Reventazon River Rafting Costa Rica
Is white water rafting in Costa Rica on your bucket list? Well if you are arriving on a cruise ship to Puerto Limon, you are in luck! The Reventazon River provides for a great opportunity for those looking to experience one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica on a limited schedule.
The Importance of the Reventazon River in Costa Rica
The Reventazon River in Costa Rica is a beautiful white water rafting river in Costa Rica. But the river is also very important for many other reasons. Starting at the base of the Irazu Volcano, the Reventazon is 145 km (90 mi) long and winds through the Central Valley, Turrialba and Orosi Valleys all the way to the Caribbean. The Reventazon River is the source of 25% off all the drinking water in San Jose. And the dams along the Reventazon supply a large amount of electricity as well. Aside from river rafting, the Reventazon River is obviously pretty darn important to the way of life in Costa Rica.
Commercial Rafting the Florida & El Carmen Sections of the Reventazon River
Needless to say, any river that long provides a wealth of white water rapids. Reventazon River has rapids ranging from gentle class I bumps to wild and crazy class V drops. However, commercial rafting trips usually run on the Florida or El Carmen sections which consist of mostly class II/III rapids.
Rafting Reventazon River is highly recommended for beginners. However, even experienced rafters traveling in groups with less experience are bound to enjoy their day. Rafting guides are typically very skilled in spotting all sorts of wildlife along the shores as well. You can spot kingfishers, toucans, herons and iguanas along the shores, and seek out sloths and monkeys in the trees. It is especially beautiful during the rainy season when the bright blue morpho butterflies line the shores. You seriously cannot help but enjoy a beautiful day on one of Costa Rica’s most scenic rivers on the Caribbean side. Well, unless you are a true grouch that is. You need to learn the true meaning of “Pura Vida” then!
Rafting Pacuare vs Reventazon River- Reventazon River Rafting Get’s An Unfair Bad Rap
If you read through all the disappointing reviews on Trip Advisor, you will note that they are not particularly disappointed about the Reventazon River itself. Most negative reviews come from people booking the Pacuare River, then being taken to the Reventazon instead for various reasons (weather, water levels, time constraints, etc). Since the Pacuare River is the number one White Water Rafting excursion in Costa Rica, I totally get it. But the sad part is, the Florida section of the Reventazon River is actually quite beautiful despite the rapids being much tamer than the class II/IV for the Pacuare they were expecting. That said, if you are looking for the wet & wild white water rapids synonymous with Costa Rica, you are better off on the Pacuare River.
Who Is Reventazon Rafting Best For?
Because both the commercially run Florida and Carmen sections consist mainly of class II/III rapids with long floating times between, rafting the Reventazon River is perfect for first-timers. It is also perfect for mixed generations (aka the more adventurous 20-30 year olds traveling with their slightly less adventurous parents). In fact, mixed generations arriving on cruise ships is the main reason our white water rafting excursion from Puerto Limon is one of our most popular shore excursions in Costa Rica. Cruise ships are also limited on time which also makes this the best rafting option for cruisers.
Don’t get me wrong, this is still quite an adventurous rafting trip in Costa Rica. You´ll need to be at least 12 years old to be able to safely raft the Reventazon. All commercial tours must be operated by certified rafting guides. This is not just a lazy river float. Depending the water levels, there is still a good chance that the rapids can throw you out of the boat if you are not paying attention. Not to worry though, most good rafting outfits travel with safety kayaks that will swoop you up and get you back into the boat before you know what hit you.
If your cruise ship is arriving to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, we highly recommend white water rafting be on the top of your list of things to do in port.
Still a little timid? For more information, check out our blog on the White Water Rafting Classes
Paddles up!