Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Manuel Antonio

5.0 (4 reviews)
Navigate Class II and III rapids on this scenic rafting journey down one of Costa Rica's closest rivers.

Overview

Perfect for families and first-timers, this adventurous journey down the Río Savegre is an ideal introduction to the thrills of whitewater rafting. It starts with a transfer from your hotel to meet your experienced guides on the banks of one of Costa Rica's cleanest rivers, which winds through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Gear up and learn the basics, then set off on a 2.5-hour rafting run through Class II and III rapids. In between exhilarating whitewater portions, you'll have plenty of breaks to swim and spot wildlife on the riverbanks. End the day at base camp, where a traditional Costa Rican meal awaits.

Highlights

  • Paddle through Class II and Class III rapids on one of Costa Rica's cleanest rivers
  • Take a break in calmer waters and cool off with a swim
  • Spot diverse wildlife and enjoy the passing rainforest scenery
  • Refuel after the adventure with a traditional lunch and fresh fruit

Know before you go

Duration
5h 30m
Recommended for
8 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Lunch Included. In addition to lunch, a small snack is included

What you'll do

Get ready for an exciting day out on the Río Savegre! It begins when you're picked up from your hotel in the Manuel Antonio area for a scenic (roughly 80-minute) drive to the river. When you reach the put-in point, meet your experienced guides, listen to a safety briefing, and grab a helmet and life vest before stepping into your six-person raft. For the next 2.5 hours, you'll navigate one of Central America's cleanest and most beautiful rivers, located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that's home to a remarkable biodiversity of plants and wildlife.

This is a gentle yet exciting introduction to riding the rapids, and great for everyone from families and beginners to experienced adventurers. You'll paddle through Class II and Class III rapids in a safe and controlled environment, with plenty of calmer breaks to stop for a refreshing swim, enjoy views of the rainforest, and spot plentiful wildlife. Watch for egrets, ospreys, and kingfishers swooping over the river, and parrots, monkeys, and sloths in the treetops above. When you reach the end of the route, dry off and transfer to base camp (a 30-minute drive), where you'll enjoy a meal of traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 12:00 pm

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Expert guides
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Rafting equipment

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Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 3 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Food
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
Cynthia
Cynthia D.
La Mirada, CA | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024
First time rafting for the entire family and was rightfully nervous. The rapids were Class II and III and the guides on each raft were in complete control that all of us felt safe. Again, it is the wet season which made the water level perfect for rafting! The ride up to the launch area was bumpy and the truck got stuck in the mud that the guides all worked together to resolve. We saw some wildlife on our way up and the scenery was beautiful! Read more

First time rafting for the entire family and was rightfully nervous. The rapids were Class II and III and the guides on each raft were in complete control that all of us felt safe. Again, it is the wet season which made the water level perfect for rafting! The ride up to the launch area was bumpy and the truck got stuck in the mud that the guides all worked together to resolve. We saw some wildlife on our way up and the scenery was beautiful!

Tips for future travelers

There are guides who take pictures and videos that can be purchased separately. They capture our experience and are priceless!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sushma
Sushma S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

Rafting was great, not to hard, got wet.
Ride to river was through some villages. Lunch after was good local food.

Harshida
Harshida P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
First time whitewater rafting, even though dry season, the rapids were still 1-2 level and good for beginners. We enjoyed the excursion. Read more

First time whitewater rafting, even though dry season, the rapids were still 1-2 level and good for beginners. We enjoyed the excursion.

Quality of Experience
They kept us entertained
Food
Driver had pineapple and watermelon ready as we finished our rafti by and drinks. The tour provided authentic costarican lunch which was good
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The crew kept us entertained we enjoyed the drive. To the river as they explained the surrounding landscape
Transport
A bit bumpy and curved roads , but your driving thru the back roads, not too bad

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Itineraries with Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure