River Rafting Pacuare River In Costa Rica

by Bill Beard
Rafting on the Pacuare River has always been one of the best experiences in Costa Rica. I have gone many times and each time have found something new to enjoy. The experience is one I recommend to anybody traveling to Costa Rica.

The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife. This river has been officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, and offers some of the finest white water rafting in Latin America. This 18-mile stretch winds deep inside one of Costa Rica's most impressive primordial rainforests.

The tour includes transportation from San Jose, breakfast in a local restaurant and lunch of cold meats, cheeses, lettuce, fruits, bread and juice on the river.

While on the river, I explored a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds. On this trip a Toucan flew by and sat near the river for nearly five minutes....it was amazing!

Once I arrived at the river, professional guides and the rafting equipment were waiting. After some brief security instructions and practice, we started out on this incredible journey. The first rapid came quickly and the members of our boat became fast friends! Rafting is filled with excitement as you squeeze through narrow openings between huge boulders and run long stretches of powerful rapids.

We took a break for a delicious lunch of cold meats, cheeses, lettuce, fruits, bread and juice served along the river's edge by your guides. While lunch was being prepared, we relaxed and enjoyed the the spectacular scenery marveling at the raw, pounding power of the untamed Pacuare River that for millions of years has coursed through this virgin tropical rainforest.

If you're ready for a very exciting day filled with wet and wonderful fun, the Pacuare is ready for you! Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary.

Bill Beard (View My Profile)
Bill Beard is the true pioneer of scuba diving in Costa Rica. On his first trip to Costa Rica, there were no scuba tanks in the country. In 1970, Bill brought tanks with him on his next trip, got them filled at Miller Gas, and started diving in Costa Rica from dug out canoes. He was the first working instructor and had the first professional dive shop in the country located in San Jose. Bill is a Platinum Pro 5000 Diver and has been elected to the International Legends Of Diving Hall Of Fame..

In 1974, Bill Beard branched out by opening a beach location in Playas del Coco on the Pacific Ocean and operated daily dive trips from there and Playa Hermosa. Bill has many firsts to his credit, including bringing scuba diving and adventure tours to Guanacaste.

In 1988, Bill and his wife Nadine formed an association and were the first to combine scuba diving and adventure tour packages. Bill and Nadine are multi-agency scuba diving instructors. They are both Platinum Pro 5000 Divers and have been elected to the "International Legends Of Diving"