White Water Rafting Naranjo River Quepos: Class III & IV Rapids

Four hours of Class III and IV rapids through Costa Rican jungle

Half-day white water rafting on the Naranjo River near Quepos, where you navigate Class III and IV rapids as the river drops steeply through jungle gorges. The trip includes a professional English-speaking guide, all safety gear, snacks and air-conditioned transport to and from your hotel. Minimum age is 12. Moderate physical fitness required.

The experience

The Naranjo River starts high in the Costa Rican mountains and drops fast through pristine jungle gorges, creating the Class III and IV rapids that define this half-day run. You'll be outfitted with a helmet, life jacket and paddle before the guide walks you through the techniques you'll need. The river changes constantly (water levels and conditions shift with the season), so no two trips are identical, and the guide reads the current to find the line through each rapid.

Transport picks you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you to the put-in. Once on the water, you're paddling for roughly four hours, working the raft through the gorges with your guide calling the moves. Between the big rapids, the pace slows enough to catch your breath and take in the jungle closing in on both banks. Snacks are provided during the run.

This is not a scenic float. The Naranjo is built for people who have rafted before and are comfortable with serious whitewater. If you've done Class III or IV rapids elsewhere, you know what to expect. First-time rafters or anyone uncertain about their swimming ability should look at a gentler section of river.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading you through the rapids.
• all safety gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle).
• snacks during the run.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 11:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Iguana Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so non-Spanish speakers follow the instructions and safety briefing without a barrier. Book this if you've rafted Class III or IV rapids before and want the challenge of a steep, fast-moving river. If whitewater is new to you, choose a gentler section instead.

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Top questions

What do I need to bring for the Naranjo River rafting trip?

Bring a swimsuit, water shoes or sandals that won't slip off, and a towel. The guide provides the helmet, life jacket, paddle and all safety gear. Sunscreen and a rash guard help on the water, and pack any personal medications in a waterproof bag.

Is the Naranjo River suitable for someone who has never rafted before?

The Naranjo River runs Class III and IV rapids and is recommended for experienced rafters familiar with that level of whitewater. If you've never rafted or have only done calm-water trips, a different river section would be a better fit.

How long does the actual rafting take, and what about travel time?

The rafting itself runs roughly four hours on the water. Add time for the drive to the river, gear fitting and a safety briefing before you launch, plus the return to your hotel afterward. Plan for a half-day commitment from pickup to drop-off.

What physical fitness level do I need for this trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Paddling Class III and IV rapids requires upper body strength, core stability and the ability to follow rapid commands from the guide while managing the paddle and your balance in the raft.

Can children go on the Naranjo River rafting trip?

Children must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult. They also need to meet the moderate fitness requirement and be comfortable in moving water with a life jacket on.

What is included in the rafting trip price?

The price includes the professional English-speaking guide, all safety equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle), snacks during the trip and air-conditioned transport to and from your hotel.