Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater Kayaking Costa Rica offers such a variety of good whitewater it doesn’t matter if you are just getting started as a whitewater kayaker, or have been paddling all your life. When you go whitewater kayaking in Costa Rica you will always find a beautiful river with challenging and heart pumping rapids of warm water that leave you with a lasting smile. Costa Rica is covered by so many rivers and runs that we can make a thorough whitewater itinerary to perfectly match your skill level. Whether you want to spend your whole time in Costa Rica paddling or just a day or two we can do it and cover all the details.

We have a large variety of playboats, creek boats and down river kayaks available for you to use while you are with us. We also have kayak paddles, life jackets, helmets, spray skirts and paddle jackets. Bring whatever gear you have room for or want and we can fill in the rest.

With our customized, fully guided adventure trips we will make sure everything is perfect before you even get to the country. You don’t have to worry about gear, shuttles, lunches or any thing else. Our guides are life long whitewater enthusiasts and they
know Costa Rica’s rivers very well as they typically paddle them year round. Having these guides along won’t stop your thrill and excitement of paddling a new river but they will be ready to answer any of your questions in regards to the river, the canyon or the rainforest and its inhabitants surrounding you. Your guide will also point out all the great play spots as they come up and help you perfect what ever trick you may be working on.

If your looking to do some whitewater kayaking in warm water or to paddle during your off season let us know. The rivers flow year round down here in Costa Rica and we would love to show you some of our favorite play spots and best runs Central America has to offer.

Listed below are just some of our favorite rivers in Costa Rica.

Pacuare River

The Pacuare River is the undisputed crown jewel of all the Costa Rican Rivers. National Geographic called the Pacuare one of the top two rafting rivers in the world. On its way to the Caribbean Sea, the Pacuare plunges through some of Central America’s last untouched tropical rain forest. In between the class III and IV rapids you’ll gaze in wonder at the primordial forest and its wild inhabitants. The Pacuare River Gorge is home to thousands of exotic creatures such as sloth, monkeys, toucans, and the elusive jaguar. This lush paradise is accentuated by literally dozens of spectacular waterfalls crashing down hundreds of feet into the blue-green waters of the Pacuare. The Pacuare is invariably the highlight of our client’s vacation in Costa Rica.

Pejivalle River

The Pajivalle River (sometimes spelled Pejibaye and pronounced Pay-E-Baa-He) is one of our favorite rivers in all of Costa Rica. The smaller volume river boasts just the right combination of Class II whitewater, incredible rainforest bordering the river and animal and bird life to make any, beginner to intermediate, whitewater-enthused client smile from ear to ear. The more commonly run lower section is about ten miles long and offers one challenging class III rapid. The river and its rapids are perfect for a family just
starting to get into paddle rafting as there is no stress from the big whitewater and the access road is always less then 100 yards away.

Reventazon River

The Reventazon River, also just outside the city of Turrialba, has numerous sections along its 65 kilometers of whitewater to choose from, ranging from a challenge to really challenging. The Pascua section of the Reventazon River is about 13 miles and offers 15 solid class IV+ rapids of Costa Rican whitewater. The Peralta section is only eight miles, but its class V whitewater is very challenging and only for very experienced paddlers, it is considered the most challenging whitewater in all of Costa Rica. The mellower Florida section of the Reventazon is the last section on the river before it flattens out and flows out into the Caribbean. This final section is Class III. Although the river also sits in a beautiful canyon you typically don’t have much time to enjoy the scenery. The old railroad from Puerto Limon to San Jose paralleled the river and fragments can still be seen along the banks.

Sarapiqui River

The Sarapiqui River offers some similarities as its brothers to the south (the Reventazon and the Pacuare), enough whitewater to get your heart pumping and the scenery breathtaking between the rapids. There are three runs that are commonly done on the Sarapiqui River giving a choice between easy, medium and hard. The Chilamate run is class I and II and is perfect for families with younger children, or who are more interested in watching wildlife then whitewater. The Lower Sarapiqui section is class III and IV is a good c ompromise of challenging water and wonderful views and is suitable for strong, but inexperienced rafters. The Upper Sarapiqui boasts class IV and V rapids for seven miles and is perfect whitewater for experienced paddlers looking for a major adrenaline rush.

Naranjo River

Near the beautiful Manual Antonio Park, the Naranjo River has two popular sections. The first is known as the Labyrinth that is class V and experts only. The second section, the more popular of the two, is known as the Villa Nueva and offers class III and IV whitewater rapids.

Savegre River

The Rio Savegre is known as one of the cleanest rivers in Central America. The Savegre River starts its journey at nearly 3820 meters on the Cerro Chirripo (Costa Rica’s tallest mountain). The Savegre River offers sometimes continuous whitewater and the most commonly rafted section is class III to IV +.

Are you looking for just a one day trip, not a multi-day custom adventure package?
Check out Green Frog Rafting – Costa Rica Whitewater Adventures