Canyoning test in Guadeloupe

This article is a bit special because it’s a guest article. In fact, we were visited in Guadeloupe by Valérie, an old friend who we met on our first trip to Mayotte. She took the opportunity to write this wonderful article about a canyoning site in Guadeloupe. Since Valérie has been living in Montreal for years, it’s likely that she’ll be writing more and more for us as a guest, especially about the Quebec region! Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy the ride and the “extreme” adventure! Sylvain

If you’re looking for a really fun hike (but difficult and not too ‘in the box’), I invite you to read our article on the hike to the DC3 plane wreck behind La Soufrière.

On a two-week holiday in this beautiful and picturesque archipelago, I thought I had to try canyoning in Guadeloupe! Basse Terre is so well known for its National Park, lush rainforest vegetation and numerous waterfalls, rivers and pools that I naturally started researching the options. In fact, Sylvain has written a comprehensive article on everything you need to know about hiking La Soufrière (with and without a guide). I did the guided walk myself and despite the weather, which wasn’t great, I loved it.

I quickly came across the Manawa website. This is an online booking platform that offers a wide range of outdoor, land and water excursions in Guadeloupe (and other countries, for that matter). What’s more, Sylvain and Mélanie had told me about the site, which they had been recommending on their blog for some time. So I didn’t hesitate.

When it comes to canyoning, the company Vert Intense, based in the heights of Saint-Claude, offers a wide range of sports activities. These range from canyoning for all levels (children and adults, beginners to advanced) to water trekking. I didn’t hesitate to book the canyoning activity in the Ravine Chaude, as it was very highly rated. This activity is rated 5 stars and of medium difficulty.

To put it in context, I’d never done canyoning before, I’m afraid of heights and my physical condition is average (it’s the end of winter and the raclette season is tough), but I can manage hiking.

I was a little apprehensive on the morning of the day trip, but you only live once. It’s always great to try something new and go the extra mile (I was ready for this new adventure tour).

I arrived at Vert Intense at 8.30am and was immediately given a warm welcome by the instructors, Xavier and Kevin. Some of the other people had already arrived and it didn’t take them long to get us kitted out and ready to go. So we got changed on the spot and put on a wetsuit and a thick neoprene jacket with specific protection for canyoning, water shoes, a harness and a helmet. The only thing we were asked to bring with us was a pair of socks (to make it more comfortable to wear with the water shoes) and a bottle of water. For your information, our group consisted of 3 adults and 4 teenagers (aged between 13 and 16). This trip is definitely suitable for families.

Once we were all equipped, we set off and followed Kevin to the Plaine des Palmistes, where our adventure began (15 minutes drive from the Vert Intense offices). After parking in the car park, we put our water bottles in waterproof bags and took the path down to the blue pool. Kevin tells us that we’ve got a good forty minutes’ walk before we start canyoning (this extreme adventure haha).

And it’s true that the rappelling, the sledging and the jumps into the water holes are all quite a bit of height right from the start. This is a walk that is accessible to all, but it is still strenuous. There’s a good bit of climbing on small dirt/root paths, and a good bit of climbing on a rope and water hose for 10 minutes. It’s not easy to climb in a wetsuit and harness, but it’s still pretty good. Don’t panic, Kevin is very attentive. He makes sure everyone is safe, he listens carefully and stops as often as necessary if he sees that some are struggling to climb. He even uses these breaks to tell us about the natural environment surrounding us, the Guadeloupean Rainforest, and the specific characteristics of the plants that live there. It’s all very interesting.

After the last big climb, we stop for ten minutes to rest. Kevin gives us muesli bars to prevent hypoglycemia. I have to admit it was very welcome. After the break it was time to get serious. We’d arrived at the starting point for our descent down the Ravine Chaude. This is in the south of Basse-Terre, at the base of the Soufrière volcano.

I could already feel the pressure building as we started off with a short abseil. Kevin explained the safety instructions, how the ropes and harness work and how to abseil without crashing into the rocks (cliffs). The explanations are simple and clear. Kevin takes care of tying the knots and attaching the ropes. He takes the time to reassure even the most nervous of us (in this case me). I never felt any judgment or impatience on his part and that really gave me confidence. The first abseil, even though it wasn’t high, gave me a good feeling, but in the end I did it without a hitch. Phew, that’s one! With a touch of humor, Kevin gently reminds me that there are 4 more to go and that the next one is the highest of all! Boom, a little extra pressure!

We slowly make our way along the river (the view was panoramic and breathtaking), sometimes on the rocks, sometimes with our feet in the water, which is really refreshing. A few minutes later we’ve already reached the next challenge: a 3m jump into a water hole! I’ve never done that before in my life! I’m afraid of heights, so jumping into water has never been one of my favorite things to do! But honestly, I have come here to challenge myself, so I’m going for it!

I go in last (a bad idea as the pressure builds up like a pressure cooker as people jump in). Kevin reassured me that I was safe, and in no time at all, thanks to a countdown (which I asked him to do), I didn’t think twice and jumped! Challenge number two completed! That feels amazing! The water is so cool, it’s great fun and the group is great because they all applaud me! It was a proud moment for me!

After that we headed back to the highest abseil. Fifteen metres in height, a steep waterfall, moss on the rocks and therefore potentially slippery, in short, a new challenge! Kevin strapped us in one by one. Slowly, everyone (including me) plunged into the abyss. It’s so impressive that I’d tell you not to look down from the start. You have to concentrate on where you’re going to put your feet and on the rope in your hands that you’re going to slide down. I never thought I’d be able to do it, but here I am again, at the bottom of the waterfall, proud as a peacock to the sound of applause! My heart is still beating as fast as ever, but one challenge at a time and I’m moving forward! Each time, at the bottom of the abseil, we take a short break to swim, recover from the thrill and enjoy the magical surroundings! It’s just too good!

The next three rappels (smaller but still quite impressive) followed, and eventually we all started to get the hang of it. The movements became more fluid and we felt less anxious. The fact that Kevin is relaxed, has a good sense of humor and takes the time to check each attachment means that we feel safe and everyone is having a great time.

​​As soon as the abseiling was over, it was time to go on the slides! My favorite part (because it’s less challenging)! We had the chance to do two really cool natural slides! The rock is so smoothed by the flowing water that it slides down by itself! It’s way too short for me, but it’s better than nothing! Kevin also explains that some of the sections have changed due to the weather conditions and the various storms and hurricanes, and that we have to remember that we’re in a living, changing natural environment and that we have to adapt.

At the end, we arrived at the blue pool. The final challenge was a five metre jump straight into the blue pool! You can imagine the look on my face when I reached the top of the pool! It was a relief that for once I wasn’t the only one to have had a few moments of hesitation! That cheered me up a bit. The group passed by, motivating us from below. Thanks to all the encouragement and a bit of group effect, we both managed to jump! I shouted so much that I scared a dog that was there! But it didn’t matter. I did it, I jumped and I made it to the end of the activity! My body is a bit tired from all the adrenaline, but to be honest, it’s a good tiredness.

In total, our excursion lasted a good four hours. At the end, we took the time to swim in the blue pool and have a snack to replenish our energy. Then we headed back to the car park.

You should know that there are alternatives to jumping into the water holes or going down the slides if you really panic. You can go over the side. But in the end, believe me, even a coward like me managed to jump! So anyone can do it!

We all left quite tired but very happy to have outdone ourselves, to have climbed into the freshwater of the river, to have been crazy, to have done this outdoor activity. Kevin is a very good canyoning guide, patient, caring and a good listener. We were very well looked after. He knows how to give you the confidence to push yourself! I would recommend Vert Intense and their team 1000% and believe me, canyoning in Guadeloupe is not something you should miss out on!

If you like what I’ve told you and would like to try canyoning in Guadeloupe, don’t hesitate to contact Vert Intense!

First of all, you’ll need to get to Guadeloupe. We’ve written an article explaining all the options and what you need to know to go to Guadeloupe. I won’t go through it again here, but you should know that since Covid, airfares to Guadeloupe have gone up. It’s now quite difficult to find tickets for under €600 from Paris.

Once you’re there, the best thing to do is to hire a car. We recommend the car hire comparison service Discover cars. This will allow you to see the different prices and options.

Getting to Vert Intense depends on where you arrive. From the town of Basse-Terre it’s about ten minutes by car. Drive towards Saint-Claude and keep going up to Saint-Claude. You will pass the post office. After the post office, continue uphill for 900m and you will see the Vert-Intense site on your right. There’s a big sign pointing the way. I’ll give you the Google Map itinerary from the town of Basse-Terre.

From here it’s about a fifteen minute drive to the Plateau des Palmistes, the start of the tour activity.

The Ravine Chaude canyoning excursion costs €60. Vert Intense offers other possible itineraries and even water treks for different levels (from beginner to advanced).

What to bring: a swimsuit, a pair of socks and a bottle of water. You can also bring your mobile phone in a waterproof bag (like I did). Or bring a waterproof camera to capture the moment. Kevin takes some photos, but he can’t take them all the time because he’s worried about our safety. The guide always takes cereal bars with him and provides us with waterproof bottles and special rucksacks to carry our water bottles.
The trip lasts half a day (4 to 5 hours). We meet at 8.30am at the Vert Intense site.

To find your perfect place in Basse-Terre, here are some suggestions that I’ve sorted by price range:

For budget-friendly options

Les Gîtes de la Lézarde : as its name suggests, this lodge is very close to the Saut de la Lézarde waterfall and offers the essentials for a great stay! Don’t worry, it’s also near Ravine Chaude.
Padjembel : a small, quiet holiday home, air-conditioned, with a terrace, equipped kitchen, and free private parking.
Studio Pleine Nature : an entire 50 m² studio in a quiet setting, air-conditioned, and to top it off a large terrace overlooking the tropical garden.

For mid-range budgets

Iguane Rouge : a true cozy nest in Petit-Bourg with a private pool, terrace, and equipped kitchen, in a peaceful setting.
Gîte prestige-Colin : a new and cozy villa that includes a private pool + jacuzzi, an equipped kitchen, and a large terrace. A great base for exploring the area!
Le cosy Valley a charming holiday home that offers good amenities (comfortable bedroom, sofa bed, two terraces with barbecue, etc.) and great value for money!

In conclusion, I loved this canyoning activity in Ravine Chaude. I can only recommend that you do it, or at least try it. You’ll have an Indiana Jones-style adventure in the middle of the rainforest while staying safe.

In the meantime, I hope to do some canyoning in Guadeloupe when I come back on holiday. I also know that Sylvain and Mélanie have had the idea of trying out other canyoning spots in Guadeloupe, so you’ll probably hear from them again.

If you’re looking for another nice spot to visit during your holiday in Guadeloupe,
I invite you to read the article on the Galion Waterfall, also located at the base of the 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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