Top Costa Rica White Water Rafting

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

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

10 hoursFree Cancellation

White Water Rafting Class II and III

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.

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

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Grip it and rip it on the upper Balsa River during the half-day whitewater rafting adventure over class III and IV rapids. Feel heart-pumping action while immersing yourself in Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty, spotting sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and tropical birds. Cap it all off with an authentic lunch chased down with a glass of handmade sugar cane juice that you get to press yourself while learning about local culture.

White Water Rafting Class III & IV

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

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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!

Extreme White Water Adventure Class III & IV

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio

Whitewater Rafting Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio Class III-IV

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

You book Jonatan — not a company. He has 24 years on the Pacuare River, personally plans your trip, and past guests have stayed at his house. That’s the Turrialtours difference. The Pacuare is National Geographic-ranked among the world’s top whitewater rivers. It runs through a pristine jungle canyon and the protected territory of the Cabécar people — Costa Rica’s largest indigenous community. No dam, no crowds, no highway views. Private 4x4 pickup — never a bus. Maximum 18 guests. World Rafting Federation-licensed guides, CPR/First Aid certified, fully insured. Everything included: transport, equipment, buffet lunch (+ breakfast from San José). No hidden costs, no surprises. Our guests say it best: “friends, not clients.”

Pacuare River Rafting Class IV from Turrialba

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

Dial up the adrenaline with this family-friendly, full-day, guided white-water rafting adventure with lunch included. No matter your skill or ability level, this thrilling ride down the Balsa River and over class II and III rapids is pure fun. Paddle with your fellow travellers over rapids called “Dredges” and “Magnetic Rock” and see the tropical jungle and wildlife along the shore. Afterwards, relax with a traditional lunch.

White Water Rafting Balsa River |Class II &III From Arenal

Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Jungle adventure meets family fun on this canyoning and whitewater rafting tour from La Fortuna. Tour the rainforest, rappel down waterfalls, and bounce down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River, stopping along the way to swim and spot wildlife. This tour even includes a professional photographer so you can leave the camera somewhere safe, live in the moment, and purchase pictures after.

Welcome to the Mambo Combo Rappel & Raft! — the top adventure tour for anyone seeking thrills in the environs of the mighty Arenal Volcano!

Mambo Combo Canyoning and Rafting near the Arenal Volcano

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.

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience the thrills of both white-water rafting and tubing in one day on this combo adventure in La Fortuna, which saves you the hassle of booking activities separately. Tackle Class III and IV rapids in a raft with a small group and guide. Enjoy a refreshment break halfway, then hop on a tube through Class II and III rapids. Afterwards, refuel with an included lunch and enjoy an organic farm tour and sugarcane demonstration.

La Fortuna Small-Group Whitewater Rafting and Tubing Combo Tour

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Experience the thrill of rafting down Costa Rica’s Balsa River on this small-group white-water adventure. Following the lead of an experienced guide, navigate Class II and III rapids as you pass through a lush rainforest landscape for a safe and unforgettable journey. After working up an appetite paddling down the river, enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch at our private restaurant located next to the famous El Salto swimming hole. Round-trip transport from your La Fortuna hotel is included.

Whitewater Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River from La Fortuna

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Combine three thrilling activities into one action packed day with this tour. Instead of having to book separate canyoning, rafting, and water-tubing packages, you get to experience all three along with a small group of fellow passengers and guides to keep you safe and on track. As an added bonus, stop for an included post-activity lunch at an organic farm and enjoy a short farm tour before returning to La Fortuna.

La Fortuna: Small-Group Canyoning, Rafting, and Water-Tubing Tour

9 hoursFree Cancellation

White Water Rafting Adventures - La Fortuna, Costa Rica

White Water Rafting Tenorio River Class 3/4-Hermosa Coco

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

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

The Savegre River inside Manuel Antonio National Park has some of the best white-water rafting routes in Costa Rica. This tour makes rafting on the river as easy as possible, offering an introductory briefing, all necessary gear and safety equipment, a river guide, a professional photographer, and lunch. Paddle down Class II and III rapids and see Costa Rican wildlife in its natural habitat throughout.

Manuel Antonio National Park White Water Rafting Class ll & lll

Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting Class II & III

Whitewater Rafting Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio Class III-IV

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Must-Dos in Costa Rica

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What are people saying about Costa Rica

Santiago_B, Sep 2026

Amazing experience. Pura Vida!!!!

This is a very well-run operation. Safety and fun are prioritized. The crew, Kenneth, Jason, Alvin, and Juancito were amazing. We had a great time! Juancito paddles ahead of your raft and take beautiful pictures of your ride, at an extra cost, but worth every penny. I can’t wait to come back.

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

MonaLy_R, Sep 2026

All the guides for the...

All the guides for the rafting were great. The shuttle ride to the river went by a breeze with Yader spotting sloths and telling jokes. Our raft guide was Roberto and he did a great job making the activity as a whole feel very safe, secure and fun. At first we were a little worried as it was our first time rafting, but Roberto made sure we were ok and also enjoying ourselves. He was very good at spotting wildlife, stopping to show us poison dart frogs, toucans and sloths. One of the highlights was the fruit they served, which to date is the best pineapple we have had ever.

Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio

Alyssa_U, Sep 2026

Awesome Rafting Trip

We had a blast with Amigos Del Rio Rafting Tours! Juan Carlos and Jason were awesome guides and very knowledgeable about the river! We stopped in a small village and got some delicious food prior to hitting the water! Juan Carlos was a great leader and did well with providing instructions during his safety briefing. Once we hit the water there was nonstop fun and beautiful scenery. The rapids were constant, fun, and at points challenging. The break along the river to check out the waterfall was nice, with excellent snacks! Then after rafting the lunch that was provided was amazing! We truly had a wonderful time on this trip!

White Water Rafting Class II and III

Summer_J, Sep 2026

Best Excursion in La Fortuna!

Best excursion in La Fortuna! The rapids were so fun and Class II/III was more than enough action for us. We had a great time with our guide Kevin A, who taught us a lot about the local vegetation as well and kept us safe on the river. Thanks for a great time!

White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

Trinity_H, Aug 2026

10/10 experience!

Amazing experience. One of my favorite things we have done in Costa Rica so far. Be prepared to work! It’s not a lazy trip down the river. The scenery was beautiful and our guide Jose was very knowledgeable about the river, different birds we saw, and overall made the experience so wonderful for us.

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

Payal_S, Aug 2026

Very good. Only down...

Very good. Only down fall was the Balsa River only open when dam is open and it was not open by the time we reached there so we had to go to another river so ended up being a long day and lots of time driving. Wish they had checked before we went or given us maybe some of our money back. But it very good and a thrilling adventure.

Sarapiqui River Extreme White Water Rafting Class IV

Sandeep_K, Aug 2026

Carlos and Alan were...

Carlos and Alan were absolutely amazing and incredibly helpful throughout our rafting experience. This was our first time rafting, and they made sure it would be an unforgettable experience. Initially, we chose a rafting level that was too challenging for beginners. After understanding our experience level, they wisely suggested that we downgrade to an easier level. It turned out to be an excellent recommendation! After experiencing the easier route, we realized that the original level would have been far too difficult for us as first-time rafters. We really appreciated their professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine concern for our safety and enjoyment. Thanks to Carlos and Alan, we had a fantastic and memorable rafting experience. Highly recommended!

White Water Rafting Class III & IV

Mindy_D, Jul 2026

Family fun and memories to last a lifetime!

Elvis was an amazing guide! He made the trip so much fun! On the day we rafted, it was storming and raining SO HARD! Very unusual for this area. We almost canceled but they assured us the water level is regulated by the dam and we would be safe. We were already planning to be wet on the rapids so we went for it! It was a blast!!! We laughed and squealed the whole time! We saw iguanas in the trees. We paddled and got drenched. Was it cold? Yes. Did the rain pour on us? Yes. Did Elvis and the other guides do a great job at keeping us entertained and having fun? Absolutely! Our boat had 2 adults, a 13yo who paddled and an 11 and 9 year old who didn’t paddle. We all loved it and no one fell out!

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!

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!!!

Rafting Class II-III and Zipline Tour from La Fortuna and Arenal

Stephanie_P, Mar 2026

Best experience of our trip!

We had a communication blip on starting location as the location didn’t match the text communications. We thought we had hotel pickup and Wave thought we were meeting there. It ultimately was just an unfortunate miscommunication and we missed the morning departure for Zip-lining. Wave worked hard to rearrange our day to ensure we could still experience both. They were very accommodating and this entire experience ended up being the highlight of our trip! We had a blast experiencing the rapids with our guide Kervin. He was fun and very personable. We would highly recommend their company and use them again. Because we had to shift our time, we had to make it back for zip-lining by 3p. Wave coordinated an alternative lunch and got us delicious boxed lunches. We made it to Go Adventure and enjoyed a fun experience zip-lining! The guides were phenomenal and our 8 year old was very attached to his guide that travelled the lines with him! He was nervous at first but his guide made him feel so comfortable and he LOVED the experience. We were so grateful to both companies and the guides. This will definitely be an experience we’ll reflect fondly on and cherish memories from forever. Thank you!!

Extreme White Water Adventure Class III & IV

Magali_F, Jan 2026

Fantastic!!!

Absolutely fantastic! 1st of all huge thanks to our guides, Steven and David! This was an amazing experience, we loved it. Also many many thanks again for waiting for us for 45 minutes to start the activity!!!! The lunch was excellent and it was fun getting the sugar cane at the end. MUCHAS GRACIAS E PURA VIDA.