Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Manuel Antonio

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.

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.