Whitewater Rafting on the Tenorio River, Costa Rica
Chase the adrenaline of Costa Rica's Tenorio River on a guided whitewater rafting adventure. After pickup from Potrero or Flamingo, you'll transfer by 4×4 to the river and battle the famous Class III–IV rapids through the Guanacaste canyon — with an optional 12-foot plunge down Cascabel Falls for the bold. It's the best river adventure Costa Rica has to offer.
About the Tenorio River Whitewater Rafting Tour
Your adventure begins with convenient pickup directly from your Potrero or Flamingo Beach accommodation. The journey is part of the experience — a scenic two-hour drive through the captivating Guanacaste countryside, come sun or rain. The thrill intensifies as you transfer to a 4×4 for the ride through the tropical landscape to the put-in at the bridge over the Río Tenorio, where your rafting adventure begins.
Safety comes first. Before tackling the river, your expert crew provides a detailed safety briefing and fits your gear, and you'll get practice runs with your guide so everyone in the raft is comfortable and prepared. Then the real fun begins: an exhilarating 2.5-hour run through the Tenorio River canyon and its famous Class III–IV rapids. For an extra jolt, you can opt to run Cascabel Falls — a heart-pounding 12-foot waterfall drop.
After your adrenaline-packed descent, you're well taken care of. You'll return to the lodge for a delicious Costa Rican-style lunch and time to relax before the trip home. It's a full day of world-class river action wrapped in the raw beauty of the Guanacaste mountains — an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure whether it's your first raft or your tenth.
Whitewater Rafting Schedule & What to Expect
- Duration
- Full day (7:00 AM–4:00 PM) · about 2.5 hours on the river
- Departure Times
- Hotel pickup from 7:00 AM
- Departure Point
- Hotel pickup from Potrero, Flamingo & nearby area
- Transportation
- Round-trip transport included, plus a 4×4 transfer to the river put-in
- Highlights
- Class III–IV rapids, optional Cascabel Falls 12-foot drop, expert guides & safety briefing, dedicated photographer, traditional Costa Rican lunch
- Important Notes
Suitable for ages 12–65 in good physical condition. It is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, heart conditions, or who are pregnant.
Whitewater Rafting Rates
Full day (7 AM–4 PM)
$140
Prefer a more intimate experience? Private trips are available on request. Ages 12–65 in good physical condition; this is a Class III–IV adventure.
What's Included on Your Whitewater Rafting Tour
What's Included on Your Tenorio River Rafting Adventure
- Expert Guidance & Safety: Your adventure is led by a professional guide who provides a comprehensive safety briefing and makes sure all safety gear is properly fitted and used throughout the run.
- Top-Tier Equipment: All the gear you need — paddles, life jackets, and helmets — is provided for your safety and comfort on the water.
- Seamless Transportation: Round-trip transport to and from the Tenorio River is included, along with the 4×4 transfer to the river put-in.
- Adventure Highlights: The full run through the thrilling Class III–IV rapids, with the option to take on the 12-foot waterfall drop at Cascabel Falls.
- Dedicated Photographer: Every tour includes a dedicated photographer, so you can relive and share the whole adventure afterward — hands-free, with your best moments captured.
- Traditional Lunch: A delicious Costa Rican-style lunch is served at the lodge following your time on the water.
Preparing for Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure
- Secure Footwear (Important): This is critical — you must wear secure, closed-toe footwear like old sneakers or water shoes. Flip-flops and loose sandals aren't allowed on the river for safety reasons.
- Clothing: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a towel plus a dry change of clothes for after the adventure.
- Sun Protection: Apply a lotion-based sunscreen before you hit the water — spray sunscreens are discouraged for river and boat use.
- Waterproof Camera: Bring a camera in a waterproof case to capture moments before and after the run (your dedicated photographer covers the rapids themselves).
- A Sense of Adventure: Most importantly, bring an excellent sense of adventure — you'll need it for the Class III & IV rapids!
Have Questions About This Tour?
Ask us anything about Whitewater Rafting — what the day looks like, what to expect, or whether it suits your group. We reply fast, and nothing is booked or paid for here.
