Try River Rafting in Puerto Rico
9/22 They have opened for the 2022-2023 Rafting season , which should run until January. They are only open during wet season, when the rivers are running high.
Fall 2016- We went again during rainy season and it was a different place! We had more class 2 and 3 rapids and we hardly had to paddle- the river was swift and running! Great fun!. Also note- the company only runs the trips from end of August to December/Jan (during our wet season) to ensure the trip is exciting). Check it out while you can!
It has been a while since we have done any white-water rafting … I guess that’s mainly because there was never a company in Puerto Rico that offered it. I didn’t even know there was a river on the island that was suitable for it. But luckily, Puerto Rico Ríos Rafting Company started running trips out of Las Marias on the Río Grande de Anasco river. The river has lots of twists & turns, and ups & downs, to make for an exciting and fun adventure.
Las Marias is a small town that is off the beaten path for most tourists. But it is not that far from Rincon or Ponce … making this a nice side trip from those areas. The company is small, started in 2015 by an experienced white-water rafter from California, and they use experienced guides (some are local).
Our Trip
We originally went in March, which is in dry season. During dry season the water level in the rivers is (for the most part) low, so it is not the best time to try to shoot rapids! But we wanted to check it out … so, using a discount, we went.
As it turns out, yes, the river was low and mostly flat. It would be a stretch to say that we encountered even Class 1 rapids. It was more of a river-rafting trip instead of true white-water rafting. But we still had fun. What we experienced would be great for families with kids. When we did it again during Sept- Dec, (Rainy season) the river was high and we had some real rapids. Lots of fun!
Our group of 6 was divided into 2 boats, each with a guide. The company has nice inflatable Zodiac boats that hold 2-6 people, and the river guide. Everyone gets a paddle, a personal flotation device (PDF), and a helmet.
The bilingual guides tried to make it as fun and safe as possible. You could tell they were very experienced. On our low water trip, we had time to relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the river. Because of the low water, our boat got caught up on the bottom a few times, and we even had to get out in spots to walk the boat over the rocks. Our guide told us they run two parts of the river — the upper part that has bigger rapids and is a more demanding course, with actual class 2 and 3 rapids (when waters are running high), and the lower section (where we were) that is more usable during lower water levels.
We probably had to paddle a little more than if the waters were high, so it was a bit of a work out. We paddled about 2 hours and then stopped for a lunch (sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies). During lunch we could play in the river if we wanted. After lunch, we did another hour or so of rafting. At the end, we helped carry the rafts to the waiting van, that took us all back to our starting point.
I have to say that it was a fun experience. I would suggest that you plan your trip during wet season — the more water the better! Maybe we will go back and try it when there is actual white-water in the river! I have seen photos, and it looks like there are actually Class 2 and Class 3 rapids up at higher elevations on this river.
Details
Mid-week rates are roughly $109 per person, while weekend rates are roughly $129 per person. Check their Facebook page or contact them ( and check the Gustazos/Ofertones) for specials!
If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.
The upper river trip covers 8 miles, and takes 3 to 4 hours. It often has true rapids, and is a more challenging course. Minimum age for this part of the river is 13 years old.
The lower river trip covers 8 miles, and takes 3 to 4 hours. It is a less challenging course. Minimum age for this part of the river is 7 years old (or weight of over 50 pounds).
1-888-9- ACTION (787) 981-2337
You can get more information on the Puerto Rico Ríos Rafting Company web site or on their Facebook page.
There are restrooms, changing room, and shower available at the starting/ending point. It also happens to be at a bar, so you can get some liquid refreshment afterwards!
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it!
