Saint-Claude, at the foot of La Soufrière volcano, is the richest canyoning area in Guadeloupe. Within a few kilometres, the Rivière Noire, the Rivière Rouge, the Rivière Saint-Louis and the Galion flow down from the massif through waterfalls, pools and natural slides, in the heart of the National Park. Whether you come with a guide or as an independent canyoner, here is what you need to know about canyoning in Saint-Claude.
Why Saint-Claude is the heart of canyoning in Guadeloupe
Three things explain why so many canyons are found here. The volcanic relief first: the slopes of La Soufrière are steep and the rivers have cut deep gorges into them. The rain next: the massif receives some of the highest rainfall on the island, which feeds the waterfalls all year round. And the tropical rainforest, protected by the Guadeloupe National Park, which gives these descents their unique atmosphere.
As a result, our route database lists 13 canyons in the municipality of Saint-Claude alone, from a short one-hour descent to a full-day expedition. Our route descriptions (topos) are written in French.
The canyons of Saint-Claude
Lower Rivière Noire and the Vauchelet waterfalls
The best-known route in the area, a few minutes from the Bains Jaunes: jumps, a launch slide and a series of abseils down the Vauchelet waterfalls (graded V4 A2 III, about 3 h). This is the one we run as a guided trip. See the lower Rivière Noire topo.
Upper Rivière Noire
Further up, the Rivière Noire also takes about 3 h, with an alternative access via the Ravine Amic.
Rivière Rouge
Two sections: the upper Rivière Rouge (about 3 h) and the lower Rivière Rouge, one of the shortest descents in the area (about 1 h).
Rivière Saint-Louis
High up in Matouba, the Rivière Saint-Louis (about 3 h 30) continues with the lower Rivière Saint-Louis (about 3 h).
Galion, Ravine Marchand and Ravine Ma Ronde
The upper Rivière du Galion and the Ravine Marchand take about 2 h; the Ravine Ma Ronde, in Matouba, about 4 h.
Ravine Malanga and Ravine Lasserre: the most committing
The Ravine Malanga (V4 A1 IV, about 3 h 30, with a variant via the Nez Cassé) and above all the Ravine Lasserre (V5 A3 V, about 7 h) are for experienced, self-sufficient teams only: long, vertical and committing.
The waterfalls of Saint-Claude
The Vauchelet waterfalls, on the Rivière Noire, are the most famous in the municipality and the most accessible for canyoning, with their jumps and slide. But almost every river in the area has its own falls and pools, which you only truly discover by descending the canyon. To relax after the descent, the Bains Jaunes, a warm-water pool at the start of the Soufrière trails, are very close.
Canyoning in Saint-Claude with a guide
Our sport canyoning trip on the Rivière Noire and the Vauchelet waterfalls starts from the MonCanyon base in Saint-Claude (meet at 9:00 a.m.). Red level, from age 16, about 5 h, from €70: the state-certified guide provides the technical equipment and chooses the jumps and slides according to the day’s water level. You do not need to be able to swim, but you must feel at ease in the water and be in good physical condition.
With young children, the Saint-Claude routes are too committing: choose Acomat in Pointe-Noire (from age 8) or the Ravine Chaude in Gourbeyre (from age 10), about twenty minutes from Saint-Claude. All our trips: canyoning trips in Guadeloupe.
Practical information
- Weather: this is the key point in Saint-Claude. Floods can be fast and violent; check the Météo-France warnings and give up if the weather looks threatening over La Soufrière.
- Season: canyons can be descended all year round; the dry season (roughly February to May) is usually drier than the rainy season.
- National Park: most canyons are in the core of the Park. Stay on the access paths, leave nothing behind and respect private car parks.
- Independence: the topos are written for trained and equipped canyoners. Without experience, go with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go canyoning in Saint-Claude?
The most accessible route with a guide is the lower Rivière Noire and its Vauchelet waterfalls. Independent canyoners will find the other canyons of the municipality in our topos.
Can children go canyoning in Saint-Claude?
Our Saint-Claude trip is open from age 16. For families, our trips at Acomat, Bourceau and Ravine Chaude are better suited.
Do I need experience?
Not for the guided Rivière Noire trip, but good physical condition and being at ease in water are essential. Some abseiling experience is a plus.
