White Water Rafting in the Caribbean
Normally, when you think of the Caribbean, you immediately imagine diving, snorkeling, idyllic white sand beaches, luxury hotels, … However, wouldn’t it be ideal if you could add in some nice, World Class white water rafting in the Caribbean?
Yes in general, the problem is that the Caribbean is formed by islands, and most of these are way to small to have enough mountains to produce a river with enough water for some decent rafting. Many other islands, not only do not have mountains, but are also way to dry, such is the case for example of Aruba or the Cayman Islands. So as you can see, if you are interested in white water rafting in the Caribbean, you basically have two large sets of options, you either go to the larger Antilles: Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Jamaica; or you come to Central America, whose Caribbean Coast includes the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
The larger Antilles offer some limited options, Cuba has a couple of Rivers that could be rafted, but there are no real rafting outfitters that provide services regularly, Hispaniola only has one river in the Dominican Republic side of the island (Haiti does not have any good white water rivers to raft in), Puerto Rico and Jamaica both offer some fun, but unchallenging river rafting, usually short trips and in the more remote parts of the islands. So if you are a serious rafter or white water kayaker, the Caribbean does not really provide worthwhile options.
White Water rafting in the Caribbean Coast of Central America is much more attractive. Although Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua do not have much to offer, Honduras offers outstanding options, without doubt the best white water rafting in the Caribbean! Just minutes outside the Caribbean port city of La Ceiba, which is the gateway to the Bay Islands of Honduras, you will find the Cangrejal River, a spectacular white water river that spans a total of 32 kilometers, and offers anything between Class II and Class V rapids, depending on the section you want to run! The River is natural border between two different National Parks, Nombre de Dios and Pico Bonito. Best of all, there are three different rafting outfitters that offer services on a regular basis on the river, which means that you do not need to be part of a large group to purchase the tour and enjoy the activity! Even better is the fact that there are several really nice lodges in the area, some of which provide a magnificent rafting and kayakers atmosphere, where you will meet other serious white water fans like yourself! Best of all is the fact that the in Honduras, you really can combine white water rafting with the Caribbean! The Islands of Utila and Roatan are only between one and one a half hours away from La La Ceiba. Twice a day service between each of these islands and La Ceiba, as well as daily air service between them makes it very easy to do anything from a one day trip to a multiday adventure enjoying the rainforests of Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios National Parks. For more information on rafting in the Cangrejal River, visit www.omegatours.info, www.lamoskitia.hn and www.jungleriver.com
Without doubt, the best white water rafting in the Caribbean is to be found in the Caribbean Coast of Honduras, in the city of La Ceiba.
Costa Rica has a couple of good white water rivers on the Caribbean, the Pacuare and the Reventazon rivers both offer outstanding white water and great outfitters, however, there is no real connection with the Caribbean experience within Costa Rica.
So… if you are looking for some outstanding white water rafting in the Caribbean, look no further!, visit La Ceiba, located on the Caribbean Coast of Honduras and visit the Cangrejal River for an awesome experience!
