Class IV Extreme, 5 Hours

Sarapiqui River White Water Rafting Class IV (Extreme)

★ 4.9 29 verified reviews

from $85 per person

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

Duration: 5 hours
Meeting point: La Fortuna
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Arenal Rafting Company

Overview

This is Arenal Rafting Company's toughest water trip: a Class III and IV run down the Rio Sarapiqui, covering 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) with more than 30 continuous rapids. Around two hours of that time is spent on the water, inside a five hour outing that also leaves room for a swim, a fruit snack and a proper sit-down lunch. The river is declared a natural heritage of Costa Rica, and the banks are forested enough that sloths, iguanas, toucans and monkeys show up between rapids.

The day works like this. Guests meet at the operator's base in La Fortuna, get fitted with a lifejacket, helmet and paddle, and head out with a bilingual guide. Cliff jumping into the river is part of the fun for those who want it.

It suits travellers chasing genuine adrenaline rather than a gentle float. Beginners are not excluded: guides are described as experienced enough that even first-timers enjoyed the currents, and one group that flipped their raft called it part of the experience.

What's Included

Included

2 hours white water rafting
Safety equipment (lifejacket, helmet, paddle)
Bilingual guide
Seasonal fruit
Lunch
Water and towels at the end of the tour
Transportation

Not Included

Photography Service, (available to purshase)

Itinerary

Meet in La FortunaCheck in at Arenal Rafting, Avenida 333 y Calle 460, La Fortuna, Alajuela. Hotel pickup details are on the live booking page.
Gear upGet fitted with the included safety equipment: lifejacket, helmet and paddle, and meet the bilingual guide for the trip.
Run the riverRaft roughly two hours down the Rio Sarapiqui through Class III and IV rapids, with cliff jumping and river swimming along the way.
Fruit and towelsRefuel with seasonal Costa Rican fruit, then dry off with water and towels provided at the end of the run.
Lunch in La FortunaTransport back to a local restaurant in La Fortuna for an included lunch.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report afterwards.

What to bring. The operator asks for a change of clothes and closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes and bare feet are not allowed on the raft, and alcohol and drugs are off limits too.
Expect to get wet. Rafts do go over. One reviewer described flipping into the water as part of the fun, and swimming in the river is one of the listed highlights. A dry set of clothes for after the run is essential.
Fitness and pace. That said, several said experienced guides made the currents manageable even for beginners.
Lunch matters. Lunch is included, along with seasonal fruit on the river. Multiple reviewers singled out the local food at the end as a highlight and good recovery after the paddle.
Photos cost extra. A photography service is not included but can be purchased.
Getting there. The official meeting point is the operator's base in La Fortuna. Hotel pickup details are on the live booking page, and one reviewer noted there is parking if arriving by car.

Common issues. Transportation is listed as included, but the meeting point is the operator's La Fortuna base, so travellers staying elsewhere should confirm pickup arrangements on the booking page before assuming hotel collection. Photography is an extra purchase, not part of the package. One reviewer felt the extreme run was less challenging than expected, so strong paddlers should calibrate accordingly.

Common Questions

How long is the rafting and the whole tour?

The full outing runs about 5 hours, with roughly 2 hours of that on the water. The run covers 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) of the Rio Sarapiqui with more than 30 continuous rapids.

What is included in the price?

Safety equipment (lifejacket, helmet and paddle), a bilingual guide, the guided rafting, seasonal fruit, lunch, water and towels at the end, and transportation. Photos are the only listed extra and must be purchased separately.

Is hotel pickup included?

The meeting point is Arenal Rafting at Avenida 333 y Calle 460 in La Fortuna. Hotel pickup details are on the live booking page, so check there for your specific accommodation before the tour day.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, with realistic expectations. Several reviewers said the guides are experienced enough that beginners enjoyed the Class IV currents, though this is the operator's hardest trip and the water is genuinely challenging. Travellers wanting a calmer day should look at a lower class option.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring a change of clothes and wear closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes and bare feet are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Beyond that, the listing does not state further terms.