Whitewater Rafting

What Makes Our Rafting Trips Unique?

In Costa Rica, whitewater tourism is huge. A normal tour includes bunches of rafts and hundreds of strangers of all sorts and varieties bussing to the rivers from San José. Serendipity runs the river for only you and your companions. Our style of whitewater rafting makes a big, big difference, which is why experienced rafting enthusiasts seek out Serendipity for their exploration of Costa Rica whitewater. With Serendipity, your whitewater expedition is a private trip, which allows you to share this extraordinary experience and be part of the team, with your friends, family, and guides.

Whitewater Rafting for All Ages and Abilities

Different People, Different Boats. When grandparents want to be part of the fun, but not part of the work crew, there’s the Oar Boat. Like riding the Queen Mary. Kids, too, are more secure in this heavier boat. Adrenaline junkies have one or two-person Duckies or a Mini-me — a three-person sports boat. You decide what you want for your whitewater rafting adventure in Costa Rica and your head river guide will decide if it makes sense for security.

Our intimate group size and high guide-to-guest ratio enable us to be very inclusive on our trips, which means your group can probably be accommodated, whatever the restrictions. Some guests are too high profile to be on a group tour. Some guests need special diets or have medical restrictions.

Regardless of your skill level, you’ll always be accompanied by a safety kayaker, experienced Serendipity leaders, and all the equipment needed to try the more exciting approaches to the water.

And Different Rivers. Serendipity has accommodated a wide variety of people on Costa Rican rivers. We can run the Pejibaye in Duckies, and run it twice — the second time, you are the guide, and Serendipity’s guide is only along to laugh at you when you mess up. And kids love this river. Some of our guests are experienced whitewater rafting freaks, with experience on rivers from Chile to Nepal, and want the extreme challenge only private whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui and Pacuare Rivers can provide.

The Best Whitewater Rivers in Costa Rica

We specialize in Whitewater Rafting trips in Costa Rica on the Pacuare, Sarapiquí, and Pejibaye rivers. For travelers looking to include Whitewater Rafting on other rivers in Costa Rica, we can also offer this experience through one of our trusted partners.

Whitewater Rafting Pacuare River

Our great love, and still always a great challenge, is the Pacuare, one of the five most beautiful rivers in the world (we haven’t seen the other four, so it’s hard to believe there is a better river). The scenery is spectacular; lush rainforest, steep-walled canyons, waterfalls, and a variety of birds are just some of what awaits. We offer rafting trips that last from 1 to 3 days, navigating Class II-IV whitewater rapids (depending on which section of the river you choose). The minimum age is 5 years old for the upper Pacuare section (Class II-III) and 12 years old for the lower Pacuare (Class III-IV).

For guests on a multi-day trip down the Pacuare, we offer overnight accommodation in riverside cabins or a luxury campsite. This features a covered social area with hammocks, flush toilets, showers, and elevated platforms for your tents. Your backdrop is spectacular mountain rainforests, which we’ll also explore, on foot and with ropes and harnesses, as only an expeditionary group can do it.

Whitewater Rafting Sarapiquí River

The Sarapiquí is a jewel of clear water that borders the second largest tract of protected Rainforest in Costa Rica: Braulio Carrillo National Park. Prepare for a day of fun-filled whitewater and wildlife observation. The entire descent is roughly 12 kilometers. The lower stretch has gentler rapids, but it’s also the better place to see flying toucans and find a sloth in the trees.

The river is Class III, which is sufficient for those rafting for the first time, and exciting and beautiful enough for more experienced rafters. For rafters looking for the excitement of Class IV, we run the Upper Sarapiquí, a narrow, technical section of whitewater with lots of maneuvering and some lengthy rapids. Minimum age for Sarapiquí rafting is 5 years old on the regular section of the river (Class II-III) and 12 years old on the upper section (Class III-IV).

Whitewater Rafting Pejibaye River

The scenic Pejibaye River is a perfect family whitewater rafting adventure in Costa Rica, packed with Class II and III rapids with time between to take in the scenery and look for wildlife. You’ll be accompanied by your river guide who will see you safely through the waves as you experience the thrill and unique beauty of river rafting. The minimum age for rafting on the Pejibaye River is 5 years old.

This section of whitewater can be rafted once or twice in one day. The descent can also be done in Duckies (small inflated two-person kayaks) with just you and your guide who can give you reign of the navigating depending on your skill level. Another option is a tiny raft called the Mini-Me, which is for 2 people plus your guide. This little raft reacts more to the waves and holes, and you feel the action of the whitewater. Mini-Me is for the brave of heart who are willing to maybe take an unexpected “swim”!