What is the difficulty level of the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting?

The Rio Sarapiqui offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids, making it suitable for experienced rafters and those in good physical condition. Participants over 200 pounds should inquire about potential restrictions.

What is included in the Rio Sarapiqui rafting tour?

The tour includes expert guides, a dedicated safety kayaker, all necessary rafting equipment, round-trip transportation from your Arenal Volcano area hotel, a riverside fruit snack, and a typical Costa Rican style lunch.

What should I bring for the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting trip?

Participants should bring clothes that can get wet, secure shoes, sun block, and dry clothes to change into after the rafting run.

How long does the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting tour last?

The river run itself is approximately 13 kilometers and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to navigate. Including round-trip transfers and lunch, the full tour is expected to last 6 to 7 hours.

Whitewater Rafting Adventure on the Rio Sarapiqui Class III and IV

Arenal

From

$112

Per Person

Overall

98%

137 Guest

Ratings

Good to Know

Embark on an exhilarating full-day whitewater rafting adventure on Costa Rica's legendary Rio Sarapiqui, renowned for its challenging Class III and IV rapids. Designed for experienced rafters and thrill-seekers, this expedition includes expert guides, a dedicated safety kayaker, premium equipment, and round-trip transportation from Arenal. Navigate 13 kilometers of intense rapids, pausing for a refreshing riverside snack before enjoying a traditional Costa Rican lunch. This physically demanding tour promises an unforgettable, white-knuckle experience amidst stunning scenery.

Hold on tight and brace yourself for adventure! Whitewater rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui is sure to provide plenty of thrills, spills and all around awesome experience.

The day starts off as you are picked up from your Arenal Volcano area hotel. After picking up your fellow adventurers, you will be driven through the scenic north central country side. The drive takes about an hour to reach the river. Along the way you will pass papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations as well as rural villages.

When you reach the river your guide will provide you with a paddle and helmet. You will also receive instructions for both operation and safety. Then you will be on your way down river.

The Rio Sarapiqui offers adventurers a thrilling run of class III and IV rapids. The river run is 13 kilometers and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to navigate depending on the flow that day. Half way down the run, we will stop for a riverside snack. Your guides will flip a boat for a make shift picnic table and serve freshly sliced fruits and water. Then you will be back on your way bumping, buckling, and bouncing down the river.

At the end of the run a dry towel will be waiting for you. Then we will drive to a place where you can change your clothes and eat a typical Costa Rican style lunch.

This river is physically demanding and should only be reserved by those that are experienced rafters and-or in good physical condition. Please inform us if you weigh over 200 pounds as restrictions may apply.

After lunch a transfer will be provided back to your hotel. Including round trip transfers, this tour is expected to last 6 – 7 hours, though this is subject to change. It includes transportation, guides, safety kayaker, lunch and equipment.

Highlights

Whitewater rafting on one of the best class III and IV rivers in Costa Rica
Enjoy a typical Costa Rican style lunch

What to Bring

Clothes that can get wet, secure shoes, sun block, dry clothes to change into.

Includes

Guides, safety kayaker, transportation, and lunch.

Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal

Tour Times

08:00

Tour Type

Extreme
Rafting

Location

Lattitude: N 10° 20' 45.27" (10.345909)
Longitude: W 84° 14' 43.74" (-84.245483)

Recent Reviews

Overall

98%

Expectations

96%

Experience

96%

Guides

96%

Logistics

96%

Value

96%

2/16/2026

This tour was so much fun! We were a bit surprised to have a boat just for our family of four, but it worked out great. Or guide Jude (Congo) was great - he was funny, engaging and we all felt safe with him. He showed us things on the shores during some of the calmer sections of the river giving us some insight into life in CR. Swimming in the rapids at the break was great, along with the fresh fruit snack. Would do this activity again!

7/29/2025

Our favorite activity of the trip. The drive was nice and driver pointed out things of interest. Rafting was so much fun! Guide pointed out some birds and 4 howler monkeys during the Rafting. The whole family loved it!

6/16/2025

so much fun and the tour guide was amazing!

Call us if you want to see more reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting?: The Rio Sarapiqui offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids, making it suitable for experienced rafters and those in good physical condition. Participants over 200 pounds should inquire about potential restrictions.
What is included in the Rio Sarapiqui rafting tour?: The tour includes expert guides, a dedicated safety kayaker, all necessary rafting equipment, round-trip transportation from your Arenal Volcano area hotel, a riverside fruit snack, and a typical Costa Rican style lunch.
What should I bring for the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting trip?: Participants should bring clothes that can get wet, secure shoes, sun block, and dry clothes to change into after the rafting run.
How long does the Rio Sarapiqui whitewater rafting tour last?: The river run itself is approximately 13 kilometers and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to navigate. Including round-trip transfers and lunch, the full tour is expected to last 6 to 7 hours.