Naranjo River Whitewater

Overview

This four-hour trip with Iguana Tours puts you on the Naranjo River outside Quepos for a whitewater run, with paddling, a fruit snack and a stop at a waterfall rolled into one outing. You meet at the operator's base on Calle 4 in Quepos, directly opposite the Tracopa bus terminal, where parking is available. From there the group travels to the river by air-conditioned vehicle, gets fitted with vests, helmets and paddles, and heads downstream with a professional guide in the boat.

The run itself is the main event, and reviewers consistently praise the guiding. Several describe the team as well organised, funny and knowledgeable about the area, and one called them the best guides they have had on any rafting trip. The waterfall stop comes up repeatedly as a highlight, along with the fruit served during the outing.

Snacks, gear, guide and transport are all included in the price. Lunch is not, though at least one traveller said lunch was good, and photos taken during the trip can be purchased afterward. The tour caps groups at 10 travellers and sets a minimum age of 12, so it suits teenagers and adults with a moderate level of fitness rather than young families. Pregnant travellers are advised not to take part, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in QueposCheck in at the Iguana Tours base on Calle 4 in Quepos, just opposite the Tracopa bus entrance. There is parking on site.
2. Drive to the riverTravel to the Naranjo River start point by air-conditioned vehicle. One reviewer noted this transfer takes a while.
3. Gear upReceive vests, helmets and paddles, which are included with the tour, before heading out onto the water.
4. Raft the NaranjoPaddle the whitewater section with your guide directing the boat.
5. Fruit and waterfall stopBreak for a fruit snack and a stop at a waterfall, which several travellers called a highlight of the day.
6. Return to QueposThe activity ends back at the original meeting point. Photos taken during the trip can be bought if you want them.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to wear to how the extra costs work.

• Who can go. The minimum age is 12 and children must be accompanied by an adult. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and the trip is not recommended for pregnant travellers.
• Group size. Each departure is capped at 10 travellers, so the boat stays small. One reviewer described the team as very well organised, which helps with pacing and safety on the water.
• Food and drink. Snacks and fruit during the trip are included, as reviewers mention the fruit break. Lunch is not included, though one traveller who had it said it was good, and photos are sold separately.
• Getting there. The meeting point is the Iguana Tours office on Calle 4 in Quepos, opposite the Tracopa bus entrance, with parking available. The trip ends back at the same spot.
• Timing. The whole outing runs about four hours from meeting point to return. Factor in the drive to the river, which one reviewer said takes a while.
• Tipping and extras. Gratuities are not included in the price, nor are photos or lunch. If you would like the shots taken on the water, those are purchased separately.

Common issues. A few things are worth knowing before booking. The drive to the river start takes a while, according to one reviewer, so the four-hour total includes road time, not just rafting. Lunch, photos and gratuities all cost extra, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible. The minimum age of 12 and the moderate fitness requirement rule out younger children and anyone with limited mobility, and cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time receive no refund.

Common Questions