Rafting the Cangrejal River is an adventure that can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is one of the popular activities for travelers visiting Atlantida. From La Ceiba, it is a short 25 minutes to the put in, if you are coming from Tela, it will take you just under 2 hours. You can of course, stay at one of the lodges in the Cangrejal River Valley, and then you are just steps away from this fun adventure! The rugged, steep mountains of Nombre de Dios provide the perfect setting for clean mountain water with a steep descent towards the Caribbean.
In less than 20 km the river drops from over 800 feet above sea level to sea level! The unique geography with huge building sized boulders creates a perfect rafting scenario, with small drops and great technical class III and IV rapids snaking between Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios National Parks.
Rafting the Cangrejal River tours usually last half a day, with about 3 hours in the water. The stretch below the community of El Naranjo is where the normal commercial rafting activity takes place. If you are experienced, you can also run the section between the communities of El Pital and Las Mangas, which offers more class IV technical rapids. No previous experience is necessary to practice this fun adventure sport. Although being a swimmer is always good, it is not a requirement. You will be provided with all of the safety equipment needed, such as a helmet and a life vest.
When rafting the Cangrejal River, keep in mind that even if you do not fall into the water you will get wet, so make sure you bring some clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. The water temperature is superb, not at all cold, so you will be rafting in your own clothes, not under a wetsuit; this means that you should certainly bring some sunscreen. Having teva sandals or any other shoes that can get wet is also a great idea, as you will have to walk down a path into the river and then back out. Some tour operators offer a lunch with the tour, others might give you a snack or nothing at all.
There are three outfitters that provide Cangrejal River Rafting tours: Omega Tours, La Moskitia Eco Aventuras and Jungle River Tours. All three of them have recently had their guides certified and follow the proper security protocols.
Every now and then, due to a strong rain storm, the river might be too high to run it safely. Your operators might choose to run a shorter version or change the put in. They might even cancel the trip. This does not happen often, but if it does, keep in mind that it is your safety that they are concerned with!
Rafting the Cangrejal River is a fun filled adventure! Enjoy a fun by booking your rafting tour in Atlantida!