The options of Whitewater Rafting Rivers in Costa Rica are just about endless. From the North to the South of Costa Rica there are valleys with incredible rivers. Some of these rivers are reserved only for very experienced or professional kayakers traveling the world to find the best rivers out there.
A region of Costa Rica with three great rivers for rafting is in San Isidro de General. Also known as Perez Zeledon, this region that is just 3 hours South of San Jose has three excellent whitewater rafting rivers – the Rio Savegre, the Rio General, and the Rio Guabo.
These three rivers work at different times of the river, but the Rio Savegre is a great river to raft all year long. During the dry season in December, January, and February the Rio Savegre has a lower water level but is still a lot of fun.
The Rio Guabo is also a great river. This river is only 45 minutes from Playa Dominical, and just 1 hour from Manuel Antonio. The Rio Guabo can only be run during the rainy season as it becomes to dry to raft from December to May. If you want to raft the Rio Guabo, plan your trip from June to November and you will have a great time.
The Rio General is one of the largest rivers in all of Costa Rica. It features very big waves that are a lot of fun with higher water levels. The Rio General is also close to Playa Dominical at just about 1 hour away and is very close to San Isidro del General (15 minutes). On the Rio General you can do 3 day river trips camping alongside the river (a very cool experience immersed in nature).
Take a look at the options for booking these excellent rafting trips in Costa Rica HERE.
PURA VIDA
Enjoying the beautiful beaches of Dominical? Dominical is an incredible place to surf, enjoy sunsets, and the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle. Kick back on the black sand beach and keep an eye out for the occasional macaw flying above. The long stretch of beach is perfect for long walks at sunrise, and the surf is incredible most of the year.
Playa Dominical is also close to some excellent rivers for whitewater rafting. The Savegre river, or ‘Rio Savegre’ is an incredible whitewater rafting river. It features sections with rapids for first time rafters, to rapids reserved for experienced kayakers only.
If you’re looking to explore more of the rainforest and gain a new perspective of the Playa Dominical area and it’s beautiful surroundings, go rafting!
Rafting trips start at $100 USD for roundtrip transportation from your place of stay in Playa Dominical, and a snack on the river.
Book your whitewater rafting trip on the Savegre River HERE.
PURA VIDA
Uvita is one of Costa Rica’s gems. The beautiful Marino Ballena National Park will captivate you with its surroundings and lush rainforest up to the beach. Walk for hours with just a few people around on the beach up to the famous ‘whale tail’, and learn to surf with excellent beginner waves.
Uvita is full of great activities for your time there. Many travelers don’t know this, but whitewater rafting is also an option in exploring the surrounding area. The Savegre River is a world class river just 1 hour from Uvita and the National Park. The Savegre River features lush rainforest, warm waterfalls, and up to class IV rapids.
This river has three sections depending upon your interest. Trips start at $100 USD for round trip to and from Uvita. The trips last from 3-5 hours on the river. All gear for whitewater rafting is included.
Book from rafting trip from beautiful Uvita HERE.
PURA VIDA
The Savegre River is a world-class whitewater rafting river located close to the beaches of: Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Dominical, and Uvita in Costa Rica. The largest nearby town of San Isidro del General (just about 3 hours South of San Jose) is a region full of biodiversity and rainforest climate.
The river features three starting points for rafting:
- Upper section – known as ‘El Llano Silencio’ a 27 kilometer run taking you down class IV, III rapids.
- Middle section – known as ‘El Brujo Silencio’ a 20 kilometer run with strong class III rapids.
- Lower section – known as ‘Rio Blanco Silencio’ a 14 kilometer run with class III, II rapids.
The minimum age for rafting the Rio Savegre is 12. Most of the time the upper sections are reserved for rafters age 14 and up.
You need to bring plenty of sunblock for your rafting adventure. Bringing a water bottle is also a great idea. Be sure to wear your bathing suit, you will be getting wet! It’s great if you have a rashguard to protect you from the sun during your trip. If you don’t have a rashguard, just use a shirt you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Along the way on your trip, weather permitting, you’ll get to stop by a waterfall where you get to go underneath the falls. Often time the water from the falls is warm. This stop provides a great time to use your waterproof cameras or GoPro’s you bring along while rafting on the Rio Savegre.
Many of the rafting trips on the Savegre River include lunch. The lower section trip includes a snack and you can request a full lunch for just $5 more on your trip price.
It is common to see exotic birds on the sides of the rivers. From egrets to Toucans, it is also a treat to see some of the local wildlife as you’re heading down the Savegre River.
Trip duration depends on where you are coming from. Picks ups from Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, and San Isidro del General are very common. Just be in touch to confirm details on where you are when you make your booking.
First time rafters can start with the upper section of the Savegre, but it is highly advisable that you can swim and feel comfortable in the water. Otherwise, the middle and lower sections are appropriate for first time rafters!
If you have a big group to go rafting, it’s not a problem. Trips can be as large as 40 people on one trip, just make sure to be in touch at least one month in advance to confirm details.
Enjoy your time rafting the Savegre River, it is truly an experience you will enjoy!
PURA VIDA y GRACIAS!
Rafting near Manuel Antonio and Quepos offers great whitewater on the Río Savegre. We offer rafting trips up to class IV, one of the only companies in the area that offers this, primarily because our guides grew up in the village in the mountains along the river 🙂
Rafting near Manuel Antonio is excellent, and the Savegre River is a world class rafting river for all levels at age (starting at age 12). Trips start at $100 USD including roundtrip transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos and include a snack on the river.
The Savegre River is one of the Americas cleanest rivers. Not only is the river clean, the surrounding area is full of waterfalls and lush rainforest. This is a rafting experience you just can’t pass up if your visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. Rafting is an addition to your natural exploration that allows you and your family to see another side of Costa Rica – the rivers!
Pura vida!
Book your Savegre River rafting trip HERE.
