3-Hour Rafting, Mid Price

Sarapiqui River, Costa Rica Rafting Tour Adventure

★ 5.0 26 verified reviews

from $79 per person

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

Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Chilamate
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

Three hours on the Sarapiqui River with Ríos Pura Vida, running roughly 10 km of water according to one reviewer's account. A certified guide is in the boat, plus a safety kayaker shadowing the raft. Gear comes with the price: raft, paddles, lifejackets and helmets are all provided.

The tour meets at Rústiticos in Chilamate, Sarapiqui, about 100 metres west of the traffic police station. The operator partners with Rústiticos as a base, and anyone driving in from out of town can contact them directly for directions. Transport from the meeting point is by air-conditioned vehicle, and the trip ends back where it started.

It suits most people. The listing caps the group at 36 travellers and says most travellers can participate, though it flags the trip as a poor fit for anyone with back problems, pregnant travellers, and people with serious heart conditions. After the paddle there are fresh seasonal fruits and cookies, plus a towel (toalla) to dry off. Lunch is not included, so plan for that separately.

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Rafting equipment, Raft, Paddles, Lifejackets, Helmets, Safety Kayaker, Certified Guide
Snacks (Fresh seasonal fruits & cookies)
Guide
Toalla

Not Included

Lunch

Itinerary

Meet at RústiticosThe meeting point is Rústiticos, 100 metres west of the traffic police station in Chilamate, Sarapiqui, Heredia. Drivers coming from out of town can contact the operator for detailed directions.
Gear up and briefAt the base you get the rafting equipment: raft, paddles, lifejackets and helmets. A certified guide leads the trip and a safety kayaker accompanies the group.
Transfer to the riverTransport to the put-in is by air-conditioned vehicle. The listing gives no separate transfer time.
Paddle the SarapiquiThe rafting runs along the Sarapiqui River, a pass-by route on the itinerary. One reviewer counted about 10 km of river covered, with guides pointing out wildlife along the banks.
Snacks and dry offFresh seasonal fruits and cookies are provided, along with a towel. Lunch is not included.
Return to the meeting pointThe activity ends back at Rústiticos, the same place it started. Total duration is 3 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape the day on this trip, from what to wear to how the group feels on the water.

What to bring. The listing suggests nothing specific, but lunch is not included, so bring money or food for afterwards. A towel is provided.
Fitness and pace. The listing says most travellers can participate and the trip is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant travellers, or those with serious heart conditions.
Group size. The trip runs with a maximum of 36 travellers. That is a full rafting outing rather than a small-group paddle.
Wildlife watching. Two separate reviewers mentioned the guides pointing out animals, including iguanas and birds. Keep your eyes on the banks as you paddle.
Weather dependency. The listing states the experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund.
Getting there. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the live booking page for meeting details. The meeting point at Rústiticos is near public transportation per the listing, and the operator asks out-of-town drivers to contact them for directions.

Common issues. The trip needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if the minimum is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Weather can also cancel the day, with the same refund or rebooking options. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time get no refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The site is not wheelchair accessible and lunch costs extra.

Common Questions

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not stated on the listing. Check the live booking page for meeting details before you go.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Rústiticos, 100 metres west of the traffic police station in Chilamate, Sarapiqui, Heredia. The operator partners with Rústiticos as their base. If you are driving from out of town, contact them and they will provide all the details.

What is included in the price?

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, all rafting equipment (raft, paddles, lifejackets, helmets), a certified guide, a safety kayaker, fresh seasonal fruits and cookies, and a towel. Lunch is not included.

Is food or drink extra?

Snacks of fresh fruit and cookies are included. Lunch is listed as not included, so budget for a meal afterwards or bring your own.

Can anyone join, or are there restrictions?

Most travellers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The listing advises against it for people with back problems, pregnant travellers, and anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The trip is not wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you get a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.