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White Water Rafting

Costa Rican rivers provide some of the world's top white water rafting opportunities. Some of the rivers are untamed, and plunge through astonishingly beautiful landscapes; others are interspersed with exciting rapids and tranquil pools and offer rafters an opportunity to take in the lush scenery and varied flora and fauna. Yet others flow through spectacular virgin tropical wilderness.

Costa Rica has Class II to through V rivers, which offer rafting options for all levels -- beginners, experts and thrill-seekers. Its Class IV and V rivers, with their powerful rapids and scenic beauty, are considered to be some of the best in the world. Visited by thousands year-round, the Pacuare River is renowned as a world-class rafting and kayaking river for its rapids and its magnificent natural environment. Many international tournaments take place annually on the Pacuare.

Costa Rica’s Class III rivers offer excitement for both novices and experts. One of the most popular Class III rivers is the Reventazon River, which runs east of the city of Cartago. The Reventazon, along with the Sarapiqui in the north, are part of most tours for first-time rafters.

Class II rivers provide an opportunity to become familiar with rafting and are safe for people of all ages and abilities (including children as young as 7). Commonly known as floating safaris, these slower rafting expeditions provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the activity at a lower speed, and allow tourists to observe wildlife and scenery. Some of the most popular floating safaris glide down the Class II section of the Peñas Blancas River and the Corobici in Guanacaste.

Rafting trips will take you deep inside Costa Rica's uninhabited primordial rainforests. The lush vegetation and thick canopy is home to numerous plants and animals, including monkeys, ocelots, sloths, toucans, cormorants, and kingfishers.

Rafting tours are available throughout the country. Top rivers are usually offered as one-, two- or three-day tours departing from San Jose. The one-day experience gives the visitor the opportunity to experience an intense rafting adventure, while the multi-day packages allow travelers to explore the unspoiled forested areas on the river banks, hike upstream and swim in many waterfalls.

There are many outfitters that operate daily rafting expeditions around Costa Rica. It is important to use a reputable company with a strong safety record. The Costa Rican government regulates rafting and has established safety guidelines for operators and guides. Companies must provide safety equipment, trained bilingual guides and be registered and approved by the Costa Rican Board of Tourism as a reputable rafting operation.