Arenal Day Tour Rafting, 6 Hours

From Arenal: Sarapiquí River Class II-III Rafting Day Tour

from $96 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 6 hours
Meeting point: La Fortuna
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Flow Trips Costa Rica

Overview

Flow Trips Costa Rica runs this six-hour rafting day trip on the Sarapiqui River, a class II and III stretch suited to first-timers as well as experienced paddlers. After pickup from Arenal hotels, you drive out to the river, where the guide gives an orientation and safety talk and hands out equipment. Then it is straight onto the water.

The paddling itself covers a 14 km stretch and lasts roughly two and a half hours. The river alternates between splashy rapids and calm pools where you can float and relax, all set in lowland rainforest with tropical birds along the banks. The operator pitches it as a return to childhood play, and one recent reviewer described the mix of adrenaline and peace in exactly those terms.

The trip ends at the Sibaja Family property, where you can shower and change in private facilities before the drive back. Safety gear and fruit are included in the price; lunch is not, so plan for a meal back in Arenal or bring money for something on the way. Trips run in Spanish and English.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Safety equipment
Fruit

Not Included

Lunch

Itinerary

Arenal hotel pickupThe tour starts with pickup from your Arenal hotel; confirm the exact arrangements on the listing.
Drive to the riverYou ride to the Sarapiqui River put-in, where the day on the water begins.
Safety talk and gearThe guide gives an orientation and safety talk and checks that everyone has the correct equipment.
Raft the SarapiquiYou paddle the class II and III rapids along a 14 km stretch, about two and a half hours, with calm pools between the rapids.
Sibaja Family propertyThe run finishes at the Sibaja Family property, where you can shower and change in private facilities.
Return to ArenalHotel drop-off is included, closing out the six-hour day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get ready for a day on the river.

You will get wet. The listing states it plainly: you will get wet on this tour. Wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes and bring a change for after, since shower and changing facilities are available at the end point.
Fitness and effort. The listing notes the tour requires physical effort. The paddling section lasts about two and a half hours, so a reasonable base level of stamina helps, though no prior rafting experience is needed.
Bring cash or snacks. Fruit is included but lunch is not. Plan a meal for after the trip or bring something to hold you over on the drive back to Arenal.
Group feel. The operator says the river suits all levels, from experts to first-timers and families. One reviewer praised the combination of adrenaline and calm stretches, which matches the class II and III rating.
Language and pickup. Guides work in Spanish and English. Pickup and drop-off from Arenal hotels are included, so check the pickup note on the listing for your specific hotel.

Common issues. A few limits are worth knowing. Lunch is excluded, so the day is longer without a meal unless you bring your own. The tour requires physical effort and riders will get wet, which may not suit everyone in a travel group. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, so plan any changes ahead of that window.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, safety equipment, and fruit are included. Lunch is not included, so plan for that separately.

Is lunch provided on the tour?

No. Fruit is provided during the day, but lunch is listed as not included. You can shower and change at the Sibaja Family property at the end, then eat back in Arenal or bring your own food.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Arenal hotels are included. The listing advises checking the pickup details there for your specific hotel.

Is this trip suitable for beginners or families?

Yes. The operator says the class II and III rapids suit all levels, from experts to first-timers and families. The calm pools between rapids give you places to rest. Note that the tour requires physical effort.

How long is the rafting and the full tour?

The full tour lasts six hours from pickup to drop-off. Of that, about two and a half hours are spent paddling a 14 km stretch of the Sarapiqui River.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the listing. If your plans might shift, it is safest to decide before that window closes.