Class II-III Rapids

Thirteen miles of Class II-III rapids through jungle and waterfalls, starting with a 4x4 ride into the Savegre's remote valley.

Whitewater rafting on the Savegre River from Manuel Antonio combines a 4x4 jungle drive with 13 miles of Class II-III rapids, wildlife sightings and waterfalls. You gear up at Silencio village, paddle through African palm plantations and teak forests, swim in calm sections, and finish with a typical lunch. A bilingual guide and safety kayaker lead the full-day trip, which includes hotel pickup and all equipment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting adventure on Savegre River

• 4x4 ride through tropical jungle
• Arrive at Silencio village and gear up
• Explore African Palm Plantations
• Raft 13 miles on Savegre River
• Navigate Class II-III rapids
• Enjoy waterfalls and mountain views
• Spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths
• Finish rafting and have typical lunch

The experience

The day starts with a 4x4 ride from Manuel Antonio through Costa Rica's tropical jungle, heading inland toward the Savegre River's remote upper reaches. The drive itself passes through African palm plantations and winding mountain terrain, giving you a sense of the landscape before you touch the water. Once you arrive at Silencio, a small village where the rafting begins, you'll gear up with a helmet and get a safety briefing from your guide.

The 13-mile paddle down the Savegre takes you through Class II-III rapids that build your adrenaline with each drop. Between the rapids are swimming holes where you can cool off, and the river passes under several waterfalls. The surrounding mountains, teak reforestation projects, and African oil plantations frame the water, and the wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas) moves through the canopy above. Your guide and a safety kayaker stay with the group throughout, managing the technical sections and pointing out the animals and plants along the banks.

After you pull off the water, a typical Costa Rican lunch refuels you before the air-conditioned minivan returns you to your hotel. The whole experience runs about seven hours from pickup to drop-off. Your guide speaks English and Spanish, and children from age 8 can join when accompanied by an adult, though the trip requires at least moderate fitness and isn't suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide and safety kayaker.
• 4x4 jungle transport to the river.
• helmet and rafting equipment.
• lunch after the paddle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Costa Rica Groups Travel Company

Is this one for you?Small groups stay under control on the river with one guide and a safety kayaker, so this works well for families with kids 8 and up or friends looking to paddle together without feeling crowded. The full-day format (drive, paddle, lunch, return) suits anyone who wants to commit to one big adventure rather than a quick half-day activity.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What are the rapids like on the Savegre River?

The Savegre runs Class II-III rapids, which means moderate whitewater with waves and some obstacles but no waterfalls or extreme drops. They're technical enough to feel exciting but manageable for anyone with moderate fitness and no medical restrictions.

Will I see wildlife on this rafting trip?

Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and iguanas live in the canopy and along the banks of the Savegre. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guide watches for them and points them out as you paddle.

How far do you paddle on the Savegre?

The rafting section covers 13 miles down the river, with Class II-III rapids interspersed with calmer swimming sections and waterfalls. The paddle takes several hours, with the full day including the 4x4 transport and lunch.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Manuel Antonio, the 4x4 jungle transport, professional bilingual guide, safety kayaker, helmet, lunch, and all rafting equipment are included. Gratuities, breakfast, and alcoholic beverages are not.