Savegre River: White Water Rafting & Waterfall Lunch

Summary

Raft Savegre’s wild river bends then share lunch by the falls

You’ll paddle Savegre River’s lively class II-III rapids with an expert guide beside you, stop to swim in a jungle waterfall pool with fresh fruit snacks, and wind down over a hearty local lunch—all equipment and transport included. Expect laughter, splashes, maybe a little nervousness…and plenty of time to just breathe in Costa Rica’s wild air.

What’s the experience like?

Did I ever think I’d be paddling down the Savegre River, rain mist on my face, trying to keep up with our guide Marco’s shouts? Not really. But there we were—me, my partner, two kids who were way braver than me, and Marco (who apparently used to compete for Costa Rica’s rafting team). The drive from Quepos was all green folds and bumpy roads; windows down, you catch that sharp smell of wet earth and something sweet—maybe those little yellow guavas? I’m still not sure. My hands kept slipping on the paddle from nerves or sunscreen, or both.

The safety talk was longer than I expected (twenty minutes), but honestly it helped. Marco showed us how to wedge our feet so we wouldn’t tumble out if we hit a big one. He joked about “the Savegre swim”—I laughed but also gripped my life vest tighter. When we finally pushed off into the river, it was loud—water slapping rocks and birds screeching overhead. The rapids weren’t too wild (class II-III), but enough to make my heart thump when we spun sideways. At one point, a blue morpho butterfly landed on our raft for half a second—my daughter swears it winked at her.

Halfway through, we stopped at this waterfall pool that looked straight out of someone’s screensaver. Cold spray on your skin, slippery rocks underfoot—I almost lost a shoe climbing in. We had fresh pineapple slices and just sat there for a bit, watching tiny frogs hop around the edge. Someone said they spotted a toucan but I missed it (still annoyed about that). Afterward, back in the raft, everything felt slower—the sun came out and the water turned almost silver in places. It’s weird how you start off tense and end up just floating along, like you belong there.

Lunch was back at the starting point—a simple meal but so good after paddling: rice, beans, grilled chicken. There was this hot sauce that nearly made me cry but in a good way. Marco told stories about past floods and river spirits while we ate; his hands moved as much as his mouth did. By then everyone looked sunburnt and happy—nobody checked their phones even once. The whole day felt like pressing pause on real life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White-water rafting adventure

• Receive 20-minute safety briefing
• Begin rafting on class 2 and 3 rapids
• Enjoy views and wildlife sightings
• Take break at waterfall pool
• Finish tour with lunch at restaurant

Top questions

Is Savegre rafting suitable for families?

Yes, this white water rafting tour is family-friendly with class II-III rapids suitable for beginners and kids.

How long is the safety briefing before rafting?

The safety talk lasts about 20 minutes before you get on the river.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included at the starting point after rafting along with snacks like fresh fruit during the break.

What equipment is provided for Savegre rafting?

You’ll get all necessary rafting gear: paddles, life vests (lifejackets), plus helmets if needed.

Is transport included from Quepos or nearby towns?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from the rafting drop-off point.

Can people with health issues join this trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

Do you stop during the rafting trip?

Yes—there’s a break halfway at a jungle waterfall pool where you can swim and have snacks.

What’s included

Your day covers air-conditioned vehicle transfers from nearby towns to the Savegre River drop-off point, full rafting equipment (paddles and life vests), certified local guides leading your group down class II-III rapids, fresh fruit snacks at a jungle waterfall stop mid-river, plus lunch back at the starting spot before heading home sun-soaked and satisfied.