With 635 miles of shore line along the Pacific coast and 132 miles on the Caribbean, and both oceans fed by literally hundreds of rivers, Costa Rica offers unequaled opportunity to enjoy the rapidly growing sport of sea kayaking. Sea kayaking is a natural way to experience our beautiful Costa Rica. Devised by ancient Eskimo tribes, the sea kayak has evolved into a stable, efficient and extremely sea worthy craft which makes wildlife observation excellent and totally unobtrusive. No experience is necessary to control the kayak for the first time.

Paddling a kayak on the open ocean can be an exciting way to experience Costa Rica's marine and coastal wonders. You can be assured of a high-quality kayaking vacation away from the ordinary, in Costa Rica.
It is a favourite sport in the country, that’s why Costa Rica has hosted several international kayaking tournaments.

For kayak enthusiasts, over 750 miles of coastline provide a unique perspective of the country's pristine and virgin shoreline, in addition to the numerous rivers. Little kayaking experience is required to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape, inland canals, or environmentally protected estuaries.

Costa Rica is a paradise for active travelers with recreation or a specific adventure in mind. Whatever your taste in recreation, Costa Rica has something for you. White-Water Rafting and kayaking Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. These rivers plunge through spectacularly beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Whether an expert or beginner, nature lover or thrill seeker, rafting enthusiast or active kayaker, there is an unforgettable experience awaiting you. The companies use high-quality equipment that meets all security requirements (helmet, life vest, security cords, etc.), and experienced guides that will allow you to enjoy a safe adventure.

From the Reventazón, the famous Pacuare and the class 5 Chirripó, all in the southern reaches of the country, to the spectacular Peñas Blancas, the mighty Toro, and the Sarapiqui, all of which are located in the northern central area of Costa Rica, rafting enthusiasts from around the world pit their skills against these wild and turbulent rivers. Known not only for their exciting rides, these rivers offer scenic beauty unparalleled anywhere in the world. Lush tropical rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, and abundant wildlife line the hundreds of rivers which continually feed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For kayak enthusiasts, over 750 miles of coastline provide a unique perspective of the country's pristine and virgin shoreline, in addition to the numerous rivers mentioned above. Most rafting operators also rent kayaks, as well as offer instructional classes. Little kayaking experience is required to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape, inland canals, or environmentally protected estuaries. In fact, Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado, Drake Bay and the western shoreline provide spectacular opportunities for the beginner or professional. The area surrounding Curu Reserve, which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is very popular with kayakers year round.

Pacuare River

Offers some of the finest rapids in Latin America. Suitable even for first time rafters, this thrill-ride of churning water and breathtaking scenery will be the highlight of your trip. There is a protected zone located in the Atlantic region of Costa Rica that begins near the town of Siquirres and covers approximately 25,000 acres as it descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range. The area known as Pacuare constitutes one of the most important protected areas in the region. High annual rainfall, along with its proximity to the lowlands combines to nature the complex life systems whose abundance makes for extraordinary scenic beauty. This area is still inhabited by the Cabecar Indians; you can hike the same paths that this indigenous tribe still uses. Along its course lie several densely vegetated gorges which shelter jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and an incredible variety of birds. Also found within these gorges is some of the best whitewater in all of Central America, ranging up to Class V in difficulty. The Pacuare is the only river in Costa Rica which contains these amenities, including virgin rain forest, while also being quite accessible. The lowland tropical forest here is remarkable for its luxuriant variety and the amazing abundance and diversity of wildlife found within it.

Upper: Bajo Pacuare to Tres Equis, its distance 13 miles, class IV-V, 50 rapids. Intense, technical rapids through the canyon with steep, blind drops.

Lower: Tres Equis to Siquirres, its distance 16 miles, class IV, 30 rapids. Magnificent whitewater and rainforest canyon make this the premier river trip of Costa Rica.

Rio Reventezon

Flows from the dam of the same name in the Orossi Valley down the Atlantic slope to the Caribbean Sea. With multiple sections of the river available for rafting, there is something for beginners and experienced rafters alike. The most popular section is the Tucarrici, with level two and three rapids throughout. For those looking for a little more excitement, the Powerhouse section is a more demanding category four. Starting at the base of the dam and plunging its way through the descending gorge carved out of the side of the mountain, this ride is fast, strong and exciting.

Casa Máquinas:
Bajo Congo to Florencia, its distance 11 miles, class III-I, 15 rapids. Starts with quick action that eases up after the first mile. Continuous rapids and fast current through this amazing rainforest and plantation surrounded section.

Peralta Section:
Angostura Bridge to Peralta, its distance 9 miles, class IV-V, 30 rapids. Difficult rapids combine with easier throughout the entire run.

Pascua Section:
Linda Vista to Siquirres, its distance 13 miles, class IV, 25 rapids. It presents big water kayaking at its best.

Coastal Run:
Siquirres to Parismina, its distance, 20 miles, class I. Beautiful scenery and thousands of birds with a great current that takes you all the way to the RainForest World Parismina. It can be run in 1 or 2 days.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna area:

Río Arenal Class II-III Rafting or Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking - Whitewater action right at the base of the Arenal Volcano In the volcano, you can find one of the most-beautiful, world-class rivers for whitewater rafting of kayaking full of birds, tropical waterfalls, tons of rainforest wildlife and views of the Arenal Volcano along the way – the perfect river for first-time rafters with a sense of adventure or those looking to experience the independence of their own kayak through class 2-3 rapids. Local bilingual guides who offer extensive knowledge of the region and its diversity, as well as being qualified in rescue techniques and CPR.

Class II-III, at the base of the Arenal Volcano. It is one of the most-beautiful, world-class rivers for white water rafting or kayaking full of birds, tropical waterfalls, tons of rainforest wildlife and views of the Arenal Volcano along the way.

The Peñas Blancas river

(..called "the white water gem of Costa Rica's Atlantic slope". The rivers of Costa Rica drain directly out of the private reserves of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's Rain Forest Reserve, making it hands down, the cleanest and most pristine white water run offered in the country! Also found in this stunning canyon are natural volcanic hot springs, and picturesque water falls (some falling into the river from over 120 feet!). The Peñas Blancas has two half day sections (one class 3, the other class 4) that leave twice daily from La Fortuna, San Carlos or you can combine the two and add a great hot lunch to make it a full day excursion. The Toro river is a full day trip that combines some of, if not the best continuous class 4 white water in the country, with beautiful deep canyons and old growth forest scenery. Also in the area is the gorgeous class 2, 3 and 4 sections of the Sarapiqui River, offering some rarely ever run (or seen) class 4 and 5+ rivers or steep creeks; ideal for the hard core kayaker.

Sarapiqui River

The white-water rafting is located in the town of Sarapiqui, only 2 hours from San Jose. The site may be reached by an excellent road that crosses the wonderful Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the few tropical rain forests left in the world.Due to its shape, flow and topographic conditions, the Sarapiquí River offers maximum security to its visitors. The sections are clearly defined and travel parallel the main road. This allows us to separate into smaller groups and make trips to different sections of the river, rejoining at lunch time. The Spring of Sarapiquí River is located on the Barva Volcano. The flow travels 85 kilometers of preserve and low-population areas until it reaches the San Juan River.

Quepos and Manuel Antonio area:

We offer white-water rafting on the nearby Savegre and Naranjo rivers. The experience starts with descents from the mountains which stand tall behind Manuel Antonio National Park. Accessible both during the dry and rainy seasons, these challenging rivers plunge towards the pacific coast before emptying into the cool, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Always susceptible to the local weather conditions, the Sevegre and Naranjo rivers can at one moment be at tranquil experience, and within minutes, a wild ride.The rafting excursions include sections of Class 2 and 4, depending on the time of year. During the dry season, when the rivers are kind and gentle, they most often trade in the rafts for rubber "duckies," an inflatable kayak that adds a few more thrills to the adventure. Rafting companies will also arrange personalized sea kayaking and boat tours.

Río Pejibaye Upper, middle and lower

Rio Taus Junction to Florencia, its distance 7 miles, class IV-I, 15 rapids. The first mile is of a true steep creek technical nature, class IV and then eases to a fast class III pace.

Río Orosi

Tapantí national Park

Oropendula Trail to Tapanti Bidge, its distance 1.5 miles, class V-III, 20 rapids. Steep and technical rapids in incredible rainforest surroundings.

Río Macho:
Tapanti Bridge to Palomo Bridge, its distance 3 miles, class V (VI)-IV, 12 rapids. The Orosi enters a mini-gorge with intense rapids and tricky falls.

Endless Summer Section:
Palomo Bridge to Cachi , Its distance 1.5 miles , class III(IV) , 1 rapid. It can be run multiple times in a day!

Hard Core Rivers

For those experts looking for the most difficult and challenging rapids in the country, Rio Chirripó is it. It is a difficult class five. Only available from late August through early November, at the height of the rainy season. Chirripó is fast, exciting and big. Yearly, the greatest kayakers in the world converge on this river to test their abilities against the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

Also Sarapiqui River, offers some rarely ever run (or seen) class 4 and 5+ rivers or steep creeks; ideal for the hard core kayaker.