Experience an amazing ride through the rainforest on the Tenorio River viewing wildlife - the adventure of a lifetime! Great for beginners too, this is sure to give you an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Rafting down Tenorio River
12 kilometers (about 2 hours) of the Tenorio River, passing through sections dominated by over 22 class III-IV whitewater rapids. In smoother sections, take a look around at the lush, forested scenery & spot tropical birds or monkeys high in the trees. This unique rafting tour finishes with the thrilling 12-foot waterfall drop, “Cascabel Falls.”
When you arrive to the end of your exciting rafting journey at our private river exit, do a quick hike to the 4×4 vehicle, and then head back to to the tour base in Canas.
After arriving back to the tour base, you’ll then be treated to a delicious Costa RIca Style lunch called a Casado with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and choice of protien. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 AM and 9:00 AM
Next available
Sat, Oct 10
Adult (ages 8+)
$119
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 9.
Tour Options
Self Drive
Drive yourself to the Tenorio River Rafting Base
Private Transport
Private Transportation: Private Transportation, Shared Rafting Activities
Pickup included
Shared Transportation
Tour with Transportation from Guanacaste - JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Grande, Conchal, Flamingo, Potrero, RIU Hotels, Ocotal, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Liberia
Itinerary
Playa Langosta
Pass by
6:50 am
Tamarindo Beach
Pass by
7:00 am
Tamarindo
Pass by
Playa Conchal
Pass by
Playa Flamingo
Pass by
Playas del Coco
Pass by
Playa Panama
Pass by
Tenorio National Park
540 min
Hotel Pick up
You will be picked up from your hotel and journey to Canas, where you will prepare for your adventure. You will then load into a 4x4 and be taken 30 minutes to the launch point on Tenorio River
Rafting down Tenorio River
Experience rafting 12 kilometers (2 - 2.5 hours depending on river level & time of year) of the Tenorio River, passing through sections which are dominated by over 22 class III-IV whitewater rapids.. During the smoother sections, take a look around at the lush, forested scenery and try to spot tropical birds perched high in the trees the opportunity to see plenty of other wildlife along the way such as iguanas and monkeys.. This unique rafting tour finishes with the thrilling 12-foot waterfall drop called "Cascabel Falls.”
When you arrive to the end of your exciting rafting journey at our private river exit, do a quick hike to the 4x4 vehicle to drive out of this isolated, unspoiled region of Costa Rica, and then head back to to the tour base in Canas.
Costa Rica Style Lunch
After arriving back to the tour base, you’ll then be treated to a delicious Costa RIca Style lunch called a Casado with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and choice of protien. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. You will be able to use the changing rooms before heading on your way to your hotel in time for a glorious Pacific sunset.
Playa Hermosa
Pass by
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Transportation Info:
Self Drive: Meet at Tenorio Adventure Zone @ 9:00 AM - maps link will be sent upon confirmation
We pick up from the hotels, condos and private residences in the following areas:
- Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:45 AM
- Langosta/Tamarindo Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 7:00 AM
- Conchal (W/Westin Conchal), Brasilito: 7:00 AM
- Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero: 7:00 AM
- Las Catalinas: 7:00 AM
- RIU Hotels Main Security Gate, Not the Lobby: 7:00 AM
- Playas del Coco: 7:00 AM
- Playa Hermosa/Panama (Occ/Sec Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 7:00 AM
- Liberia Peri Supermarket: 8:30 AM
- Andaz/Planet Hollywood/Four Seasons: 7:20 AM
Pick up times above are an estimate. We will send you an official pick up time the day before the tour. Please be ready outside 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time, but it can take up to 20 minutes longer depending on the day's pick up schedule and traffic.
DISCLAIMER:
- 2 person minimum, if you are a single traveler, contact us to see which dates are open
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
183 reviews
5
172
4
7
3
3
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Tamarindo
No. 25 by number of reviews among 506 tours in Tamarindo
Starting price $119 is 39% below the typical $195 for tours of similar length in Tamarindo
Excurgo comparison of 506 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV take?
Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV cost?
Prices start at $119 per person for this Tamarindo experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Can I cancel Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Transportation Info:
Self Drive: Meet at Tenorio Adventure Zone @ 9:00 AM - maps link will be sent upon confirmation
We pick up from the hotels, condos and private residences in the following areas:
- Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:45 AM
- Langosta/Tamarindo Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 7:00 AM
- Conchal (W/Westin Conchal), Brasilito: 7:00 AM
- Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero: 7:00 AM
- Las Catalinas: 7:00 AM
- RIU Hotels Main Security Gate, Not the Lobby: 7:00 AM
- Playas del Coco: 7:00 AM
- Playa Hermosa/Panama (Occ/Sec Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 7:00 AM
- Liberia Peri Supermarket: 8:30 AM
- Andaz/Planet Hollywood/Four Seasons: 7:20 AM
Pick up times above are an estimate. We will send you an official pick up time the day before the tour. Please be ready outside 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time, but it can take up to 20 minutes longer depending on the day's pick up schedule and traffic.
DISCLAIMER:
- 2 person minimum, if you are a single traveler, contact us to see which dates are open Pickup points include Conchal Hotel.
What languages is Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 183 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Native's Way Costa Rica.
Reviews(183)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
B
Brookekruhm
August 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fabulous White Water tour! Book it!
Fantastic white water experience! I’m so sorry I don’t remember our guides name and he was excellent! 5 starts on fun, friendly and safety! I would highly recommend for all ages, families and groups! Sadly we didn’t get to see any wildlife but the river was great, we had fun and always felt safe and I would highly recommend any one to this group!
Operator response
Thank you for the fantastic review and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fun and exciting white water rafting experience and that our guide made you feel safe and well taken care of throughout the adventure.
While the wildlife decided to stay hidden that day, we’re glad the river provided plenty of excitement and memorable moments. We truly appreciate your kind words about the fun, friendly service and safety, and we’re especially happy to hear you would recommend the experience to families and groups.
Thank you for choosing Native’s Way. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida!
Native's Way
A
alexiskN195SF
August 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience, fantastic guide!
Best experience ever, definitely a highlight from our family vacation to Cost Rica! From start to finish, this trip was organized, FUN, educational, and exciting. We really appreciated the convenient pick-up/drop-off at our hotel, everything running on time, and the kindness and knowledge of all staff. Yeiner was the BEST guide. He was so knowledgeable, skilled, and hilarious. Our whole family of 4 (including a 13-yr old girl and 10-yr old boy) had the best time and are still talking about this experience 2 weeks later. We are so glad we got the photo package, too! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Operator response
What an incredible review to receive! We’re absolutely thrilled that this experience became one of the highlights of your family vacation in Costa Rica.
It’s wonderful to hear that everything, from the hotel pickup and punctual service to the activities and our team, made the day so enjoyable. We’ll be sure to share your special shout-out with Yeiner. His knowledge, skills, and sense of humor are exactly what we love to hear about from our guests.
We’re especially happy that your entire family had such a great time and that the memories are still being talked about weeks later.
Thank you for choosing Native’s Way and for your enthusiastic recommendation. We hope to welcome your family back for another unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida,
Native's Way
D
dbE2362EA
August 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best part of our week long trip!
I was nervous, but Jason was the best! He helped make it fun the whole way and his energy was contagious. Not only was it beautiful, but it was a perfect route that started small and built to the bigger rapids and drops. I felt very safe and cared for the entire time by Jason and the other guides. We saw howler monkeys and white faced monkeys having a ‘turf war’ in the trees, lots of birds, and some fish. It’s a good balance of ability to watch for wildlife while also experiencing the action. You will get wet, the whole time, but it helps you stay cool and comfortable. This should be a must do for your trip. My only critique is that you end up in several different vehicles at different points, so it’s hard to know where to leave your bag. I recommend taking it all the way to the river in the 4x4 bus with rafts on the trailer(picture below). Then you can change in the bathrooms while all are getting a snack as you get off the river. They take photos that you can buy after. Worth it to not have to try to fuss with gear while in the raft. You likely wouldn’t be able to anyway with paddling. I’d do it all again if we were staying longer. The whole team was amazing, but get in Jason’s boat if you can!
Operator response
What an amazing review to receive! We’re especially happy to hear that Jason helped turn your nerves into excitement and made you feel safe and confident throughout the adventure. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him and the rest of the guiding team.
It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the progression of the river, starting with smaller rapids and building up to the bigger drops, while still having opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Seeing monkeys, birds, and fish must have made the experience even more memorable.
Thank you as well for sharing such thoughtful feedback about the transportation and where to keep personal belongings. Details like these are very helpful for future guests, and we truly appreciate the recommendation.
We’re delighted that you would do it all again and that the entire team made such a positive impression. We hope to welcome you back for another rafting adventure next time you’re in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida,
Native's Way
O
O9460IRsarap
July 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun in the rapids!
We had so much fun navigating the rapids with another couple and our amazing guide, Luis! He was fun, knowledgeable, and calm. He also managed his crew well (there were 5 rafts on this trip) to ensure everyone was safe and having a good experience. Thanks Luis!
I also want to mention another guide, Allison, who was leading a raft with 3 adults, one of whom was not paddling. She single handedly kept them all safe throughout the trip and prevented the raft from capsizing them on more than one occasion. Cool, calm & collected!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fun and memorable experience navigating the rapids with Luis. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him, he’ll be very happy to know that his service helped make your adventure so enjoyable.
We’re also delighted to hear your recognition of Allison.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize both Luis and Allison. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida,
Native's Way
K
Kelly_B
July 20, 2026 · via Viator
Awesome Trip
Juan was an amazing guide!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Always made us feel safe. The whole family had a blast! It was an exciting and fun day for us all!
Operator response
We’re delighted to hear that your family had such a fun and memorable experience!
It’s wonderful to know that our guide helped make your adventure special with his knowledge, helpfulness, and commitment. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him!
Thank you for choosing to explore with us. We’re thrilled that the whole family had a great time, and we hope to welcome you all back for another exciting adventure in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida,
Native's Way
N
Navigate800674
July 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Family Adventure
Rafting through the jungle down a volcano is a wonderful way to see Costa Rica. Lots of time to look around with some adventure thrown in. The guides were fantastic.
Operator response
We’re so glad to hear that you had an amazing time on your rafting adventure!
We’re happy that you enjoyed the combination of scenic views and exciting moments along the way. We’re also delighted to know that our guides helped make your experience even more memorable.
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your kind feedback. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another incredible Costa Rican adventure!
Pura Vida,
Native's Way
R
robanddonna719
July 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Exhilarating day on the river
This day started with an amazing guide. Joseph was awesome! He made sure that we were well taken care of, extremely experience and knowledgeable of the area. He handled the raft very well. Made us so comfortable and laughed the entire ride. Even though the Rapids were rough in some areas we never felt concerned Joseph had it all under control. We have been white water rafting with other companies and groups and this was one of the most professional. They provided a wonderful snack after the rafting of fresh pineapple, crackers and good juices. Our lunch was superb! By far the best lunch on any Excursion we've taken in Costa Rica.
Would highly recommend this company and this excursion.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear you had such a great experience with Joseph. We'll be sure to share your kind words with him. It's also great to know you enjoyed the rafting, the fresh snack, and the lunch.
Thank you for choosing us! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure!
8
815donnaf
July 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A very fun day
Fantastic experience! The rafting was fun, and the river and surrounding forest are beautiful. Our guide was very nice (although he should leave the giant spiders on the riverbank rocks alone!) Well-organized transportation and a good lunch.
The only part I did not enjoy was the 45-minute ride to lunch from the river- it was in a converted horse trailer- benches of seats had been added- and was definitely not air conditioned. I would still take this trip again though!
D
Damaris_P
June 23, 2026 · via Viator
Crazy fun
It's very fun and safe. Guide are professional and they know what they doing. Very well recommended.
Operator response
Thank you for your great review! We're happy to hear you had a fun and safe experience with us. Our guides work hard to provide a professional, enjoyable, and secure adventure for all our guests, so we truly appreciate your kind words.
Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Pura Vida!
Native's Way
H
H4479IHcelinem
June 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful rafting tour
My boyfriend and I had a very nice experience rafting. The guide is very pleasant and spontaneous. The food afterwards was also very tasty! Definitely recommended
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the rafting adventure and the food afterward. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon! 😊🚣
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