Look to the central Pacific coast and southern Caribbean coast for some of the most pristine rivers and greatest rapids
Discovering Costa Rica’s untamed tropical wilderness afloat a big brash river on a white water rafting tour is an unrivaled adventure, one of both beauty and excitement. White water rafting can be found all over Costa Rica, but some of the most gorgeous rivers in the world can be found in the central Pacific coast, near Manuel Antonio, and the southern Caribbean coast, just north of Limón and Puerto Viejo.
Manuel Antonio is one of the best locations to start a white water rafting journey, as many accessible rivers surround the area. The Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in the country, flows into an estuary right in the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Naranjo River has a “put-in” point not far from Manuel Antonio, and offers a magnificently wild ride. Just inland from all this excitement you’ll find the source of one of the top 10 rivers in the world, Pacuare River. Pacuare River stretches all the way from the Caribbean coast, by Limón, inland, almost to Cartago, offering a rafting adventure of a lifetime, and one that could last up to four days.
Savegre River-Manuel Antonio
This river features class II and III rapids, a perfect place for beginner rafters. Savegre is a magnificent stretch of coastal whitewater, surrounded by lush primary rainforest, waterfalls, and canyons. The forest around this river is home to many tropical birds, including osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, and cormorants.
The river’s calmer spots provide opportune wildlife and scenery viewing, while rapids, such as the “Cinderella”, “Malibu” and “The Devil’s Mouth”, are adrenaline inducing roller coaster rides. If you are into fishing, fly fishing is also popular on the Savegre, with Rainbow Trout being the most common catch.
Naranjo River-Manuel Antonio
The Naranjo River will take you on an adventure that caters both toward the nature lover and the thrill seeker. With class III and IV rapids the river will give experienced paddlers a real kick. The river drops steeply from the mountains above Quepos, through a beautiful jungle gorge and takes you on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. This tour is not for the weary or the lazy, you should come ready for physical adventure.
Pacuare River-Cordillera de Talamanca
Costa Rica’s most scenic and most accessible river spans some of the country’s most diverse terrain, passing through densely vegetated primary rain forest, lowland tropical forest and towering waterfalls. With rapids ranging all the way up to class V, the Pacuare is easily Costa Rica’s premier white water rafting river.
National Geographic called it one of the world’s top 10 river trips in the world, not just due to its challenging rapids, but also because of the stunning scenery that lines its shores. This river is intended for experienced and adventurous rafters. Multiple day trips are available to combine the exhilarating rafting adventures with exploration of waterfalls, hiking trails and natural springs along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Come explore Costa Rica on one of the most exciting, and incredible adventures the country has to offer.