Oops, I didn't put this under Costa Rica the first time I posted it...
I've read so many posts from people that had wonderful white water rafting trips in CR. My husband and I have never been WW rafting before. It sounds like fun, but we're also a little nervous since we are inexperienced. Can you guys suggest a trip that would be good (safe) for novices, yet somewhat exciting and scenic?

The first time I every went rafting it was on the Reventazon in Costa Rica. It was before that river was dammed. The rapids are longer there than on the Pacuare. Every time we have been rafting since, we have been on the Pacuare. If you are still a little nervous, check out Rios Tropicales web site,they have a little description of all the rafting trips that they do and I consider them to be one of the top companies to go with. Safety is a top priority with them. Costa Rica Expeditions and Aventuras Naturales are also very good.
There are a couple of options for calmer rafting. The Sarapiqui is one.

We had hoped to raft the Pacuare in 2002, but it was June and the river was too high so we went on the Sarapiqui instead. We used Aventuras Naturales. I agree with Suzie - the Sarapiqui is the perfect river for novice rafters who still want whitewater thrills. Most of the people I went with had never previously rafted. The Sarapiqui is not quite as scenic as the Pacuare, but it's a beautiful river all the same. We stopped at a cafe for a delicious breakfast in route. The safety training we received at the river was excellent, as were the guides. At one point, we stopped at a calm deep place in the river and swam. It was a really fun, exhausting day.

We just did the Serapiqui with Hacienda Pozo Azul. Great company. Turned out there were only the 2 of us. Great fun and very safe. If you do canopy with them you save money. We did both and enjoyed both.

Thanks for all the info you guys! I'm definitely thinking about the Sarapiqui now. We'll be staying at Peace Lodge for a few nights, so I'm thinking we might be close enough to do it. Marion, I just looked at the web site for Hacienda Pozo Azul. It looks like they have a lot of neat tours and combo tours. Thanks for the tip!