Near Arenal Rafting, 8 Hours

Sarapiquí River Rafting Tour - Class II-III Near Arenal

★ 5.0 101 verified reviews

from $105.87 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: Tabacón (Tabacon Thermal Resort, La Fortuna)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

This is a full-day Class II-III rafting run on the Sarapiqui River, run by Canoa Aventura and built around travellers staying in the Arenal and La Fortuna area. Hotel pickup is included from Arenal-area hotels, and the whole experience runs about 8 hours door to door. A bilingual naturalist guide travels with the group, and all the rafting equipment is provided.

The day follows a simple shape. The rapids sit in the Class II-III range, which means lively water without the commitment of bigger drops. Reviewers describe the paddling as heart pounding yet safe, and several mention the guide's handling of the rapids as a highlight.

The wildlife is part of the draw. One recent group reported sloths, monkeys and plenty of birds from the raft, thanks in part to the naturalist guide pointing things out. With a minimum age of 7 and a cap of 15 travellers per departure, the trip is open to families with school-age kids. It is not wheelchair accessible, and bottled water is not included, so plan to bring your own.

What's Included

Included

Transportation
Bilingüal naturalist guide
Fruits
Equipment
Lunch
Check the listing for Arenal-area hotel pickup and timing

Not Included

Bottled water

Itinerary

Hotel pickupPickup from Arenal-area hotels is included. Check the listing for exact timing for your hotel.
Drive to the riverTransportation to the Sarapiqui River put-in is provided as part of the tour.
Gear upAll rafting equipment is provided as part of the tour before you head onto the water.
Raft Class II-III rapidsYou paddle a moderate whitewater section with the boat captain steering, as reviewers describe. Fruit is included during the day.
LunchLunch is included as part of the package. Reviewers called it genuinely good.
Return transferTransportation back to the Arenal area closes out the roughly 8-hour day.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to sort out before you book, from footwear to who the trip suits.

What to wear. The listing asks for light clothing or shorts plus tennis shoes or trekking sandals.
Bring water. Bottled water is the one drink explicitly not included.
Cameras and binoculars. The listing recommends bringing binoculars or a camera. One reviewer reported sloths, monkeys and many bird species from the raft, so you may want something to look with.
Fitness and pace. The listing says most travellers can participate, and the minimum age is 7. Reviews describe the rapids as exciting but handled safely, which fits the Class II-III grading.
Group size. Each departure is capped at 15 travellers. Reviewers describe guides who share knowledge about the local environment, rivers and animals during the trip.
Food on the day. Fruit and lunch are both included. Multiple reviewers singled out the lunch as a strong point of the day.

Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, so travellers with limited mobility should check with the operator before booking. Bottled water is excluded from the package. The 24-hour cancellation cut-off is strict, and changes are not accepted inside that window. Minimum age is 7, so families with younger children cannot join this particular run.

Common Questions

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from Arenal-area hotels is included, along with all transportation for the day. Check the listing for the timing that applies to your specific hotel.

What is included in the price?

Transportation, a bilingual naturalist guide, rafting equipment, fruit during the day and a full lunch are all included. Bottled water is not included, so bring your own.

Is lunch extra?

No. Lunch and fruit are part of the package, and reviewers have been positive about the food. The only listed exclusion is bottled water.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 7 years. The listing states that most travellers can participate, and the Class II-III rapids make this a reasonable fit for families with school-age children.

Is the tour accessible?

It is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed and the meeting arrangements are near public transportation, but anyone with mobility concerns should raise them with the operator directly.

What should I bring?

Light clothing or shorts, tennis shoes or trekking sandals, sunscreen and a hat, per the listing. Binoculars or a camera are recommended, and one reviewer reported sloths, monkeys and birds from the raft. Bring water too, as it is not provided.