Paddle the Sarapiquí River Class III & IV

This La Fortuna Rafting Class III & IV experience includes around 2.5 hours on the water. Expect frequent rapids, strong splashes, quick commands, and short calmer sections between runs.

Leave La Fortuna behind and head toward a faster, more demanding section of the Sarapiquí River.

Lunch, fresh fruit, rafting equipment, towels, bottled water, and transportation from selected La Fortuna hotels are included.

What you’ll experience

We leave La Fortuna in the morning and drive through communities such as El Tanque, Los Ángeles, La Vega, and Muelle. The published schedule lists departure around 8:30 a.m. and return near 2:30 p.m.

Once we reach the Sarapiquí River, you can change and prepare for the activity. Your guides distribute the rafting equipment, review paddle commands, and explain what to do if someone enters the water.

Then each crew boards with a river guide. The route includes approximately 2.5 hours of Class III and IV rafting, with repeated waves and technical maneuvers.

Unlike an introductory run, this section requires active paddling and quick reactions. Everyone must follow commands and work together when the raft approaches stronger currents.

Halfway down the river, we stop for fresh tropical fruit. The exact stopping point may change with water levels and river conditions.

Calmer patches offer brief recovery time between rapids. Wildlife may appear along the forested riverbanks, but safe navigation remains the priority.

After the final rapid, you can rinse off and change into dry clothes. We then stop at a local restaurant for a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch before returning to La Fortuna.

Recent guests frequently mention clear instructions, energetic guides, humor during the descent, and feeling well supported through the stronger rapids. Several also highlight the fruit break and lunch after the river.

Our local recommendation

Wear secure closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops and Crocs are not accepted for this activity.

Arrive wearing quick-drying clothing or a swimsuit. Pack a full change of clothes for after the river.

Do not underestimate the physical effort. Class III and IV rapids require repeated paddling, balance, and quick movement inside the raft.

Eat breakfast before departure. Lunch comes after the La Fortuna rafting section and the return from the river.

Is this for you?

Choose this experience when you want a more intense rafting day than a typical beginner route.

It suits active adults and teenagers who can swim, follow rapid instructions, and paddle consistently. The minimum age is 12 years old.

You must know how to swim and have strong physical fitness. The activity is not recommended during pregnancy or for travelers with serious heart, back, or mobility conditions.

The current restrictions also advise against participation above 120 kilograms or 260 pounds. Equipment fit, river levels, and the guide’s safety assessment may also affect participation.

Falling into the river is possible. Wearing a flotation vest and helmet reduces risk, but rafting cannot be made completely risk-free.