Savegre River Whitewater Rafting Costa Rica
Class III-IV rapids, hidden jungle waterfalls and the cleanest river in Central America, guided by expert bilingual rafters with safety kayakers always close by.
The Experience
Costa Rica's cleanest river, raft it with the experts
The Savegre River is more than a rafting run, it's a full immersion into one of the most untouched rainforest ecosystems in Central America. Widely recognized as the cleanest river in the country, the Savegre delivers an exciting mix of Class III-IV whitewater rapids, scenic flat water, and primary jungle views you can only reach by boat.
Your trip starts with a scenic drive through African palm plantations and small rural villages before reaching our private river entry point near the village of Londres. After a full safety briefing, you'll launch in a 6-passenger raft led by professional bilingual guides, with a safety kayaker staying close at all times. Over roughly 2.5 hours on the water you'll navigate technical turns and rhythmic rapids, swim in calm pools, and stand under hidden jungle waterfalls accessible only from the river.
This full-day adventure is rated High difficulty, no prior rafting experience is needed, but you should be comfortable in moving water and in reasonable physical condition. Want a gentler day on the water instead? Try our ocean kayaking & snorkeling tour, or pair your trip with a guided Manuel Antonio National Park visit.
Details
What's included on your Savegre rafting tour
Included
- Door-to-door hotel pickup & transport
- Professional bilingual rafting guides
- Safety kayaker on the river
- All rafting gear, life jacket & helmet
- Lunch, snacks & refreshments
- Fresh fruit on the river
Not included
- 13% Costa Rica VAT (at checkout)
- Gratuities
- Professional action photos (optional)
- Personal expenses
What to bring: a bathing suit, a full change of dry clothes, sturdy sandals with straps or sneakers (avoid flip-flops), waterproof sunscreen, a beach towel, and sunglasses with a retainer cord. A waterproof camera or GoPro is recommended, professional action shots are also available for purchase after the tour. Minimum age 8 years.
Gallery
On the Savegre River
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience is required. Your guide gives a full safety briefing and paddle tutorial before you launch. That said, this is a Class III-IV run rated High difficulty, so you should be comfortable in moving water, able to swim, and in reasonable physical condition.
The Savegre runs Class III rapids year-round, building toward Class IV with higher water. You'll spend about 2.5 hours on the river navigating technical turns and lively rapids, with calmer stretches in between for swimming and spotting wildlife. Guides adapt the route to daily river conditions.
Yes, children must be at least 8 years old. A minimum of 2 guests is required to run the tour. Solo travelers are welcome to contact us to check availability on existing departures.
It's the same river and the same rafting experience, only your transport changes. From Manuel Antonio the round-trip drive is shorter (about 60 minutes each way), so the full day runs around 5.5-6 hours. From Jacó the drive is longer (roughly 80-120 minutes), making it a full 8-hour day. Use the toggle at the top to see your area's price and pickup times.
Rafting runs rain or shine, you'll be in the river anyway! Rain often makes the rapids even more exciting. Guides continuously assess river conditions for safety; if levels become unsafe, we reschedule or refund at no charge.
Door-to-door from your hotel or rental villa in the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area and the Jacó, Herradura & Los Sueños area in air-conditioned shuttles. After booking you'll receive your exact pickup time.
Plan your trip
From the Tucanes blog
Savegre vs. Naranjo vs. El Chorro: A Whitewater Rafting Guide
How to choose the right Costa Rica rafting river for your group.
What to Pack for Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica
From quick-dry clothes to GoPro mounts, everything you need on the river.
Best Adventure Tours Near Manuel Antonio & Jacó
Rafting, kayaking, horseback & more, the Central Pacific bucket list.
Ready to hit the rapids?
Book now, pay later, no deposit. Live availability connects via Rezdy.
Prefer just your group? Take this tour private →
