White Water Rafting in San José

Twist, race and roar down the mighty rapids from San Jose to the Caribbean. With a tropical climate, Costa Rica's capital offers excellent class II to IV white water rafting all year-round. Whether you're a first timer or professional paddler, you can find rapids that fit your experience level. As the center of the country's industry and business, San Jose serves as a hub for accessing many of the best white water rafting points. Experience the thrill of a one-day tour or multi-day excursion. The three main rivers accessed from San Jose are Pacuare River, Reventazon River and the Sarapiqui River.

One Day Trips

Pacuare River Rafting (Class III to IV)

Ranked among the "Top 10 Whitewater River Rafting Destinations in the World" by Frommers, Pacuare is by far one of the most gorgeous and accessible rivers in the country. It borders the Talamanca Mountains, which are nearly bursting with waterfalls and wildlife, including parrots to monkeys to ocelots.

Starting with a hotel pick-up, this day trip first pit stops for a traditional Tico breakfast before departing to Tres Equis. Here you'll meet your knowledgeable bilingual guide who will go over the safety instructions. Then the real fun begins! Take off down the scenic river, where your adrenaline flows as strongly as the rapids. Halfway through, the party stops for lunch on a riverbank. Afterwards, you and your crew will head out on the last stretch of your trip, where shuttle will be waiting to bring you back to San Jose. The entire trip lasts around five hours.

Reventazon River (Class II to III)

Splash along the Reventazon River, which runs alongside the Pacuare River on the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica. As a steady stream of class III rapids, this river is regarded as the more adventurous rafting trips. With your bilingual guide, you'll explore the Florida section of the Reventazon River, offering 10 miles of fast and furious rapids. The river time lasts from 2 to 2.5 hours, and the minimum age is 12 years old.

Map of San José

Click to enlarge map - San Jose Region Map

Sarapiqui River (Class II to III)

This excursion is an ideal adventure for first timers and the whole family. Float along the lowland wet forest, where you'll be able to spot plenty of birds while soaking up the stunning vistas. Some parts of the trip are calm enough to go for a swim. Enjoy locally-grown tropical fruits along the way, in between an included breakfast and lunch. The trip lasts around seven hours, and minimum age is 12 years old.

Multi-day Trip

Pacuare River Rafting, 2-to 4-Day Trip

Embark on a wild ride with a multi-day white water rafting trip. After all, the Pacuare stands as a world-famous river, so you might as well spend as much time as you can on it! On the four-day trip, the launching point will be Tres Equis, where you'll ride down until you reach river lodge. On the second day, visitors spend time at the eco-lodge, which offers a handful of activities, ranging from canopy tours to hiking. You'll also have an opportunity to participate in reforestation and sustainable farming along the Pacuare Basin. On the fourth day, hit the rapids! This time, paddle past waterfalls, serene pools and giant rapids, including Upper and Lower Huacas, Dos Montanas and many more. Then, the return drive will take you back to your hotel in San Jose.