River Descriptions

The rivers of Honduras offer many sensations: warm, crystal-clear water sliding around sculptured granite boulders, a waterfall plunging more than three hundred feet from the impossibly green canyon walls, thundering rapids, the chattering of parrots, and the stillness of a jungle pool. 

Rio Cangrejal

A short drive from La Ceiba into the Nombre de Dios Mountains takes us to the put-in. One of the most spectacular rivers we run, the Cangrejal cascades

down steep rapids and through deep pools. The Cangrejal empties into the ocean a few hundred yards from your hotel in La Ceiba. At high water, you can paddle over to your room. The  takeout we normally use is a twenty minute drive. The river is run-able for twenty miles upstream. The rapids are mostly steep, boulder-choked, and technical, although there are some wonderful long wave trains. At various water levels, the rapids are rated from III to IV. The lowest water level you can expect will be about 700 cfs. Depending on when you are there, average flows are between 1,000 -2,000 cfs, and high water (which can happen anytime) can get up to 10,000 cfs. The water temperature is about 80 degrees. The river setting is spectacular; steep ridge lines (the top of which are cloud forest), dense jungle, and wondrous bird life. There is a road alongside, but in most places, it's invisible.

Rio Sico

For the next four days, we'll have plenty of whitewater on the Rio Sico. There's about sixty Class II, III, and IV rapids on this stretch of river, plus lots of fun, unrated jets. The IV's are usually III's with one tricky move. There's a mix of each style of rapid, although most have good waves and moderate maneuvering. Typically, the water level will be in the range of 1,000 - 2,000 cfs, although levels can change dramatically. The character of the river changes at different levels but it's always remarkably fun. We plan to have plenty of time for scouting, photography, and playing. 

The terrain is spectacular, steep hillsides shrouded by the lush rain forest. We'll occasionally see Campesino homesteads and small villages, allowing us a glimpse into a way of life virtually unchanged for centuries. The people we meet are friendly and curious. We're always a big hit with the kids of the villages as we give them rides on our boats. Rivers are a major means of transportation in this region, but because the stretch we're running has so much whitewater, local boats can't move up and down it. As a result it's lightly settled, and we'll see lots of wildlife. In the soft light of early and late day, bird life is especially noticeable—a raucous clamor from the brightly colored shapes swooping over the river. Parrots and Toucans are common. During the day as we drift silently around a corner, we'll hear the scurries and splashes of surprised animals. Frequently, they're so startled that they freeze for a moment, allowing us a great view. Possible sightings include giant Iguanas, Caiman, Tapirs, Cutamundies, and River Otters.