Colorado River Rafting Private Tour
Into the canyon. Down the Colorado. A private half-day white water rafting adventure, from Papagayo and Guanacaste.
View pickup areas
Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Experience the Colorado River Like Never Before
Escape into one of Guanacaste's hidden river canyons, where exciting Class II–III rapids, crystal-clear swimming holes, and breathtaking tropical scenery combine to create the perfect rafting adventure for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
White Water Rafting
Paddle through approximately two miles of exciting Class II–III rapids, offering the perfect balance of fun, adventure, and safety for first-time rafters and experienced paddlers alike.
Natural Swimming Holes
Take a refreshing break in beautiful crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush tropical dry forest and peaceful natural landscapes.
Scenic River Canyon
Float through one of Guanacaste's most scenic river canyons while enjoying incredible views of forests, wildlife, and untouched natural beauty.
Private River Expedition
Enjoy an exclusive experience with your own certified river guide, allowing your group to set the pace while learning about the surrounding ecosystem.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Your private guide meets you directly at your hotel or resort in Guanacaste.
Safety Briefing
A full safety briefing and gear fitting before launching, no prior experience necessary.
White Water Rafting
Paddle approximately 2 miles of Class II-III rapids through a scenic river canyon.
Natural Swimming Holes
Cool off in crystal-clear pools along the river.
Riverside Lunch & Private Return
Enjoy a traditional lunch by the water before your private return to the resort.
- Minimum age: 5 years old.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Class II–III: no prior experience necessary. The guide manages all commands and navigation, guests simply paddle and enjoy.
- Guests with back conditions, heart conditions or recent surgeries should consult a physician before participating.
- All participants must be able to swim or be comfortable in moving water. Life jackets are worn at all times on the river.
- Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended. Secure-fitting shoes or water shoes are ideal.
- Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, you will get wet.
- Leave valuables at the resort. Waterproof bags are provided for essentials on the river.
- Apply sunscreen before departure. Helmets and life jackets are provided and worn throughout the rafting section.
- Waterproof cameras and GoPros are welcome. Standard phones should be stored securely in the provided dry bag.
- Please inform your guide of any medical conditions or swimming limitations before launching.
A 25% deposit confirms your booking, and the remaining 75% is due no later than 72 hours before the tour. Bookings made within 72 hours of the tour are paid in full at the time of booking. Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the tour receive the refundable amount paid, less any applicable non-recoverable payment-processing costs when legally permitted. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour are non-refundable, subject to any mandatory consumer rights under Costa Rican law. Read the full Booking & Cancellation Policy.
No-shows are 100% non-refundable, subject to any mandatory consumer rights. Guests are granted a complimentary waiting period of up to 1 hour after the scheduled pickup time; beyond this period, the booking is considered a no-show.
Date changes can be requested more than 72 hours before the tour, subject to availability. Within 72 hours, there is no automatic right to reschedule; any exceptional change is at Wild Papagayo's discretion and subject to availability and supplier conditions.
Guest safety is our priority. Experiences canceled by Wild Papagayo due to unsafe river or weather conditions will be rescheduled whenever possible. If rescheduling cannot be arranged, a full refund will be issued.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Extra set of clothes
✓ Towel
✓ Water shoes / sandals
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Can You Bring a Phone on Costa Rica Adventure Tours?
Wondering where to keep your phone, towels and valuables during Costa Rica adventure tours? Here is what to expect on rafting, ziplining, ATV and catamaran excursions.
Best Half-Day Tours From Papagayo
Seven private half-day tours from Papagayo, generally about 4 to 7 hours, covering wildlife, waterfalls, horseback riding, rafting and zip lines, for travelers who don't want to lose a whole day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your Wild Papagayo experience is reserved exclusively for your group, private raft and private guide, no other rafters added to your group.
Yes. Private pickup and return are included from Papagayo, Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. Pickup from other Guanacaste areas is available, exact pricing depends on your hotel location.
No experience is necessary. This is Class II-III water, the guide manages all commands and navigation, guests simply paddle and enjoy.
The minimum age is 5. All participants must be able to swim or be comfortable in moving water, and life jackets are worn at all times.
Yes, a traditional lunch is served riverside.
The full experience takes approximately 6 hours, including the drive, safety briefing and the river descent, depending on your pickup location and traffic.
A swimsuit or quick-dry clothing (you'll get wet), water shoes or secure-fitting shoes, and a change of dry clothes for after.
Guest safety is our priority. Experiences affected by unsafe river or weather conditions will be rescheduled whenever possible, or fully refunded if rescheduling cannot be arranged.
Yes. Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the tour receive the refundable amount paid, less any applicable non-recoverable payment-processing costs when legally permitted. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the tour, and no-shows, are non-refundable, subject to any mandatory consumer rights. See our full reservation policy below.
Colorado River Rafting Class II–III
Private Class II–III white water rafting on the Colorado River, natural canyon, swimming holes and lunch included. No experience necessary. Certified bilingual guide exclusively for your group.
Private Guide Only
Meet your certified private guide at the launch point. Transportation and lunch are not included in this option.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ 2-mile private white water rafting, Class II–III
✓ Traditional lunch served riverside
✓ All safety gear (helmet, life jacket, paddle, dry bag)
⚡ Private availability is limited, especially during peak travel periods. Early reservations are recommended.
