Rafting in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is among the world’s finest whitewater rafting spots in the world.  Here rivers descend through beautiful and exotic wilderness, ranging from Class II to Class V rapids.  Whether a beginner rafter or an experienced one, nature lover or thrill seeker, Costa Rica offers a wonderful white water rafting experience.

Some of Costa Rica’s most popular rivers include the Pacuare, Reventazón and Corobicí.  The river routes available to rafters go from the turbulent waters of the lower Reventazón, to the wandering curves of the Corobicí, where you can spend more time watching Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife.  Most rafting trips offer a good combination of adventurous rapids with calmer paddling where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

When rafting in Costa Rica, make sure to choose an experienced white water rafting company, as these businesses are not regulated.  They will provide you with trained river guides as well as modern equipment – life vests, helmets, rafts and paddles.  One day white water rafting trips include transportation to and from the river and lunch.  Multi day trips can also be arranged with lodging, meals and overnight trips. 

Rafting in Costa Rica is good year-round, however, the months of June through October are considered to be the wildest months of the year- ideal for a heart pounding adventure.

International Scale of River Difficulty

• Class I
   Moving water with a slow flow and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
  
• Class II
  Easy rapids with small waves and wide, clear channels. Some maneuvering is required.
  
• Class III
  Rapids with high irregular waves. Narrow passages that often require more complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.
  
• Class IV
  Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary. Generally not possible for open canoes.
  Class V
   Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.
  
• Class VI
  Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Very dangerous - for teams or experts only.

Overview of Costa Rica’s Rafting Rivers

Pacuare River (Class III – V)
Named one of the top 10 river trips in the world by the National Geographic, the Pacuare River is Costa Rica’s white-water jewel.  It has its source in the Cordillera de Talamanca and flows approximately 108 km to the Caribbean.  The rainforests that surround the river are breathtaking, as well as the 20 waterfalls that punctuate the area – the 150 foot cascade ‘Huacas Falls’ is one of Costa Rica’s natural treasures. 
Multi day trips recommended.

Reventazón River (Class II – V)
The Reventazón River or Río Reventazón is 145 km long and flows into the Caribbean Sea, running alongside the Pacuare River to the west.  It’s one of Costa Rica’s most exciting rivers, ranging all the way up to class V, though most trips are class III rapids. This river is widely considered to be among the most adventurous rafting trips in the country.
One day trips are the most popular.

Corobicí River (Class I-II)
Corobicí River is located in the beautiful province of Guanacaste and is the perfect rafting river for beginners, families, children and elderly people. The river’s water is smooth and calm, and requires little paddling. It’s bordered by tropical dry forest, with great animal and bird watching.