Tenorio River Rafting: Class III & IV Rapids in Guanacaste

Navigate 8 miles of class III and IV rapids through remote Guanacaste terrain

White water rafting on Tenorio River in Guanacaste pairs class III and IV rapids with a live guide, hotel pickup and lunch. You paddle through 8 miles of intense, challenging whitewater (irregular and medium waves on class III sections, then powerful but predictable drops on class IV) in a region that remains largely undiscovered by foreign visitors.

The experience

The Tenorio River runs through Guanacaste's dry tropical climate, a province home to seven national parks and three wildlife reserves. The rafting itself spans 8 miles of continuous rapids that demand active paddling and quick maneuvering. Class III sections feature irregular waves and complex turns in fast water. Class IV rapids bring intense, powerful drops that are still predictable enough to navigate with proper technique. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the group, calling out the line through each rapid and managing the boat through twists, turns and drops. Hotel pickup is included, so the day starts without arranging transport.

The full outing runs 7 hours, which accounts for the paddle itself, the guide's safety briefing, and a lunch break partway through. You'll need to bring swim trunks, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting soaked, rubber-sole shoes that stay on in moving water, a complete change of clothes and a towel. Sun protection matters: sunblock, sunglasses with secure head straps, and a hat that fits tight. The operator requires a minimum of two people per departure and asks that all participants be in good physical condition. This is not a beginner's run.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from your accommodation.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch during the trip.
• all transportation to and from the river.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 to 50 years) · Under 11: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The 7-hour commitment leaves the rest of your day free if you start early, but plan nothing else for the afternoon. You'll be wet, tired and ready to rest after 8 miles of continuous rapids. This suits travelers with solid paddling experience or high fitness levels who want a serious whitewater challenge, not a scenic float.

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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.

What are class III and IV rapids actually like to paddle through?

Class III rapids on Tenorio River feature irregular and medium waves with complex maneuvering required in fast water. Class IV rapids are intense and powerful but predictable, with drops that demand active paddling and timing but remain manageable with proper technique.

How much of the 7 hours is actual paddling versus other parts of the day?

The 7-hour outing includes the full river descent of 8 miles, the guide's safety briefing before launch, and a lunch break during the trip. The exact split between paddling and stops depends on water conditions and group pace.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring myself?

Hotel pickup, a live guide, lunch and transportation are included. You bring swim trunks, clothes you don't mind soaking, rubber-sole shoes, a complete change of clothes, towel, sunblock, sunglasses with secure head straps and a tight-fitting hat.

Is this rafting trip suitable if I've never paddled before?

The Tenorio River runs class III and IV rapids that demand active participation and good physical fitness. The operator recommends this for experienced rafters or those with solid paddling skills and high cardiovascular fitness.