Raft Central America’s cleanest river – the Savegre in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers some of the world's best whitewater rafting on beautiful, wild rivers that flow through spectacular tropical wilderness.

Considered the “cleanest river in Central America”, the pristine Savegre River on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast flows down a picturesque valley from its origin high in the mountains of Cerro de la Muerte near San Gerardo de Dota, all the way to the Pacific Ocean by the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Savegre River is a favorite for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, and is one of the best day trips in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area.



Commercial outfitters operate whitewater rafting trips in rapids rated from Class 2 to 4; with most operating in the Class 2-3 section. Class 2 rapids are considered very easy and suitable for beginners. Class 3 rapids are intermediate level and also considered acceptable for beginners; they require moderate physical exertion paddling. Class 4 rapids are advanced and require participants to be in good physical condition with previous rafting experience.

Quepos-based outfitter H2O Adventures even offers a Costa Rica river tubing adventure on a class 1-2 section of the Savegre River. This trip is incredible fun bouncing and splashing through easy waves and calm pools in high-tech individual round rafts. River tubing is a perfect adventure for families and people looking for a fun, easy day playing in a pure tropical river.



“I love going whitewater rafting. It is so much fun. I especially like the Savegre River, known as the cleanest in all of Central America. It is so beautiful with nature,” said Guillermo Piedra, CEO of Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living eco-community, located very near the Savegre River.

Whitewater rafting the Savegre River is a fun day trip to do from Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living. The residential eco-community has comfortable and luxurious Costa Rica vacation rentals available for rent, and Costa Rica property for sale. The popular beaches of Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Matapalo are a short drive away. Portasol staff can help arrange whitewater rafting trips on the Savegre River for guests.

Article by Shannon Farley