Whitewater Rafting Sarapiquí River: La Fortuna to San Jose Tour
Rafting Adventure & Transfer: Sarapiquí River Costa Rica
You’ll paddle down Sarapiquí’s lively rapids with expert guides, spot wildlife you’d never notice alone, snack on fresh fruit riverside, and enjoy a real Costa Rican lunch—all while getting from La Fortuna to San Jose without wasting a day stuck in transit.
8h
Step-by-step itinerary
Rafting Adventure from La Fortuna to San Jose
- Hotel pickup in La Fortuna
- Drive through countryside to Sarapiqui River
- Whitewater rafting on Sarapiqui River
- Transfer to San Jose
The Experience
Rain was still hanging in the air when our driver pulled up outside our little hotel in La Fortuna—bags packed, shoes already a bit muddy from last night’s downpour. We tossed our backpacks in the van and headed out, winding through green hills and tiny roadside fruit stands. The drive itself felt like a sneak peek at what was coming: thick jungle, flashes of toucans overhead, that earthy smell you only get after a morning shower.
At the river put-in, our guide Marco handed out helmets and life jackets with a grin—he’d been running these rapids for years and had stories about every bend. The Sarapiquí wasn’t roaring today but it definitely kept us on our toes. Rapids splashed over the raft and I could taste a bit of river water (not my favorite flavor, but hey). Between bursts of paddling, we drifted past bright blue morpho butterflies and heard howler monkeys somewhere off in the trees. Marco pointed out a sloth curled up above us—honestly, I’d have missed it if he hadn’t known where to look.
Halfway through, we stopped on a pebbly bank for fresh pineapple and watermelon—sweetest I’ve ever had. After the last set of rapids (I nearly lost my paddle), we changed into dry clothes right by the bus. Lunch was at a roadside spot: casado with beans, plantains, and chicken, plus strong Costa Rican coffee that woke me up for the rest of the ride to San Jose. If you’re looking for something more than just a transfer day, this is it.
What’s included
Your rafting gear (helmet, paddle, life jacket), air-conditioned transport from La Fortuna to San Jose with door-to-door service, riverside tropical fruit snack, full Costa Rican lunch with coffee—all with friendly guides who know the river inside out.
Operated by Desafio Adventure Company
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiquí River: La Fortuna to San Jose Tour★ 4.76 (17)8hEN · ESUS$ 122
Sarapiquí River white water rafting: Class IV rapids, 2 hoursPaddle Class IV rapids on the Sarapiquí River for over 2 hours with a professional bilingual guide, fresh fruit and lunch included★ 4.96 (845)5hEN · ESUS$ 85View ›
La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano ATV Jungle Trail & Maleku CultureFeel the rush of an ATV ride near Arenal Volcano, cross jungle rivers, meet Maleku locals, and capture wild scenery. Includes gear, water, and local guide.★ 4.73 (653)2hEN · ESUS$ 105per groupView ›
La Fortuna Night Walk: ANURA Wildlife Tour & Eco TrailsStep into La Fortuna’s wild side on an eco night walk at ANURA. Spot frogs, alligators, birds, and more with a local guide. Includes entry, flashlights, and parking.★ 5.00 (204)2hEN · ESUS$ 50View ›
La Fortuna Coffee Honey Chocolate Tour: Learn Production & TasteLearn how coffee, honey and chocolate grow and are made on an organic estate in La Fortuna, tasting each product as you go2hEN · ESUS$ 56View ›
La Fortuna Waterfall: Horseback Riding & SwimmingHorseback ride to La Fortuna's 65-meter waterfall in Costa Rica. Private jungle trails, trained horses, entry and transport included. Moderate hike with swimming.★ 4.55 (60)4hEN · ESUS$ 85View ›
Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4Class III and IV white water rafting on the Balsa River near La Fortuna starts at 9am with hotel pickup, a 15-kilometer run down the rainforest river★ 4.97 (1,991)5hEN · ESUS$ 85View ›
La Fortuna: Balsa River Rafting Class III & IV with Organic LunchFeel the rush on Balsa River’s wildest rapids, snack on tropical fruit, and finish with a real Costa Rican farm lunch. Includes pickup from La Fortuna.★ 4.94 (1,320)6hEN · ESUS$ 71View ›
La Fortuna: Balsa River Rafting & Local Lunch with PickupFeel the rush on Balsa River’s class II & III rapids, spot wildlife, swim, and share a Costa Rican lunch with views of Arenal Volcano. Includes pickup from La Fortuna.★ 4.96 (925)6hEN · ESUS$ 62View ›
Costa Rica: Balsa River White Water Rafting & Local LunchFeel the rush of Balsa River white water rafting near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Paddle class 2/3 rapids, swim, snack on fruit, and share a Costa Rican lunch—includes pickup.★ 4.96 (2,088)5hEN · ESUS$ 80View ›
Waterfall Rappelling in La Fortuna: 5 Rappels Down to 230 FeetRappel five waterfalls up to 230 feet in La Fortuna's Peñas Blancas River Canyon with certified guides, gear and hotel pickup, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch.★ 4.97 (1,373)5hEN · ESUS$ 95View ›
Arenal: 7 Zipline Cables Over La Fortuna Waterfall & PickupFeel the rush on 7 zipline cables over La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal Volcano, with a local guide and hotel pickup included. Small group adventure, unique views.★ 4.84 (466)2h 30mEN · ESUS$ 84View ›
La Fortuna: Zipline Adventure & Arenal Volcano ViewsFeel the rush on a zipline course near La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano views, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly fun. Includes all gear and local guides.★ 4.96 (356)1h 30mEN · ESUS$ 55View › 
Top questions
Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners?
Yes! The Sarapiquí River section is class 2-3—exciting but manageable for first-timers. Guides explain everything before you start.
What should I bring for the rafting trip?
Wear secure shoes (no flip-flops), clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and pack dry clothes for after. Don’t forget sunscreen and your sense of adventure.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
The minimum age is 8 years old; maximum age is 70. There’s also a weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg) for safety reasons.
Is lunch included?
Yes—a traditional Costa Rican casado meal and gourmet coffee are included after rafting.
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiquí River: La Fortuna to San Jose Tour
8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 122 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.7617 reviews
