L'exploration des rivières sauvages, qu'il s'agisse des eaux turquoise de Provence ou des canyons monumentaux de l'Ouest américain, représente une quête d'immersion totale dans la nature. Que vous soyez attiré par le calme des méandres ou par l'adrénaline des rapides, chaque expédition demande une préparation minutieuse, une compréhension des flux hydrologiques et un respect profond pour l'environnement. Cet article explore les différentes facettes de ces aventures aquatiques, en comparant les approches européennes et américaines.
Le Grand Canyon du Verdon : Une exploration multisensorielle
Découvrez le grand canyon du Verdon d'une manière unique avec cette nouvelle embarcation. Le packraft est un kayak gonflable ultra léger (3kg) qui peut se transporter dans un sac à dos, ce qui nous permet de lier la randonnée à pied avec une descente en kayak. Nous accédons donc à des zones de la rivière inaccessibles autrement que par la marche, vous aurez donc l'impression d'avoir le Verdon que pour vous, et ce n'est pas qu'une impression !
La randonnée aquatique (ou Aqua rando, Floating) est surement l'une des activités les plus ludiques dans le canyon du Verdon. Méconnu du grand public, l'aqua rando est une activité similaire au canyoning. Nous descendons également le canyon mais en nageant sur le dos les pieds en avant. Nous descendons ainsi les rapides du Verdon. Les gros rapides peuvent se passer à pied en longeant la rivière. Il y a également des sauts qui varient de 0,5m à plus de 10 mètres pour les plus aventureux. Il faut savoir qu'aucun saut n'est obligatoire. Pour sauter, il faut d'abord escalader ! Cette activité convient aussi bien aux sportifs qu'aux personnes qui veulent juste se détendre et profitez du paysage !
Le Mystic Floating est une expédition en randonnée aquatique sur une journée entière au coeur du Verdon. Nous vivons une expérience que l'on dit inoubliable. Nous proposons un Parcours Découverte pour ceux qui souhaitent découvrir l'activité le temps d'une demi journée. Un parcours idéal pour découvrir l'activité dans un décor de rêve. Pour les familles avec des enfants (à partir de 6 ans), nous pouvons vous faire découvrir l’entrée du Grand Canyon avec le Parcours Famille.
Le Rafting : L'activité reine des gorges
Le rafting est l'activité reine dans les Gorges du Verdon. Imaginez vous descendre les eaux bleues turquoises du Verdon tout en profittant des paysages. Venez essayer le Rafting dans le Verdon avec le Legendary Rafting. Vous découvrirez alors les Gorges du Verdon d'une manière unique en descendant les plus beaux rapides en toute sécurité.
Lire aussi: Rivière de Chauvignac : nature et canoë
Secret River est une entreprise à taille humaine et nous souhaitons le rester ! Nous travaillons ensemble depuis le lancement de l'entreprise en 2017 dans le respect de nos valeurs. Depuis le début, nous avons fait le choix de faire moins de rotations en raft et kayak (jour de lâcher d'eau) afin de vous garantir une sortie de qualité, en horaire décalé, avec du super matériel. Nous sommes en permanence à la recherche de nouveaux parcours pour nous différencier des autres et vous proposer une découverte des Gorges du Verdon toujours plus insolite.
La manière la plus simple pour vous est de nous contacter via notre formulaire de contact. Vous pouvez indiquer les activités souhaités et la date. Vous cherchez le cadeau idéal, découvrez nos activités et choisissez-celles que vous voulez offrir ! Nous vous enverrons par la suite un bon cadeau que vous pourrez offrir à la personne de votre choix.
Choisir l'activité adaptée à chaque profil
Plusieurs activités vont s'offrir à vous lors de votre séjour dans les Gorges du Verdon. Si vous êtes en famille, il faut s'orienter vers des activités qui peuvent se faire avec les enfants. Nous avons plusieurs parcours accessibles à partir de 6 ans ! (rafting famille, aqua rando famille). Nous vous conseillons de faire les activités sportives : Rafting sportif ou aqua rando découverte. Idéalement, il faut partir sur les parcours à la journée, qui sont moins fréquentés que les parcours classiques et toujours aussi beaux !
Secret River vous propose de vivre une aventure unique en pleine nature au coeur du Verdon (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). Que cela soit dans les gorges du Verdon à bord d’un rafting, ou dans le grand Canyon du Verdon en randonnée aquatique ou en packraft, vous repartirez avec des images plein la tête. Secret River est situé sur la commune de Castellane. C'est depuis ce village que partent beaucoup d'excursions, que cela soit en rafting, ou en randonnée aquatique.
Tous vos biens personnels resteront au point de départ (dans votre voiture). Vous n’avez rien à prendre avec vous pendant l’activité. Sur les parcours du rafting (famille et sportif) et de la randonnée aquatique famille et découverte, il y a des photographes professionnels : Verdon photo et Verdon pictures. Vous pourrez voir vos photos après votre descente au sein de leur magasin ou sur leurs sites internet. Si vous avez un appareil photo étanche ou une go-pro, vous pouvez la prendre avec vous mais pensez à bien la fixer avant le départ. Si vous envoyez un formulaire, il faut attendre le retour de Secret River qui confirmera votre inscription.
Lire aussi: Où se baigner en rivière : les meilleurs spots en France
L'immensité du Colorado : Une aventure hors norme
Rafting near Vail is a mix of scenic stretches and splashy moments, with trip options that range from beginner-friendly to more advanced runs. All participants will be required to sign a Release Waiver prior your Colorado river expeditions. The release can be found here. Sage Outdoor Adventures focuses on the full guest experience, with operations and training built around your day on the river. Pick Vail-area trips if you want something close to the Vail Valley with guided options that fit a range of ages and experience levels. Choose Buena Vista if your group wants an Arkansas River rafting experience with iconic Colorado scenery and well-known whitewater sections.
Rapid difficulty is commonly described by class, and conditions can change depending on water flows. The key is picking a trip that matches your group’s comfort level, age range, and willingness to paddle. Ready to lock in your day? Choose a trip above, filter by location and rapid class, then book your time online. Had an awesome day on the river with some great guides!!! Jacobi is very knowledgeable, entertaining, and safety conscious. Donovan showed us how to stay dry and Jackson showed… We took our son and his wife and three boys ages 9-14 on the Gates of Ladore 4 day trip. Everyone had a fantastic time, even fussy eaters found food…
The one-day trip was great! The guides are professional and work hard to make sure the trip is fun. We had a blast touring the area with Jackson! Great history of the area and general conversations to boot. Very professional on the water but knew exactly when to let… We did the day trip down the Green from Spillway (Flaming Gorge Dam) to Little Hole on August 21, 2022. We had such an amazing time! The river itself is… I highly recommend booking a rafting trip through this company! I brought a group of middle school students to raft the Gates of Lodore section of the Green River with…
L'héritage historique et naturel du Green River
A couple of lazy miles allow you to settle into the flow and rhythm of the river. Once into Lodore Canyon, you’ll have a blast rafting through the exciting Colorado whitewater of the Green River. Some of the western United States’ best rapids, such as Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile, will thrill to no end. The Green River in Dinosaur National Monument is also a sanctuary to some of Colorado’s most spectacular wildlife. Along the voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to see Big Horn sheep, Mule Deer, and a vast array of other wildlife that call the Green River home.
The Green River is also extremely significant historically. Early explorer John Wesley Powell first documented the river in 1869 - he and his crew braved the class III and IV white water rapids in wooden boats. Our modern river rafting equipment is far superior to those early wooden boats - it will make your river trip comfortable, exciting, and safe.
Lire aussi: Aventure en eaux vives : Rafting sur l'Ayung, Bali
L'expérience intégrale du Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Expeditions is a licensed Grand Canyon rafting company offering full-canyon motorized and dory rafting trips on the Colorado River. Our motorized Grand Canyon rafting trips cover the full 277 miles in 8-9 days - big white water rapids, no rowing required. Dory Grand Canyon river trips run 14-16 days for a slower, more immersive experience of every bend and side canyon. Each of these trips includes a study leader with expertise in history, geology, ecology, archaeology, or photography. In the evenings, they give informal talks, providing an ideal way to satisfy your curiosity and deepen your understanding.
Book a private Grand Canyon rafting trip - fully customized itinerary, exclusive group, same expert guides. Embark on the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure with our 8-Day Motorized Rafting Trip. Glide through over 277 miles of awe-inspiring landscape, navigating exhilarating rapids and exploring hidden waterfalls. With the comfort of motorized boats, you’ll experience the thrills of the Colorado River while immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery. Enjoy gourmet meals, comfortable camping under the stars, and expert guides who bring the Canyon’s history to life. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this journey offers a perfect balance. Book Now and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Sécurité et expertise : Les piliers des expéditions
The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is one of the world's great white water rafting experiences - here's what you'll encounter. "Great trip. Liked the food and the guides. - Dave E. - Mike P. "Awesome trip with Mr. Kitty as our captain. Great group, awesome meals and lots of adventure. - Kari K. Reserved for the Lucky Few! We’re one of the few outfitters licensed to guide the full length of the Grand Canyon-from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead. With over 60 years of rafting the Grand Canyon, our intimate knowledge of its breathtaking geologic features, rich historical sites, and hidden wonders make your vacation an experience, not just a Colorado River whitewater trip.
Take the opportunity to raft 277 scenic miles through the Grand Canyon on our 8 & 9-day motorized and 14 & 16-day Dory Trips. During your Grand Canyon rafting experience, our guides will take you on tours, including hiking and swimming in side canyons, to running class IV whitewater rapids that spray refreshing jets of liquid diamonds into the air. As a family-run company, we keep our pricing fair and accessible-so more people can experience the Grand Canyon without compromise. Our focus is on what truly matters: expert guides, seamless logistics, and unforgettable memories.
Journey beyond river mile 240, exploring over 100 miles of pristine, untouched scenery. Gourmet meals, high-quality gear, and seamless logistics-everything you need for a worry-free adventure. Tailored experiences from thrilling rapids to serene hikes, all designed to match your unique desires. Our knowledgeable guides are not just navigators, but storytellers and educators, ensuring a deep connection with the Canyon.
Spécialisations thématiques : Apprendre au fil de l'eau
Ecology Trip: Join a river Ecologist for a Grand Canyon trip and learn more about the Grand Canyons plant and animal life with a focus on riparian systems, streams and rivers. Learn More.
Geology Trip: Explore two billion years of Earth's history on a Grand Canyon river expedition, guided by a renowned geologist through the stunning, ancient landscapes of the Colorado River. Learn More.
Hiking Trip: Explore deeper into the Grand Canyon on our exclusive 9-day river trip. Discover hidden side canyons and breathtaking hikes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Learn More.
History Trip: Join a river historian for a Grand Canyon adventure filled with gripping tales of early explorers, legendary feats, and enduring mysteries. Learn More.
Photography Trip: Capture stunning wildlife, wildflowers, and sunsets in the Grand Canyon with expert guidance-perfect for photographers of all levels in nature’s most beautiful studio. Learn More.
Astronomy Trip: Where canyon walls rise by day, galaxies unfold by night.
Logistique et philosophie des expéditions longues
What kind of trips do you offer? We offer 8 and 9-day motorized rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. We also offer 14- and 16-day dory trips through the Grand Canyon. All of our expeditions run the entire length of the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry, AZ to Pearce Ferry, AZ. Why are your rafting trips 8, 9, 14 or 16 days? Isn't it possible to go through faster? We take the time to make sure you have the best experience possible. We refuse to rush you. Our Grand Canyon raft tours become unforgettable trips for every participant. Only when you have looked up at its rim towering a mile above you, explored its many side canyons, ridden the Colorado River’s exciting rapids, and camped on the river’s beaches can you truly appreciate the Grand Canyon. Time never seems sufficient for all there is to see and do on a Grand Canyon river rafting excursion.
The 14 and 16 day rowing trips consist of several dories. What is a dory? A dory is a hard-hulled boat approximately 18 feet long, carrying a maximum of 4 guests and one guide. The guide sits in the middle of the boat and uses oars to maneuver the boat. The dories provide an extremely graceful ride through the canyon. One of our early June trips spotted this group of Condors (a Condo, if you will) scavenging for some lunch! One of our recent trips came across this group of bighorn rams. "Well, we can do it. We know how. If you never did, you should. … Georgie's G-Rig »
Pionniers et histoire de la navigation
In 1945 the duo jumped into the river near the mouth of Diamond Creek, wearing only bathing suits, life jackets, and tennis shoes. Over the following days they swam all the way to Lake Mead on roaring floodwaters. In 1946, after hiking 80 miles from St. George, Aleson and White inflated a small raft and navigated nearly 100 miles of river from the mouth of Parashant Wash to Aleson’s temporary residence at Quartermaster Canyon. In 1952, White accompanied by Elgin Pierce, took another small inflatable -and minus a few rapid portages- she rowed the entire canyon from Lee’s Ferry to Lake Mead. Additionally, White made history on the trip becoming the first woman to row a boat through Grand Canyon, she was 41 years old at the time. Shortly thereafter, White began configuring war surplus rubber pontoons into different types of inflatable crafts.
Gestion des risques et réalité du terrain
This article contains firsthand information gathered by reporters. The stretch of the Upper Colorado River below Pumphouse Recreation Area and above State Bridge is Class II-III whitewater. The river is running around 1,000 cfs in this August 2023 photo. Saturday reported a person was not breathing. Searchers used a drone and railroad truck provided by Union Pacific Railroad to search for a second man, a 61-year-old from metro Denver, who was missing after their raft capsized. Late Sunday the Grand County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased 56-year-old as Brent Boulter from Aurora. The sheriff’s office identified the missing man as Thomas Russell, from Littleton. Searchers said there were three PFDs located with the overturned raft. The raft flipped around Yarmony Rapids in a stretch of whitewater below the Pumphouse Recreation Area. The Colorado River was flowing around 3,200 cubic-feet-per-second, or cfs, which is considered a medium-to-high level. The accident marks the second fatality of the 2024 whitewater season in Colorado. A woman on a commercial rafting trip died May 30 on the Poudre River west of Fort Collins after the raft struck a bridge pylon. The Yarmony Rapid is one of the more challenging rapids on the Class III stretch of the Upper Colorado above State Bridge and below Gore Canyon.
L'héritage familial : CRATE et l'esprit de service
Journey 280 miles of river, red rock, and raw beauty - guided by the family-run experts who’ve called the Colorado home since 1971. Experience the world-famous Grand Canyon by raft - from thrilling rapids to serene stretches, guided by experts with years of experience. Cataract Canyon, one of the most exciting stretches of the Colorado River. Desolation Canyon on the Green River. Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers on an expedition through untamed Alaskan wilderness. Vicki set out to create a different kind of rafting company - one built on skill, heart, and genuine care for every guest. Family-owned and family-run, with the same spirit of service that Dave and Vicki started. Our team carries their legacy forward on every expedition, welcoming guests into the CRATE family and sharing the canyon we love. It’s our honor to guide your adventure. Since 1971, CRATE has led thousands of adventurers through the Grand Canyon - this is your inside look at what makes it unforgettable. Discover CRATE’s most popular river expeditions - crafted for every level of thrill-seeker and nature lover. For over 50 years, CRATE has guided guests through some of North America’s most iconic and remote rivers.
Préparation et immersion : Le confort en milieu sauvage
Explore our destinations below and discover where your next adventure takes you. Inflatable raft and paddle. Decades of experience and storytelling that bring every canyon to life. Campfire with pot hanging above it. Good, hearty meals served riverside, giving you the energy to fully enjoy each day of your trip. Family under shield with checkmark. A personal touch that makes every guest feel like family. Line drawing of three tall, irregular shapes with curved edges and a rectangular base. Explore remote, untouched landscapes few ever see. Unforgettable Journeys. Lifelong Memories. Left-facing double quotation marks in black on a white background. The best-organized trip I’ve ever taken. From cherished family milestones to unforgettable group getaways, CRATE offers charter trips that are designed to bring people together. Our dedicated team works with you to coordinate the details for a seamless journey that blends adventure, wilderness, and meaningful connection.
Know what to expect on the river so you can relax and enjoy every moment. From daily routines to packing tips, we help you feel ready long before you arrive. Our trip resources walk through how mornings begin, what river miles look like, and how camp is set up. With decades of guiding in the Grand Canyon and beyond, we’ve shaped the experience so it feels organized, approachable, and easy to step into - even for first-time expedition travelers. Whether you’re joining a motor trip or an oar-powered journey, you’ll know exactly what to bring, how to prepare, and how each day unfolds across the canyon’s incredible landscape.