Brace for sustained class 4 rapids on the Sarapiquí River, a competition-grade run less than an hour from La Fortuna. This guided trip pairs high-adrenaline rafting with safety briefing, lunch, and hotel transfer.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from a low river bank and the Sarapiquí immediately takes charge — a braid of green water that hurries beneath hanging ferns and past banana fields. Spray hits your face, guides call commands, and for the next two hours the river dares you into a sequence of class 4 drops where waves flip around the bow and the boat surges forward.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5–6 hours (total, including transport and lunch)
Fitness Level
High level of cardiovascular fitness and core strength; comfortable with sustained paddling and occasional swims.
Wildlife
History
Sarapiquí’s rivers were historically used for transport and later developed as competitive whitewater venues; the corridor has long supported small-scale agriculture and eco-tourism.
Conservation
Operators emphasize Leave No Trace and use bottled water sparingly; avoid single-use plastics, support local guides, and follow guide instructions to minimize riverbank impacts.
Reserve your spot on the White Water Rafting Class 4 with Lunch - Arenal Tours today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Secure footwear
Wear water shoes or strapped sandals — flip-flops and loose shoes can be lost in rapids.
Hydrate early
Drink water before pickup; heavy exertion and sun make hydration important even though bottled water is provided.
Know your limits
This is a Class 4 run; be honest about swim ability and recent injuries during booking and the safety briefing.
Protect electronics
Use a dry bag or leave phones in the van — waterproof cases can fail under heavy spray and tumbling.
Water shoes with secure straps
Keep traction and protect feet on rocks and during swims.
Lightweight quick-dry clothing
Dries fast after repeated splashes and swims.
Small dry bag
Protects keys, documents, and a spare layer during the run.
Biodegradable sunscreen and a cap
Sun protection that won’t contaminate the river; cap helps keep spray out of eyes.