Sarapiqui River Rafting - World Class Rapids Adventure

Round trip transportation from your hotel in La Fortuna

Certified bilingual (English/Spanish) professional guides

Complete rafting equipment: inflatable raft, life jacket, helmet, and paddle

Safety briefing and pre-descent instructions

Refreshments with fresh tropical fruits and beverages during the tour

Towel

Lunch

Comfortable clothing to get wet (swimsuit, shorts, quick-drying t-shirt)

Appropriate footwear for water activities (water shoes, or light tennis shoes that can get wet). Flip-flops or sandals are not allowed

Water-resistant sunscreen

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Camera

Sunglasses are recommended only if it's with a safety strap (optional)

Reservations will be confirmed by our staff in order to be 100% secure.

Cancellations or modifications need to be requested with 48 hrs in advance. Less than that will be evaluated according to possibilities or will be considered as NO SHOW.

No Show will have 100% penalty on the price.

For shared experience the waiting period is 5 min after pick up time. More than that will be considered as NO SHOW.

With the reservation request the client Customer ensures that he is in good health and conditions to go along the experience.

Itinerary

Pickup (star)

Pickup from your hotel in the La Fortuna area. The exact time will be coordinated according to your hotel's location, usually between 7:30 and 8:30 am.

Transfer to the Sarapiquí River (1-1.5 hours)

Scenic transfer by vehicle to the starting point on the Sarapiquí River. The transfer duration is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the exact starting point. .

Safety Briefing and Equipment (15-20 min)

Arrival at the river starting point. Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guides will provide a complete safety briefing and explain paddling techniques. Necessary equipment is provided: life jacket, helmet, and paddle.

Descent on the Sarapiquí River (2 hours / 9 miles or 13 km)

Exciting descent down the Sarapiquí River, facing Class III and IV rapids. You will navigate approximately 9 miles (13 km) through the rainforest. There will be calm moments between the rapids to observe the flora and fauna. A stop will be made mid-tour for a snack.

Snack (15-20 min)

Stop midway through the tour to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and drinks.

Lunch (30-45 min)

Typical Costa Rican lunch at the end of the descent at a local farm or a restaurant near the river.

Return to La Fortuna (30-45 min)

Transfer back to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Why choose rafting on the Sarapiquí River (Class III-IV) in Costa Rica?

The Sarapiquí River offers a world-class rafting experience, perfect for adventurers seeking intense thrills in a stunning natural environment. Its Class III and IV rapids provide an unforgettable adrenaline rush. What makes this experience so unique? The beauty of the river, the level of the rapids and the constant adrenaline rush is unique.

Experience a prolonged descent: Enjoy a longer rafting tour

Unlike other shorter rafting tours, the descent on the Sarapiquí is usually longer, covering around 13 kilometers or 9 miles, allowing you to enjoy more time on the river and experience a greater variety of rapids and landscapes.

Immerse yourself in the rainforest: Navigate a river surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife

The river winds through the dense rainforest, offering spectacular landscapes and the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. During the tour, you can admire the lush vegetation and, hopefully, spot animals like monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

Combine adventure and relaxation: Take a break to enjoy a snack on the riverbank

Midway through the tour, a stop is made on the riverbank to enjoy a snack of fresh tropical fruits. This is the ideal time to relax, recharge your batteries, and admire the natural surroundings.

Receive professional instruction: Learn from expert and certified guides

Rafting tours on the Sarapiquí are led by experienced and certified professionals who will provide safety instructions and paddling techniques before starting the descent, thus guaranteeing a safe and exciting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rafting III-IV

Here we answer the most frequently asked questions travelers have about Rafting III-IV and our tours:

What does it mean that the rapids are Class III-IV?

Rapids are classified on a scale from I to VI, according to their difficulty. Class III rapids have large waves and require more precise maneuvers, while Class IV rapids are even more challenging, with powerful and technical rapids. This tour offers an exciting experience for those who are in good physical condition and have an adventurous spirit. No prior experience is necessary, but it is important to be prepared for greater intensity compared to Class II-III rapids.

Is rafting on the Sarapiquí River (Class III-IV) safe?

Yes, rafting on the Sarapiquí is safe when done with professional tour operators. Fortuna Expeditions guides are certified and experienced in handling rafts in these class rapids. In addition, we provide high-quality safety equipment (life jacket, helmet, and paddle) and will give you all the necessary safety instructions. Always remember that adventure activities involve a personal responsibility on following the instructions to have a safe activity.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience is necessary, but it is recommended to be in good physical condition and not be afraid of water. The guides will give you all the necessary instructions and will accompany you throughout the descent.

What is the minimum age to participate in rafting?

The recommended minimum age may vary depending on how the person is told because it is more about suitability of the gear, but children from 12 years old are generally accepted. It is important that children have the appropriate height and weight to use the safety equipment.

How long does the tour last?

The total tour duration is usually 6 to 7.5 hours, including transportation, preparation, the river descent, and lunch. The effective time on the river is approximately 2 hours, depending on the route and river conditions.

What is the best time to go rafting on the Sarapiquí?

Any time is perfect for the rafting tour on the Sarapiquí. During the rainy season (from May to November), the river flow is higher, and the rapids are more exciting. However, rafting is done throughout the year, and the experience is still an exciting adventure in the dry season.

Rafting 3-4

Includes: Transportation, guides equipment, lunch, snack, towels

Carlos Rodríguez
Fortuna Expeditions Guide's Perspective