Costa Rica · WHITE WATER RAFTING TOURS

The 15 Best White Water Rafting Trips in Costa Rica

24 tours  ·  from $60 a head

The Pacuare is the famous one and the Sarapiqui is the one you can do on a spare morning. These 15 are sorted by grade, by how much of the day is driving, and by whether lunch and a change of clothes are part of the price.

White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure - A forest zip line between the waterfalls
Alajuela Tours, Canyoning Tours, Costa Rica Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

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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Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna - The 45-minute move to the Balsa River
Canyoning Tours, Costa Rica Tours, Hiking & Trekking, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

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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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio - Getting ready at the Savegre River
Costa Rica Tours, Manuel Antonio National Park Tours, Quepos Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours, Workshops

Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Manuel Antonio

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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White Water Rafting class V - Nearly nonstop Class V water
Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours, Workshops

White Water Rafting class V

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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La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour - Cliff jumping in Curubandé de Liberia
Costa Rica Tours, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, White Water Rafting Tours

La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

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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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco - Getting ready at the Savegre River put-in
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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

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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Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure - Canyoning through waterfalls and narrow gorges
Arenal Volcano Tours, Canyoning Tours, Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

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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Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna - The 40-minute ride from La Fortuna
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Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

8.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

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

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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Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna - The 10:00 AM pickup and trip to the river
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Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

9.Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend five hours rafting 11 km of Costa Rica’s Balsa River with guides such as Christian and Marcos. Expect Class 3 rapids, jungle wildlife, a riverside fruit stop, hotel pickup at 10:00 AM, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch after the run. No rafting experience or swimming skills are required, and the minimum age is eight.

“Our family has done whitewater rafting before and we all agree that this is one of the best. From pick up to drop off, Christian and his team were top notch in the equipment, safety and knowledge of the river. The Balsa River was nonstop action with very little calm water. We had a blast and really appreciated all the little extras like a towel to dry off, fresh fruits and snacks and a delicious wood fire Costa Rican lunch. Pura Vida!”

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Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio - Entering the Savegre at the river put-in
Costa Rica Tours, Manuel Antonio National Park Tours, Private, Quepos Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

10.Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $146

Set out from Quepos with H2O Adventures for a private Savegre River rafting trip through rainforest and farm country. Your guide leads you through moderate Class II and III rapids, including Devil’s Mouth and Rollercoaster, with a waterfall swim, fresh fruit, cookies, and a Costa Rican casado lunch. Guides such as Ronny and Gustavo may be part of the team.

“This tour was very fun! I am not a huge fan of the water/swimming ect but my husband really wanted to do it so I acquiesced. I am glad I did! I had waaay more fun than I had expected and the rapids weren't bad at all we did class 3. We got to hang out for awhile at a fun waterful and stuff ourselves on pineapples and cookies before finishing the trip. My only complaint was the lunch that was included after the trip, they'd have almost been better off not including it at all. It was nearly 20 for 2 drinks, and the food was dry and 'meh'.…”

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Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio - A snack stop beside the river
Costa Rica Tours, Manuel Antonio National Park Tours, Private, Quepos Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

11.Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $134

You’ll ride from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to the Naranjo River, gear up with bilingual guides such as Gregory, Lando, or Jonathan, then paddle through rapids and calmer bird-rich water. The private trip includes transport, safety instruction, equipment, fruit, juice, water, and cookies. Plan on about four to five hours.

“We loved our rafting trip with Gregory and Lando! We were running a little late and they easily adjusted to make it work! The rover was beautiful and the rapids were great including the “surfing”. Our kids really enjoyed it! Highly recommend!!”

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Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose - The Pacuare Gorge brings the strongest scenery
Costa Rica Tours, San Jose Tours, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

12.Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $119

Leave San Jose before dawn for a full-day Pacuare River adventure. Paddle through class II and III rapids, the 5-mile Pacuare Gorge, Huacas Waterfall, and calmer forested stretches where guides such as Roberto, Rob, and David point out wildlife. Breakfast, lunch, equipment, transport, and hotel pickup are included.

“The raft trip was fabulous! We had an excellent guide to steer and direct us through thrilling rapids and glorious scenery. My one complaint is that we booked this trip without a travel agent. Because the shuttle pickup time at our hotel was so early, 5:50 am, and I knew nothing about San Jose areas, I asked twice about the location of our hotel, and for help relocating nearer to our destination. These requests were ignored. The trip home was at least a full hour long after we dropped off the other riders. Traffic was horrible! This ruined what was otherwise a great day.”

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Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica - Two hours of Class II-III whitewater
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Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

13.Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60Best value

Join Costa Rica Pura Vida Rafting for a beginner-friendly two-hour run on the Sarapiqui River. Guides such as Arturo, Felipe, Andres, and Philippe lead the trip through Class II-III rapids, with a natural-pool swim stop, fruit, cookies, towels, equipment, and transport from the rafting base. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Andres and Philippe were terrific. Make sure to jump in at the stop. I am 73 and had concerns, but it was fantastic. They took very good care of me.”

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La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch - A five-hour morning from the 9:30 am start
Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Lunch Experiences, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

14.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72

Paddle 10 kilometers of Costa Rican river with safety gear, trained guides, tropical fruit, swimming, and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup is available, and guide Bryan has earned special praise for his patient, helpful approach. The five-hour trip begins at 9:30 am and suits beginners with moderate fitness.

“Amazing experience! The instructor Bryan is amazing and will go and beyond for you. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.”

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Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR) - From canyon ropes to Rio Balsa paddles
Arenal Volcano Tours, Canyoning Tours, Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, White Water Rafting Tours

Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

15.Canyoning and Arenal Rafting (COMBO TOUR)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start with four waterfall rappels from 49 to 131 feet, then tackle Rio Balsa’s class III rapids. Guides provide gear and safety instruction, and the rafting section includes fruit, wildlife spotting, and lunch. The day starts at 6:30 a.m., with guides such as Osa and Axle noted for clear instruction and good humor.

“We are adventurers, my kids are 9, 9 and 11 - the waterfall part of this tour is a true adventure and the hike takes work, that's my only warning to others, get ready to work for it - it's worth every second. We had a small group of about 12 people in our group - we arrived at the house where you get set up for the waterfall repelling and there were kittens, baby chicks and a family setting up for our breakfast (eat something small before you go b/c they don't feed you until after!) You get to the first small waterfall quickly and then you work your…”

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New in White Water Rafting Tours

★ 5.0Adventure Rafting Class III and IV in Tenorio River from Playa TamarindoFrom $18629 reviews
★ 5.0White Water Tubin in the river BALSAFrom $7040 reviews
★ 5.0Rafting Class 2-3 Sarapiqui AFTERNOON TripFrom $9035 reviews
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