Whitewater Rafting Sarapiquí River Class 3-4 from La Fortuna

Navigate class 3-4 rapids through jungle and wildlife on the Sarapiquí

Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River near La Fortuna combines class 3-4 rapids with an eight-hour day that includes pickup from your hotel, all equipment, a guide in English or Spanish, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. The river runs through lush vegetation where you'll see local wildlife between the fast water. This activity suits people with at least moderate rafting experience and moderate fitness.

The experience

A vehicle picks you up in La Fortuna and brings you to the Sarapiquí River, where you'll spend the morning and early afternoon navigating class 3-4 rapids. The guide provides a helmet, life jacket and paddle, and stays with the group throughout. You descend through the river's currents surrounded by tropical vegetation. The wildlife sightings depend on the day and the water level, but the rapids themselves are the constant draw here.

After rafting, you eat lunch at the operator's restaurant: a casado, the traditional Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantain, salad and protein. The vehicle then returns you to your hotel. The full day runs eight hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• traditional Costa Rican casado lunch at the restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Jun 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 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 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company

Is this one for you?The eight-hour commitment and class 3-4 rapids demand moderate fitness and prior rafting experience, so this suits people who've paddled before and want a full day of river time rather than a short introduction to whitewater.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

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 skill level do I need for class 3-4 rapids on the Sarapiquí?

Class 3-4 rafting requires at least moderate rafting experience. This is not an introduction to whitewater. The guide will brief you on technique and safety before you enter the water, but you should be comfortable handling a paddle and following commands in fast current.

What's included in the price?

The package covers hotel pickup and return transport, all rafting gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle), the guide, and lunch at the restaurant after the river. You bring a change of clothes and a towel.

How long is the actual rafting versus the full day?

The full experience runs eight hours including pickup, the river time, lunch and return to your hotel. The rafting itself takes up the morning and early afternoon. The exact duration on the water depends on water conditions and the guide's pace.

What happens if the water is too high or too low?

The Sarapiquí operates year-round, but water levels change with rainfall. The operator will confirm conditions when you book and may adjust the itinerary if needed, though cancellations due to water level are rare on this section of river.