Water Sports in Costa Rica

Experience the adrenaline rush of a whitewater rafting trip along Costa Rica's Pacuare River. Soak up views of the rain forest and mountains as you safely navigate the river's class III and IV rapids with an expert guide and catch a glimpse of wildlife, such as parrots, toucans, and monkeys. No detail is overlooked: your rafting day trip includes all equipment, meals, and hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose.

Go tubing on the Balsa River then play in the thermal water at Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park, on a full-day, family-friendly trip from La Fortuna. This 9-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, white water tubing, snacks, lunch at a country estate, and admission to Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park.

Float down the Corobici River for two hours on this 7-hour excursion from Playa Hermosa. Bring the whole family on this kid-friendly tour with plentiful opportunities for viewing wildlife, particularly water birds, in a natural environment as you relax on the raft, and afterward, on the banks of the river during a picnic lunch.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river's most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide. All rafting equipment and round-trip transportation from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is included on this tour.

Experience the thrill of a lifetime during your Costa Rica adventure with this Tenorio River rafting tour. Navigate the fast-paced white waters on Class III and IV rapids with an expert guide during this daredevil day that combines almost 20 kilometers of rapids.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Soak up the scenery of the Sarapiqui River without facing the fury of the white-water rapids with a relaxing safari float. Wind your way downstream along the gentlest part of the river and soak up the scenery of the Sarapiqui canyon along the way. The leisurely pace is ideal for wildlife spotting so keep a look out for howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths and hummingbirds as you drift through the rainforest. Best of all: this rafting tour is suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 4 years old can take part!

Shoot the rapids on the Pacuare River on this day tour from Turrialba. With a guide providing instruction and ensuring your safety, paddle down 18 miles (29 kilometers) of Class III and Class IV rapids through Costa Rica's lush landscape. Stop for guided hikes up waterfalls located in hidden canyons and at a base camp halfway for lunch. Learn about the surrounding ecosystem, flora, and fauna through your guides' commentary.

Beginner kayakers are at ease on this Sarapiqui River kayaking tour. Roll over mild class I and II rapids on your way to wildlife watching zones along the river, which runs through a biodiverse section of the jungle. You might see tropical birds, wild orchids, and more as you follow your guide along the course.

Get the ultimate Colorado River experience with a full-day adventure tour from Tamarindo, and explore a tropical forest, natural sauna and mud baths. Soar between the trees on a zip line, rappel and climb a riverside cliff, then then gear up for a trip down the river in a raft or inner tube. Splash and swirl your way through five miles of Class II-II rapids, stop for a rock jump and rope swing, and finish your day by rolling in warm volcanic mud and relaxing in thermal hot springs.

Take in views of stunning tropical scenery as you navigate Class III-IV rapids along the Pacuare River on this small-group tour from San Jose. Join your professional river rafting guide and your group of 10 people or fewer for a full day of rafting, hiking, and dining by the riverside. Although this is a challenging course, no prior rafting experience is necessary.

This private fishing charter on the Gulf of Papagayo is the perfect way to get your fix of deep sea fishing in style. Head out to sea on a luxurious 35-foot long boat featuring an air-conditioned salon, full bathroom and shower, and functional kitchen, and cast line using top-of-the-line tournament fishing gear. Choose between a half-day onshore or full-day offshore excursion to try your luck reeling in yellowfin tuna, marlin, or sail using the provided equipment.

Whether you're a novice rafter or a rapid expert, this 8-hour trip down Costa Rica's Sarapiqui River is sure to please. Navigate Class III and IV rapids with a professional guide who ensures both your safety and your entertainment during the trip, which passes through 7.5 miles of tropical rain forest environments. This tour includes a typical Costa Rican lunch and round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

Grab a paddle and get ready for adventure on a kayaking tour of Costa Rica's famed Lake Arenal. On this guided 4-hour tour, you'll soak up an aquatic perspective of the area's gorgeous tropical scenery, with unmatched views of the nearby Arenal Volcano. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

Spend the night surrounded by nature during this overnight white water rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River. Follow your expert guide on an interactive adventure that's filled with recreational activities that encourage teamwork and full participation.

Get a dose of Costa Rica's 'pura vida' lifestyle on this full-day combo tour featuring plenty of sweet treats, adventure, and relaxation. Navigate the rapids of the Balsa River on a whitewater rafting trip, learn how to turn raw cacao beans into delicious chocolate at a cacao farm, and savor lunch at a traditional country estate. The tour includes all food, drink, and equipment, plus round-trip transport from La Fortuna hotels for a stress-free day sampling Costa Rican highlights.

Experience one of Costa Rica's most beautiful regions from the water on a kayaking tour of Lake Arenal. Learn basic paddling techniques from an instructor and guide before setting off on the calm man-made lagoon surrounded by rain forest. Enjoy amazing reviews of Arenal Volcano looming nearby, and look for migratory birds like kingfishers and flycatchers on the lake, plus howler monkeys swinging just offshore.

Explore deep within Costa Rica's famed wilderness on this 2-day rafting trip down the Pacuare River from San Jose or Alajuela. Run Class III and IV rapids along the banks of a tropical rain forest with a guide, and spend the night at an ecolodge in the middle of the jungle.

Go deep into the rainforest surrounding the Arenal volcano with a 7-hour, 2-in-1 combo tour that includes a safari float, canopy walk and the scenic La Fortuna waterfall. Watch for monkeys, sloths, iguanas and caymans while navigating a gentle river, then get a bird's-eye view of the forest as you walk between tree tops on a series of narrow suspension bridges. Continue to a jungle waterfall, slip into clear water fringed with lush foliage, then enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and locally grown coffee before returning to your hotel.