Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Epic Adventure located?
Epic Adventure is located in the village of San Miguel, in the Northern Sarapiqui area, in the foothills of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, at an approximate altitude of 1800 ft. You can locate Epic Adventure with Google Earth at coordinates: N 10° 19’26” W 84° 10’39”
At which hotels do you provide pick-up and drop-off services?
The best price option is for you to get to our Center on your own, and to stay with us for your entire trip. But Epic Adventure does offer pick up and drop off services at most of the hotels located in San Jose, La Fortuna and Sarapiqui, for an additional fee. Just call or email us specifying your specific needs to get more information.
Can I get to the Epic Adventure center by car or public transportation?
Yes, we have a very accessible location, you can get on your own car or by public bus. There are two different routes to get there but we recommend you the one across Varablanca. Our sales representative will assist you with any additional information you require.
Will I have breakfast on the way to the river?
The only tours that include breakfast are the full day adventures that start with a pick up very early in the morning from San Jose.
What is the minimum and maximum age for participating on the river adventures?
The minimum age will depend on the adventure you choose, and we have activities for family members of all ages! For the safari floating; kids just need to be at least 4 years old. For the class II & III, the minimum age is 12 years old, and the Class IV is for ages 14, and up. There is no maximum age, however, our guides will make all final decisions regarding whether or not an individual is capable of participating in a given adventure. For children, we recommend you tell us the height and weight of the child as exceptions could be made if they meet the height and weight requirements.
Who can participate in the activities?
Our menu offers some easier adventures, such as River Floating, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Bird Watching, rural tours to the Pineapple and Coffee Fields, and a lot more. Almost anyone can participate in these adventures! They are adventures with low risk, and very low impact.
We also offer many adventures for those seeking a higher level of thrill such as White Water Rafting, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Jungle Hiking, etc. For these, and any other adventure we offer, Epic Adventure reserves the right not to disallow anyone participation due to recent surgeries, pregnancy, physical condition or limitations, health concerns, or any other reasons we feel would make a person unfit for a given adventure. Contact our office to let us know your situation and we will recommend the best option(s) for you. Keeping you safe and providing you with enjoyable adventures is our primary aim..
When is the best time to come to Costa Rica?
Amazing adventures can be found in Costa Rica all year round, and the options are only limited by the imagination of the adventurer. Traditional peak season is from December to April, which is also historically somewhat drier than other times of the year. The river levels are higher during the rainy season (May to November) when it is usually sunny during mornings and rainy in the afternoons. Regardless of season, there are always good river levels to be found in Costa Rica.
How long in advance should I book my trip?
The sooner the better! For the one day adventures, at least one day before, and for the Pacuare overnight trip the best is one month in advanced.
What is the weather like?
Do you want HOT, sunny, extraordinary beach weather? How about perfect, temperate, weather that includes the frequent showers that formed the lush jungles, and which bring out all of the amazing wildlife that Costa Rica is so famous for? Sea level? High Mountains? All of it is available and literally at your own choosing. The wise traveler packs both sunscreen and a rain jacket.
Do tours run when the weather is bad?
There are many tours available, no matter what the weather. Just bring your sense of adventure, and we will satisfy it.
DO YOU NEED MINIMUM SIGN- UP FOR THE TOURS?
Most of our tours require a 2-person minimum (there are a few that require at least four people). If you are a solo-traveler or you would like to join a tour that requires four people, that’s okay because we might have other clients already signed up.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO WHITEWATER RAFTING IN COSTA RICA?
Rafting goes year round. We have a rainy season in the jungles that goes from May-November, which means the rivers become faster, more powerful, and less technical. Dry season goes to December-April, which means the rivers slow down a bit and become crystal clear. You will still find technical rapids during this time of year. Many rivers are dam controlled, so you can count on good flows year-round. Pick the type of adventure you like and we will make it happen.
WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DOES EPIC ADVENTURE COMPANY HAVE FOR RAFTING AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA?
Rafting and Adventure travel in Costa Rica is a year long business, which means that our guides work full-time, and safety standards are high. Epic Adventure takes safety very seriously and trains our staff will annual certifications and updates for the certifications they already carry. Our senior guides have international experience so they are not only certified by Costa Ricans training schools, but they also are certified by important international companies as the ACA, Rescue 3 international, American Red Cross, NOLS, Ozark Safety & Rescue Educators, and Adventure Safety and Rescue.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO BRING ON A RAFTING TRIP?
We recommend you TO BRING: rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar), T-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material, Water-resistant sunscreen lotion, sun hat, straps to secure glasses if necessary, changing clothes (including shoes) for after the tour. We will provide towels and water to you. If you require daily prescription medications, please bring them along. We provide all of your rafting gear, professional bilingual guides, safety kayakers, delicious snacks, lunch for full day trips, and round-trip transportation upon request.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE FOR RAFTING? DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
No previous rafting experience is required and non swimmers can go. All of our guests will wear a NRS type-V life jacket at all times during the activity. Prior to the activity, our guides will check everyone’s gear provide by the company to make sure that they fit properly. We also do a short training session to prep the group before each trip.
WHAT IF I GET HURT ON A RAFTING TRIP?
Our guides and staff are certified and trained for emergencies during your rafting and equipped with a basic support kit provide by Epic Adventure and they will follow the emergency procedures set up by the company and approved by Adventure Safe and Rescue. We have a $1-million liability insurance policy.
IS THERE A CHANCE OF FALLING OUT OF THE RAFT?
Yes!! as with every adventure activity, there is always chance of falling out of the boat somewhere. Prior to rafting, your trip leader will provide safety instructions to you and the whole group so that you have some knowledge of self-rescue. If you do fall out, just follow the instructions of our professionally trained staff, and they will guide you to safety.
CAN I BRING MY CAMERA?
We don’t recommend bringing cameras on trips, as they can get wet pretty easily unless you carry a professional waterproof case. We will have a professional photographer on your rafting trip to get personalized shots that you will have the opportunity to purchase after your trip.
ARE RESTROOM FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE RIVER?
Most of our trips have private entrances and exits to and from the river, we provide restrooms and changing rooms for all our clients.
WHAT ABOUT TIPS OR GRATUITIES?
All of our staff are paid for their services, but the tips they receive make a huge difference in their lives. Tipping is also a really nice way of expressing thanks!
I HAVE A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. WOULD WE BE ABLE TO GO RAFTING IN COSTA RICA?
We have special tours for families available, and highly recommend that you take one of these trips. The setting and the wildlife alone can have a big impact on a child’s psyche. The lower section of the Sarapiqui river, which offers great wildlife sightseeing and a relaxing slow-moving for the little ones, is a fine choice for this type of trip.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GENERALLY IN ONE RAFT?
Our rafts are factory designed for a maximum 6 guests, plus the Guide, but we can do trips with a minimum of two guests, or any number in between.
WHAT IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE LIKE ON THE RIVERS?
Rivers in Costa Rica are made by natural springs and rainfall, which typically keeps the water temperatures around 65F, or warmer. Special outfits are not needed, but appropriate wear is recommended, such as: synthetic clothing like sport type, or bathing suits, sunblock and an extra set of dry clothing for after your trip.
WHAT ARE THE INTERNATIONAL RAFTING CLASSIFICATIONS?
CLASS I: Slow moving water with No significant waves. No obstacles.
CLASS II: Easy. Rapids with regular waves and some rocks with clear passages.
CLASS III: Moderately difficult, irregular waves, often with narrow channels and obstacles such as rocks and small hydraulics that should be avoided.
CLASS IV: Difficult fast moving water Complex channels with drops and many significant obstacles to be avoided. Precise maneuvering is required.
CLASS V: Extremely difficult, long violent rapids, often flowing into each other almost without interruption. Class V includes sections with high consequences, and advanced, aggressive paddle strokes are needed for successful navigation.

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