Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica is an exhilarating adventure that’s perfect for thrill-seekers. With Class II and III rapids, this 3-hour tour offers an adrenaline-fueled experience suitable for ages 8 and up. Led by certified instructors, the tour includes transportation, equipment, and tropical snacks. But the real draw? An impressive 4.9 rating from past adventurers who’ve discovered this must-try activity. What makes it so special? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Points
- The Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica offers a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure with a mix of Class II and III rapids, suitable for ages 8 and up.
- The 3-hour rafting session departs from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and includes a tropical fruit snack, coconut cocktail, sugar cane tour, and botanical tour.
- The tour is highly rated by 151 reviewers with a 98% recommendation rate and a 4.9 average rating, highlighting knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.
- Necessary rafting equipment and transportation to and from the base are provided, and a flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
- The activity is not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions, and a waiver must be signed upon check-in.
Overview and Experience
The whitewater rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica offers an adrenaline-filled experience that combines Class II and III rapids with opportunities to spot wildlife during calmer sections.
An adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting escapade on Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui River, blending Class II and III rapids with chances to glimpse wildlife.
The 3-hour rafting session departs from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and is rated highly by 151 reviewers, with a 98% recommendation rate and a 4.9 average rating.
Rafters can enjoy a tropical fruit snack, coconut cocktail, sugar cane tour, and botanical tour during their time on the river.
The activity is accessible to those 8 years and older, though certain medical conditions and physical limitations may exclude participation.
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Inclusions and Additional Services
Although not included in the base price, customers can purchase photos of their rafting adventure for an additional $35.
The tour package includes all necessary rafting equipment, a certified instructor, transportation to and from the base, as well as a tropical fruit snack and a coconut cocktail.
Travelers can also enjoy a self-guided botanical tour and a sugar cane tour as part of the experience.
For those with specific dietary needs, vegan restaurant services are available for an additional cost.
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
Safety and Accessibility
To participate in the whitewater rafting adventure, travelers must meet certain requirements. The minimum age is 8 years old, and a waiver must be signed upon check-in.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with:
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Back problems
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Pregnancy
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Serious medical conditions
Proper attire is essential for safety and comfort. Recommended items include:
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Swimsuit
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Shorts or long pants (no jeans)
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Tennis shoes or sandals with ankle straps (no flip-flops)
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Light rain jacket
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Cotton t-shirts for sunny days
Guides and Customer Experiences
Experienced and multi-lingual guides provide safety briefings, wildlife spotting, and engaging commentary throughout the whitewater rafting adventure.
Positive reviews highlight their knowledgeable leadership, leading to fun and memorable experiences. Customers rave about the tasty tropical fruit and coconut cocktail, as well as the unique activities like making sugar cane juice.
While a few reported low water levels affecting the experience, and some noted transportation delays, the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 151 reviews.
Booking Information
How can travelers book this whitewater rafting experience?
Booking is available online through the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center’s website. A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required, with a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.
Travelers can book this whitewater rafting experience online through the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center’s website, with a minimum of 2 adults per booking and a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.
Pricing starts from $55.00 per person, varying by group size. Travelers can secure their spot while staying flexible by checking times and prices online.
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Minimum of 2 adults per booking required
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Maximum of 6 travelers per tour
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Pricing starts from $55.00 per person
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Check times and prices online to secure your spot
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
Pricing Details
The pricing for this whitewater rafting experience starts from $55.00 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the size of the group.
A minimum of 2 adults is required per booking, with a maximum of 6 travelers per tour. Customers can secure their spot while maintaining flexibility by reserving their experience online.
The pricing is inclusive of all rafting equipment, certified instructor, transportation to and from the base, as well as additional activities like a sugar cane tour and self-guided botanical tour.
An optional photo package is available for an additional $35.
Transportation and Meeting Point
To reach the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center, the meeting point for this whitewater rafting experience, visitors need to travel approximately 2 hours from San José, Costa Rica.
The center is located:
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75 meters north of the ebais in Heredia, Puerto Viejo
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In the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, 41002
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Easily accessible by car or public transportation
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Provides free transportation to and from the rafting site
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Offers parking for those driving themselves
The meeting point is conveniently situated to provide a hassle-free start to the thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River.
Ratings and Reviews
With a stellar 4.9 average rating from 151 reviews, the whitewater rafting experience on the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica has overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
Ninety-eight percent of travelers recommend this thrilling adventure. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide engaging commentary and spot wildlife during calmer sections.
Customers enjoy the tasty tropical snacks and unique activities like making sugar cane juice. While a few note issues with low water levels and transportation delays, the vast majority highlight the adrenaline-fueled rapids and overall fun experience.
Customers rave about the tropical snacks and sugar cane juice, despite occasional issues with water levels and transportation delays.
This highly-rated whitewater rafting tour is a must-do for adventure seekers visiting Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Height or Weight Requirement?
There is a minimum age requirement of 8 years old, but no specific height or weight limits are mentioned. Pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions are not recommended to participate in this activity.
Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket or Do I Have to Use Theirs?
You’ll need to use the life jackets provided by the tour operator. They’re required for safety and don’t allow bringing your own. All the necessary rafting equipment is included in the tour price.
Will I Get Wet During the Rafting Trip?
Yes, you’ll get wet during the rafting trip. The rapids and splashing water are part of the whitewater rafting experience. The rafting equipment provided, including life jackets, is designed to keep you safe and protected from getting completely soaked.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Rafting Tour?
According to the details provided, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the rafting tour. The tour includes tropical fruit, a coconut cocktail, and a sugar cane tour as part of the experience.
Are Photographs or Videos Allowed During the Rafting Experience?
Photos and videos are allowed during the rafting experience, though customers must purchase any photos taken by the guides for an additional $35. The guides can provide tips on capturing the best shots from the raft.
The Sum Up
Sarapiqui River’s whitewater rafting adventure in Costa Rica promises an exhilarating escapade suitable for ages 8 and up. With expert guidance, essential equipment, and delightful snacks, this 3-hour journey showcases stunning scenery and wildlife. Boasting a superb 4.9 average rating, this unforgettable river expedition delivers the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.
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