Duration: Full Day · Price: From $250 USD per group of 1–4 · Difficulty: Moderate
About this tour
The Sarapiquí is Costa Rica's friendliest big-name whitewater run — Class II to III through the Caribbean lowland rainforest north of La Virgen, with enough rapids to get your heart going but gentle enough that first-timers and families with older kids can handle it well. You ride in a multi-person raft with a certified river guide in the stern calling the strokes, dropping through named rapids with calm jungle pools in between where you can catch your breath and look around.
This is a private day trip from San José. Your vehicle leaves the city early for the roughly 2-hour drive down into the Sarapiquí lowlands — one of the best wildlife corridors in the country. The river corridor itself is undeveloped and genuinely beautiful: dark-water tributaries entering from the banks, toucans calling from overhanging trees, the occasional osprey diving above a pool. Between rapid sections the guide reads the water and points out wildlife along the bank, and the run typically finishes near a riverside restaurant.
A note on how this one is priced. The tour covers your private round-trip transport from San José and a bilingual guide for the day; the rafting excursion itself is operated by the licensed local outfitter on the river and is paid on site, so it is not included in the tour price. The minimum age for the Class II–III section is typically 12, and the highest, fastest water comes in the May–November green season.
What's included
- Private round-trip transport from San José
- Bilingual guide for the day
- Coordination and booking of your rafting excursion with the local outfitter
- Bottled water
Not included
- White-water rafting excursion fee (operated by the licensed local outfitter and paid on site)
- Lunch and meals
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Good to know
- The tour price covers private transport from San José and your guide — the rafting trip itself is paid on site
- The Sarapiquí run is Class II–III, suitable for first-timers and families; minimum age typically 12
- Drive from San José is about 2 hours each way
- Higher, faster water is May–November; the river runs year-round
- All rafting safety gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle) is provided by the river outfitter
- Bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, water shoes or strapped sandals, and sunscreen
- Free cancellation 48 hours prior