The 8 Best White Water Rafting Trips in Costa Rica

1.White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $170Our pick

Maquique Adventure combines white-water rafting with canyoning near Alajuela. You’ll rappel five times, including three waterfall descents, zip line through forest, jump into natural pools, hike beside the Cacao creek, and finish with rafting, fruit, drinks, and a Costa Rican lunch. Expect an active eight-hour day for up to 20 people.

“This was hands down the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica! The entire experience was thrilling and unforgettable, from rappelling down waterfalls to canyoning through stunning gorges and rafting in the rushing rivers. Each activity was increRead more”

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2.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Spend about eight hours combining Pure Trek’s waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and zipline in a rainforest canyon with class 2 to 3 rafting on the Balsa River. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and guides are included. Expect a physically demanding day, a 45-minute transfer, and possible bus changes between the canyoning and rafting operators.

“There was a little miscommunication on the transportation to the excursion, but the guides were very accommodating and made sure we were taken care of. The rappelling was amazing and maybe the best part of our trip to Fortuna.”

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3.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $125

From Manuel Antonio or Quepos, you’ll ride about an hour to the Savegre River, learn basic paddling strokes, and raft Class II to III rapids with a guide and safety kayaker. Guides such as Nico, Nicholas, Jonathan, Mario, Jairo, and Eric have helped first-timers and families enjoy the river. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers are included.

“What a great time- be prepared to get absolutely drenched! The guides knew their water safety, spotted more animals than we ever could have, and shared great information about the nature and the culture”

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4.White Water Rafting class V

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $150

From La Fortuna, Costa Rica Descents takes experienced rafters onto nearly nonstop Class V rapids on the Balsa River. Orlando leads the raft, with safety kayakers such as Jean Carlos nearby. Expect about six hours, hotel transfers, fruit snacks, lunch, and possible farm activities after the river.

“First of all, this was my first rafting experience ever and I was very nervous going into it. My boyfriend really wanted to do class V, so I sucked it up for him. I could not have been more safe than with Orlando and his team! Orlando is a veteran of these rivers and is a top notch guide. Jean Carlos was there for safety following us along in a kayak as well. They are both so experienced. Every time I almost fell out Orlando would grab me before I had the chance to actually fall out. He was on top of it & knew how to handle every situation…”

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5.La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $260

Spend 7 to 9 hours with a private guide exploring Guanacaste by water and trail. Jump from 25, 35, or 45-foot cliffs, scramble through the forest to La Leona Waterfall, and ride Colorado River rapids by tube. Guides including Paul, Sebastian, Alberto, and José are praised for friendly help, local stories, photos, and video. Closed-toe shoes are required.

“This was an absolutely amazing tour and a great company to use. After booking the company reached out via WhatsApp so we had a way of contacting them to ask questions in advance. The jump off the cliff was really fun! I never thought my wife or 17 year old would do it, but they did! Then the experience at La Leona waterfall was so amazing. We saw two different waterfalls and they were beautiful. We had about 30 minutes to hike to the waterfall and over rocks and limbs, but it was very easy but Definately don’t wear flip flops or loose fitting shoes. We had a quick lunch…”

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6.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $167

Start early from Jaco with hotel pickup, breakfast, and a scenic drive to the Savegre River. Paddle Class II and III rapids with guides such as Orlando, Jairo, or Roberto, stop at a waterfall, watch for monkeys and toucans, then enjoy fresh fruit and lunch before returning. Groups are limited to eight.

“Having rafted in California this experience was just as exhilarating but just add beauty and 5 stars”

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7.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about eight hours canyoning through rainforest waterfalls, then raft the Balsa River through Class III rapids and calmer swimming sections. Guides provide gear, towels, water, fruit, transport, and lunch. Victor is singled out for strong rafting guidance and wildlife spotting. Start at 6:25 a.m. in La Fortuna.

“Canyoning is exhilarating. No prior experience needed. I am a 51 year old who is not athletic, but they were very helpful.”

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8.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90Best value

Start with a 40-minute ride from La Fortuna, then raft through river rapids before switching to white-water tubes. Afterward, enjoy lunch, coffee, an organic farm visit, and a sugarcane demonstration. The $90 tour lasts about 6.5 hours, includes transport and equipment, and suits fit participants age 12 and older.

“What a great time. Everything was well coordinated and great. No complaints besides wishing for more rapids”

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