Afternoon Rafting, Meal Included

Rafting Class 2-3 Sarapiqui Afternoon Trip

★ 4.8 39 verified reviews

from $92.66 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

Overview

This is an afternoon run on the Sarapiqui River with Desafio Adventure Company, a five-hour Class 2-3 rafting trip that starts from the operator's office in downtown La Fortuna at 12:00. The office sits behind the Central Catholic Church, about 100 meters from Central Park, and the trip ends back at the same spot. From La Fortuna you ride out to the river put-in, which one traveller described as roughly an hour away.

On the water, the pace is lively from the start. One reviewer noted that the rapids begin almost immediately, with only one slow section where you can swim or jump into the river. Guides point out birds and other wildlife along the banks, and the rapids themselves are splashy enough that another traveller joked about enjoying every drenching.

The trip runs with up to 25 travellers per departure and requires a moderate fitness level. The listing flags it as unsuitable for pregnant travellers, people with back problems, heart conditions or asthma. After the run there is a Costa Rican wrap for lunch plus snacks and bottled water, and reviewers mention changing rooms, showers and towels at the end, so you can clean up before heading back.

What's Included

Included

Lunch (Delicious Costa Rican wrap after rafting.)
Snacks
Life jacket, helmet, paddle, raft boat
Bottled water

Itinerary

Meet in La FortunaCheck in at the Desafio Adventure Company office behind the Central Catholic Church, about 100 meters from Central Park in downtown La Fortuna. Start time is 12:00.
Drive to the riverTravel by vehicle from La Fortuna to the Sarapiqui put-in. One reviewer described the drive as around an hour.
Gear upThe listing confirms a life jacket, helmet, paddle and raft are provided as part of the trip equipment.
Raft the SarapiquiPaddle Class 2-3 rapids with a calmer swimming section partway down. Guides point out birds and wildlife from the boat.
Snack and swimStop for snacks and bottled water, with a chance to jump into the river at the slow stretch.
Lunch and cleanupAfter taking out, eat a Costa Rican wrap and use the changing rooms, showers and towels that reviewers mention.
Return to La FortunaThe activity ends back at the meeting point in La Fortuna.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this afternoon runs, from the drive out to what you wear on the boat.

Wear water gear. You will get soaked. Multiple reviewers mention drenchings on the rapids and a swim section, so wear quick-drying clothes.
The drive is long. One reviewer found the transfer from La Fortuna to the starting point quite long, at around an hour, but said the drive let them see more of the country. Another mentioned a talkative guide in the van, so be ready for a chatty ride.
Moderate fitness needed. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level. Paddling is constant through the rapids, and the trip is not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart conditions, asthma, or those who are pregnant.
Food and drink included. Lunch is a Costa Rican wrap served after the run, with snacks and bottled water during the day. All rafting equipment, including life jacket, helmet, paddle and raft, is provided.
Family-friendly group feel. Several reviewers rafted with kids and called it the highlight of their Costa Rica trip. Guides keep the mood light, point out wildlife, and let passengers jump into the river on the calm stretch. Departures run with up to 25 travellers.
Afternoon timing. The trip starts at 12:00 and runs about five hours, so lunch lands late. One reviewer mentioned sitting down for a late lunch after the ride.

Common issues. One reviewer found the drive out to the river long, and another found their guide overly chatty in the van, though friendly. The trip requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if either forces a cancellation you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Cancellations on your side must be made at least 24 hours before the 12:00 start to get money back. The listing also advises against the trip for anyone with back problems, heart conditions, asthma, or who is pregnant.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

Lunch, a Costa Rican wrap served after rafting, plus snacks and bottled water. All rafting equipment is provided: life jacket, helmet, paddle and raft. The trip lasts about five hours.

Is there hotel pickup?

The listing gives no pickup information for this afternoon trip. The meeting point is the Desafio Adventure Company office behind the Central Catholic Church in downtown La Fortuna, about 100 meters from Central Park. One reviewer mentions being collected, so it is worth checking the live booking page or contacting the operator directly before your date.

Is this rafting trip suitable for kids and beginners?

The rapids are Class 2-3, which several reviewers rafted with their children and enjoyed. The listing requires a moderate level of physical fitness and caps the group at 25 travellers. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, heart conditions or asthma.

What time does the tour start and end?

Start time is 12:00 at the La Fortuna office, and the whole experience runs about five hours, ending back at the same meeting point. Expect a late lunch after the run.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear quick-drying clothes, since you will get drenched on the rapids and can swim in the river.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 12:00 start for a full refund. Inside that window there is no refund and changes are not accepted. The trip needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.