Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Manuel Antonio
Navigate Class II and III rapids on this scenic rafting journey down one of Costa Rica's closest rivers.

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... Read more

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

First time whitewater rafting, even though dry season, the rapids were still 1-2 level and good for beginners. We enjoyed the excursion.
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
5h 30m
8 years old & up
Small group
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
-
Daily8:00 am, 12:00 pm
What's included
- Round-trip transportation
- Expert guides
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Beverages
- Rafting equipment
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedSee alternatives

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with an expert guide. While trekking the two-mile (3.2-km) trail, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies in the wild. The path through the lush rainforest leads you to the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Isla Damas Kayaking Adventure

Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with an expert guide. While trekking the 2-mile (3.2 km) trail, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies in the wild. The path through the lush rainforest leads you to the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, this small group activity is the perfect way to see the region's biodiversity up close.

Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue
Explore the pristine coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park with this group sailing adventure. Board a comfortable, multideck catamaran in Quepos, then sit back and learn about the region's geography and wildlife as you glide past islands, rock formations, and dramatic cliffs. Your captain will drop anchor in a secluded bay for snorkeling, swimming, and some fun on the boat's two waterslides, then it's time for a delicious barbecue served on deck. This relaxed excursion is perfect for nature lovers and families keen to spot the region's marine life and spend a day out on the water.

Scuba Diving at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Board a 30-foot Island Hopper for a scuba diving excursion in the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Dive into the waters surrounding Isla del Caño and explore the abundant marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and various fish species.

Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Perfect for nature lovers and families, this active excursion lets you explore the scenic coast of Manuel Antonio from the water. Climb into a single or double kayak and follow your guide as you paddle past small islands and nesting areas for marine birds, then stop for a break in the beautiful Biesanz Bay, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel and spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles. After working up an appetite with a few hours on the water, you'll head back to base camp and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

Damas Island Boat Excursion
Take a gentle cruise through the lush mangrove estuaries around Isla Damas on this four-hour excursion that's perfect for families and nature lovers. Your knowledgeable guide will point out flora and fauna as you glide along the natural passageways created by the river's ebb and flow. Watch for exotic birds in the surrounding treetops, spot monkeys and reptiles on the shores, and keep an eye on the water where the fluctuating conditions of sediment and saltwater attract a wide range of marine life. The day ends back on shore with an included lunch with your group and guides.

Local Flavors Cooking Experience
Experience a more authentic side of Costa Rica with this countryside culinary experience that's perfect for curious foodies. After a stop at the local farmers' market in Quepos to choose ingredients, you'll travel to a private ranch in the village of Londres. Help pick produce from the property's organic garden, then team up with a local chef to cook a traditional lunch. You'll learn how to make corn tortillas by hand, prepare a fresh ceviche, and whip up a classic chicken dish. Enjoy the meal, then take some time to explore the ranch and its peaceful surroundings; weather permitting, you can even take a swim in the Río Naranjo.

Visit Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Organic Spice Farm Experience
Traveler photos
Traveler reviews
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0


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

Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries with Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure


Costa Rica's Wild South - 12 Days
If you prefer an active holiday in the great outdoors amid exotic wildlife, then this is the trip for you. Over 12 days of travel throughout Costa Rica, you'll indulge in almost...

Costa Rica's Natural Wonders: Tortuguero, Los Quetzales, Corcovado & Manuel Antonio - 11 Days
This 11-day itinerary celebrates Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity and highlights four of the country’s magnificent national parks. Traverse the coastal Caribbean waterways...


Costa Rica Nature and Birding Adventure - 13 Days
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. Over 850 different species exist in this small Central American nation, which accounts for 10% of the birds in the world. The birding...
Manuel Antonio Experiences
Show more Manuel Antonio experiences
Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Perfect for nature lovers and families, this active excursion lets you explore the scenic coast of Manuel Antonio from the water. Climb into a single or double kayak and follow...

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with an expert guide. While trekking the two-mile (3.2-km) trail, keep your eyes open for...

Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue
Explore the pristine coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park with this group sailing adventure. Board a comfortable, multideck catamaran in Quepos, then sit back and learn...

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary
Tour Kids Saving the Rainforest, a non-profit organization based in Quepos. The sanctuary rescues over 100 animals each year with the primary goal of rehabilitating them to be...

Damas Island Boat Excursion
Take a gentle cruise through the lush mangrove estuaries around Isla Damas on this four-hour excursion that's perfect for families and nature lovers. Your knowledgeable guide...
Costa Rica Experiences
Show more Costa Rica experiences
Tabacón Hot Springs Visit with Meal
On this half-day relaxing experience, spend several hours at Tabacón Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs (there are...

Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...

Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Rainforest Hike with Lunch
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a hike through the lush tropical rainforest along the Río Celeste, one of Costa Rica's most striking rivers. Led by a guide,...

Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312...

EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal
Soak in the therapeutic benefits of volcanic hot springs at EcoTermales, an idyllic hideaway. Experience contrast therapy (alternating between cool water and hot), try aquatic...
Best of Manuel Antonio
Best of Manuel Antonio
How Many Days to Spend in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is a microcosm of many of the things that travelers come to Costa Rica for, and its proximity to San José makes it an ideal destination if you're...


Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo
Costa Rica is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, but two destinations that consistently top the list are Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo. Both offer stunning coastlines,...

Ultimate Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is a slice of paradise on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. A short flight (or four-hour drive) south of San José, the national park and surrounding area have...

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park has it all: rainforests, coral beaches, and wild rivers. Make the most of your time in this exceptionally scenic and diverse area with a mix of...

Where to Dine in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest protected area, yet its ecological diversity is surprisingly plentiful. The same goes for restaurants—the tiny town of...
Trip Planning Essentials

How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...

Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...

Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip