White Water Rafting Class II–III Sarapiquí: 30+ Rapids

Thirty rapids, a fruit break, and a riverside lunch on the San Miguel

White water rafting on the San Miguel section of the Sarapiquí River in Costa Rica, where you paddle through Class II–III rapids for 12 kilometers with a certified guide. The trip includes hotel pickup, a safety briefing and paddling instruction before launch, a midway stop to observe riverside wildlife and eat fresh tropical fruit, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the operator's riverside facilities afterward. Minimum age is 12. Minimum group size is 2 travelers.

The experience

The San Miguel section is the most intense rafting available in the area, and the reason is the rapids: over 30 of them in 12 kilometers. A certified guide meets you at pickup and walks through safety commands and paddling technique before you launch, so the briefing happens on solid ground. Once on the water, the rapids come in succession, each one demanding the coordination the guide has just shown you, and the adrenaline builds with each one you clear.

Halfway through the 4.5-hour trip, the guide pulls the raft to the riverbank for a stop. This is where you step out and stand still long enough to watch the flora and fauna around the river: a moment of quiet after the intensity of the rapids. The operator sets out a colorful buffet of fresh tropical fruit here, a recharge before the second half of the run. After the final rapids, you return to the riverside facilities for a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back to your hotel or onward to your next stop.

The tour operates with a minimum of 2 travelers and runs in English or Spanish. Hotel pickup from anywhere in Sarapiquí is included, and the guide handles the logistics of getting you to the put-in and back. Wear shorts, a t-shirt and a bathing suit. Bring tennis shoes or rubber-soled sandals that can get wet. The operator's contact line is available for reconfirming your pickup the day before.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup from Sarapiquí.
• safety briefing and paddling instruction.
• fresh tropical fruit at the midway stop.
• traditional Costa Rican lunch at the riverside facilities.
• all paddling equipment and safety gear.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 55 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 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 17 days ago

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?Book this trip if you want continuous rapids and the intensity that comes with them. The San Miguel is built around the water, not the scenery, and the 30+ rapids in 4.5 hours is what sets it apart from gentler sections of the river. The minimum age of 12 and the high fitness requirement mean this is for travelers who can handle sustained physical effort and want the adrenaline that comes with it.

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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 II and Class III rapids like on the San Miguel?

Class II and III rapids require active paddling and coordination but are manageable for anyone in good physical fitness with no experience needed: the guide's briefing covers everything. The San Miguel's 30+ rapids in 12 kilometers make this the most intense rafting in the area, so the intensity is continuous rather than a few big moments.

What happens during the midway stop on the riverbank?

The guide pulls the raft to the bank so you can step out and observe the wildlife and plants along the river. The operator provides a fresh tropical fruit buffet there to refuel before the second half of the run.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, lunch is included. After you return from the river, you eat a traditional Costa Rican meal at the operator's riverside facilities before heading back to your hotel.

How long does the whole trip take from pickup to return?

The activity itself is 4.5 hours on the water and at the stops. Add time for hotel pickup and the return journey. The operator will confirm the total timeline when you reconfirm your pickup.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear shorts, a t-shirt and a bathing suit. Bring tennis shoes or rubber-soled sandals that can get wet. The guide and the rapids will soak you. The operator provides the safety gear and paddles.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness and does not recommend the trip for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.