Rafting rivers
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.
Pacuare is Costa Ricas's white-water jewel. Considered to be Costa Rica's premier and most accessible river.
Bajo Pacuare - San Martín(Class V-VI): Some of the local outfitters run the trip for groups of expert paddlers from all over the world that come to Costa Rica to challenge this section, but you won't find it on any of the lists of tours offered by the major rafting outfitters.
San Martín - Siquirres(Class III-IV): Here you are surrounded by, magnificent waterfalls and all the incredible beauty of the tropical forest as you plunge through some of the best white water in Central America. There are stomach-churning drops, tricky boulder gardens and then there;s the Lower Huacas, a 150 yard stretch of ledges and rocks that produce the toughest rapid on the river's lower section.
Both the Reventazón and Pacuare are runnable year-round, but the best time to hit the rapids is during the rainy season, from May to November.
Rio Reventazon
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.
True to its name, "bursting" in Spanish, Rio Reventazón tumbles out of Lake Cachí, nestled below the Turrialba and Irazu volcanoes. It presents four sections of various degrees of difficulty for rafting. .
Powerhouse to Tucurrique(Class II-IV):The three-mile run begins with a relentless 115-feet-per-mile drop creating a series of big waves that could be a borderline Class IV water.
Tucurrique to Angostura (Class III): This 12 miles section is the most popular rafting trip in Cost Rica. Several exciting rapids, and the highlight of the trip is the El Gordo, the biggest rapid in the Class III section, which you hit about a mile before the end of the run.
Peralta Section - Angostura to Peralta (Class V): this section contains some of the heaviest white water in Central America. This nine mile run is for experts only during the low water season. December through May.
Pascua Section - Peralta to Siquirres (Class IV): The river drops from 1,148 to 262 feet, propelling rafters through rapids with names like North Sea and the famous Six Frankenstein. El Horrendito(the Little Horror), Mente Sucia(Dirty Mind), and Aleta de Tiburón(Shark's Fin).
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.
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.
The class IV section of this river passes through fauna and wild life rich, forested canyons that rise up to over 700 feet in sections. Also found in this stunning canyon are natural volcanic hot springs, and picturesque water falls. The Peñas Blancas has two half day sections one class III, the other class IV.
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.
Rio Sarapiqui (Class III) runs along the eastern flank along the Cordillera Central and drops to the Caribean lowlands. Trips are offered from May to December.
Sarapiqui river, (Class III) La Virgen & Chilamate Section: The seven miles section features flashes of difficulty among mostly moderate rapids ( more than 20) in beautiful clean water where river otters play. The river runs through lowland wet forest with truly spectacular bird watching. Beginners and Advanced, Ages: 12 to 60 years old.
Sarapiqui river, (Class IV- V) San Miguel & La Virgen Section: Advanced, experience required. Ages: 14 to 50 years old. Many technical rapid, holes and hydraulics.
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.
Savegre
Another beautiful river (Class II-III) perfect for first-time rafting experience. River trips leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, May to January.
Naranjo
A wild river (Class III-IV) near Quepos that requires some rafting experience. Run from June to November.
El General:A popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip (class III-IV) best during the height of the rainy season, September to November. This 40 miles run takes you through some of the country's most remote areas.
On the west coast, the Rio Savegre and Rio Naranjo begin their descents from the mountains which stand tall behind Manuel Antonio National Park. Constantly susceptible to the local weather conditions, the Savegre and Naranjo rivers can at one moment be at serene experience, and within minutes, a wild ride.
Corobici
Near the town of Canas, in Guanacaste, an easy river good for beginners and families (Class I-II); great animal and bird watching.
Cañas - Bebedero(Class I-II): This gentle trip is for an unforgettable wildlife experience that can be enjoyed by every one. More than 300 hundred species of birds have been identified in Palo Verde and you will see lots of them along the Corobicí.
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. Toro River
It is a full day trip that combines some of, if not the best continuous class IV white water in the country, with beautiful deep canyons and old growth forest scenery.
Chirripó
If you are looking for the most difficult and challenging rapids in the country, Rio Chirripó, is the place. Flowing down from the second highest mountain in all of Central America, Rio Chirripó is a difficult class five. Only available from late August through early November, at the height of the rainy season. Yearly, the greatest kayakers in the world converge on this river to test their abilities against the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
Some of the hotels where you can stay and practice rafting are:
Selva Verde Lodge
Casa Turire
El Parador
Tilajira Resort Hotel
Costa Rica is the perfect place for a first white water rafting experience, since it has several rivers that offer a combination of reasonable rapids and beautiful floats. Those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, they also pass some gorgeous scenery.
There are rivers that are great for family excursions and bird watching, since they lack big rapids and flow through forests full of birds and other animals.
The American White water Afiliation's International Scale of River Difficulty., use the following scale:
Class I
Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
Class II
Easy rapids with waves up to three feet, and wide, clear channels.
Class III
Rapids with high irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering.
Class IV
Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Generally not possible for open canoes.
Class V
Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in event of mishap.
Class VI
Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams or experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken. |
