Sarapiqui Safari Float

Safari Float is a smooth, two-hour paddle down the quiet, lower section of the Sarapiqui River and great for nature lovers of all ages.

We begin with a pick up at your hotel and a drive of about 20 or 30 minutes from the La Fortuna hub to the banks of the Sarapiqui River. At the river’s edge, there’s some instruction with safety tips and pointers for paddling from your bilingual guide. True, you won’t be heading out into deep or challenging waters, but you still strap on a life jacket for security’s sake.

A Peaceful Float Through Paradise

Then you push off in a sturdy inflatable Float for a tranquil trip down the river. While the craft is built to take on rough whitewater, it won’t see any furious foam on this laid-back float. Instead, the most you’ll come across are Class I rapids that sporadically ripple along the otherwise smooth-flowing river.

Worried your arms will get tired paddling down the river? Well, worry not. They don’t call this trip a “float” for nothing. You can pick up your own paddle and help navigate the float, or choose to have your guide do the paddle work for you. It’s perfect for families with small children and those not looking for any exertion. You can choose to simply enjoy the easygoing ride as the river snakes through rich rainforest terrain. So settle into a comfortable inflatable seat and enjoy the float.

Sights and Sounds of the Rainforest

Leave the world of high-octane adventuring aside for just a while, as you won’t hear the unnatural hum of motors along this placid trip. Instead, all you’ll hear are the gentle sounds of nature and soft paddling as you ease through the water in ancient tradition, at one with the wilderness all around you. Going motor-free also means you can get up close to the wildlife that thrives in the natural sanctuary. You’ll likely glide right under a furry sloth lazing in a guarumo tree that extends out over the water.

Ever-curious capuchin monkeys are likely to come within feet of your raft.

Keep an eye out for porcupines scurrying along the shore while caimans sun themselves on the riverbanks. Turtles nest on the ground below while high above troops of howler monkeys gather in the upper reaches of the forest canopy.

You probably won’t need the naturalist guide to point out a Jesus Lizard, as you may identify one by their walking on the water, but your guide can still tell you a thing or two about these fast-moving creatures that are officially called basilisks.

A Bevy of Tropical Birds

Be sure to bring your camera! Unlike whitewater adventures that are nearly impossible to photograph while you’re taking on rapids, this float is perfect for capturing the Costa Rican wilds that flourish all around you.

Be especially on the lookout for birds as they populate the lush trees that grow right up to the water's edge. Birdwatching is all the better if you bring binoculars, as you’re apt to glide past a host of colorful feathered friends such as keel-billed toucans, kingfishers, social flycatchers, and Costa Rica’s national bird, the clay-colored thrush. So if you’re into birding, this is a not-to-be-missed tour.

Finish with a Traditional Lunch

As you ease to the end of the run, you bring the boat ashore and head to the Red Eye Frog Restaurant, where a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch awaits you. Enjoy a mouthwatering Casado, a beloved local dish that features rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein. The perfectly balanced flavors and fresh ingredients complement this adventure in nature perfectly. Enjoy a delicious cup of gourmet Costa Rican coffee after your meal, and then it’s off for a comfortable drive to your hotel, hopefully carrying the zen-inducing tranquility you've gained for the rest of your trip.