What to Know If You Have a River Activity On Your Trip
- Wear quick drying clothing such as board shorts and a swimming tee. We have heard feedback that sitting on a raft in your bikini is not comfortable.
- Wear water shoes that will stay attached to your feet. Flip flops fall off. Running shoes are heavy and never dry out in the humid climate of Costa Rica. You’ll want something that straps or ties over your feet.
- Bring your water bottle. You’re in the water, but you can get dehydrated. The guides will have a bag they can hold your bottle in so it doesn’t go overboard, but you’ll be happier and enjoy your activity more when you stay hydrated.
- Leave your passport and your phone with your luggage. You don’t want to be a story of the guy that realized that his passport was in his pocket and had to visit the consulate or who’s phone is still vacationing in Costa Rica. If you want to take pictures, make sure you have a dry bag that will stay attached to you during the natural bumps and wetness that comes with these activities.
- If you wear glasses, bring something that will attach them around your neck and to the earpiece of your glasses. No matter how smooth the river, it’s likely you’re going to bump, swim, or jump in at some point. We don’t want to lose your glasses. We can always apply duct tape to your glasses to keep them on your head, but we recommend something a little less sticky. (yes there is a story here)
- If you have something you need to bring on the river beyond a water bottle, let us know so we will be prepared for it.
- Put on sunscreen. You are closer to the equator and will get sunburned quicker than you think. Water exaggerates this as well. Bring sunscreen from home. It is better quality and much cheaper than what you will find in Costa Rica. If you forget, let a guide know. We want you to be healthy and happy. Apply often. Most sunscreens lose their water resistance after 80 minutes.
- Wear bug spray. The bugs won’t bother you on the river, so you might forget, but just like everywhere in the world, bugs can carry diseases. You want to protect yourself daily – even when you’re on the river.
- Have a day pack. You will have the opportunity to change after your time on the river. It’s nice to put your dry clothes in a bag so you don’t have to bring your whole suitcase. Also, it’s a good place for your wet clothes to go. The string backpacks work great. We would also recommend a hand towel or a quick dry pack towel so you can dry off as you change and an empty plastic sack so if your clothes don’t dry out by the next day, you can put them in the plastic sack and they won’t get the rest of your clothes wet in your suitcase. It’s humid and not drying out is a possibility.
- Arrive for your trip in your best shape. These are adventure activities and getting in and out of your watercraft, hiking down to and up from the river, and swimming can all be tiring. So think about preparing to be in your best physical shape to enjoy and have the energy to do the different activities you’ve planned and you will make the best memories of your life!
- Trust our guides. We have the best guides in the country. We have deliberately made this happen. Your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority. We would trust each one of them with our lives. They can read the water in the river and are constantly scouting them out. If they say not to do something, that you aren’t ready for something, or that you need to do something. Listen to them!! They are experts. Others come to them for training and advice. This is one of your greatest resources and so we hope you will follow all they say! Our guides truly are the best part of our company and we can’t wait for you to meet them!
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