Whitewater Rafting & Tubing

The spectacularly scenic rivers of Costa Rica attract thousands of river-runners each year. During the green season, from June through October, rivers are particularly wild as the water levels are high. The drier months from November to April provide the best runs for rafters of all skill levels.

Several established tour operators located in San Jose and Turrialba offer rafting trips down the popular Pacuare and Reventazon rivers. Rafters will enjoy miles of scenic waters that course through a wilderness flanked by steep gorges towering above the riverbanks. Package trips include transportation, food and experienced river guides to help rafters safely tackle Class II to V rapids.

Just northwest of Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean Coast, whitewater tubing tours on the Estrella River offer an exciting race down Class II-IV rapids. Trips begin with a ride through extensive banana plantations and a short driving tour of the Cabecar Indigenous Reserve, before fording the river and suiting up for the rapids. Whitewater adventurers may choose either individual or two-person tubes for the 70-minute river adventure.

Situated at the junction of the Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo Rivers, the village of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui offers sensational Class III-IV whitewater rafting as well as tranquil safari floats, allowing passengers glimpses of caiman, crocodiles, monkeys and sloths along the river banks. Several rafting outfitters provide single and multi-day trips, as the Sarapiqui River produces exhilarating rapids that draw explorers from across the globe.

From Arenal and La Fortuna, embark on the Class III Balsa River or Class IV Toro River, two of Costa Rica’s favorite whitewater rafting destinations. Just 20 minutes from town, the Penas Blancas River is a popular destination for safari floats, where iguanas, basilisk lizards, caiman, monkeys and sloths are frequent visitors to the riverbanks. Additionally, several tour operators in La Fortuna offer rafting trips on the Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers, often with return transport to other popular Costa Rica destinations. 

Whitewater tubing adventures are available on the Class I and II Rio Negro, near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Tours start with a short horseback ride through dry forest to Rio Negro where tubers begin a 90 minute journey down the action-packed rapids.