White Water Rafting from Jaco, Costa Rica
Book white water rafting from Jacó, Costa Rica: three rivers to the south, from gentle Class II rapids to the Class V gorge of El Chorro.
Compare the 3 rivers
Three rivers south of Jacó, from Class II to Class V. What changes is how hard the rapids hit, how old you need to be, and the months each one runs. Bilingual guides, lunch after the river, and private transport from your hotel or vacation rental in Jacó and Los Sueños.
Pick one and we will price it for your group right below.
Savegre River Rafting
$105per person, plus transport
Class II and III rapids: calm paddling broken up by real white water, through bends and turns with jungle on both banks. About 2½ hours on the river, with calm stretches where you can hop out and swim. Back at base camp you dry off, change and sit down to lunch.
- RapidsClass II-III
- Duration5½ hours
- On the riverAbout 2½ hours
- SeasonAll year
- Minimum age8
- IncludesLunch, fruit, snacks, drinks
Best for: Families, first-timers and mixed groups
Raft the SavegreNaranjo River Rafting
$85per person, plus transport
Class III and IV on the river that borders Manuel Antonio National Park. Steep and fast through mountains, jungle gorges and farmland, with a break halfway to catch your breath. The last rapids ease off before a lunch made with local ingredients. Almost two hours on the water.
- RapidsClass III-IV
- Duration4½ hours
- On the riverAlmost 2 hours
- SeasonMay to December
- Minimum age8
- IncludesLunch, fruit, water
Best for: A shorter, faster day with bigger rapids
Raft the NaranjoEl Chorro Gorge Rafting
$105per person, plus transport
The upper section of the Naranjo: about 2 miles through a narrow gorge, with drops, tight rock walls and boulders, and rapids with names like Tail of the Dragon. No experience needed, but you need to be in good shape. It only runs in the dry season: when the rains come it rises to Class V and often can't be run.
- RapidsClass IV-V
- Duration4 hours
- On the riverAbout 2 miles of gorge
- SeasonJanuary to May
- Minimum age16
- Maximum weight230 lb (105 kg)
Best for: Fit adults who want the hardest rapids
Raft El ChorroSee the full comparison table
| Savegre River Rafting | Naranjo River Rafting | El Chorro Gorge Rafting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $105 | $85 | $105 |
| Rapids | Class II-III | Class III-IV | Class IV-V |
| Duration | 5½ hours | 4½ hours | 4 hours |
| Time on the river | About 2½ hours | Almost 2 hours | About 2 miles of gorge |
| Season | All year | May to December (rainy season) | January to May (dry season) |
| Minimum age | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Maximum weight | Ask when booking | Ask when booking | 230 lb (105 kg) |
| Experience | None needed | None needed | None needed, but good physical condition |
| Food | Lunch, fruit, snacks and drinks | Lunch, fruit and water | Lunch |
| Private transport (required) | $180 up to 6 people, then $30 each | $180 up to 6 people, then $30 each | $180 up to 6 people, then $30 each |
| Best for | Families, first-timers and mixed groups | A shorter, faster day with bigger rapids | Fit adults who want the hardest rapids |
Price your rafting day
Tell us how many of you there are and pick a river. You see the full total, transport included, before you talk to anyone.
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When to go rafting: the river calendar
There is rafting near Jacó all year, but not on every river. The Naranjo and El Chorro are the same river: in the dry months the upper gorge (El Chorro) is the one you can run, and when the rains raise the water, rafting moves down to the lower Naranjo. The Savegre runs all year.
| River | JanJ | FebF | MarM | AprA | MayM | JunJ | JulJ | AugA | SepS | OctO | NovN | DecD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SavegreRuns all year | January: runs | February: runs | March: runs | April: runs | May: runs | June: runs | July: runs | August: runs | September: runs | October: runs | November: runs | December: runs |
| NaranjoRuns May to December | January: closed | February: closed | March: closed | April: closed | May: runs | June: runs | July: runs | August: runs | September: runs | October: runs | November: runs | December: runs |
| El ChorroRuns January to May | January: runs | February: runs | March: runs | April: runs | May: runs | June: closed | July: closed | August: closed | September: closed | October: closed | November: closed | December: closed |
- May is the changeover month: depending on the rain, it can be the last weeks of El Chorro or the first of the Naranjo.
- Guides check every river before each trip. If the water is too high or too low to run safely, we contact you about another date or another river.
- Pick a date in the booking form and it tells you which rivers run that month.
What's included
Included
- Bilingual rafting guide (English and Spanish) in every raft
- Safety instructions and practice before the river
- Raft, paddle and safety gear
- Safety kayaker on the Savegre and Naranjo
- Lunch on all three rivers
- Fruit, snacks and drinks on the Savegre; fruit and water on the Naranjo
Not included
- Private round-trip transport: $180 for up to 6 people, $30 for each person after that. Every group needs it, so the calculator adds it for you.
- Guide tips
How the day goes
From your door to the river and back.
Pickup where you're staying
Private transport for your group only, from your hotel, condo or vacation rental in the Jacó and Los Sueños area. Our office sets the exact pickup time with you when they confirm your booking.
South to the river
The rivers are south of Jacó, near Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The drive goes past palm plantations, small towns and jungle.
Safety talk and practice
Your guide gives the safety instructions and you practice before getting on the water. On the Savegre and Naranjo, rafts take six passengers, with a guide in every raft.
The river
Around two hours of rapids on the Savegre or the Naranjo, or two miles of gorge on El Chorro. On the Savegre and Naranjo a safety kayaker stays close to the group.
Lunch
Back on land you dry off, change and eat. Lunch is included on all three rivers.
Back to your door
The same private driver takes your group back to where you're staying.
The rapids, the gorge, the crew
What rafters say
Not everyone leaves a review, but here are a few of the ones who did.
We booked the Savegre trip for our family with two kids (9 and 12). Having the private van pick us up directly at our condo in Los Sueños made the morning completely stress-free. The guides were patient, safety briefing was thorough, and the scenery through the canyon was breathtaking. The kids loved swimming in the calm sections. Top-notch operation.
Did the Naranjo River in July right in the middle of green season. The water level was pumping and the continuous Class III-IV rapids kept everyone paddling hard. Our guide dialed in the lines perfectly and the safety kayaker was right with us the whole way. That hot Costa Rican lunch afterwards hit the spot.
El Chorro was hands-down the most intense rapid section we've ever run. The tight rock canyon and technical drops require real focus, so definitely listen to your guide. Booking through Jaco Tour Desk was straightforward: total price with transport was clear upfront and the driver was on time at 7 AM sharp.
We were six guys staying in Jaco and weren't sure about the drive south, but the private shuttle was comfortable and air-conditioned. Savegre is pristine rainforest from start to finish. Big splashes, beautiful waterfall stop along the bank, and fresh fruit right on the river rocks. Worth every penny.
My partner wanted big rapids and I was slightly nervous, but Naranjo delivered the perfect balance of excitement without feeling reckless. The equipment was in pristine condition (clean vests and helmets). You can tell these river guides have spent decades navigating these waters.
Rafted in Colorado and Oregon before, but doing it through lush tropical jungle with toucans flying overhead is a whole different level. Clear water, great rapid flow, and no rushed feeling at any point of the day. A full-day trip you cannot skip if you base yourself in Jaco.
Before you book
Requirements
- El Chorro needs good physical condition: it is a strenuous run through a narrow gorge.
- Strong swimming skills are important on El Chorro.
- If anyone in your group is close to an age or weight limit, tell us when you book.
What to bring
- Rubber-soled shoes
- Sunblock
- Swimsuit and towel
- A change of clothes
- A waterproof camera
The river decides, not the rain
Rain is normal here and rafting runs in it. What matters is the water level: guides check the river before every trip, and if it is too high or too low to run safely, we contact you about another date or another river. That is also why each river has its own season.
Make it a bigger day
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us before they book a rafting day.
Which rafting tour is best for beginners and families?
The Savegre. It is Class II and III: calm paddling mixed with real white water, and calm stretches where you can get out and swim. It runs all year and kids can join from 8 years old. The Naranjo (Class III-IV) is also open from 8, but it is steeper and faster.
Do I need rafting experience?
No, on any of the three rivers. Every trip starts with safety instructions and time to practice, and there is a guide in every raft. El Chorro asks for fitness rather than experience: you need to be in good physical condition for it.
What is the minimum age?
8 years old on the Savegre and the Naranjo, 16 on El Chorro.
Is there a weight limit?
On El Chorro the maximum is 230 lb (105 kg). If anyone in your group is close to that on another river, mention it in the booking form and we will confirm with the guides.
When is the best time to go white water rafting in Costa Rica?
It depends on the river. The Savegre runs all year. The Naranjo runs in the rainy season, May to December, when there is enough water. El Chorro, the upper Naranjo, runs in the dry season, January to May: in the rains it rises to Class V and often can't be run. The river calendar on this page shows it month by month.
Is transportation included?
No. It is priced separately and every group needs it: $180 round trip for up to 6 people, and $30 for each person after that. It is private, for your group only, from your hotel, condo or vacation rental in the Jacó and Los Sueños area. The calculator adds it to your total.
What time is pickup?
It depends on the river and the tour time available on your date. Our office agrees the pickup time with you when they confirm your booking.
How long does the tour take?
The Savegre takes 5½ hours, the Naranjo 4½ and El Chorro 4. The rivers are south of Jacó, near Quepos and Manuel Antonio, so expect an early start. Your pickup time comes with your confirmation.
How much does white water rafting cost for my group?
The price per person times your group, plus transport. For example, four people on the Savegre: 4 × $105 = $420, plus $180 of transport, $600 in total. The calculator on this page gives you the exact number for your group.
Is white water rafting safe?
Every trip starts with safety instructions and practice. On the Savegre and Naranjo each raft carries six passengers with a guide giving instructions the whole way down, and a safety kayaker stays close to the group. Guides check the water level before every trip. Pick the river that fits your group: the Savegre for a first time or with kids, El Chorro only if everyone is fit and at least 16.
What happens if it rains or the river is too high?
Rain alone does not stop rafting. What matters is the water level: guides check it before every trip, and if a river is not safe to run, we contact you about another date or another river.
What is the difference between the Naranjo and El Chorro?
They are the same river. El Chorro is the upper section: about 2 miles of narrow gorge with tight rock walls, drops and boulders, run in the dry season at Class IV-V. The Naranjo tour runs the lower section in the rainy season, Class III-IV, through mountains, jungle gorges and farmland.
Do I need to know how to swim?
On El Chorro, yes: strong swimming skills are important there. On the Savegre and the Naranjo, tell us in the booking form if anyone in your group can't swim and we will check with the guides before confirming.
What should I bring?
Rubber-soled shoes, sunblock, a swimsuit and towel, a change of clothes, and a waterproof camera if you want photos. Leave anything that can't get wet behind.
Is lunch included?
Yes, on all three rivers. The Savegre also includes fruit, snacks and drinks, and the Naranjo includes water and fruit.
Ready for the river?
Tell us the date, the river and how many of you there are. We confirm availability and your pickup time.
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