As someone with a passion for thrills and nature, my journey to Costa Rica was incomplete without facing the formidable Class III-IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River. Opting for an adventure with WAVE Rafting was the best decision I could have made to indulge in this exhilarating experience.
Our day began with an energetic start at 8:10 AM as we departed from our hotel. Diego our bus guide was so informative about the crops along the way and general Costa Rica culture during our ride to the river, culminating as we arrived at La Virgen where our journey down the river was about to start! The Wave Rafting team welcomed our group of eight adventurers with enthusiasm and quickly equipped us with all the necessary gear—life jackets, helmets, and paddles.
Momo, our raft guide, was not only experienced but also incredibly spirited. He provided an extensive briefing on safety and paddling techniques. We practiced our strokes by the riverbank, which was crucial for building our confidence and teamwork before we dove into the rapid-filled waters.
Once we launched our raft, the adrenaline surged. Momo expertly navigated us through the challenging rapids, his commands of “Paddle left!” and “Hold on tight!” resonating above the river’s roar. The thrill of mastering each rapid was exhilarating, and our raft felt in perfect harmony as we tackled the surging waters together.
The spirit of teamwork was infectious, and we celebrated conquering the rapids with shouts of “Pura Vida!”—a mantra that embodied the essence of our adventure and the Costa Rican zest for life.
Halfway through our journey, we took a break at a peaceful spot along the riverbank, where Momo and his team served a spread of tropical fruits (best pineapple I’ve ever try). This break was filled with laughter and tales of our exhilarating exploits, recharging us for the next leg of our adventure.
The next part of the rafting experience was gentler, allowing us to appreciate the breathtaking rainforest scenery. The lush vegetation, vibrant wildlife, and the serene flow of the river offered a stark contrast to the earlier adrenaline rush.
Our adventure on the water lasted about 90 minutes, after which we proceeded to our next destination—La Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Just a five-minute drive from the take-out point, this visit added a delightful ecological immersion to our day. At the reserve, we enjoyed a delicious Costa Rican meal, providing a taste of local cuisine in a private setting ideal for relaxing and getting changed.
With hearts full of adventure and stomachs satisfied by the local fare, we finished our day with a drive back to the hotel, each of us carrying memories of the rapids and the rich, tropical beauty of Costa Rica.If your travels take you to Costa Rica, a white water rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, combined with a visit to La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, is an absolute must. It’s an opportunity to not only embrace the thrill of the rapids but also connect deeply with the natural beauty and cultural spirit of this incredible country. Pura Vida, indeed!