In the Central Pacific, not all rivers are created equal. Whether you want a scenic family float or a technical white-knuckle challenge, Tucanes Tours has a route for you. We provide seamless, high-end transportation from both Manuel Antonio and Jacó, ensuring your adventure starts the moment you step onto our shuttle.
At a Glance: The Tucanes Tours Rafting Comparison
| Feature | Savegre River | Naranjo River | El Chorro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Intensity | Class II & III | Class III & IV | Class IV & V |
| The Vibe | Scenic | Pura Vida | High Energy |
| Duration | Full Day | Half Day | Half Day |
| Travel Time (from MA) | 60 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
| Travel Time (from Jacó) | 110 Minutes | 80 Minutes | 95 Minutes |
| Operating Months | Year-Round | May - November | January - May |
| Best Months | Year-Round | May - October | March - April |
| Minimum Age | 8 Years Old | 10 Years Old | 16 Years Old |
Direct Service from Manuel Antonio & Jacó
We understand that getting to the river is part of the experience. Tucanes Tours proudly services all of our world-class rafting routes from both Manuel Antonio | Quepos and Jacó. Our fleet of high-end, air-conditioned shuttle buses is designed for comfort, featuring professional drivers and ample space for your gear. Whether you are staying in a luxury villa in Jacó or a beachfront resort in Manuel Antonio, our door-to-door service means you can sit back, enjoy the coastal views, and focus on the rapids ahead.
The Savegre River: Nature’s Masterpiece
Intensity: Class II & III | Vibe: The "Pura Vida" Experience
The Savegre is widely considered the cleanest river in Central America. It offers a perfect mix of exciting rapids and calm stretches where you can swim and admire the primary rainforest. Definitely check out our blog: Natural Beauty of the Savegre and Naranjo Rivers in Costa Rica.
- The Flow: Expect a series of rolling, rhythmic rapids that provide a thrill without being overwhelming. You’ll have plenty of time between "paddles up" to spot kingfishers, egrets, and monkeys along the banks.
- The Highlights: Frequent sightings of white-faced monkeys, egrets and toucans. A stop at a magnificent jungle waterfall accessible only by river and a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local "rancho" after the run.
- Recommended For: Families with children, first-timers, and anyone who wants a full day immersed in pristine nature.
Book Your Rio Savegre Rafting Adventurefrom Manuel Antonio | Quepos
Book Your Rio Savegre Rafting Adventurefrom Jacó
The Naranjo River: The Adrenaline Surge
Intensity: Class III | IV | Vibe: High Energy | Technical
Rio Naranjo is located just inland from Quepos. It’s a steeper, faster, and more technical run than the Savegre. For those staying in Manuel Antonio who want a quick and intense hit of adrenaline the Rio Naranjo is your river.
- The Flow: The rapids are closer together with less flat water in between. It requires active paddling | quick reactions | and focus.
- The Highlights: The pure adrenaline of the Rio Naranjo section where the river narrows and the intensity spikes.
- The Season: This river is rain-fed and truly comes alive from May through November offering some of the best technical rafting in the region.
- Recommended For: Travelers seeking a half-day blast of excitement and those with a decent fitness level.
Book Your Rio Naranjo Rafting Adventurefrom Manuel Antonio | Quepos
Book Your Rio Naranjo Rafting Adventurefrom Jacó
El Chorro (Upper Naranjo): The Elite Dry Season Exclusive
Intensity: Class IV | IV+ | Vibe: Extreme | Technical | Exclusive
This is the Holy Grail of local rafting. El Chorro is a tight, explosive run available only during the peak dry season (typically December through April) when water levels allow for safe passage through the narrow canyon.
- The Flow: This is not a "scenic float." It is a series of steep drops, narrow chutes, and continuous Class IV+ action. It demands synchronization with your guide and physical stamina.
- The Highlights: Navigating through deep, volcanic rock canyons that feel like another world. This is the most "exclusive" tour in the Tucanes lineup.
- Recommended For: Experienced rafters or high-energy adventurers looking for the most challenging whitewater in the Central Pacific.
Book Your El Chorro Rafting Adventurefrom Manuel Antonio | Quepos
Book Your El Chorro Rafting Adventurefrom Jacó
Why Raft With Tucanes Tours?
- 30+ Years of Experience: We are the pioneers of adventure in Manuel Antonio with a safety record that is second to none.
- Professional Photography: Our specialized river photographers capture high-res shots of your biggest drops available for review and purchase at the end of your trip.
- Private Infrastructure: Unlike other operators, we utilize our own private ranch facilities for meals and changing areas, ensuring a clean, comfortable and authentic Costa Rican experience.
Expert Guides: Every raft is led by a certified, bilingual professional with safety kayakers trailing every group on higher-class runs.
Preparation: What to Wear | Bring
To ensure you have the best day on the water, please come prepared with the following:
- Secure Water Shoes: Sandals with straps or old sneakers. No flip-flops (they will be lost to the river!).
- Sun Protection: Waterproof, biodegradable sunscreen and a rash guard.
- Dry Clothes: Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the shuttle ride back.
- Sense of Adventure: Leave your jewelry and non-waterproof cameras at the hotel, we’ve got the rest covered.
Which one should you book?
Choose Savegre if: You want a relaxing, scenic full day with Class II-III thrills for the whole family.
Choose Naranjo if: You are active, short on time and want a heart-pounding Class III-IV burst.
Choose El Chorro if: You are an experienced rafter visiting between January and May looking for the ultimate technical challenge.
Combo Adventures for the Best of Both Worlds
Can’t choose just one experience? Try our Combo Tours! These are curated adventures that blend Costa Rica’s best highlights, from rafting and horseback riding to cooking classes and wildlife walks. Explore our popular Combo Tours like:
- Saddle & Paddle: Horseback riding and whitewater rafting
- Cultural Cultivation: Local Flavor Cooking & Chocolate Tour
- Combo: Manuel Antonio Park and Chocolate, Coffee & Vanilla Tour
These thoughtfully crafted tours let you experience multiple aspects of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific in one unforgettable day.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
▸Which river is best for families with young children?
The Savegre River is the gold standard for families. With a minimum age of 8, it offers the perfect mix of "splashy" Class II-III thrills and calm stretches where kids can spot monkeys and toucans. The Naranjo and El Chorro are significantly more intense and technical, making them better suited for teens and adults.
▸Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go rafting?
While you don't need to be an Olympic athlete, you should be comfortable in moving water and have a reasonable fitness level to paddle. For the Naranjo and El Chorro, swimming ability is much more important due to the technical nature of the rapids. For every tour, Tucanes provides high-float life jackets and professional safety briefings to keep you secure.
▸What is the "Dry Season Exclusive" for El Chorro?
El Chorro is only navigable when water levels are just right, typically from January through April. Because it runs through a narrow volcanic canyon, it requires the precision of lower, controlled water levels. If you are visiting during the green season (May–November), the Naranjo and Savegre are your best high-water bets!
▸Can I bring my phone or GoPro on the raft?
We don't recommend bringing phones unless they are in a high-quality waterproof pouch, and even then, you'll be busy paddling! However, GoPros with chest or helmet mounts are welcome. Tucanes also provides a professional river photographer who captures high-res action shots of your group, which are available for purchase after the tour.
▸Is transportation included if I am staying in Jacó?
Yes! While we are based in the Manuel Antonio | Quepos area, we provide door-to-door transportation from all major hotels and villas in Jacó, Herradura, and Los Sueños. Please note that travel times from Jacó are longer (approx. 90-120 minutes), so sit back and enjoy the coastal views in our air-conditioned shuttles.
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Transportation is included from/to your local hotel when you book a tour w/Tucanes
We offer air conditioned passenger Microbuses with full insurance coverage and experienced drivers. Also for your convenience, we will pick you up at your hotel in Manuel Antonio, Jacó, San José or Uvita when participating at one of our world-class nature and adventure tours.
If you have any questions about routes or would like to book a shuttle, contact our transportation specialists.
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Nationwide Shuttles and Transportation
Getting around Costa Rica doesn't get any easier than reserving one of our private shuttles or transfers.
We will be happy to assist you if you require any special or private transportation service while in Costa Rica. Tucanes services the entirety of Costa Rica with many shuttles to/from the Central Pacific coast. Routes include the Juan Santamaria (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós / Liberia International Airports (LIR), Los Sueños Resort, Jacó, Herradura, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, San José, Dominical, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, everywhere and anywhere you want to be in Costa Rica! Contact us with any questions about our routes, pick-up times or to book a private shuttle.
Private Transportation, Shuttles, Buses and more
One-Way Shuttles
The best way to get around is a private one-way shuttle from most of Costa Ricas most famous destinations.
Regional or Nationwide
The quickest and easiest way is to book a direct route from point to point.
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Rent a Private Shuttle
Let Tucanes handle the logistics so you can relax and enjoy the scenery as we get you from A to B.
Point A to B with zero hassles
We can get you anywhere you need to be by bus or our Mercedes fleet of microbuses.
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Groups up to 20 people
Tucanes Tours has a fleet of larger buses to get your group around to all of the best destinations.
For groups up to 20
We can get you anywhere you need to be by bus or our Mercedes fleet of microbuses.
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