Class 2-3 Rafting, La Fortuna Connection

San Jose Rafting Class 2-3 with Connection to La Fortuna

from $119 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: San José
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Desafio Adventure Company

Overview

This tour turns the transfer between San José and La Fortuna into a whitewater day on the Sarapiquí River. Desafio Adventure Company picks travellers up at their San José hotel, drives out to the rafting put-in near the town of San Miguel, runs a Class 2-3 stretch of the river, and then drops everyone off in La Fortuna. The whole day runs about 8 hours, with guides speaking Spanish and English.

Once on the water, a professional guide covers safety and paddling technique before the boat sets off. The run covers nearly 22 kilometers of rainforest and more than 40 rapids, including sections with names like the Pipeline, the Terminator, and Dos Locos. About halfway down there is a shore stop with fresh tropical fruit, and the trip ends at the Red-Eyed Frog restaurant on the riverbank, which has changing rooms and showers. A homemade Costa Rican lunch follows before the drive to La Fortuna in an air-conditioned van with WiFi.

One reviewer called the trip good for beginners and highlighted the clear instructions from the guides. You do need to be in decent physical shape, and the usual exclusions apply: no breakfast, no alcohol, and pictures carry an extra charge.

What's Included

Included

Traditional Costa Rican lunch
Gourmet Costa Rican coffee
Tropical fruit snack
Life jacket
Rafting boat, paddle, and helmet
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages (extra charge)
Breakfast
Pictures (extra charge)

Itinerary

Hotel pickup in San JoséPickup is included from your San José hotel. The van travels through Costa Rican villages toward the rafting start point near San Miguel.
Safety briefing at San MiguelYour rafting guide explains safety and paddling technique before you get on the water.
First leg of the Sarapiquí runPaddle the opening stretch of the river, working through the early rapids of a 3.5-hour journey.
Fruit stop on the riverbankAbout halfway down, the group pulls ashore to rest, watch the rapids from shore, and eat fresh tropical fruit.
Second leg to the Red-Eyed FrogThe run continues through more rapids and finishes at the Red-Eyed Frog restaurant, right on the Sarapiquí, with changing rooms and showers available.
Lunch at the Red-Eyed FrogA homemade Costa Rican lunch is served at the restaurant, with gourmet coffee included.
Drop-off in La FortunaTravel on to La Fortuna in an air-conditioned van with WiFi on board.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to pack to how the extras work.

Fitness and pace. The listing asks for good physical condition, with no recent surgery, heart condition, pregnancy, or injury. Rafting involves real physical exertion. One reviewer found the trip good for beginners and praised the clear instructions from the guides.
What to pack. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, swimwear, water shoes, a change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and some cash. You will want dry clothes for after the run and the restaurant stop.
Food and drink. Lunch is a homemade Costa Rican meal with gourmet coffee, plus a tropical fruit snack at the halfway stop. One reviewer specifically mentioned fresh pineapple mid-run and called the lunch delicious. Breakfast and alcoholic drinks are not included.
Photos cost extra. Pictures are listed as an extra charge and are not part of the tour price. One reviewer mentioned that photos are taken during the run and paid for them, considering them worthwhile. Budget for this if you want a record of the rapids.
Weather and conditions. Tours run rain or shine. If weather or river conditions are unsafe, the operator may offer an alternative tour or cancel, in which case you get a full refund.
Comforts on the road. The vehicle is air-conditioned with free WiFi. One reviewer noted the driver made bathroom and souvenir stops along the drive. There is also a rest stop on the riverbank about halfway down the run, where the group relaxes and watches the rapids from shore.

Common issues. Photos are an extra charge, as are alcoholic beverages, and breakfast is not included, so eat before pickup. Weather or river conditions can force a change of plan: the operator may substitute an alternative tour at short notice, or cancel outright, though both options come with a full refund if you decline. The natural environment includes insects, snakes, crocodiles, and other wildlife, which the listing flags plainly. Pets and smoking are not allowed on the tour.

Common Questions

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, this product includes hotel pickup in San José, followed by the rafting run on the Sarapiquí and drop-off in La Fortuna. It is designed as a connection tour between the two destinations.

What is included in the price?

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the rafting boat, paddle, helmet, and life jacket, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, gourmet coffee, a tropical fruit snack, an air-conditioned vehicle, and WiFi on board.

What costs extra?

Photos, alcoholic beverages, and breakfast are not included. Pictures of your run are sold separately, and one reviewer found the extra charge worthwhile.

How long does the tour take?

The full day runs about 8 hours door to door. The river portion itself is roughly a 3.5-hour journey down the Sarapiquí.

Is this suitable for beginners?

The rapids are Class 2-3, and one reviewer said the guides gave clear instructions and that the trip works well for first-timers. You do need to be in good physical condition, without recent surgery, heart conditions, pregnancy, or injury.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels for unsafe conditions, you also receive a full refund, and if they offer an alternative tour instead you may decline it and take the refund.