Class IV from La Fortuna
A five-hour Class III-IV run on the Sarapiqui River, from $85.
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Sarapiqui River Rafting: Real Tours, Rapids And Prices
Compare 31 Sarapiqui rafting trips by price, rating, difficulty and length.
- $60lowest per-person from-price in the lineup
- 31Tours Compared · bookable Sarapiqui River rafting and float tours with a verified listing, in four trip types
- $60 to $556Price Range · from price per person on the 30 shared tours with a verified price
- 1,839Reviews Combined · guest reviews across the 31 listings
Sarapiqui River Extreme White Water Rafting Class IV
from $85 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Meets
- La Fortuna
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
Sarapiqui River Rafting By The Numbers
4.9 to 5.0
Best-Rated With 50+ Reviews · rating range on listings with at least 50 reviews
5
Departure Towns · towns and areas the listings depart from: Chilamate, La Fortuna, La Virgen, San José, Sarapiquí
II-III and III-IV
Rapid Classes · the two river sections the tours run; water level moves the class
8 for Class III, 12 for Class IV
Minimum Age By Class · national norm INTE G60-1:2019; each operator can set a higher minimum, so check the listing
3,464 mm
Annual Rainfall · Sarapiqui lowlands, 1990-2020 average
Sarapiqui River Rafting Tours By Trip Type
Class III-IV Rafting
Class 3-4 Rafting, 6 Hours
Six-hour Class 3-4 run departing La Fortuna, with travel time built into the day, from $122.04.
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Class III-IV Extreme, 3 Hours
This three-hour Class III-IV trip charges down the Sarapiqui's steepest whitewater, built for paddlers who want continuous rapids and a real workout. It starts at $85 per person.
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Class 4 Rafting, Lunch Included
This six-hour trip departing La Fortuna pairs a Class 4 whitewater run on the Sarapiqui with lunch in the package, priced from $122.04 per person, with the Arenal area as its base.
Check availabilityClass II-III Family Rafting
Family Rafting Class II-III, Meal
A three-hour Class II and III family rafting run on the Sarapiqui River.
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Near Arenal Rafting, 8 Hours
Full-day Class II-III rafting near Arenal, eight hours door to door.
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Chilamate Meet Point, Traditional Lunch
Aguas Bravas Rafting Adventures runs this three-hour Class II-III trip on the Sarapiqui from $70 per person, rated 4.9 across 101 reviews.
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Budget 3-Hour Rafting, No Meal
A three-hour Class II-III run on the Sarapiqui River, from $60 per person, rated 5 across 59 reviews.
Check availabilityWildlife Floats
Jungle Float from La Fortuna, Meal
A gentle wildlife float from La Fortuna, six hours round trip.
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3-Hour Wildlife Safari Float
Three hours drifting the Sarapiqui with a guide pointing out wildlife along the banks, a safari float with no whitewater paddling, rated 5 across 3 reviews.
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Desafio Jungle Safari Float
Desafio Adventure Company runs this safari float out of La Fortuna.
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Safari Float Ending in San Jose
Float down the Sarapiqui and finish with a transfer on to San Jose, eight hours in all.
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Private Zipline and Rafting Combo
Nine-hour private day pairing a zipline canopy course with Sarapiqui rafting, $335 charged once per group.
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2-Night Stay with Rafting
Two nights in Sarapiqui with rafting built in, a three-day package from San Jose.
Check availabilityNarrow The Sarapiqui River Rafting List To Your Day
Below is a starting shortlist of the best-reviewed runs. Answer any question to reshape it.
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All 31 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a sort chip twice to flip the order.
| Tour | Length | Meets | From | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class IV from La Fortuna | 5 h | La Fortuna | $85 | ★ 5.0845 reviews | Check availability |
| Family Rafting Class II-III, Meal | 3 h | Sarapiquí Outdoor Center, Puerto Viejo | $85 | ★ 4.9200 reviews | Check availability |
| Class 3-4 Rafting, 6 Hours | 6 h | La Fortuna | $122.04 | ★ 4.9136 reviews | Check availability |
| Class III-IV Extreme, 3 Hours | 3 h | Sarapiquí Outdoor Center, Puerto Viejo | $85 | ★ 5.0108 reviews | Check availability |
| Near Arenal Rafting, 8 Hours | 8 h | Tabacón (Tabacon Thermal Resort, La Fortuna) | $105.87 | ★ 5.0101 reviews | Check availability |
| Chilamate Meet Point, Traditional LunchAguas Bravas Rafting Adventures | 3 h | Chilamate | $70 | ★ 4.9101 reviews | Check availability |
| Budget 3-Hour Rafting, No Meal | 3 h | After booking | $60 | ★ 5.059 reviews | Check availability |
| Afternoon Rafting, Meal Included | 5 h | La Fortuna | $92.66 | ★ 4.839 reviews | Check availability |
| 4-Hour Rafting, No Meal | 4 h | After booking | $70 | ★ 5.029 reviews | Check availability |
| Class 4 Rafting, Lunch Included | 6 h | La Fortuna | $122.04 | ★ 5.029 reviews | Check availability |
| No tours match that combination. Set the Show chip back to All and all 31 tours come back. | |||||
Sarapiqui River Rafting Month By Month
SeasonDry seasonDry seasonDry seasonDry seasonGreen season beginsGreen seasonGreen seasonGreen seasonGreen seasonGreen seasonGreen seasonDry season begins
Typical ClassClass II-IIIClass II-IIIClass II-IIIClass II-IIIClass III-IVClass III-IVClass III-IVClass III-IVClass III-IVClass III-IVClass III-IVClass II-III
WaterLower flowsLower flowsLower flowsLower flowsHigher flowsHighest waterHighest waterHighest waterHighest waterHighest waterHigher flowsLower flows
- This month
January
Typical figures for January
Season: Dry season Typical Class: Class II-III Note: Lower, steadier water
February
Typical figures for February
Season: Dry season Typical Class: Class II-III Note: Lower, steadier water
March
Typical figures for March
Season: Dry season Typical Class: Class II-III Note: Lower, steadier water
April
Typical figures for April
Season: Dry season Typical Class: Class II-III Note: Driest month, about 117 mm of rain
May
Typical figures for May
Season: Green season begins Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Flows rise with the rains
June
Typical figures for June
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Highest water of the year
July
Typical figures for July
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Flooding and road closures reported in 2026
August
Typical figures for August
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Flooding and road closures reported in 2026
September
Typical figures for September
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Highest water of the year
October
Typical figures for October
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Flooding and road closures reported in 2026
November
Typical figures for November
Season: Green season Typical Class: Class III-IV Note: Wettest month, about 445 mm of rain
December
Typical figures for December
Season: Dry season begins Typical Class: Class II-III Note: Water drops as the dry season starts
Open the whole table
| Month | Season | Typical Class | Water | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry season | Class II-III | Lower flows | Lower, steadier water |
| February | Dry season | Class II-III | Lower flows | Lower, steadier water |
| March | Dry season | Class II-III | Lower flows | Lower, steadier water |
| April | Dry season | Class II-III | Lower flows | Driest month, about 117 mm of rain |
| May | Green season begins | Class III-IV | Higher flows | Flows rise with the rains |
| June | Green season | Class III-IV | Highest water | Highest water of the year |
| July | Green season | Class III-IV | Highest water | Flooding and road closures reported in 2026 |
| August | Green season | Class III-IV | Highest water | Flooding and road closures reported in 2026 |
| September | Green season | Class III-IV | Highest water | Highest water of the year |
| October | Green season | Class III-IV | Highest water | Flooding and road closures reported in 2026 |
| November | Green season | Class III-IV | Higher flows | Wettest month, about 445 mm of rain |
| December | Dry season begins | Class II-III | Lower flows | Water drops as the dry season starts |
Class II-III Or Class III-IV: Which Section Fits You?
| Class II-III Family Rafting | Class III-IV Rafting | |
|---|---|---|
| Tours listed | 15 | 10 |
| Price seen | $60 to $122 per person | $85 to $160 per person |
| Time on the listing | 2.5 to 10 hours | 3 to 8 hours |
| National minimum age (INTE G60-1:2019) | Class II from 5, Class III from 8 | Class III from 8, Class IV from 12 |
| Minimum age on the listings | Age 6 to 8, where the listing states one | Age 12 to 15, where the listing states one |
| Meal included | 8 of 15 | 10 of 10 |
| Free cancellation | 15 of 15 | 10 of 10 |
| Reviews combined | 613 | 1,198 |
| Rating on listings with 50+ reviews | 4.9 to 5.0 | 4.9 to 5.0 |
| Water | Lower flows in the dry season, Dec to Apr | Higher flows in the green season, May to Nov |
Where Sarapiqui River Rafting Trips Put In And Pick Up
Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.
Map tiles and place names: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Town
- Family Rafting Class II-III, Mealfrom $85
- Class III-IV Extreme, 3 Hoursfrom $85
Departure Points
- Class IV from La Fortunafrom $85
- Family Rafting Class II-III, Mealfrom $85
River
- Desafio Jungle Run, Class 3-4from $123
- Class 3-4 from San Jose, Connectionfrom $122
Nature
- Private Zipline and Rafting Combofrom $335 per group
- La Virgen de SarapiquíTown
- Puerto Viejo de SarapiquíTown · 15 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- ChilamateDeparture Points · 9.7 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Sarapiquí Outdoor Center, Puerto ViejoDeparture Points · 910 m from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Hacienda Pozo AzulDeparture Points · 1.6 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- La FortunaDeparture Points · 56 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- San JoséDeparture Points · 52 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Tabacón (Tabacon Thermal Resort, La Fortuna)Departure Points · 65 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- San Miguel de SarapiquíRiver · 11 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Río Sarapiquí at ChilamateRiver · 9.7 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Tirimbina Rainforest CenterNature · 1.9 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- La Selva Biological StationNature · 15 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Braulio Carrillo National ParkNature · 20 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Cinchona (Nueva Cinchona)Nature · 15 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- La Paz Waterfall GardensNature · 22 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
- Selva Verde Lodge, ChilamateNature · 9.3 km from La Virgen de Sarapiquí in a straight line
What Rafters Say About Sarapiqui River Rafting
These guest quotes are copied verbatim from each tour's own booking listing; this site does not collect or edit them, only chooses which to show.
“Jorge our guide was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and made sure we had a great time! The rapids were a blast and we had a small group which was a plus.”
“Absolutely fantastic! 1st of all huge thanks to our guides, Steven and David! This was an amazing experience, we loved it.”
“Arturo and Felipe were great guides. We had an incredible experience for our first time rafting. The rapids were just the right level for a beginner.”
“Definitely one of our favorite days in Costa Rica. Jorge was an awesome river guide. Rapids were super fun.”
Where To Stay Near La Virgen De Sarapiqui
Selva Verde Lodge
Chilamate (riverside rainforest reserve, a few minutes from the Chilamate rafting departures)
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Aranwa Sarapiquí Rainforest Lodge
La Virgen (about 0.6 km from the Costa Rica Nature Pavilion, near Tirimbina)
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Chilamate Rainforest Eco-retreat
Chilamate / La Virgen (waterside bed and breakfast near the Sarapiquí River)
Check ratesSarapiqui River Rafting FAQ
What does a day on the Sarapiqui River cost?
Class II-III shared trips start at $60 per person, Class III-IV runs at $85, and wildlife floats at $90. The two-night stay-and-raft package tops the list at $556 per person.
How long does a river trip last?
The shortest trips run 2.5 to 3 hours, departing close to the river around La Virgen. Day trips from La Fortuna or San Jose run 6 to 10 hours, with transfers filling much of that time.
Is lunch or a snack included?
Most listings include lunch or a meal after the run, while a few, such as the budget 3-hour trip, list snacks only, so check the inclusions on the booking page before you book.
Where do the rafting trips depart from?
Trips from La Fortuna and San Jose include the transfer drive, and several listings add hotel pickup.
When do rafting trips actually leave?
Most trips start in the morning, typically between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., and two listings run as afternoon departures from La Fortuna. Start times vary by season and operator, so check the live listing for your chosen date.
What if the rapids flip the raft?
Guides brief every crew before the run; follow their calls if the raft flips.
Sarapiqui River Rafting Guides And Answers
Guides
Age And Weight Limits
Class III-IV Rapids
Costa Rica Rafting
Family Float
First Time Rafting
Free Things To Do
Getting To La Virgen
Green Season Rafting
La Fortuna Rafting
Puerto Viejo Town Guide
Rafting Cost And Inclusions
Rafting Safety
Rafting With Kids
Rainy Season Guide
Rapids Classes
River Levels By Season
River Wildlife
San Jose Day Trip
San Jose To La Fortuna
Sarapiqui Vs Balsa
Sarapiqui Vs Pacuare
Things To Do In Sarapiqui
Tirimbina And La Selva
Trips Compared
Weather By Month
What To Bring
What To Wear