Premium Class III-IV Day, Faro Travel

La Fortuna/Arenal: Rafting Class III & IV at Sarapiquí River

from $160 per person

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

Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: La Fortuna
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Faro Travel Costa Rica

Overview

This full-day trip from La Fortuna or Arenal puts you on the Sarapiqui River for Class III and IV whitewater, run by the operator Faro Travel Costa Rica in English or Spanish. The whole outing runs about 8 hours, and pickup is included, with transport in an air-conditioned van.

The drive out passes through Alajuela countryside with papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations, with views of Arenal Volcano, hot springs and cold lakes along the way. At the river you get a safety briefing covering protocol, paddling technique and directional commands before the rafts launch. Between rapids the guide points out wildlife on the banks, including monkeys, toucans, butterflies, crocodiles and turtles. A midway stop includes fresh jungle fruit, and the day ends with a traditional Costa Rican lunch before the drive back to town.

The trip suits travellers who want a full day on the water with rapid paddling, wildlife watching and a sit-down lunch included. Safety gear, raft, guide, lunch, towel and entry to Arenal Volcano National Park are all in the price. Only tips are excluded.

What's Included

Included

Transportation in an air-conditioned van
Guide
Raft
Entry to Arenal Volcano National Park
Food and drinks
Safety gear
Towel
Pickup included

Not Included

Tips

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup is included from your accommodation in the La Fortuna or Arenal service area. You must supply your hotel name or an identifiable pickup location when booking, or no later than 24 hours before the tour.
Drive to the riverRide in an air-conditioned van through Alajuela plantations of papaya, pineapple and yucca, with views of Arenal Volcano, hot springs and lakes on the way.
Safety briefingOn arrival at the Sarapiqui River, guides cover safety protocol, paddling techniques and the directional commands used on the water.
Rafting the rapidsPaddle the Class III and IV whitewater with your guide, with breaks to look for monkeys, toucans, butterflies, crocodiles and turtles along the banks.
Fruit stopAt the halfway point the group pulls over for a snack of fresh jungle fruit before returning to the rafts for the second stretch of rapids.
LunchAt the end of the river, sit down to a traditional Costa Rican lunch with your fellow rafters.
Return transferThe van drives you back to town, completing the roughly 8-hour day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you prepare for a day on Class III and IV water.

Pickup details. Pickup is included, but only from within the operator's service area. Give your hotel name or another identifiable pickup location when booking, or at the latest 24 hours before the tour, or pickup cannot be guaranteed and you will need to use the designated meeting point.
Own transport. If you plan to drive yourself, tell the activity provider in advance. They will then send you the meeting-point location and the arrival time you need to make.
What is provided. Safety gear, the raft, a guide, a towel, food and drinks, and entry to Arenal Volcano National Park are all included. Tips are the only listed exclusion.
Fitness and pace. This tour runs Class III and IV whitewater, and the safety briefing covers protocol, paddling techniques and directional commands before you launch. No prior experience is stated as a requirement in the listing.
Wildlife watching. The listing highlights toucans, butterflies, crocodiles, turtles and monkeys along the riverbanks, with time during breaks to look for them.
Weather and refunds. If the provider cancels for availability, force majeure or circumstances beyond its control, travellers are guaranteed a full refund. Otherwise you can cancel yourself up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common issues. The main practical limit is the pickup deadline: hotel pickup cannot be guaranteed unless you supply your location when booking or at least 24 hours ahead, in which case you fall back to a designated meeting point. Tips are not included, so budget cash separately. The operator may also cancel for availability or force majeure, though a full refund is guaranteed in those cases. This tour has no reviews yet, so there is no traveller feedback on group size or conditions on the water.

Common Questions

Is pickup included on this rafting tour?

Yes, pickup is included from the La Fortuna and Arenal service area. You must provide your hotel name or another identifiable pickup location when booking, or no later than 24 hours before the tour, or you will need to meet at the designated meeting point.

What is included in the price?

Air-conditioned transport, a guide, the raft, safety gear, a towel, food and drinks, and entry to Arenal Volcano National Park are all included. Tips are the only item listed as not included.

How long does the tour take?

The full day runs about 8 hours from pickup to return. That includes the scenic drive, the safety briefing, the rafting itself, a fruit break and lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels due to availability, force majeure or circumstances beyond its control, you are also guaranteed a full refund.

What is the rafting like? Is it hard?

The Sarapiqui section run on this trip is Class III and IV whitewater. No prior experience is stated as a requirement, since guides teach safety protocol, paddling technique and commands before launch.

What should I bring?

The listing does not publish a packing list, but a towel, safety gear and lunch are provided. Tips are not included, and remember to submit your pickup location on time.