Trying canyoning in Guadeloupe

This article is a little different because it was written by a guest contributor. While we were in Guadeloupe, Valérie, an old friend we met during our first trip to Mayotte, came to visit us. She took the opportunity to write this wonderful piece about a canyoning spot in Guadeloupe. Valérie has been living in Montreal for years, so she may well contribute more guest articles in the future, especially about Quebec! For now, I’ll let you enjoy the ride and this “extreme” adventure! Sylvain

For another genuinely fun hike—though a challenging and rather unusual one—take a look at our article about hiking to the DC3 plane wreck behind La Soufrière.

During a two-week vacation in this beautiful, picturesque archipelago, I felt I had to try canyoning in Guadeloupe! Basse-Terre is known for its national park, lush rainforest, and countless waterfalls, rivers, and pools, so I naturally began looking into the different options. Sylvain has also written a comprehensive article covering everything you need to know about hiking La Soufrière, with or without a guide. I joined a guided hike myself and loved it, despite the less-than-ideal weather.

I soon came across the Manawa website, an online booking platform offering a wide range of outdoor activities on land and water in Guadeloupe—and in many other countries too. Sylvain and Mélanie had also told me about the site, which they had been recommending on their blog for some time, so I didn’t hesitate.

Vert Intense, based in the hills above Saint-Claude, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from canyoning for different ages and ability levels to water trekking. The Ravine Chaude canyoning excursion had excellent reviews, so I went ahead and booked it. It was rated five stars and listed as moderately difficult.

For context, I had never tried canyoning before, I’m afraid of heights, and my fitness level is fairly average—it was the end of winter, and raclette season had taken its toll. Still, I can handle a hike.

I felt a little nervous on the morning of the excursion, but you only live once. Trying something new and pushing yourself is always worthwhile, and I was ready for this new adventure.

I arrived at Vert Intense at 8:30 a.m. and was immediately given a warm welcome by our instructors, Xavier and Kevin. Several other participants were already there, and it didn’t take long to get everyone geared up and ready to leave. We changed on-site and put on wetsuits, thick neoprene canyoning jackets with reinforced protection, water shoes, harnesses, and helmets. The only items we had been asked to bring were a pair of socks, to make the water shoes more comfortable, and a bottle of water. Our group included three adults and four teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16, making this a good option for families with older children.

Once everyone was equipped, we set off behind Kevin for the Plaine des Palmistes, where the adventure began, about a 15-minute drive from the Vert Intense office. After parking, we placed our water bottles in waterproof bags and followed the trail down toward the blue pool. Kevin told us we had a good 40-minute walk ahead of us before the canyoning began—so much for the “extreme” adventure!

The approach is demanding from the start, even before the rappels, slides, and jumps into the pools. The hike is accessible to most people, but it is still physically challenging. There is quite a bit of climbing along narrow dirt trails tangled with roots, followed by about 10 minutes of pulling yourself up with a rope and a water hose. Climbing in a wetsuit and harness is not easy, but it remains manageable. There is no need to panic: Kevin is very attentive. He makes sure everyone is safe, listens carefully, and stops whenever necessary if he notices someone struggling. He even uses these breaks to tell us about the natural environment around us, the Guadeloupe rainforest, and the distinctive characteristics of the plants growing there. It is all fascinating.

After the final steep climb, we stopped for 10 minutes to rest. Kevin handed out muesli bars to help prevent low blood sugar, which I have to admit were very welcome. Once the break was over, it was time to get serious: we had reached the starting point of our descent through Ravine Chaude, in southern Basse-Terre at the foot of La Soufrière volcano.

I could already feel the pressure rising as we began with a short rappel. Kevin explained the safety rules, how the ropes and harnesses worked, and how to rappel without crashing into the rock face. His instructions were simple and clear. He handled all the knots and rope attachments himself, taking time to reassure even the most nervous person in the group—which, in this case, was me. I never sensed any judgment or impatience from him, and that really helped build my confidence. Even though the first rappel was not very high, it still gave me a rush, but I made it down without a hitch. Phew, one done! With a touch of humor, Kevin gently reminded me that four more remained and that the next one was the highest of them all. Just what I needed: a little extra pressure!

We slowly made our way along the river, surrounded by sweeping views, sometimes stepping across rocks and sometimes wading through the refreshingly cool water. A few minutes later, we reached the next challenge: a 3-meter jump into a pool! I had never done anything like it before. Since I’m afraid of heights, jumping into water has never been high on my list of favorite activities. But I had come to challenge myself, so I decided to go for it.

I went last, which was a bad idea because the pressure kept building as one person after another jumped. Kevin reassured me that I was safe and, after a countdown that I had asked him to give me, I stopped thinking and jumped. Challenge number two: complete! It felt amazing. The water was wonderfully cool, the jump was great fun, and the whole group applauded me. I was genuinely proud of myself.

Then came the highest rappel: a 15-meter descent beside a steep waterfall, with moss making the rocks potentially slippery. In other words, another challenge. Kevin secured us one at a time, and slowly everyone—including me—lowered themselves into the void. It is so intimidating that my advice would be not to look down at the beginning. You need to focus on where to place your feet and on feeding the rope through your hands as you descend. I never thought I would manage it, yet there I was again at the bottom of the waterfall, proud as a peacock and greeted by applause. My heart was still pounding, but I was moving forward one challenge at a time. At the bottom of each rappel, we paused briefly to swim, recover from the adrenaline, and take in the beautiful surroundings. It felt wonderful.

Three more rappels followed. They were shorter, though still impressive, and little by little we all began to get the hang of it. Our movements became smoother, and we felt less anxious. Kevin’s relaxed manner, sense of humor, and careful checks of every attachment made us feel safe, allowing everyone to have a great time.

​​Once the rappelling was over, it was time for the slides—my favorite part, because they felt less intimidating. We had the chance to try two really fun natural slides. The flowing water has polished the rock so smooth that you glide down almost effortlessly. They were far too short for my liking, but I enjoyed them all the same. Kevin also explained that some sections have changed because of the weather, storms, and hurricanes. It is important to remember that this is a living, constantly changing natural environment, and the route has to adapt accordingly.

Eventually, we reached the blue pool. Our final challenge was a 5-meter jump straight into it. You can imagine the look on my face when I reached the top. For once, I was relieved not to be the only person who hesitated for a moment, which made me feel a little better. The rest of the group went ahead and encouraged us from below. Thanks to all that support—and a little positive peer pressure—we both managed to jump. I screamed so loudly that I frightened a nearby dog, but it didn’t matter. I had done it: I jumped and made it all the way to the end of the activity. My body felt a little drained after all that adrenaline, but honestly, it was the good kind of tired.

Altogether, our excursion lasted a little over four hours. At the end, we took time to swim in the blue pool and have a snack to restore our energy before heading back to the parking lot.

It is worth knowing that alternatives are available if you truly panic at the thought of jumping into the pools or going down the slides. You can bypass those sections along the side. Still, believe me: even someone as nervous as I was managed to jump, so it may be more achievable than you think.

We all left tired but delighted to have pushed beyond our limits, climbed through the river’s fresh water, embraced the craziness, and completed the activity. Kevin is an excellent canyoning guide: patient, attentive, and genuinely caring. We felt very well looked after, and he knows how to give you the confidence to challenge yourself. I would recommend Vert Intense and its team without hesitation, and canyoning is an experience I would not miss in Guadeloupe.

First, of course, you need to reach Guadeloupe. We have written a separate article explaining the different options and everything you need to know about traveling to Guadeloupe. I won’t cover it all again here, but airfares to Guadeloupe have risen since the Covid pandemic, and it can now be difficult to find tickets for less than €600 from Paris.

Once you arrive, renting a car is the most convenient option. We recommend the Discover Cars comparison site, which lets you review the available prices and options.

The route to Vert Intense depends on where you are coming from. From the town of Basse-Terre, the drive takes about 10 minutes. Head toward Saint-Claude and continue uphill through the town. You will pass the post office; from there, continue uphill for 900 meters, and you will see the Vert Intense center on your right. A large sign points the way. Here is the Google Maps route from Basse-Terre.

From there, it is about a 15-minute drive to the Plateau des Palmistes, where the activity begins.

The Ravine Chaude canyoning excursion currently starts at €65. Vert Intense also offers other routes and water treks for different ability levels, from beginner to advanced.

Bring a swimsuit, a pair of socks, and a bottle of water. You can also take your phone in a waterproof pouch, as I did, or bring a waterproof camera to capture the experience. Kevin takes some photos, but he cannot do so constantly because safety comes first. The guide carries cereal bars and provides waterproof containers and special backpacks for the group’s water bottles.
The excursion lasts about five hours. The meeting time is 8:30 a.m. at the Vert Intense site.

To help you find the right place to stay in Basse-Terre, here are a few suggestions organized by price range:

Budget-friendly options

Les Gîtes de la Lézarde : as the name suggests, this property is very close to the Saut de la Lézarde waterfall and provides everything you need for a comfortable stay. It is also within easy reach of Ravine Chaude.
Padjembel : a small, quiet, air-conditioned vacation home with a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and free private parking.
Studio Pleine Nature : an entire 50 m² air-conditioned studio in a peaceful setting, complete with a large terrace overlooking the tropical garden.

Mid-range options

Iguane Rouge : a cozy retreat in Petit-Bourg with a private pool, a terrace, and a fully equipped kitchen in a peaceful setting.
Gîte prestige-Colin : a new, cozy villa with a private pool and hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large terrace. It makes a convenient base for exploring the area.
Le cosy Valley is a charming vacation home with useful amenities, including a comfortable bedroom, a sofa bed, and two terraces with a barbecue, all at good value for money.

To sum up, I loved canyoning at Ravine Chaude. I can wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. It feels a little like an Indiana Jones adventure in the heart of the rainforest, but with safety carefully managed throughout.

I hope to go canyoning again the next time I return to Guadeloupe on vacation. I also know that Sylvain and Mélanie have been considering trying other canyoning spots on the island, so you will probably hear more from them in the future.

For another beautiful place to visit during your vacation in Guadeloupe,
take a look at our article about Galion Waterfall, also located at the foot of La Soufrière volcano.

See you soon,

Valérie

Valérie (@la_baroudeuse_normande)

Written by Sylvain PONS

Since 2021, I've been living in the Guadeloupe archipelago with Mélanie and our two children. We are exploring these beautiful islands and discovering the treasures that we are happy to share with you!

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