Canyoning in Bouillante: Bourceau and Bois Malaisé

The short answer

In Bouillante, we guide two canyons. Bourceau is a first descent with an abseil, a jump and a zip line: blue level, from age 8, 3 h 30, €60. Bois Malaisé is an expedition day reserved for experienced participants: black level, from age 16, 7 h, €110. The meeting point is in Bouillante, at the Pigeon shopping centre.

Updated 1 November 2026.

Bouillante, on the Côte-sous-le-Vent, is known for the Cousteau reserve, Malendure beach and its hot springs. Above the coast, the rivers on the foothills of the Soufrière offer two very different canyons, which we descend with state-certified guides, in groups of 8 people at most.

Bourceau: the first descent

The Bourceau canyon is above Malendure, in the heights overlooking the Cousteau reserve. It is a very scenic introductory route, one of the most popular for a first descent in Guadeloupe.

How it goes. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of the bakery of the Pigeon shopping centre, where the guide hands out the equipment and gives the safety briefing. You then walk up for about a quarter of an hour to the ridge, then go down by handrails to the start. You enter the river by an abseil of about twenty metres, which drops the group into a beautiful pool where small jumps are possible. Then come a splashy abseil, a jump and a zip line. The return is by a ravine fitted with fixed ropes, ending at the foot of a 15-metre waterfall, then by a path. Allow about 3 h 30 in total.

Who is it for? For families from age 8, accompanied by an adult, and for adults who want to try abseiling without a big commitment. No experience is needed and being able to swim is not required: above all, you must not be afraid of water. Most obstacles can be bypassed and nobody has to jump. €60 per person.

The canyon ends a stone’s throw from Malendure: you can combine the trip with a swim or a snorkelling outing in the Cousteau reserve.

Bois Malaisé: the expedition day

Bois Malaisé is our most committing trip. On the foothills of the Soufrière, above Bouillante, at the gates of the National Park, the route links about 2 km of splashy waterfalls, including a 20 m abseil at the top, in a deep, little-visited river. It is sometimes spelled “Bois Malaise” or “Bois Malasié”: it is the same canyon.

How it goes. Meet at 8 a.m. at the same place. The approach is a real hike through the tropical forest: a path climbs towards the Piton de Bouillante, crosses the Ravine Espérance, follows a ridge, then goes down by fixed ropes to the start of the canyon. The descent alternates splashy waterfalls, abseils, slides and jumps, with technical passages. At the confluence with the Ravine Habituée Négresse, a path leads back to the starting point in about 25 minutes. Allow a full day, about 7 h, and bring plenty of water and something for lunch.

Who is it for? For people already initiated to canyoning, in excellent physical condition, from age 16. Being able to swim is not required, but you must be comfortable in fast water. Once in the canyon, it is hard to get out: that is why your guide calls you after you book to go over your experience. €110 per person. If you have never done any canyoning, start with Bourceau, then the Rivière Noire in Saint-Claude (red level, 5 h, €70).

Bourceau or Bois Malaisé?

These are two trips of a different nature. Bourceau lasts half a day and suits a first time; Bois Malaisé lasts a full day, with a longer approach, a more sustained descent and a stronger commitment. In between, the Rivière Noire in Saint-Claude (red level) is the intermediate step. The routes are explained on the page canyoning levels.

Before you leave

The technical equipment is provided: helmet, harness with lanyards and descender, neoprene wetsuit and socks, canyon bag with waterproof drum, and the photos and videos of the trip are included. You bring closed shoes that grip wet rock, a swimsuit, a towel and a change of clothes, water and a snack (a picnic for Bois Malaisé). Details on the page What to bring for canyoning in Guadeloupe. In case of heavy rain or a rising river, the guide postpones the trip, offers another route or cancels it, and lets you know by WhatsApp or e-mail.

What our customers say

Three reviews left on our Google listing by Bourceau customers (translated from French):

“A magical day in the Bourceau canyon with our friends and children aged 8 and 10. Fred is an excellent teacher and knows how to motivate children who are exhausted!”

Maud C., Google review, visit of May 2024

“We spent a wonderful morning with Anaïs and Miguel. The route is ideal for getting a taste of everything canyoning can offer. They took the time with each one of us […] to reassure us and build our confidence.”

Chloé G., Google review, visit of February 2026

“Fred is passionate, attentive and caring. My daughter and I discovered canyoning on the Bourceau river with him. A magical moment of nature, thrills and culture. All of this in an excellent, very friendly atmosphere.”

Laurent C., Google review, visit of July 2024

Read all the reviews on Google

Frequently asked questions

Which canyon should you do in Bouillante?

Bourceau for a first descent, from age 8; Bois Malaisé for a sporty day, reserved for experienced participants from age 16.

Is there a canyon for children in Bouillante?

Yes, Bourceau: blue level, from age 8, accompanied by an adult, 3 h 30, €60 per person. It has an entry abseil, a splashy abseil, a jump and a zip line, and most obstacles can be bypassed.

Where is the meeting point in Bouillante?

At the Pigeon shopping centre, in front of the bakery: at 9:30 a.m. for Bourceau, at 8 a.m. for Bois Malaisé.

Do you need to be able to swim?

No, it is not required: above all, you must not be afraid of water. At Bois Malaisé, you must also be comfortable in fast water.

Can you combine the canyon with the Cousteau reserve?

Yes: Bourceau ends a stone’s throw from Malendure and the Cousteau reserve, where you can swim or go snorkelling.

Further reading

• When to go canyoning in Guadeloupe? Seasons, rain and water level
• Do you need to be able to swim to go canyoning? What you need, what we provide, what to bring
• 🌴Calling All Adventurers: Canyoning Guide Wanted in Guadeloupe! 💦
• Christmas offer: Bourceau canyoning at €55 from 18 December to 6 January