Rafting in Costa Rica: The 14 Best Rainforest Rivers

1.White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

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

Review of Maquique Adventure’s Costa Rica canyoning and rafting combo, with waterfall rappels, zip lining, lunch, safety notes, and value advice.

“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

Review of La Fortuna’s Pure Trek canyoning and rafting combo, with waterfall rappelling, Class 2 to 3 rapids, lunch, transport, costs, and tips.

“Both parts of the tour were exciting and done well. The Pure Trek canyoning part was so fun and the waterfalls were beautiful. All the employees were outgoing and good at making you feel safe and put at ease. A super fun adventure I’d recommend to all. There were lockers at the start to put all extra belongings in. We took our phones in a wet case, and even though we bought the pictures, I would recommend this because their pics are great, but the photographer wasn’t at every descent and we were able to get some pictures on the hiking trails. Our white water rafting tour was done with…”

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

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

Raft Class II-III rapids on Costa Rica’s Savegre River with wildlife, guides, lunch, hotel pickup, and family-friendly adventure.

“This is the third time we’ve gone with this company and have not been disappointed once. I highly recommend them to anybody looking for fun and adventure. I will use them again 100%”

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4.White Water Rafting class V

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

Review of La Fortuna’s Class V rafting trip: river thrills, expert guides, lunch, transport, safety support, pricing, and who should book.

“If you want thrills and excitement with a great team then book this adventure. The wife and I just did this, and it was awesome! The staff is excellent and safe. Thanks to all of you”

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5.La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

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

Review of a private Guanacaste adventure with cliff jumping, La Leona Waterfall, river tubing, lunch, drinks, and private transport.

“Fantastic experience overall with Sebastian. The hike and swim to get to the waterfall was worth it and the river tubing was a great end to the day.”

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6.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

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

Review the Savegre River rafting tour from Jaco, with Class III rapids, wildlife, waterfall stops, meals, transport, prices, and practical tips.

“Great trip with great guides. Highly recommend! They will take good care of you on the river and feed you a good breakfast and lunch at an authentic Costa Rica restaurant.”

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7.Combo Arenal Rafting and Canyoning Adventure

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

Review of La Fortuna’s Arenal canyoning and Balsa River rafting combo, with rapids, waterfalls, lunch, wildlife, price, and practical tips.

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

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

Review of La Fortuna’s 5-hour Balsa River rafting trip, with Class 3 rapids, jungle wildlife, lunch, fruit, transport, and practical booking tips.

“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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9.Savegre River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

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

Review of private Savegre River rafting from Manuel Antonio, with Class II and III rapids, waterfall swimming, lunch, transport, and practical tips.

“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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10.Naranjo River Rafting Private Trip from Manuel Antonio

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

Raft the Naranjo River from Manuel Antonio with guides, transport, gear, snacks, and thrilling rapids in a private half-day trip.

“Such an amazing and adventurous times!!! Went with 2 kids, did rapids 3-4. The team is extremely professional and very knowledgeable of the river and the rafting itself.Gregory and John were our instructors in the raft, taught us how to properly paddle and work as a team. Landon was out safely guard, he was rafting in front to make sure we are safe at all the times, he also helped us to get back in the raft after falling. El Capitan the most fun and experienced driver, took us through the tiny and steep jungle roads!”

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11.White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $131

Raft Costa Rica’s Pacuare River from Puerto Viejo with Class III-IV rapids, rainforest scenery, breakfast, lunch, guides, and hotel transport.

“Our guide Andres was amazing and very entertaining. This was our first ever time going white water rafting and I think we picked the best one. The Pacuare River is a perfect mix of rapids and floating along with excitement and adventure and topped off with breathtaking scenery. You can’t go wrong with this trip and I feel is a must do for Costa Rica.”

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12.Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

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

Review of Pacuare River rafting from San Jose, with rapids, rainforest scenery, meals, guides, transport, costs, tips, and drawbacks.

“I had an amazing experience!! I will definitely do this again when I visit Costa Rica. My guide was awesome!”

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13.Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

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

Raft the Sarapiquí River in Costa Rica on a beginner-friendly Class II-III trip with guides, snacks, swimming, and transport included.

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

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

Review of La Fortuna white-water rafting with gear, guides, tropical fruit, swimming, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch for $72.

“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! One of the best experiences I’ve had while traveling! Guides were knowledge, friendly and helpful in learning how to raft. The river was a good introduction to rafting and I highly recommend this trip over other companies. Much more personal and small compared to others.”

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