Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [478]
River Rafting & Kayaking
The months between June and October are considered to be the wildest time for river rafting and kayaking, though some rivers offer good trips all year. Rafters and kayakers should bring sunblock, a spare change of clothes, a waterproof bag for a camera, and river sandals for foot protection. The government regulation of outfitters is poor, so make sure that your guide is well versed in safety and has had emergency medical training.
River kayaking can be organized in conjunction with white-water rafting trips if you are experienced; sea kayaking is a popular activity year-round.
The Costa Rica Outdoors chapter (Click here) has more detailed information on destinations to raft and kayak.
Many companies specialize in kayaking and rafting trips:
Aventuras Naturales (2225-3939, 2224-0505, in USA 800-514-0411; www.toenjoynature.com)
BattenKill Canoe Ltd (in USA 802-362-2800, 800-421-5268; www.battenkill.com) Trips include a six-day canoe journey around Monteverde and an 11-day paddle through Talamanca.
Coast to Coast Adventures (2280-8054; www.ctocadventures.com) Trips incorporate rafting, biking and trekking.
Costa Rica Expeditions (2257-0766, 2222-0333; www.costaricaexpeditions.com) Multisport itineraries including rafting and other adventures.
Costa Rica Sun Tours (2296-7757; www.crsuntours.com)
Exploradores Outdoors (2222-6262; www.exploradoresoutdoors.com) With offices in San José and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, offers one- and two-day rafting trips.
Gulf Islands Kayaking (in Canada 250-539-2442; www.seakayak.ca) Tours on offer include five days of sea kayaking in Corcovado.
H2O Adventures (2777-4092; www.aventurash2o.com) Two- and five-day adventures on the Río Savegre. Also offers day-long river-rafting and sea-kayaking excursions.
Mountain Travel Sobek (in USA 510-594-6000, 888-687-6235; www.mtsobek.com) Offers a 10-day adventure that incorporates sea kayaking and river rafting.
Ocarina Expeditions (2229-4278; www.ocarinaexpeditions.com)
Ríos Tropicales (2233-6455; www.riostropicales.com) Offers many day-long river-rafting trips, as well as some two- and three-day adventures on the Río Pacuare and two days of kayaking in Tortuguero.
Safaris Corobicí (2669-6191; www.nicoya.com) These slow-moving rafting trips are less for adventurers and more for bird-watchers.
Sarapiquí Aguas Bravas (2292-2072; www.aguas-bravas.co.cr) Offers rafting, biking and horseback-riding day trips around Sarapiquí and La Virgen.
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Surfing
Most international airlines accept surfboards (they must be properly packed in a padded board bag) as one of the two pieces of checked luggage, though this is getting more difficult (and expensive) in the age of higher fuel tariffs. Domestic airlines offer more of a challenge. They will accept surfboards (for an extra charge), but the board must be under 2.1m in length. If the plane is full, there’s a chance your board won’t make it on because of weight restrictions.
In recent years, it’s becoming more popular to buy a board (new or used) in Costa Rica, and then sell it before you leave. Great places to start your search include Jacó (Click here), Mal País and Santa Teresa, and Tamarindo. It’s usually possible to buy a cheap long board for about US$250 to US$300, and a cheap short board for about US$150 to US$200. Most surf shops will buy back your board for about 50% of the price you paid.
Outfitters in many of the popular surf towns rent short and long boards, fix dings, give classes and organize excursions. Jacó (Click here), Tamarindo, Pavones (Click here) and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Click here) are good for these types of activities.
For detailed surfing information, including a comprehensive surfer’s map, Click here. The following companies organize tours and/or courses:
Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound (2278-6058, in USA 800-676-2018; www.crrobs.org) Multiweek courses cover surf spots in Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica.
Discover Costa Rica (2257-5780, in USA 888-484-8227; www.discover-costa-rica.com) Budget surf