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.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can choose from airboat, cano-raft, or hydrospeed on the Guisane River near Chamonix.
The tour runs along the Guisane River between Villeneuve and Chantemerle in the Serre Chevalier – Briançon Valley.
The activity is suitable for beginners aged 7 and up, with professional guides leading the groups.
It includes an introductory session on the Pontillas reservoir before an easy river descent on the Guisane River.
No prior experience is needed as the activity is designed for beginners with professional guidance.
Yes, you choose your preferred activity—airboat, cano-raft, or hydrospeed—when booking your tour.
The introductory session takes place on the Pontillas reservoir in the Serre Chevalier area.
Check the official website for current tour duration and scheduling details.
Yes, children aged 7 and older can join with adult supervision during the activity.
Yes, professional live guides provide safety instructions and equipment throughout the experience.

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