Sarapiquí River Rafting Class 2-3: La Fortuna to San Jose

Paddle through class 2-3 rapids while your luggage rides ahead to San Jose

Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River combines the journey from La Fortuna to San Jose with eight hours of class 2-3 rapids, a guide, all safety gear, lunch and hotel pickup. The route works as both an activity and a transfer: you raft the river's currents while your belongings travel by vehicle, arriving at your San Jose hotel at the end of the day. Suitable for ages 8 to 70 with at least moderate fitness. Minimum group size is two people.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your La Fortuna hotel or rental home. Your driver collects you and your luggage, then heads toward the Sarapiquí River's private put-in while you change into clothes ready to get wet. The vehicle carries your bags the whole way to San Jose, so you arrive with everything waiting instead of scrambling to pack it all into a raft.

Once on the water, you navigate class 2-3 rapids through lush vegetation with a guide who stays with the group at all times. The Sarapiquí is one of Costa Rica's most-impressive rivers for this skill level: enough current to feel the adrenaline, manageable enough for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. You'll have a helmet, life jacket, paddle and boat. The guide handles safety and route-finding. Midway through, the group pulls ashore for a traditional Costa Rican lunch called a Casado, plus gourmet coffee.

The eight-hour day ends when you exit the river and rejoin your driver for the final stretch to San Jose. No second vehicle, no luggage shuffle, no backtracking. You and your belongings arrive at your hotel together.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in La Fortuna.
• helmet, life jacket, paddle and rafting boat.
• professional guide for the full day.
• tropical fruit snack.
• traditional Costa Rican lunch (Casado) and gourmet coffee.
• air-conditioned vehicle transfer to San Jose with your luggage.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Jun 2027

Book up to3h before

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

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish. Choose the language at checkout. This works best if you're comfortable with moderate physical exertion and want to move between La Fortuna and San Jose without a separate transfer day.

Traveler reviews

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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: Child (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.

Can I do this rafting trip if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The Sarapiquí River class 2-3 rapids suit all skill levels, and the guide stays with your group throughout. You need at least moderate physical fitness and must be between 8 and 70 years old. The 220 lb weight limit applies to the boat capacity.

What happens to my luggage while I'm on the river?

Your driver transports all your bags by vehicle to your San Jose hotel while you raft. Everything arrives at the same time you do, so you don't have to manage gear on the water or arrange a separate transfer.

How long does the actual rafting take?

The full day is eight hours from hotel pickup to arrival in San Jose. That includes the drive to the river, the rafting itself, lunch on the bank, and the final drive to your destination.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, all rafting equipment (helmet, life jacket, paddle, boat), a professional guide, a traditional Costa Rican lunch with coffee, and the air-conditioned transfer to San Jose are all included.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear secure shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet. Bring a change of clothes in a day pack. The driver will store your main luggage separately. You'll be ready to paddle within minutes of arriving at the river.