Top Costa Rica White Water Rafting

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

(871)

from $65

Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica

Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio

(2,002)

from $73

Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica

(784)

from $130

(1,958)

from $77

Rafting the Sarapiqui River isn’t just a fun way to get an adrenaline fix; it’s also a chance to see spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife. As you hit a series of class III and IV rapids on a raft, your guide shares information about the river’s important history and rich wildlife. This all-inclusive tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you can avoid logistical planning.

Sarapiqui River Extreme White Water Rafting Class IV

Sarapiqui River Extreme White Water Rafting Class IV

Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

(836)

from $88

Tenorio Whitewater Rafting Class 3 & 4 - Native's Way Costa Rica Tours & Packages

10 hoursFree Cancellation

(173)

from $119

Whitewater Rafting Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio Class III-IV

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

(213)

from $107

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(65)

from $119

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

Prove your paddling skills on some of Costa Rica's best white water on a full-day rafting trip down the Pacuare River. Navigate Class III-IV rapids as you navigate through a scenic gorge, admiring cliffs, waterfalls, and unspoiled tropical rainforest that you can only see from the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as sloths, coatis, and toucans during calmer stretches, and stoke your energy with lunch at a riverside camp.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(60)

from $131

White Water Rafting Class III & IV

White Water Rafting Sarapiqui River | Class II - III from San Jose

(1,282)

from $85

10 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(19)

from $105

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(240)

from $121

Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting Class II & III

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the planet and the Guanacaste region’s tropical dry forests are stunning. Discover this beautiful patch of forest yourself as you glide down the rapids of the Tenorio River. Challenging rapids await you as 10 miles of twists, turns, and drops take you through the jungle. An intense experience for adventurers, it’s an exciting way to see Costa Rica’s natural beauty on a thrilling ride.

(92)

from $205

White Water Rafting: Class III and IV on The Tenorio River

White Water Rafting: Class III and IV on The Tenorio River

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour

(113)

from $130

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna

(2,433)

from $46

4 hoursFree Cancellation

This Balsa River rafting experience combines adventure, nature, and local hospitality in one unforgettable tour. Unlike more intense rafting trips designed only for experienced paddlers, this experience is ideal for beginners, families, and travelers who want real excitement without feeling overwhelmed. The Balsa River offers the perfect balance of fun Class II and III rapids and peaceful stretches where travelers can enjoy the scenery, swim, and look for wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. In addition to rafting, guests enjoy fresh tropical fruit by the river, professional bilingual guides, round-trip transportation from La Fortuna, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. It is more than a rafting trip it is a complete Arenal adventure.

(313)

from $93

Balsa River White Water Rafting in La Fortuna & Costa Rican Lunch

Balsa River White Water Rafting in La Fortuna & Costa Rican Lunch

Costa Rica Private Guanacaste Airport ( LIR ) Arrival Transfer

(3)

from $78

30 to 45 minutesFree Cancellation

(463)

from $6

Full Day Class II-III Rafting and Canyoning Rappelling from La Fortuna-Arenal

9 hoursFree Cancellation

White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal

(49)

from $199

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Rafting Class III and IV in Tenorio River from Playa Hermosa

(154)

from $113

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Rafting La Fortuna the highlight of your vacation in Costa Rica - Lunch Included

(18)

from $170

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

(21)

from $73

Extreme White Water Adventure Class III & IV

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(102)

from $85

If you’re looking for an extreme adventure on the Balsa River, this white-water rafting tour is a great pick. Paddle your way down six miles (9.6 kilometers) of nearly non-stop white water—most rafting companies don’t take this extreme route on the Upper Balsa, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see any other rafts as you head through the rain forest canyon. This tour includes an extra stop at the El Salto swimming hole and lunch.

White Water Rafting class V

White Water Rafting Class II and III

(74)

from $150

1 2 3 4 5

Top Attractions in Costa Rica

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Costa Rica

Chris_H, Jun 2026

Great!

Carlos Sanchez was great. He did everything! He explained how to be safe during our drive to the drop-in, he was our rafting captain, he made and servered delicious coffee, he taught us about their farm and even squeezed the sugarcane to give us a small cup of sugarcane juice. He is superman! And of course, the rafting was phenomenal for relative newbies, especially for the price.

Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica

Shannon_B, Jun 2026

Professional and FUN!!

Absolutely top notch experience. We had a very anxious 13 year old and we were smartly paired off with raft guide Fabricio. He’s really good and super funny. He had us all belly laughing so it was hard to be anxious. We saw many people fall out but our guide gave such great instructions (between jokes and antics) we never came even close to falling and we even helped retrieve paddles a few times. We are still talking about how it has been one of favorite things if not most favorite of the trip so far!

Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

Vanessa_R, May 2026

A MUST in Guanacaste!

Our white-water rafting excursion was easily one of the highlights of our trip! A huge thank you to our guide, Junior, who made the entire experience unforgettable. As first-time rafters, we were a little nervous, but Junior was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable from start to finish. He explained everything clearly, kept us informed throughout the trip, and most importantly, made us feel completely safe on the river. His confidence and expertise allowed us to relax, have fun, and enjoy the adventure. The rafting itself was exciting, beautiful, and well-organized, but Junior's outstanding service truly made the experience special. If you're considering this excursion, we highly recommend it—and if you get Junior as your guide, you're in excellent hands! Thank you, Junior, for an amazing adventure and memories we'll never forget!

Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna

Karina_G, May 2026

AMAZING experience!

Booked this experience because we had to fill one of our last days, and went into it with no expectations. Although I was a little nervous at first, it ended up being so fun! Our guide Aurelio was super nice and informative, and had an amazing vibe! We also felt super safe as there are many other rafts and individual guides in the river that go and help out when people get pulled in the water (although this is rare). Overall amazing experience, and even though this seems like more of an adrenaline excursion, at times it felt like a nature one as well because of the AMAZING views and huge amount of wild life (especially birds) that we got to see. Overall a 10/10 and I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for something fun and different for your trip!!

Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3 in Costa Rica

James_W, May 2026

Do it. No question.

Jilbin was an amazing guide! Terrific adventure with our kids ages 10, 12, and 14. The rapids are fairly fast from the start but nothing super scary. Well organized with a delicious watermelon and pineapple on the river and Costa Rican lunch at the end. Enjoyed it from start to finish.

Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio

Samantha_S, May 2026

Excellent adventure

Excellent trip!! The tour guides were extremely friendly and fun! They knew lots of interesting information. They were eager to share lots of history, plants, animals, and anything they found interesting with us. The rapids were easy! There were a couple more intense ones but overall it was really enjoyable and would be great for all ages. The waterfall and snack break were great! Definitely worth it all.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Maiyah_R, May 2026

A must do while in Costa Rica

This adventure is 100% worth the drive from San Jose. The views were breathtaking, the guide was so knowledgeable. If you do this tour, ask for Estebàn! He made the trip worth it with great group morale. At one point you can even jump in the river and float. As someone who has never been white water rafting I felt safe the entire time.

White Water Rafting Class III & IV

Karen_G, May 2026

Fun rafting experience!

So much fun! Bus ride was about an hour out and about 30 min back. We stopped at a souvenir shop on the way there. Our raft guide (Juriel) was amazing and kept us safe in the rapids. The ride started off with strong currents and ended with a more peaceful ride. We had a small break in the middle with fresh fruit - yum!! Came back to a traditional lunch and a tour of their farm led by JeanKa who was friendly and was also our guide on the bus. They take your photos, which is about $40 but split with the people in your raft. What a great experience!

Sarapiqui River Extreme White Water Rafting Class IV

Brian_J, Apr 2026

Wonderful Day

Definitely one of our favorite days in Costa Rica. Jorge was an awesome river guide. Rapids were super fun. We saw a sloth from the river, had some really good fresh pineapple part way down tue river. Lunch was very good as well. Would definitely recommend this trip for any family that loves adventure and excitement.

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

Allyson_L, Mar 2026

The BEST time!!!

We had the BEST time white water rafting. One of our favorite experiences while in Costa Rica. Andres was our guide and he was so fun and lively. We came from Puerto Viejo, the company picked us up directly from our hotel. It was about an hour and a half drive to the rafting place. We enjoyed breakfast and they had lockers to place our belongings. The rafting was so fun, be prepared to get absolutely soaked and to fully participate. It’s not a relaxing cruise down a river, you have to physically participate. It was an all day activity and at the end we were also fed lunch and able to change into a fresh pair of clothes. They then gave us a ride back to our hotel. We would definitely recommend this activity!!!

White Water Rafting: Class III and IV on The Tenorio River

Katherine_B, Dec 2025

Amazing river rafting experience!

Absolutely amazing experience! I was a bit nervous going into it because I had never been river rafting before but it is totally doable and enjoyable! It is evident that the guides are very knowledgeable and LOVE what they do. Unreal views of the forest, can see wildlife, super sick drive on a “tractor” to the river. Would definitely book again.

Whitewater Rafting Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio Class III-IV

Tara_S, Jul 2025

Amazing experience from...

Amazing experience from start to finish. One of the guides, Pablo, along with the driver, picked us up at our hotel. Pablo was friendly and knowledgeable. We picked up a couple of other groups, headed to the main office and filled out our waivers and then headed out. All of the guides were friendly and helpful. Once we arrived at the launching site they helped us all gear-up and made sure everything fit appropriately. They walked us through the directions they would give us while rafting along with all safety info. Pablo was the guide for our raft and he made the experience fantastic. He was funny and very knowledgeable. Giving us info on wildlife we saw in between big rapids. We stopped partway down the river for a water and snack break. The rapids were great and Pablo handled them like the pro he is. Once we finished rafting we went back to the office for a delicious lunch and then they took us back to our hotels. They also had a photographer kayaking along with us with the option to purchase pictures after our experience. I would 100% recommend this tour!