WHITEWATER · TENORIO RIVER
White Water Rafting on the Tenorio River
We run you down the Tenorio River through Class III and IV whitewater — around 22 rapids across a 12-kilometer stretch, broken up by calm pools where you can catch your breath and take in the jungle. The finale is the one everyone remembers: a 12-foot plunge over Cascabel Falls — the drop into open air, then the roar of the water pounding the riverbed below. For the biggest water and the most adrenaline, come in our green season, June through November; in the dry months, December to May, the river runs gentler — still a great day, and honestly the better pick if you'd rather not max out the thrill. Between rapids you'll spot tropical birds, monkeys and iguanas along the banks, and the day wraps with a hike out to our 4x4 and a typical Costa Rican lunch. It's real Class III–IV water — come ready to get soaked and to paddle — good for ages 8 to 80 and anyone comfortable in the water, with certified local river guides setting the line the whole way. Your raft, your guide and your transportation are exclusively yours — minimum two people. The river is shared, so you will see other rafts along the run; if you want the river to yourselves, ask us and we will quote it separately.
Duration
3 Hours
Group
Private Raft
Guide
Certified Local
Level
Class III–IV
What You'll Experience
- A 4x4 ride through rustic back roads, mountains and villages to the private put-in
- A full safety briefing with your professional guides
- 3 hours and 20+ rapids down one of Costa Rica's most famous rivers
- Birds, monkeys and tropical wildlife along the canyon banks
- Cascabel Falls — a thrilling 12-foot waterfall drop, the river's most extreme rapid
- Riverbank snacks and a traditional Costa Rican lunch to finish
Good to Know
- Duration: about 3 hours on the river
- Level: Class III–IV — intermediate, no experience needed
- Includes: certified guides, all equipment, admission, snacks, lunch, 4x4 transport
- About 1.5 hours from the Papagayo Peninsula
Add-On Experiences
Enhance your private day with these optional experiences — each one fully private and tailored to your group
Sloth & Wildlife
Spot sloths, monkeys and tropical birds with a naturalist.
+ $100 per personPhotos from the Tenorio River
EXPERIENCE PREVIEW
Watch This Experience
VIDEO PROVIDED BY GUANADREAMS CR LOCAL GUIDES
Frequently Asked Questions
Your raft is exclusively yours: just your group and your own certified bilingual river guide, with private transportation (minimum 2 people). The river itself is shared — other rafts run the same stretch, and you will see them along the way. If you would like the river reserved just for your group, tell us and we will quote a private-river departure separately.
Class III & IV rapids across about 12 km and 20-plus rapids, finishing with the 12-foot Cascabel Falls drop. Great for adventurous first-timers and seasoned rafters alike; recommended ages 8 to 80.
Round-trip private transport with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in the area, all gear (helmet, life vest, paddle), your bilingual guide, towels, a fresh fruit & drinks stop, and a typical Costa Rican lunch.
Swimwear or clothes that can get wet, water shoes or strapped sandals (no flip-flops), sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a waterproof camera, and a change of clothes.
The rafting tour runs about 3 hours, with morning and early-afternoon departures. It runs year-round — rain or shine, you’re getting wet either way!
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Part of our Adventure Experiences