Savegre River Expedition
Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: Near Manuel Antonio
Difficulty: Class II-III (Moderate)
Age/Experience : Ages 10+, no experience needed
Seasonal Considerations: : Year-round (higher water May-Nov)
Included Services: Professional guide, safety equipment, full lunch, transportation, photos
Journey through pristine rainforest on the Savegre River, where Class II-III rapids create a perfect full-day adventure for families and intermediate rafters. This expedition stands out for its perfect balance of exciting rapids and serene floating sections, with multiple opportunities to swim in crystal-clear pools between whitewater segments. The Savegre's unique position, flowing from high mountain ecosystems down to the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio, creates incredible biodiversity along its shores and dramatic scenery transitions throughout your journey. With a full 6-7 hour experience including a riverside lunch, this trip offers fantastic value for those wanting a more immersive river adventure without extreme technical challenges. The moderate rapids provide genuine excitement while remaining accessible to reasonably fit participants with no previous rafting experience.
What You'll See @ Savegre River Expedition
The Savegre River journey takes you through one of Costa Rica's most pristine watersheds, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its exceptional ecological value. As you descend from mountains toward the coast, you'll witness dramatic ecosystem transitions from cloud forest to lowland rainforest. Wildlife sightings frequently include white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, Jesus Christ lizards, river otters, and an exceptional variety of bird species including trogons, toucanets, and sunbitterns. The crystalline waters offer glimpses of rainbow bass, machaca, and other freshwater fish species visible during swimming breaks. The surrounding forest features impressive strangler figs, towering ceiba trees, colorful heliconia, wild ginger, and diverse palms that create habitat for the abundant wildlife. As you approach the river's lower sections, watch for the transition to coastal vegetation and the widening river valley before concluding near the Pacific coast. Throughout the journey, numerous small waterfalls cascade into the main river from tributary streams, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.
Itinerary
Your Savegre adventure begins with morning pickup from your Manuel Antonio accommodation, followed by a scenic drive through mountains to our operations center. After a thorough safety briefing and paddling instruction, professional guides outfit you with helmets, life jackets, and paddles before transporting you to the river put-in. The full-day journey covers approximately 13km of river featuring exciting Class II-III rapids like "Wash Machine" and "Malibu" interspersed with calm sections perfect for swimming and appreciating the pristine surroundings. Around midday, pull ashore for a delicious riverside lunch prepared by your guides featuring fresh local ingredients and time to relax in hammocks or explore a small side trail. The afternoon continues with more exciting rapids before concluding at our take-out point where changing facilities and cold beverages await. Throughout the journey, professional photographers capture action shots available for purchase afterward. Transportation returns you to your accommodation by late afternoon, typically between 4-5pm depending on water levels and group pace.
Highlights ofSavegre River Expedition
The Savegre River journey takes you through one of Costa Rica's most pristine watersheds, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its exceptional ecological value. As you descend from mountains toward the coast, you'll witness dramatic ecosystem transitions from cloud forest to lowland rainforest. Wildlife sightings frequently include white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, Jesus Christ lizards, river otters, and an exceptional variety of bird species including trogons, toucanets, and sunbitterns. The crystalline waters offer glimpses of rainbow bass, machaca, and other freshwater fish species visible during swimming breaks. The surrounding forest features impressive strangler figs, towering ceiba trees, colorful heliconia, wild ginger, and diverse palms that create habitat for the abundant wildlife. As you approach the river's lower sections, watch for the transition to coastal vegetation and the widening river valley before concluding near the Pacific coast. Throughout the journey, numerous small waterfalls cascade into the main river from tributary streams, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.
Meeting point:Manuel Antonio or Quepos
Tour Guide Expertise
Our Savegre River guides are versatility specialists, skilled at creating the perfect full-day adventure that balances rafting excitement with nature appreciation. Each guide holds advanced swiftwater rescue certification and wilderness first aid training, with many having 10+ years of experience on this specific river. Their expertise spans both whitewater navigation and natural history interpretation, allowing them to switch seamlessly between rafting instructor and naturalist roles throughout your journey. Unlike guides working half-day trips, our Savegre team specializes in managing energy and engagement throughout a full day on the river, knowing precisely when to introduce games, swimming opportunities, or educational moments to maintain the perfect rhythm. Many have academic backgrounds in fields like sustainable tourism, biology, or environmental education, bringing scientific knowledge to their interpretations of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve you'll be experiencing. Their culinary skills also shine during the impressive riverside lunch, where they transform simple ingredients into delicious meals using traditional Costa Rican techniques. The team's intimate knowledge of the river's seasonal changes and hidden spots ensures your experience showcases the best the Savegre has to offer regardless of when you visit.
"Our 8-day tour through Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio exceeded every expectation. The wildlife encounters were incredible—we saw sloths, toucans, and even a family of howler monkeys! Our guide Miguel's knowledge transformed what would have been a good vacation into an unforgettable experience."
Sarah Thompson
Chicago
The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
Mark Davidson
ancouver
Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
Sydney
After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
Robert and Linda Gonzalez
Former Arizona Residents
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