Arenal rafting vs manuel antonio rafting?

Question

I am going to Costa Rica in a few days. I have never been whitewater rafting. I am looking for class 2-3 rafting. Would it be better to go whitewater rafting in Arenal or Manuel Antonio? Also, is monteverde an option for better rafting?

Answer 1

I went to CR in June and rafted with a company Iguana Tours outside of Manual Antonio.  I'd never been rafting before and neither had approximately 60% of the other people.  It was a class 3-4 (I signed up for the 2-3 but apparently I was the only one, so we all went to the 3-4).  I was really really scared.  But these guys were amazingly good at what they do.  They covered all the safety issues and when people fell out, all the rafts worked together to get them back in.  The guys were young and funny, but the minute it got serious it was obvious they were experts at what they do.  I highly recommend this tour company - and admittedly I have nothing else to compare it too - but as a first timer talking to another first timer - I can't say enough good things about these guys.

Answer 2

If you are interested in rafting around Manuel Antonio, then you should look into rafting on the Rio Naranjo (Class III-IV), though this river can have Class V rapids when there is high water. It's also a somewhat inconsistent river so it's best to check with a rafting company prior to booking.

Rio Sarapiqui (Class III) is a good option north of San Jose and it is run from May to December, according to water levels. This river flows towards and empties into the Caribbean.

Rio Pacuare (Class II-IV) is a beautiful river that flows towards the Caribbean and sections are lined with dramatic cliffs and the steep incline makes for some exciting wave action.

Almost all rafting companies will pick you up in San Jose so you don't really have to travel anywhere, since the rivers all originate in the interior. You can expect a 2-3 hour shuttle ride to the start of the river and a lunch on the river in most cases.

Answer 3

No rafting in Monteverde.   I think there are different levels of rafting in Arenal but the most commonly used are class 3 rapids.  The Sarapiqui is an awesome river but is technically challenging in places.   There is rafting near Manuel Antonio that might be a little easier than in Arenal.  In general the best rafting rivers go into the Atlantic because that side gets more water.

Answer 4

both would be great

Answer 5

The Río Toro explodes with a series of over 45 continuous class 3-4 rapids – you'll spend more than 2.5 hours rafting through unexplored, tropical wilderness on a personalized, small-group tour. The exciting Río Toro is located only 1 hour from La Fortuna.

More-detalied information about our Río Toro class 3-4 whitewater rafting tour near La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano: