Serre Chevalier: Discovery Tour by Air Boat, Canoe-Raft, or Hydrospeed
Provence, Chamonix
Whether you choose hydrospeed, airboat, or cano-rafting, you can try out whitewater sports in the Serre Chevalier–Briançon valley with a session that's perfect for your first river experience.
Introduction
This introductory whitewater activity in Serre Chevalier – Briançon Valley suits beginners aged 7 and up, offering airboat, cano-raft, or hydrospeed on the Guisane River.
Highlights
- Introductory session on the Pontillas reservoir before the river descent
- Choose your activity: airboat, cano-raft, or hydrospeed
- Easy descent of the Guisane River between Villeneuve and Chantemerle
Description
Experience whitewater sports with a professional live guide in a group setting. Choose your boat at booking time:
- Air-Boat: stable, easy-to-steer single-seater inflatable boat
- Cano-Raft: two-seater inflatable boat steered as a team
- Hydrospeed: whitewater swimming using a float and fins
The session starts with an introduction to basic maneuvers on the calm Pontillas reservoir near the RAFTING EXPERIENCE® base. Then the group descends the Guisane River from Villeneuve to Chantemerle.
Program
- Meet at the RAFTING EXPERIENCE® base at Lake Pontillas
- Receive full gear: neoprene wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy vest, river shoes
- Safety briefing with your guide
- Introduction session on the reservoir
- River descent from Villeneuve to Chantemerle (3 km, Grade II)
- Drop-off at the base
Information
- Minimum age: 7 years
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Distance: 3 km
- River grade: Grade II
- Maximum weight for hydrospeed: 80 kg (176 lbs)
- Participants must be in good physical condition and able to swim
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the activities?
Air-Boat is a single-seater inflatable boat easy to maneuver. Cano-Raft is a two-seater inflatable boat steered by two people. Hydrospeed is whitewater swimming with a float and fins. - Do I need previous experience?
No, the course is designed for beginners with a guided introduction session. - Can I choose my activity?
Yes, each participant selects their boat when booking. - Can you fall into the water?
It is possible, but participants wear life jackets and are supervised by a professional guide. - How many people are in the group?
A guide supervises groups divided by activity type (airboat, cano-raft, hydrospeed).
What is Included
- Professional licensed guide
- Full rafting gear: neoprene suit, helmet, life jacket, river shoes
- Paddle
- Safety briefing
- Round-trip transportation by minibus from base to starting point and back
- Use of base facilities
What is Excluded
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Photographs or videos from the activity
- Food and drinks
Important Information
- Participants should be in good physical condition and able to swim
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Book in advance and bring a swimsuit and towel. The best season is during warmer months when water activities are comfortable.