The Best Rivers For Rafting In Costa Rica (White-Water and Safari Floats): Comparing 15 Popular River Tours

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Article written by Nikki Solano

Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), the creator and narrator of Spotify's Costa Rica Podcast with Nikki Solano, and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. In addition, Nikki has written about or presented Costa Rica on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, in Wanderlust Magazine, and for Essentialist. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️

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Want to save money in Costa Rica?

Our sister site, Pura Vida! eh? Inc., has white-water rafting tour discounts and safari float tour discounts. Con mucho gusto (you’re welcome) and pura vida!

White-water rafting in Costa Rica

We love rafting. Point blank. Given that Ricky was a white water rafting guide and safety kayaker on Costa Rica’s Pacuare River for more than six years, you can imagine how much of a passion we have developed for the activity (don’t miss the photos of some of our most extreme white water rafting trips in Costa Rica provided in our related blog post White Water Rafting Costa Rica: Go Big Or Go Home, or our description of the Costa Rica rafting community we are proud to be a part of in our related blog post The Pacuare River Family). You can also imagine how impossible it would be for us to identify one Costa Rica river over others without imposing our own bias when we respond to questions such as “Which is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica?” However, personal bias aside, it is important to note that our love for the Pacuare River exceeds our personal experience. It is rooted in fact; specifically, the fact that the river’s rapids are some of the best in the country, the fact that the trip includes complimentary transportation between popular areas such as San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, and Puerto Viejo, and the fact that National Geographic once identified the river as one of the best in the world for river scenery (learn more about the Pacuare River experience in our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour). But, all accomplishments and accolades aside, here’s the truth: as appealing as the Pacuare River is, if a run down this particular river does not fit with your trip itinerary, your desired river/rapid level, your children’s ages, or your vacation budget, there are many other worthwhile river trips in Costa Rica to choose from.

In our blog post Where To Go In Costa Rica: Determining The Best Places To Visit During Your Trip we explain that the only person who can decide which Costa Rican destinations are the “best” to visit is the person doing the visiting. Similarly, in our posts When Is The Best Time Of Year To Travel To Costa Rica?, Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde, Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde, The Best Costa Rica Volcanoes: What To Know About Arenal, Irazu, Poas, Rincon De La Vieja, And Turrialba, and Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 14 La Fortuna Hot Springs, we argue that it is up to travellers to decide for themselves when they should travel to Costa Rica and which tours they would enjoy the most. In each case, although we aim to provide travellers with as many details as possible so they can make informed decisions regarding their trip, we are hesitant to pinpoint the “best” of anything, as doing so would only overshadow our clients’ unique interests, desires, and needs with our own opinions.

So, in true Costa Rica Travel Blog style, below is a list of some of the most popular rivers for rafting in Costa Rica that visitors can choose from. The list includes both rivers for white water rafting and flat rivers where safari float tours (slow-moving rafting tours) are run.

ADD: Comment on Pejibaye, Chirripo, Upper Pacuare, and others

Have a question about white water rafting in Costa Rica?

We answer 20+ of the most popular Costa Rica rafting tour questions, plus offer our rafting tour tips and important information to know before you go. Don’t miss our related blog post:

Your Costa Rica Rafting Tour Questions Answered!

Rivers for white-water rafting (Class III/IV rapids)

Naranjo River

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Naranjo River?

• Tour type(s): White-water rafting
• Rapid class: III/IV
• Prior rafting experience? Not required
• Minimum age limit: Approximately 8 years (minimum age limits vary by tour operator and may also depend on a child’s height, weight, and/or waist measurements)
• Tour departure or start locations: Manuel Antonio
• Tour season: Approximately May to November, weather permitting
• Tour inclusions: Typically rafting tour equipment, rafting tour guide, transportation to and from the river and area hotels, and a snack
• 2-day/overnight rafting tour option? No
• City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
• Other considerations: N/A

Naranjo River (El Chorro section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Naranjo River (El Chorro section)?

• Tour type(s): White-water rafting
• Rapid class: IV
• Prior rafting experience? Not required
• Minimum age limit: Approximately 15 years (minimum age limits vary by tour operator and may also depend on a teen’s height, weight, and/or waist measurements)
• Tour departure or start locations: Manuel Antonio
• Tour season: Approximately January to April, weather permitting
• Tour inclusions: Typically rafting tour equipment, rafting tour guide, transportation to and from the river and area hotels, and a snack
• 2-day/overnight rafting tour option? No
• City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
• Other considerations: Tours typically run twice daily

Pacuare River (lower section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Pacuare River (lower section)?

• Tour type(s): White-water rafting
• Rapid class: III/IV
• Prior rafting experience? Not required
• Minimum age limit: Approximately 12 years (minimum age limits vary by tour operator and may also depend on a child’s height, weight, and/or waist measurements)
• Tour departure or start locations: San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Cahuita, Limon, Guapiles, Siquirres, and Turrialba
• Tour season: Year-round
• Tour inclusions: Typically rafting tour equipment, rafting tour guide, transportation to and from the river and area hotels, breakfast, and lunch
• 2-day/overnight rafting tour option? Yes, although not all tour operators provide the overnight tour option
• City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes
• Other considerations: Tours typically run once daily, beginning early in the morning

Sarapiqui River (San Miguel section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Sarapiqui River (San Miguel section)?

• Tour type(s): White-water rafting
• Rapid class: III/IV
• Prior rafting experience? Not required
• Minimum age limit: Approximately 13 years (minimum age limits vary by tour operator and may also depend on a teen’s height, weight, and/or waist measurements)
• Tour departure or start locations: San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, and the Sarapiqui region
• Tour season: Year-round
• Tour inclusions: Typically rafting tour equipment, rafting tour guide, transportation to and from the river and area hotels, and lunch
• 2-day/overnight rafting tour option? No
• City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes
• Other considerations: Tours typically run twice daily, usually once in the early morning and again midday

Tenorio River (upper section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Tenorio River (upper section)?

Tour type: white water rafting
Rapid class: III/IV
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 13+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Samara, and the Guanacaste Beaches (Papagayo, Coco, Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, Potrero, Flamingo, Conchal, Tamarindo, and Langosta)
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, rafting tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes (click here for more information)
Other: tour runs once daily

Toro River

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Toro River?

Notice (2014): Tours are no longer operating on the Toro River

Tour type: white water rafting
Rapid class: III/IV
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 13+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: La Fortuna/Arenal and San Jose
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, rafting tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
Other: tour runs once daily

Mild rivers for white-water rafting (Class II/III rapids)

Balsa River (lower section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Balsa River (lower section)?

Description of the Balsa River here.

• Tour type(s): White-water rafting
• Rapid class: II/III
• Prior rafting experience? Not required
• Minimum age limit: Approximately 10 years (minimum age limits vary by tour operator and may also depend on a child’s height, weight, and/or waist measurements)
• Tour departure or start locations: La Fortuna/Arenal and San Jose
• Tour season: Year-round
• Tour inclusions: Typically rafting tour equipment, rafting tour guide, transportation to and from the river and area hotels, and lunch
• 2-day/overnight rafting tour option? No
• City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes (see above for more information)
• Other considerations: Tours on the Balsa River typically run once daily, usually mid-morning

Colorado River

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Colorado River?

Tour type: white water rafting
Rapid class: II/III
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 10+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: the Northern Guanacaste Beaches (Papagayo, Coco, Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, Potrero, Flamingo, Conchal, Tamarindo, and Langosta)
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, rafting tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
Other: tour runs once daily

Reventazon River (El Carmen section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Reventazon River (El Carmen section)?

Tour type: white water rafting
Rapid class: II/III
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 6+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: La Fortuna/Arenal, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Guapiles, Siquirres, Turrialba
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, rafting tour, transportation, breakfast, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes (click here for more information)
Other: tour runs once daily

Sarapiqui River (La Virgin section)

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Sarapiqui River (La Virgin section)?

Savegre River

Is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica the Savegre River?

Tour type: white water rafting
Rapid class: II/III
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 6+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: Manuel Antonio
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, rafting tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? Yes
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
Other: tour runs twice daily

Rivers for safari float tours (Class I/II rapids)

Corobici River

The best river for rafting in Costa Rica, is it the Corobici River?

Tour type: safari river float
Rapid class: I/II
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 6+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: the Northern Guanacaste Beaches (Papagayo, Coco, Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, Potrero, Flamingo, Conchal, Tamarindo, and Langosta)
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, safari float tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? No
Other: tour runs once daily

Penas Blancas River

The best river for rafting in Costa Rica, is it the Penas Blancas River?

Tour type: safari river float
Rapid class: I/II
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 3+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: La Fortuna/Arenal and San Jose
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, safari float tour, transportation, and snack (or lunch, depending on whether a tour option including lunch is chosen)
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes
Other: tour runs twice daily

Sarapiqui River (lower section)

The best river for rafting in Costa Rica, is it the Sarapiqui River (lower section)?

Tenorio River (lower section)

The best river for rafting in Costa Rica, is it the Tenorio River (Lower Section)?

Tour type: safari river float
Rapid class: I/II
Prior rafting experience required? No
Recommended for: travellers 10+ years (minimum age limit may vary across tour operators)
Tours are run to/from: Monteverde, Samara, and the Guanacaste Beaches (Papagayo, Coco, Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, Potrero, Flamingo, Conchal, Tamarindo, and Langosta)
Time of year tours are run: all year
Tours include: all equipment, guide, safari float tour, transportation, and lunch
2-Day/Overnight rafting tour option? No
City-to-city transportation-inclusive tour option? Yes
Other: tour runs once daily

Map of the Tenorio River Costa Rica

Map of rivers for rafting in Costa Rica

Use our map below to find the best rivers for rafting in Costa Rica. Rivers that provide Class III/IV rapids for white-water rafting tours are marked on the map in fuchsia. Rivers that provide Class II/III rapids for tamer white-water rafting tours are marked on the map in orange. Rivers that provide Class I/II rapids for safari float tours are marked on the map in yellow.

Pura vida!

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