Tenorio River Rafting: Class III-IV rapids with lunch
Twelve kilometers of whitewater, a waterfall, and lunch back at base
Whitewater rafting on the Tenorio River near Tamarindo covers 12 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids, including over 22 named rapids and a 12-foot drop at Cascabel Falls, with hotel pickup, transport, lunch and a guide included. The full day runs about 10 hours from pickup to return. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the activity suits travelers with moderate fitness. Those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy should not book.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Whitewater rafting adventure and lunch
- Hotel pick up in Tamarindo area
- Drive 30 minutes to Tenorio River launch
- Raft 12 km on Tenorio River
- Navigate 22 class III-IV rapids
- Spot tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas
- Experience 12-foot Cascabel Falls drop
- Hike to 4x4 vehicle at river exit
- Drive back to tour base in Canas
- Enjoy Costa Rica style Casado lunch
- Use changing rooms before departure
- Tamarindo Beach passing by
- Flamingo Beach passing by
- Tenorio Volcano National Park 9h
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- air-conditioned minivan transport to and from the river.
- lunch (a Costa Rican casado with rice, beans, salad, plantains and choice of protein, with dietary accommodations available).
- live guide in English or Spanish.
Times
- Every day 07:00 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Hotel pickup starts at 6:50 am, and the drive to Canas takes you inland toward the Tenorio River launch point. A 30-minute 4x4 ride from the base gets you to the water's edge, where you'll meet your guide and get fitted for gear. The Tenorio River section you're rafting runs through sections of Tenorio Volcano National Park, and the rapids dominate the first stretches: over 22 Class III-IV rapids in all, the kind that demand active paddling and quick reactions but don't require prior experience.
Between the harder sections, the river slows enough to look around. The forested banks hold iguanas, monkeys and tropical birds in the canopy, and the guide points them out during the calmer water. The run builds toward Cascabel Falls, a 12-foot drop that closes out the rafting itself: the final push before you pull out at the private river exit. From there, a short hike gets you back to the 4x4 for the drive out of the isolated region and back to the tour base in Canas.
Lunch is a Costa Rican casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains and a choice of protein) served at the base after you've changed. Dietary restrictions are accommodated if you note them at booking. The whole day wraps by early afternoon, leaving time to get back to your hotel before sunset.
Is this one for you?Choose shared transportation if you're comfortable meeting other rafters and want the standard option. Book private transport if you're traveling with a group and prefer to start and finish on your own schedule. Self-drive works if you have a rental car and want to meet the group at the launch point instead.
Compare the 3 alternatives
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 many rapids will I paddle through on the Tenorio River?
The Tenorio River section includes over 22 Class III-IV rapids spread across the 12-kilometer run, with calmer stretches in between where you can spot wildlife and catch your breath.
What is Cascabel Falls and when do I encounter it?
Cascabel Falls is a 12-foot waterfall drop that marks the end of the rafting section. You'll hit it after paddling through the main rapids, and it's the final whitewater moment before you exit the river.
Do I need rafting experience to book this?
No prior experience is needed (the activity is described as suitable for beginners), but you do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and you cannot book if you have spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or are pregnant.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned minivan, lunch, and a live guide in English or Spanish are all included. Gratuities are not.
How long is the full day from pickup to return?
The entire experience runs about 10 hours, starting with pickup at 6:50 am and including the drive to the river, the 12-kilometer rafting run, lunch and the return to your hotel.
Can I choose how to get to the launch point?
Yes, you can book with shared transportation, arrange your own self-drive option, or pay for private transport. Hotel pickup is included in at least one option.
Tenorio River Rafting: Class III-IV rapids with lunch
10h · EN · ES
from US$ 119 per person
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