Black · Expert
Expert Canyoning at Bois Malaisé, Guadeloupe
Duration: 7h
Suitable from age 16
Meeting point: Centre commercial de Pigeon, devant la boulangerie (Bouillante)
Meet in front of the Four des Îles bakery, in the Pigeon shopping centre (Bouillante). Please arrive a few minutes before the meeting time: your guide will be waiting for you there with the gear.
- 6h30
- From age 16
Description
On the slopes of La Soufrière, near Bouillante, the Bois Malaisé canyon is our most committing route: a full 7-hour day in the heart of the rainforest, one of the most beautiful river descents in Guadeloupe National Park. Black level, reserved for experienced canyoners aged 16 and over, with excellent physical fitness — led by a state-certified guide.
The Bois Malaisé canyon in Bouillante
Bois Malaisé (sometimes written “Bois Malaise” or “Bois-Malaisé”) is a long, sporty route with beautiful splashing waterfalls and a magical atmosphere deep in the Caribbean rainforest. The river links abseils, slides and jumps, with technical passages that demand rigour from every participant.
It is the ideal trip for those who have already done some canyoning and want to experience a real expedition day in Guadeloupe.
How the day unfolds
- Meeting in Bouillante, gear handed out and briefing.
- Approach walk: from the heights of Bouillante, a trail climbs towards the Piton de Bouillante, crosses the Ravine Espérance and follows a ridge, before descending on fixed ropes to the start of the canyon. It is a real rainforest hike.
- Descent of Bois Malaisé: a beautiful succession of splashing waterfalls, abseils, slides and jumps.
- Return: at the confluence with the Ravine Habituée Négresse, a trail leads back to the car park in about 25 minutes.
Allow a full day, about 7 hours, briefing and gear included.
Who is it for?
Black level: this is our most demanding route. It is reserved for people aged 16 and over who already have canyoning experience and excellent physical fitness. You do not need to be a swimmer, but you must feel at ease in white water. If you have never done canyoning, start with a blue-level trip, then the Rivière Noire and the Vauchelet waterfalls (red level, 5 hours), before taking on Bois Malaisé. Levels are detailed on the canyoning levels page.
Bois Malaisé or Rivière Noire?
Both are sporty trips, but not at the same level. The Rivière Noire in Saint-Claude takes 5 hours, at red level. Bois Malaisé, near Bouillante, is a full 7-hour day at black level: the approach is longer, the descent more sustained and the commitment greater.
Meeting point in Bouillante
The meeting point is the bakery in the Pigeon shopping centre in Bouillante (meet in front of it at 8:00 a.m.), on the Côte-sous-le-Vent, a few minutes from Malendure beach.
Weather and safety
On a full day in the mountains, the weather matters even more. The guide checks the forecast and the river level before setting off; in case of flooding or storms, the trip is cancelled or postponed, and you are refunded or moved to another slot.
What to bring?
Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, plenty of water and a packed lunch. Simple trainers that can get wet are enough. Wetsuit, helmet, harness and technical equipment are provided. See also the participant information page, the rates and our upcoming availabilities.
Highlights
- Abseiling, assisted natural slide, zip line and stunning scenery: a taste of everything we love about a sporty day of canyoning.
- Full neoprene wetsuit
- Full harness and helmet
- Canyoning bag and waterproof drum
- Guiding by a state-certified guide
- Footwear for the activity (ordinary trainers are fine)
- Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes
- A bottle of water and your snack for the day
Important information
A full day in the heart of the Caribbean rainforest, on the foothills of La Soufrière volcano, on the Bois Malaisé canyoning route — one of the most beautiful river descents in the Guadeloupe National Park. Reserved for experienced canyoners with excellent physical fitness, it is a Black-level canyon.
Frequently asked questions
What level is required for this trip?
It is our most demanding route, black level: it is reserved for people who already have canyoning experience and excellent physical fitness.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, this trip is reserved for participants aged 16 and over, already experienced and in excellent physical condition.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You do not need to be able to swim, but you must feel at ease in white water: this expert route includes many jumps, slides and technical passages.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes. The full wetsuit, harness, helmet and all technical equipment are provided, along with a state-certified guide.
What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions are dangerous (flooding, storms), we may cancel or postpone the trip for safety reasons. You will then get a full refund or can choose another slot.
How long does the trip take on site?
Allow a full day, about 7 hours, briefing and gear included: it is our longest route.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the bakery in the Pigeon shopping centre in Bouillante (meet in front of it at 8:00 a.m.).
How is it different from the sporty trip in Saint-Claude?
Bois Malaisé is a full 7-hour day near Bouillante, at black level: our most committing trip. The Rivière Noire trip in Saint-Claude is shorter (5 hours) and red level.
