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Experience the Safari Float in Sarapiqui at Pacuare Reserve, Cartago
Experience the best safari float on the wide Sarapiqui River, drifting 2 ½ hours through incomparable jungle beauty next to the biodiverse reserves of Pacuare Reserve in Cartago; you’ll be immersed in lush tropical rainforest scenery while spotting exotic amphibians, countless tropical birds, otters, fish, sloths, iguanas and incredible flora that make this Water-Based wildlife tour unforgettable, and when your tour concludes you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch at our riverside facilities.
About this activity in Pacuare Reserve
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Float for 2½ hours along the Sarapiqui River through lush tropical rainforest, enjoying immersive jungle scenery in the Pacuare Reserve region.
- Spot abundant wildlife - tropical birds, sloths, otters, iguanas, amphibians and vibrant flora - as you drift beside protected reserves.
- Finish the experience with a traditional Costa Rican riverside lunch featuring tropical fruit snacks and a natural drink; vegetarian option available on request.
- Enjoy a guided, family-friendly excursion with safety gear provided (lifejacket and helmet) and multi-lingual guide options for a seamless visit to the area.
Important Information
- What's included: professional guide, lifejacket and helmet, snacks (tropical fruits), and a traditional lunch with a natural drink.
- Not included: alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on site; hotel pickup and drop-off is limited to hotels in the Sarapiqui area.
- Accessibility & health: service animals are allowed and public transport options run nearby; the activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.
- Family & booking notes: suitable for most fitness levels but children must be accompanied by an adult; advise any dietary needs (vegetarian) at booking.
Meeting Point
Meet at the riverside facilities on the banks of the Sarapiqui River near the launch area; please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Exact meeting details and directions will be provided after booking.
Includes
- Professional guide provided for your Pacuare Reserve, Cartago experience to help you navigate the activity and enjoy the surroundings safely.
- Lifejacket and helmet supplied so you arrive prepared for the adventure in the region.
- Snacks included during the activity to keep your energy up while you explore the area.
- Tropical fruit snack provided as a local refreshment to taste regional flavors.
- Lunch included - a traditional lunch paired with a natural drink to sample local cuisine while you relax in the destination.
Excludes
- Alcoholic drinks are not included (available for purchase at $2).
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included except for Sarapiquí hotels; please arrange other transfers if you’re staying elsewhere in the region.
Other
- Service animals are allowed, making the activity more accessible if you travel with one.
- Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrive by transit.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; please consider health limitations before booking.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers for safety reasons.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels, so a wide range of travelers can participate.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult to ensure supervision and safety in the area.
- The activity may be operated by a multi-lingual guide to support different language needs.
- A vegetarian option is available - please advise at time of booking if required.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had an absolute blast on our recent rafting trip! It was just the two of us on the raft, which made for a personalized and thrilling experience. Our guide, JJ, was fantastic—knowledgeable, fun, and made sure we felt safe while navigating the Level 2–3 rapids. The rapids were the perfect mix of exciting and manageable, ideal for a fun day out without being overwhelming.
The whole experience was well-organized, and the scenery was stunning. We couldn’t have asked for a better adventure! For anyone looking in the off-season, I’d recommend calling in the morning to reach the team. Highly recommend booking with them for a memorable rafting trip!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars!
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Summary:
If you are looking for rafting in Costa Rica, I recommend Arenal Rafting, TOP CHOICE. My family of four went on this trip and it was by far the BEST part of our vacation.
Our guide, JJ, made the day unforgettable. From the moment we got to the river, he explained everything clearly, kept the group at ease, and gave us the confidence to really enjoy ourselves. On the rapids he told us about his career in kayaking and rafting, sharing inspiring stories that we were eager to hear. Even though some of the rapids looked intimidating, we always felt safe because of how prepared and experienced he was. At the same time, he made it fun, cracking jokes, pointing out wildlife, and making sure everyone stayed engaged.
I also want to mention Julian, our bus driver. He got us to the river smoothly and made the ride part of the experience with stories and a welcoming attitude. And Jader, the group leader, was always nearby making sure everything was running smoothly and that the whole group felt looked after.
What stood out the most was how well the team worked together. JJ brought the energy and expertise, Jader provided that extra level of support, and Julian set the tone with his kindness. Together they created an atmosphere that made the day feel special and safe at the same time.
If you want an adventure that is exciting but never stressful, this is the company to choose. Ask for JJ as your guide if you can. He truly made this the kind of experience my family will remember forever.
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Summary:
We had a fantastic Class 2 & 3 rafting trip with Aguas Bravas. Steven was a great guide: fun, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe through every rapid. The fresh pineapple and oranges during the break were a nice touch, and lunch after was delicious. A high-quality, fun experience all around.
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Discover Pacuare Reserve, Cartago: Where You Experience Nature & Adventure
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Know more about Pacuare Reserve
You’ll spend 2 ½ hours floating through lush tropical rainforest on the Sarapiqui River, surrounded by incomparable jungle beauty. Expect close encounters with vibrant wildlife-tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, otters, exotic amphibians and fish-plus dramatic flora as you drift beside important biodiversity reserves. The experience finishes with a traditional Costa Rican lunch served at riverside facilities.
The activity lasts approximately 2 ½ hours on the water, followed by a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch at the riverside facilities. During the float you’ll be guided through rainforest scenery and wildlife-rich areas along the river.
The tour is suitable for a wide range of physical fitness levels, but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries. A vegetarian lunch option is available if you advise at the time of booking. Service animals are allowed and nearby public transportation options exist for access.
On this river safari you can look for countless tropical birds, sloths, otters, iguanas, exotic amphibians and various fish species that inhabit the river and jungle margins. The Sarapiqui River’s location next to protected reserves increases your chances of observing rich biodiversity during the float.
Yes - the float is family-friendly and children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The calm river setting and wildlife viewing make it a great Outdoor & Nature activity for family bookings in the Pacuare Reserve area.
This safari float combines a peaceful 2 ½-hour river drift on the Sarapiqui River with immersion in a highly biodiverse rainforest landscape next to important reserves. The riverside traditional Costa Rican lunch and concentrated wildlife viewing-birds, sloths, otters, amphibians and more-create a standout Water-Based, Outdoor & Nature experience in the Pacuare Reserve area.
