The 10 Best White Water Rafting in Costa Rica

1.White Water Rafting Canyoning Combo Maquique Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $170Our pick

You spend about eight hours with Maquique Adventure in Alajuela, rappelling through three waterfalls, crossing a canyon creek, zip lining above the forest, hiking through rainforest, and rafting white water. Equipment, fruit, drinks, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

“This was hands down the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica! The entire experience was thrilling and unforgettable, from rappelling down waterfalls to canyoning through stunning gorges and rafting in the rushing rivers. Each activity was increRead more”

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2.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Start with Pure Trek’s waterfall rappelling, rock climbing, and zipline in a rainforest canyon, then ride 45 minutes to the Balsa River for Class 2 to 3 rafting. Guides such as Byran, Augusto, Mario, and Warner have earned praise for calm safety instruction. Hotel pickup, lunch, and drinks are included.

“We had a great time rappelling the waterfalls. During our white water rafting, we tipped over and out raft guide (Mario) did an amazing job at keeping us safe and bringing us back on board! 10 out of 10 recommend this tour to anyone.”

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3.White Water Rafting class V

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $150

Take on nearly nonstop class V rapids near La Fortuna with guide Orlando and a safety kayak team including Jean Carlos. The six-hour outing includes transport, fruit snacks, lunch, waterfalls, a possible cliff jump, and time at the company’s organic farm.

“We had the best day doing the class V rapids on Sarapiqui with Orlando! I cannot say enough positive things about him. The rapids were a blast but we never felt unsafe. He knows the river and was an excellent guide. He also provided cultural knowledge throughout the day and after the rafting trip, and showed us around the farm behind the company. We got to hold baby goats, crushed sugar cane, and took shots of moonshine together. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone who is adventurous! And shout outs to Giancarlos (Rasta) and Gustavo!”

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4.La Leona waterfall Cliffjumping White water Tubbing PrivateTour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $260

Spend 7 to 9 hours with a private guide exploring Guanacaste. Jump from 25 to 45-foot river cliffs, scramble and swim to La Leona Waterfall, then ride Colorado River rapids by tube. Guides such as Paul, Sebastian, and Alberto are praised for personal service, local insight, and photos.

“Adventures and sights were amazing! This experience is definitely for the most adventurous and fit. could not help but notice in our travels that other tours had life jackets, medical kits and other safety nets. This experience did not feature a ton of information, expectation setting or attention to needs of tour members.”

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5.Combo White Water Rafting and Tubing in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Start with a 40-minute ride from La Fortuna, then raft through river rapids before switching to white-water tubes for the second half. After lunch, visit an organic farm and see sugarcane turned into a traditional drink. The six-and-a-half-hour outing suits fit adults and children 12 and older.

“What a great time. Everything was well coordinated and great. No complaints besides wishing for more rapids”

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6.White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From Puerto Viejo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $131

Start with hotel pickup in Puerto Viejo, breakfast, and a safety briefing before rafting the Pacuare River through Class III-IV rapids. Guides such as Roberto, Andres, Eduardo, and Roy lead the way. After lunch beside the river, finish with showers, changing rooms, drinks, and photo viewing in Siquirres.

“Fun rapids, amazing wildlife and scenery! Guides were informative and professional. Breakfast and lunch was yummy and efficient.”

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7.Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $119

Travel from San Jose to the Pacuare River for a full day of guided whitewater rafting. You’ll paddle through class II and III rapids, the Pacuare Gorge, and calmer wildlife areas, with breakfast, lunch, equipment, hotel transport, and guides such as Roberto, Rob, David, and Luis included.

“Breath taking country, beautiful canyons, rain forest vegetation, indigenous people along shore, fantastic & challenging river; friendly, fun, expert guides - this river has everything. The breakfast & lunch were also good.”

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8.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72

Start at 9:30 a.m. for a guided 10-kilometer rafting trip near La Fortuna. You get equipment, safety instruction, tropical fruit, drinks, a swim stop, and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup is available, and guide Bryan has earned special praise for his patient, helpful instruction.

“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! One of the best experiences I’ve had while traveling! Guides were knowledge, friendly and helpful in learning how to raft. The river was a good introduction to rafting and I highly recommend this trip over other companies. Much more personal and small compared to others.”

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9.Whitewater Rafting Savegre River Class II & III + Waterfall Break

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Paddle a 9-kilometer stretch of the Savegre River near Quepos with guides such as Raul, Joshua, or Jason. Expect about two hours of Class II and III rapids, a waterfall break with fruit and drinks, natural swimming pools, and a typical meal.

“The staff was helpful, patient, and mad the whole trip fun!! They made rafting very easy!! Don't miss out!!”

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10.White Water Tubin in the river BALSA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $70Best value

Join Costa Rica Descents for a six-hour Balsa River tubing trip from La Fortuna. Expect Class I and II rapids, guides such as Jean Carlos, Carlos, or Mario, fresh fruit on the river, and an organic buffet lunch with Arenal Volcano views.

“Actually we landed up white water rafting our guide as Mario. A great and memorable experience. Stopped at One point for a swim and to snack on water melon and pineapples prepared by the guides. Highly recommend this tour”

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