Cagayan de Oro is now known as the "Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines". It is the only whitewater rafting destination in the country that has a whole year round of maneuverable rafting courses and is located within the city limit. Last 2003, President Macapagal-Arroyo went whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro River to promote tourism in the Philippines. Since then several national competitions have been held.

River rapids can swell and be more challenging during rainy season. Water can get murky or brownish due to soil erosion from the mountain side.