Great White Water Rafting Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Yes, there’s great white water rafting in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

There are two different rivers in the Manuel Antonio area for river rafting.  One is the Savegre River and the other is the Naranjo River.

The Naranjo River is the more difficult of the two.  It has class III to IV rapids depending on how much rain has recently fallen.The Savegre River is class II-III and occasionally a few IV rapids.  We chose this one because we are not experienced rafters.  We were picked up at our hotel  by the tour company at 7:30 am and  began the journey at Silencio, a small village of small homes with thatched roofs sprinkled along the mountainside.   There we enjoyed a typical Tico Breakfast of rice and beans, fresh fruit, and fried plantains.  Then we started down this very bumpy road passing gorgeous scenery of rainforests and winding mountain roads.   It was then we realized  we were in a very remote place with no people or houses around.  We did see an African Palm Plantation which was impressive. This Palm oil is used to make lubricant for motors….it is not edible.

At the river bank we were  outfitted by our guides for the exciting trip ahead of us, and was it exciting!  The day before a heavy rain had fallen and the river was swelling.

We got off to a slow start but steadily picked up speed.  It all happened so fast!   We paddled-rapid after rapid, and navigated around huge rocks.  The guides were excellent and kept us on course. After thirteen miles we were exhausted!

I would not trade the experience for anything…!!

Afterwards we ate a very nice lunch of rice and chicken-Costa Rica style-a natural pineapple drink, fried plantains, and shredded cabbage salad…a great ending to a day of adrenalin pumping.

The cost for this full day adventure tour is $95 per person.  And it departs at 8 am from Manuel Antonio-Quepos.

The second  one, The Naranjo River-  class III-IV   requires more experience  since the rapids are stronger and more frequent.  This wild and beautiful river drops steeply from the mountains and runs through pristine jungle gorges, winding around rocky curves, passing stunning farmland, working cattle ranches, and African Palm Plantations.

This River is a seven mile action packed rafting adventure!

Highest water levels are during the rainy season May- October.  This tour includes snacks and refreshments.  Minimum number for the tour to go is two persons and the cost is approximately $65 per person.  This is a 1/2 day trip.

To experience an action packed river rafting adventures Contact    anncreed23@gmail.com

Ann, “The Costa Rica Expert” is the owner of “The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company”   www.costaricalearn.com.  She designs  individualized itineraries (vacation planning to Costa Rica)