Whitewater Rafting Adventure on the Rio Tenorio





Good to Know
Embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on Costa Rica's Rio Tenorio, celebrated for its challenging Class III and IV rapids amidst wild tropical beauty. Ideal for those in strong physical condition or with prior rafting experience, this all-inclusive tour provides certified guides, safety kayakers, equipment, snacks, and a rewarding lunch. Enjoy round-trip transportation from Tamarindo, Papagayo, and other Guanacaste areas for a total adventure spanning 6.5 to 8 hours.
Whitewater rafting Rio Tenorio is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping river adventure that is not for the faint of heart. The Tenorio River has Class lll and Class lV rapids that will keep you busy paddling your oars as you splash your way downstream. Whitewater rafting in Guanacaste’s beautiful tropical forest terrain is an exquisite opportunity to explore the wild rivers and jungles of Costa Rica.
The tour will start after you are picked up from your hotel and driven on country roads through farm lands and small villages to get to the rafting headquarters. You’ll sign in and meet the others joining this tour before going down to the Tenorio River.
Your certified safety kayaker guide will provide high quality gear including helmets, paddles and inflatable rafts suitable for 7 people including one guide per raft. Your guides will go over paddling instructions and safety rules before plunking your raft into a calm entry point then pushing off into the river to start your journey.
You’ll work as a team paddling your way around the twists and turns you’ll encounter in the river while your guide steers the boat and yells out important instructions. About half-way through the rafting trip, your group will pull over to the river’s edge to enjoy a refreshing snack of tropical fruit and bottled water. You’ll also have a chance to go for a swim or stretch your legs.
After the break, your group will hop back into the boat as you continue on your way paddling down the river. Towards the end you will reach a 10 foot waterfall drop which is a sure bet to be the most memorable part of this exciting rafting adventure.
Once you leave the river, you’ll be taken to a place where you can change into dry clothes before being treated to a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Served fresh will be a Costa Rican style “casado” which is the traditional lunch combination of rice, beans, salad, and your choice of fish, chicken, meat or veggies.
When you’ve finished lunch you’ll have a chance to choose whether you want to purchase photos that your guide took of your rafting trip, before being driven back to your hotel in air-conditioned vans.
This tour provides transportation from Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Jobo, Riu and the Flamingo and Papagayo areas. Also included are your safety kayaker, guides, rafting equipment, snack, bottled water and lunch. One way transport can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to get to the river depending on your hotel location. The total time it takes to complete the rafting tour including round trip transportation can be between 6.5 to 8 hours. Please bring secure water shoes, clothes to get wet in, bathing suit and extra dry clothes to change into.
What to Bring
Clothes that can get wet, secure water shoes, sun block, dry clothes to change into.
Includes
Guides, safety kayaker, transportation, snack, bottled water, lunch
Available in: Playa Hermosa, Coco, Southern Papagayo, Central Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Papagayo Peninsula, Jobo
Tour Times
Tour Type
- Adventure
- Extreme
- Rafting
Location
Lattitude: N 10° 39' 27.26" (10.657571)
Longitude: W 85° 5' 38.1" (-85.093918)
Recent Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of experience is required for whitewater rafting on the Rio Tenorio?
The Rio Tenorio adventure is ideal for individuals in strong physical condition or travelers with prior rafting experience due to its intense Class III and IV rapids.
What is included in the Rio Tenorio whitewater rafting tour?
The tour includes certified guides, a safety kayaker, all necessary rafting equipment, snacks, bottled water, a delicious Costa Rican lunch, and round-trip transportation from designated areas.
What should I bring for the Rio Tenorio whitewater rafting trip?
Guests should bring secure water shoes (no flip-flops), a swimsuit, clothes that can get wet, sunblock, and a dry set of clothes to change into for the return journey.
How long does the Rio Tenorio whitewater rafting tour take?
The total adventure, including round-trip transportation, typically lasts between 6.5 to 8 hours. The one-way drive to the river can range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your hotel location.
Related Costa Rica Travel Planning
- Explore Papagayo GulfRead the destination guide for Papagayo Gulf.
- Explore Playa del CocoRead the destination guide for Playa del Coco.
- Explore Flamingo BeachRead the destination guide for Flamingo Beach.
- Explore Playa Flamingo MapRead the destination guide for Playa Flamingo Map.
- Explore TamarindoRead the destination guide for Tamarindo.