White water rafting in Costa Rica is popular on the Pacuare and Reventazon which are located in the Northern Lowlands. Costa Rica offers some of the best white water rafting in the world as rivers descend from the central mountains to the coast. The best months for white water rafting are from June through October.

The rivers of Costa Rica are wild and it is important for travelers to understand that Costa Rica does not have safety regulations for this industry. Wild rivers are powerful and uncontrollable. As a result, it's important to select an outfitter certified in swift-water rescue and emergency first aid training.

There are two towns in Costa Rica that cater to white water rafting. The first is Turrialba, which is located on the Rio Pacuare and is considered to be one of the top 10 best runs in the world.

The second village is La Virgen. This village is famous in the white water industry for rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui. It's possible to run the Sarapiqui year round. This river offers from Class I-V rapids.

Several rivers near Manuel Antonio National Park offer great white water rafting year round. The Rio Naranjo is for experts-only at Class V on the upper section reducing to Class III-IV on the lower section. However, the neighboring Rio Savegre offers Class III-IV rapids; its source is the Cerro Chirripo.

There's a gentler river near Manuel Antonio that is rated at Class II+, for those looking for a lesser white water rafting experience, the Rio Parrita, and has excellent bird watching and wildlife-sighting opportunities for those looking for less adrenaline and more serenity.

More travel info on destinations in Costa Rica

Learn more about Costa Rica's travel destinations.