Blue
Deshaies Canyoning, Discovery Tour
Duration: 4h
Suitable from age 10
Meeting point: Jardin Botanique de Deshaies
Meet in front of the Deshaies Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Deshaies).
- 4h30
- From age 12
Description
In Deshaies, the Grande Rivière Ferry winds through the north of Basse-Terre and its hidden waterfalls. This blue-level discovery canyoning trip, open from age 10, explores this unspoilt corner of Guadeloupe for 4 hours with a state-certified guide — just a stone’s throw from the beaches of Deshaies.
Canyoning in Deshaies: the Grande Rivière Ferry
On the slopes of Morne Mazeau, a few minutes from the beaches of Grande-Anse and Deshaies, the Grande Rivière Ferry is a lovely route to discover canyoning with abseils. The descent comes in two parts: a playful first section with some water games in the river, then a more aerial second one where the abseils take over.
Another plus: this canyon is rarely affected by floods, which makes it a safe bet in the north of Basse-Terre when the weather is uncertain.
How the trip unfolds
- Welcome and gear at the meeting point, safety briefing.
- Approach walk: about 45 minutes through the forest, first up and down, then downhill only to the river. The trail can be slippery after rain; fixed ropes help on the steep sections.
- Descent of the Grande Rivière Ferry: water games, swimming, then a series of abseils in the aerial section.
- Return: from the last pool, a footbridge leads back to the cars in a few minutes.
Allow about 4 hours, from the briefing to the return to the meeting point.
Who is it for?
Blue level: this is a discovery trip with no previous experience required. It is open from age 10; you must be able to swim and not be afraid of water, and average fitness is enough. The guide adapts the pace to the group. With younger children (from age 8), choose family canyoning at Acomat, nearby in Pointe-Noire. All levels are explained on the canyoning levels page.
Meeting point in Deshaies
The meeting point is in front of the Deshaies Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Deshaies), in the north of Basse-Terre. Exact directions are sent when you book. If you are staying in Deshaies or Sainte-Rose, this is the closest canyoning trip to you.
Things to do around Deshaies
After the trip, enjoy the beaches of Deshaies and Grande-Anse, or head to the Cascade aux Écrevisses and the Maison de la Forêt, on the Route de la Traversée.
What to bring?
Swimsuit, towel, closed shoes that can get wet, water and a snack. Wetsuit, helmet, harness, lanyards and descender are provided. More information on the participant information page; prices on the canyoning rates page and dates on our upcoming availabilities.
Highlights
- Secret rivers and waterfalls of northern Basse-Terre
- Discovery trip with a state-certified guide
- Grande Rivière Ferry, an unspoilt site
- Guiding by a state-certified guide
- Full equipment on loan (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, lanyards, descender)
- The guide's professional liability insurance
- Transport to the meeting point
- Rental of suitable footwear (if needed)
- Meals and drinks
Important information
You must be able to swim and not be afraid of water. A standard level of fitness is enough. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and closed shoes that can get wet.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be able to swim for canyoning in Deshaies?
Yes, you need to be able to swim, but no canyoning experience is required. The route is led by a certified guide who adapts the pace to the group.
What is the minimum age?
This discovery trip is open from age 10.
How long does the trip take?
The trip lasts about 4 hours, from the briefing to the return to the meeting point.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet in front of the Deshaies Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Deshaies), northern Basse-Terre. Exact directions are sent when you book.
Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Yes, that is exactly the purpose of this blue-level trip: discovering canyoning safely, with no previous experience required.
Where is the Deshaies canyoning trip?
On the Grande Rivière Ferry, in the north of Basse-Terre, close to Deshaies and its beaches.
