Costa Rica white water rafting and kayaking.
The warm, rushing rivers which sweep through
Costa Rica's lush countryside offer world
class white water rafting and kayaking opportunities.
From the Reventazón, the famous Pacuare and
the class 5 Chirripó, all in the southern
reaches of the country, to the spectacular
Peñas Blancas, the mighty Toro, and the Sarapiqui,
all of which are located in the northern central
area of Costa Rica, rafting enthusiasts from
around the world pit their skills against
these wild and turbulent rivers. Known not
only for their exciting rides, these rivers
offer scenic beauty unparalleled anywhere
in the world. Lush tropical rainforest, spectacular
waterfalls, and abundant wildlife line the
hundreds of rivers which continually feed
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.Rio Reventezon flows from the dam of the same name in the Orossi Valley down the Atlantic slope to the Caribbean Sea. With multiple sections of the river available for rafting, there is something for beginners and experienced rafters alike. The most popular section is the Tucarrici, with level two and three rapids throughout. For those looking for a little more excitement, the Powerhouse section is a more demanding category four. Starting at the base of the dam and plunging its way through the descending gorge carved out of the side of the mountain, this ride is fast, strong and exciting.
The Rio Pacuare is generally considered to be Costa Rica's premier and most accessible river. Lined with stunning natural beauty, this river is quite literally overwhelming. With year-round accessibility and genuine level four rapids, the Rio Pacuare is perfect for both experienced rafters and experts. This river is an experience not to be missed, especially since the Costa Rican government plans to install a hydra-electric dam. For those experts looking for the most difficult and challenging rapids in the country, Rio Chirripó is it. Flowing down from the second highest mountain in all of Central America, Rio Chirripó is a difficult class five. Only available from late August through early November, at the height of the rainy season, Chirripó is fast, exciting and big. Yearly, the greatest kayakers in the world converge on this river to test their abilities against the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
On the west coast, the Rio Sevegre and Rio Naranjo begin their descents from the mountains which stand tall behind Manuel Antonio National Park. Accessible both during the dry and rainy seasons, these challenging rivers plunge towards the pacific coast before emptying into the cool, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Always susceptible to the local weather conditions, the Sevegre and Naranjo rivers can at one moment be at tranquil experience, and within minutes, a wild ride.
If you travel north to the Volcano Arenal
or Monteverde areas, make sure you check into
an exciting variety of beautiful and lesser
known rivers that are becoming the new Hot
Spot for Costa Rican white water. The Peñas
Blancas river (..called "the white water gem
of Costa Rica's Atlantic slope" in the guide
book; The rivers of Costa Rica drain directly
out of the private reserves of the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's Rain
Forest Reserve, making it hands down, the
cleanest and most pristine white water run
offered in the country! The class 4 section
of this river passes through fauna and wild
life rich, forested canyons that rise up to
over 700 feet in sections. Also found in this
stunning canyon are natural volcanic hot springs,
and picturesque water falls (some falling
into the river from over 120 feet!). The Peñas
Blancas has two half day sections (one class
3, the other class 4) that leave twice daily
from La Fortuna, San Carlos or you can combine
the two and add a great hot lunch to make
it a full day excursion. The Toro river is
a full day trip that combines some of, if
not the best continuous class 4 white water
in the country, with beautiful deep canyons
and old growth forest scenery. Also in the
area is the gorgeous class 2, 3 and 4 sections
of the Sarapiqui River, offering some rarely
ever run (or seen) class 4 and 5+ rivers or
steep creeks; ideal for the hard core kayaker.
These and other great rivers are available through a number of different tour operators. Prices for the different rivers vary and multiply-day trips are available for many of them. If you have only a limited time to see the wonders of this beautiful country, river rafting is not only one of the most enjoyable way to see Costa Rica, it is also one of the most exciting.
For kayak enthusiasts, over 750 miles of coastline
provide a unique perspective of the country's
pristine and virgin shoreline, in addition
to the numerous rivers mentioned above. Most
rafting operators also rent kayaks, as well
as offer instructional classes. Little kayaking
experience is required to fully appreciate
the breathtaking landscape, inland canals,
or environmentally protected estuaries. In
fact, some beachfront hotels are now equipped
with stable ocean or river kayaks, which are
available to guests. Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado, Drake Bay and the western shoreline provide spectacular opportunities for the beginner or professional. The area surrounding Curu Reserve, which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is very popular with kayakers year round.
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