12-Hour Day Trip

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting from San Jose

★ 4.6 70 verified reviews

from $119 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 12 hours
Meeting point: San José hotel pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Costa Rica Groups Travel Company

Overview

This is a full day of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, run as a roughly 12 hour trip from San Jose by Costa Rica Groups Travel Company. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with air conditioned transport handling the driving. Breakfast comes first, which matters, because travellers describe the run as a long paddle and a genuine workout covering many miles of river.

Guides lead each raft through the rapids, and reviewers repeatedly single them out, for clear paddle instruction, for getting crews through tough stretches, and for pointing out wildlife and sharing what they know about the river and Costa Rica along the way. The scenery is a constant refrain in the reviews: gorges, canyons, rainforest cover, and animal sightings from the boat. Lunch is provided, and transport back to your hotel closes out the trip. Photography is available as a paid extra, at 32 US dollars per person, and gratuities are not included.

The minimum age is 12, the group cap is 30 travellers, and a moderate level of physical fitness is expected. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers, anyone with back problems or serious heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Solo travellers report being matched with groups and having a good time, and one reviewer with no prior rafting experience said the trip was demanding but manageable.

What's Included

Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Professional guide
Air conditioned transportation
Equipment

Not Included

Gratuities
Photography (US$32.00 per person)

Itinerary

Hotel pickupHotel pickup is included. Add your San Jose hotel when you book, and confirmation is received at time of booking.
BreakfastThe day begins with an included breakfast before heading to the river. Reviewers describe it as a good start for a long run.
Raft the PacuareGuides lead rafts through rapids with rainforest, canyons and wildlife along the route. Reviews mention a lengthy stretch of river and a real physical effort.
Lunch on the tripAn included lunch is provided, along with breakfast. Several travellers said the food was good.
Transport backAir conditioned transportation returns travellers at the end of the day. The full tour runs about 12 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the reviews and in the operator's own guidance.

Fitness and pace. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and several reviewers described the run as a full body workout over a long stretch of river. First timers said it was fine, but they stressed being in decent shape. Pace yourself through a long day.
What to wear. Reviewers recommend water shoes, since you will be wet, and a rash guard for sun protection. Both come up in traveller feedback as the sensible kit for a day on the water.
Go early, rest up. The trip runs about 12 hours total. Build the day around it rather than planning much for the evening.
Solo friendly. Solo travellers report being placed with a group and having a great time. The cap is 30 travellers per departure.
Food and extras. Breakfast and lunch are included, along with the guide, transport and equipment. Photos are a separate purchase at 32 US dollars per person, and gratuities are not included.
Weather matters. The operator states the experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common issues. The honest downside is the length: a long day on the water. The trip is capped at 30 travellers and requires a minimum number to run; if that minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. Photos at 32 US dollars per person and gratuities are extra, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with air conditioned transportation to and from the river.

What Does The Price Include?

Breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air conditioned transportation and rafting equipment are all included. Gratuities and photography, at 32 US dollars per person, are not.

How Long Is The Day?

The tour runs about 12 hours from the morning meeting through the return. Reviewers describe a long stretch of river and a full day out, so plan accordingly.

Can Children Join, And Is It Accessible?

The minimum age is 12 years. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Do I Need Rafting Experience?

Several reviewers with no prior experience said the trip was fine as long as they were reasonably fit. Guides give paddle instruction before the rapids, but the length of the run makes it a physical day, and the listing asks for moderate fitness.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. The experience also depends on good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled for either reason, a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered.