The rivers in Costa Rica are quite varied as are the jungles, rainforests, valleys, and other terrain through which they flow. Costa Rica is a mountainous country approximately the size of West Virginia. Most of the rivers flow out of the mountains with a steep grade which moderates as they reach flatter terrain, and most are much longer than the sections that are usually paddled.  Since the upper sections are too steep and narrow, and further down they become wide and less interesting, there are few rivers with long, interesting sections that are desirable for multi-day canoe camping trips. However, this provides the opportunity to paddle a number of interesting rivers and see more of the country with different climate and wildlife areas in the process. The selected river descriptions that follow describe a few of the many interesting rivers and estuaries that are suitable for canoeing and kayaking.

RIO TRES AMIGOS - The Rio Tres Amigos is one of our most remote rivers traveling through a little populated areas. It has crystal clear water with overhanging trees and vines that harbor great beauty. It ranges from class III to Class I depending on the section. River otters are often spotted here.

RIO YORKIN/SIXAOLA - The Rio Yorkin and Sixaola form the border with Panama for much of their lengths on the caribbean side. The Yorkin is a pool and drop river with regular Class II rapids as it winds it way to the Sixaola. The Sixaola is a much larger river with few defined rapids but lots of current. The indiginous Bribri have their villages and homes in the upper reaches of these rivers. In many places, you determine which country you visit by selecting which side of the river you land on.

RIO PENAS BLANCAS - The Penas Blancas is a classic white water river on its upper sections which moderates to a class I  river in the Northern Lowlands. It has its start in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and retains its interesting character in the sections we paddle. It always has sufficient water in the lower sections and features overhanging trees filled with bromeliads and easily spotted monkeys.

RIO COROBICI/TENORIO - The Corobici/Tenorio gets much of its flow from hydroelectric and irrigation releases of water brought down from Lake Arenal. The upper section of the Corobici river provides nearly continuous Class I - II white water while the Tenorio river provides an abundance of birds and other wildlife.  The combination of easy white water and outstanding wildlife makes this a favorite.  However, the water is fast and the strainers frequent, so good paddling skills are required.

RIO SAVEGRE -The class I-IV Savegre River is located south of Manuel Antonio and is an excellent and beautiful, boulder filled, white water river with scenery that rivals that of the Pacuare. Like the Sarapiqui, it gets steeper and more difficult the further up you go so you can pick the level of difficulty by deciding how far up to put-in.

RIO NARANJO - The Naranjo River, located on the southern edge of Manuel Antonio National Park,  provides an exciting technical Class II-III run suitable for strong paddlers. It is home to many roseate spoonbills.

DAMAS ESTUARY - The Damas River and Estuary, also located near Manuel Antonio, is tidal and provides an excellent place to see mangroves as well as wading and other birds and monkeys. The  mangroves found here include most of the varieties found in Costa Rica.

RIO TEMPISQUE - This very remote and beautiful river features flocks of exotic water birds.  It is suitable for a very long day trip and is possibly the most remote river we paddle.  It has Class II rapids and is pool and drop with interesting rock formations and several small waterfalls as you approach the takeout.  It is also a river where you are guaranteed to see crocodiles.

TAMARINDO WILDLIFE REFUGE - The Tamarindo estuary is located on the Pacific Coast between Tamarindo and Playa Grande not far from the Tempisque. Located nearby are beautiful beaches and good snorkeling spots as well as nesting sites for the giant leatherback turtles. It has all five types of mangroves found in Costa Rica and a profusion of birds and other wildlife. It is a particularly good location for spotting hawks and ospreys.

RIO SAN CARLOS - The San Carlos River is formed by the confluence of the San Lorenzo River and Balsa River in Costa Rica's northern lowlands. It is a fast flowing braiding stream in its upper reaches and mellows as it is joined by more tributaries on its way to the Rio San Juan. A good river for seeing Morpho butterflies and other wildlife.

RIO FRIO - The Rio Frio is a mellow river that flows into Nicaragua and the San Juan River a few miles past Los Chiles in northern Costa Rica. Prior to reaching Los Chiles it flows through the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, one of the prime wildlife viewing areas in Costa Rica. filled with exotic birds, caiman and iguanas, howler and white-faced monkeys, gaspar fish, and a large variety of other wildlife. It is surrounded by wetlands that flood during the rainy season.

RIO MEDIO QUESO -The middle or half cheese river flows parallel to the Rio Frio and is also a major wildlife viewing area. Some of the birds and other wildlife frequently seen on the Medio Queso are less frequently seen on the Rio Frio so by visiting both you are likely see more variety.

RIO SARAPIQUI - The Sarapiqui is one of the best known of Costa Rica's rivers with famous rapids and great surfing spots. It is surrounded by rainforest and is a classic Costa Rican river starting as a Class III-IV run in its upper stretches and gradually moderating to Class I-II before becoming flat water at the junction with the Puerto Viejo River. It flows through lush rainforest with abundant bird, and other wildlife. Poison arrow frogs are frequently spotted on its banks. It is a great river for paddling white water since by selecting the put-in you can select the difficulty of the rapids encountered.  The lower section is still very scenic and has only mild white water at normal water levels.

RIO PUERTO VIEJO - The Puerto Viejo River is an easy river that flows past several jungle research stations including OTS on its way to join the Rio Sarapiqui.  Sun bitterns and toucans are often spotted here.

RIO PACUARE - The Pacuare is probably the most outstanding white water river in Costa Rica. The class III top section is remote and beautiful with crystal clear water that provides plenty of challenge for strong open boat paddlers. While the class III-IV rapids and holes of the lower section are too difficult for all but a few expert open boat paddlers, it's beauty and remoteness with its narrow canyons and waterfalls cascading in from the sides, make it the prime choice for a raft trip.