Red
Sporty Canyoning at Rivière Noire, Vauchelet Waterfalls
Duration: 5h
Suitable from age 16
Meeting point: Local MonCanyon, Habitation Dain – Mont Carmel, allée des Samanas, Saint-Claude
The MonCanyon base is at the end of a private lane, on the bend of the main road just after the Vito petrol station (a long avenue of royal palms, with an old white plantation house at the very end). Park on the concrete spaces opposite the club's blue pick-up. Please arrive a few minutes before the meeting time: your guide will be waiting for you there with the gear.
- 3h30
- From age 16
Description
At the foot of La Soufrière, the descent of the Rivière Noire down to the Vauchelet waterfalls is one of the most renowned routes in southern Basse-Terre. A multi-pitch abseil, an ejecting slide and jumps follow one another over 5 hours, a few minutes from the Bains Jaunes. A red-level trip, committing, open from age 16 with good physical fitness, led by a state-certified guide.
Canyoning in Saint-Claude: the Rivière Noire and the Vauchelet waterfalls
High above Saint-Claude, the Rivière Noire tumbles down the slopes of La Soufrière in a succession of waterfalls and natural pools. Its lower section, the Vauchelet waterfalls, offers every side of canyoning: jumps, an ejecting slide and a series of abseils, including a multi-pitch one. It is one of the most photogenic canyoning spots in Guadeloupe.
The canyon is well bolted on both banks. Depending on the water level and the group, the guide can choose to go through the waterfall itself or to favour drier abseils.
How the trip unfolds
- Meeting in Saint-Claude, gear handed out and briefing.
- Approach walk: a marked trail crosses the Ravine des Roches, then tackles a short, steep climb of about a hundred metres, helped by fixed ropes, before reaching the river.
- Descent of the Rivière Noire: abseils, multi-pitch abseil, ejecting slide, jumps and narrow passages down to the Vauchelet waterfalls.
- Return: a walk of about thirty minutes back up the Rivière des Roches, often slippery but easy, to the approach trail.
Who is it for?
Red level: this is the most committing of our half-day trips. It is open from age 16, with good physical fitness, for people who feel at ease both in the water and above the void (being able to swim is not required). If you are a beginner, start with Ravine Chaude and the Bassin Bleu or Bourceau in Bouillante. For an even more demanding full day, there is the Bois Malaisé canyon. All levels are explained on the canyoning levels page.
Meeting point and access
The meeting point is the MonCanyon base in Saint-Claude (Habitation Dain – Mont Carmel), at 9:00 a.m. The start of the canyon is a few minutes from the Bains Jaunes: you can easily combine it with a dip in the hot springs or a hike towards the volcano.
Weather and floods on La Soufrière
Watch the weather: rainfall on La Soufrière is often heavy, and floods on the Rivière Noire can be fast and impressive. The guide checks conditions before every trip; if there is any risk (flooding, storm), the trip is cancelled or postponed, and you are refunded or moved to another slot.
What to bring?
Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, water and a snack. Simple trainers that can get wet are enough. Full wetsuit, helmet, harness and technical equipment are provided. More details on the participant information page; prices on the rates page and dates on our upcoming availabilities.
Highlights
- Multi-pitch abseil, launch slide, jump: a taste of everything we love about a half-day “sporty” canyoning trip.
- 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 trip
Important information
A real “nature and sport” challenge in one of the most beautiful rivers in Guadeloupe, a few minutes from the Bains Jaunes. The Vauchelet waterfalls, on the Rivière Noire, offer a jump, a launch slide and a series of abseils. Open from age 16 and requiring good physical fitness, it is a Red-level canyon.
Frequently asked questions
What level is required for this trip?
It is a red-level trip, the most committing of our half-days: abseils, jumps and slides that require good physical fitness and feeling at ease both in the water and above the void.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, this trip is open from age 16, subject to good physical fitness.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You do not need to be able to swim, but you must feel at ease in the water: this sporty route includes several white-water sections and jumps.
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 about 5 hours, briefing and gear included.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the MonCanyon base in Saint-Claude (Habitation Dain – Mont Carmel), at 9:00 a.m.
What is there to see at the Vauchelet waterfalls?
A succession of waterfalls and natural pools in the heart of the rainforest, on the slopes of La Soufrière — one of the most photogenic canyoning spots in Guadeloupe.
