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Small-group kayak instruction, whitewater trips and family adventures led by local experts.
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Jaguar Kayak Academy was born in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, from a lifelong connection with rivers, adventure and nature. Its founder, Andrey Coto Robles, began working as a rafting guide and safety kayaker in 2004 after discovering kayaking as a teenager on his home river, the Sarapiquí. What started as a passion became a way of life and has taken him through more than 20 years of professional river experience. Andrey has paddled, guided, worked and competed across 15 countries in the Americas and Europe, gaining extensive experience on Class III–V whitewater. His journey includes international expeditions, first descents, professional guiding, safety kayaking and competitions such as the North Fork Championship, Little White Salmon Race, Ötz Trophy, Adidas Sickline and ICF Freestyle World Championship. Among his most meaningful experiences were several expeditions on Peru’s Río Marañón, including journeys of up to 1,200 kilometers through one of the great river systems connected to the Amazon. Today, Andrey is an ACA-certified Whitewater Kayak Instructor, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor and Rafting Instructor, bringing decades of international experience back home to Costa Rica.
More Than a Kayak School Jaguar Kayak Academy was created to share that experience with others. We welcome everyone—from people touching a kayak for the first time to experienced whitewater paddlers looking to develop their skills and explore new rivers. Our experiences combine professional instruction and small-group adventures with what makes Costa Rica extraordinary: tropical rivers, rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes, hot springs, beaches, local culture and the people who call this country home. We don't simply want to guide people down a river. We want people to experience Costa Rica through the river. Professional safety, personal coaching and local knowledge allow every experience to be adapted to the paddler, while creating genuine connections with nature and the places we visit.
Kayaking With Purpose The river gave Andrey much more than a sport. It gave him confidence, friendships, a profession, a connection with nature and opportunities to see the world. Jaguar Kayak Academy exists to pass those opportunities forward. Through Rivers of Opportunity, we work to make kayaking accessible to young people in Sarapiquí by providing training, access to equipment and experiences on the river. Our goal is to help develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, respect for nature and future opportunities in outdoor recreation and tourism. We believe that teaching someone to kayak can become much more than teaching a sport. It can help a young person discover a passion, protect the rivers around them and imagine a different future. OUR PURPOSE Adventure. Education. Conservation. Opportunity. To share our passion for rivers with people from around the world while helping new generations grow connected to nature and become future leaders and protectors of the places we love. OUR MOTTO Kayaking for a Better World. “The river has been my school for more than twenty years. Now my goal is to share what it taught me.” — Andrey Coto Robles
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Stories from Costa Rica’s rivers, rainforest and paddling community.
VOLUNTEER WITH PURPOSE IN COSTA RICA...
Read the Story
RIVERS OF OPPORTUNITY...
Read the StorySupport Sarapiquí youth through kayaking, water safety, environmental projects and skills-based volunteering with Jaguar Kayak Academy. VOLUNTEER WITH PURPOSE IN COSTA RICA Jaguar Kayak Academy welcomes respectful and responsible volunteers who want to contribute to the Sarapiquí community. Through our Rivers of Opportunity program, we create free kayaking, water-safety and outdoor learning opportunities for local children and young people. Volunteer opportunities depend on our current community needs, your experience and your availability. All activities involving youth, kayaking or river safety are supervised and coordinated by Jaguar Kayak Academy. SUPPORT YOUTH KAYAKING AND WATER SAFETY Qualified kayak instructors, river-safety professionals and experienced paddlers may assist with supervised lessons, safety activities and community events. Volunteers without professional qualifications can support equipment preparation, shore-based activities, logistics and organization. No volunteer may teach, guide or supervise children independently without prior approval. HELP IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY BASE Help organize, improve and maintain the Jaguar Kayak Academy community base. Projects may include equipment organization, cleaning, gardening, painting, basic maintenance and creating welcoming spaces for youth activities. Tasks are assigned according to current needs, experience and safety requirements. SHARE YOUR SKILLS WITH THE COMMUNITY Volunteers may also contribute skills such as photography, video, English, art, music, environmental education, computers, marketing, administration, finance or event organization. Tell us what you do well, and we will explore how your knowledge can create a positive and respectful contribution. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We look for reliable, patient and culturally respectful people who care about young people, nature and rivers. Volunteers working with children may be asked to provide references, certifications or additional documentation. Everyone must follow our safety, privacy and child-protection guidelines. Limited lodging, meals or local transportation may sometimes be available by prior written agreement, depending on the project and length of stay. These benefits are not guaranteed. International volunteers are responsible for their travel documents, insurance, personal expenses and compliance with Costa Rican immigration requirements. HOW TO APPLY Contact us with your preferred dates, length of stay, professional skills, kayaking or safety certifications, languages and experience working with children or communities. We will explain our current needs, responsibilities and available support before confirming any volunteer placement.
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Tell us who is traveling, your paddling experience and preferred dates. We will help you plan the right adventure.
Jaguar Kayak Academy offers social kayak programs, small-group kayak instruction, whitewater trips and family adventures led by local experts in Costa Rica.
