Savegre Rafting, Waterfall Stop

Overview

The Savegre River run with Amigos del Rio is a Class II-III whitewater trip running about 6 hours from pickup to drop-off. Hotel pickup is included for selected hotels, and from there the day follows a familiar pattern: a shuttle ride to the river, paddling instruction, time on the water with rapids that sit at the gentler end of the whitewater scale, and a stop along the way at a waterfall where the group can swim and snack.

The rapids are the draw for beginners and mixed groups rather than hardened rafters. Reviewers repeatedly describe the whitewater as manageable, with a couple of splashier sections, and several first-timers said it was an ideal introduction. Families report the run suiting a range of ages, and the minimum age on the listing is six.

Guides get consistent praise for patience, safety focus and commentary on local history, plants and wildlife during the drive. The included lunch earns repeated positive mentions from reviewers. Helmets and life jackets are provided, taxes and fees are covered, and souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want pictures of the rapids.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup is included from selected hotels in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area, with drop-off back at the end of the day.
2. Drive to the SavegreThe shuttle heads inland toward the river put-in. Guides use the ride to share local history and point out plants and wildlife.
3. Safety instructionBefore the group launches, guides cover instruction and safety, and reviewers describe them as patient teachers who help rafters through the rough spots.
4. Raft the SavegreThe group runs Class II-III rapids with calmer stretches between, and there are points where the group can stop and swim.
5. Waterfall and snack stopThe trip includes a walk to a waterfall with a snack break and a chance to swim and cool off.
6. Lunch and returnAfter the run, the group heads back for an included lunch, then the shuttle returns to the meeting point area.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from what rides in the raft to what the drive inland is like.

• What to wear. The listing is specific: bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water shoes, tennis shoes or sandals with ankle straps. Flip flops are not allowed on the river.
• Fitness and pace. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected. Several reviewers noted a learning curve at the start, with guides patiently drilling the paddling commands before the rapids.
• The long drive. One reviewer found the shuttle to the river a little long. The guides fill the ride with history and local facts, which many travellers said made it part of the fun.
• Food and drink. Snacks at the waterfall stop and a full lunch are included, along with all taxes and fees. Vegetarian meals are available if requested at booking, and reviewers repeatedly call the lunch a highlight.
• Photos. Souvenir photos of the trip are available to purchase afterward. They are not included in the tour price, so budget for them separately if you want shots of the rapids.

Common issues. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, rising to 4 for the 11:30 AM departure, and each booking caps at 10 people. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers, and is off the list for anyone with serious heart conditions. The largest life jacket fits a 52 inch chest. The trip needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers overall; if it is cancelled for either reason, a different date or a full refund is offered. One reviewer found the drive longer than anticipated, and dry season can leave sections of the river shallow.

Common Questions