Spotlight: Costa Rica - Whitewater rafting

Spotlight: The Sarapiqui River is a tributary of the San Juan River. The lowlands around the river are mostly tropical rain forest with lush vegetation. The river is designated a National Historical Monument since it was instrumental in transporting arms, supplies and soldiers in the 1856 war against the North American filibusters led by William Walker in their effort to take over Central America. Today, the river is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking new adventures - particularly whitewater rafting.

Location: We went rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui. I don't remember the name of the company we used, but there are several companies that offer similar experiences.

Cost: You can find excursions for between $60-$650 depending on length, season, and extras (such as food and accommodations)

Time: Tours run between 2 hours and 4 days - depending on where you go and what you want to see.

Description: Whitewater rafting can be one of the most fun experiences you'll ever have; it can also be one of the most scary if you aren't prepared. If you are going on class 4 or 5 rapids, then everyone in your group should be an experienced swimmer. Otherwise, stick to class 2 or 3 rapids and make sure those who aren't strong swimmers are well secured and next to someone who is. Regardless of experience, everyone should be drilled on proper safety procedures.

     Our excursion was about 2-3 hours. We jumped in from the shore and had to swim to our rafts so that our guides could make sure we could swim. We hit about 7 rapids, I think there were two class 3's and the others class 2. Since the only other rafting I'd done had been in Utah, the scenery was definitely unique. We saw some baby iguanas sunning themselves on some boulders and several tropical birds. There was also a rope swing that a couple of kids grabbed onto, exiting one raft and dropping into another. We were able to get out of the rafts at a couple of lazy sections of the river and swim before climbing back in.

     After the trip, we were served a Costa Rican picnic-style lunch. It was delicious - rice, beans, meat, bread and juice.

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5) - I would have put 5 stars, but our tour was shorter than advertised

Things You Should Know: - Make sure you shop around before you decide on a tour. There are several different factors to consider: the types of rapids you will be facing, the experience and preferences of your group, how long of an excursion you want, the type of accommodations you require, if you need bilingual guides, the price you want to pay, ratings by other groups, etc.
- Make sure you wear sunscreen and bug repellent - in that order. You will be hating life if you forget one or the other.
- If you go during the rainy season (June-November), check on flood conditions, advisories, etc. Short rainstorms are typical and won't affect your excursion as long as there isn't lightning. Extended storms upstream can be problematic.
- I didn't bring my camera, so I didn't get a lot of pictures. If you want pictures, bring a phone and protect it in a water-proof pouch that you can hang around your neck.

Nearby: Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Tortuguero National Park, La Selva Biological Station