Aqua Trekking vs Canyoning: Which One to Choose in the Verdon?

Comparing Aqua Trekking and Canyoning in the Verdon Gorge

 Definition and Difficulty Levels

Aqua Trekking (Rando Aqua)

It is a fun and accessible activity that consists of floating down a river current (known as "floating"). There is no rope handling or rappelling involved. All jumps are optional: you climb up before leaping, allowing everyone to choose their own comfort level and adapt the height of the jump to their bravery.

1. Level: Generally easy to moderate, perfect for families and beginners (as long as everyone can swim).
2. Obstacles: Limited (small waterfalls, natural slides, calm swim zones).
3. Technicality: No rappelling or technical passages requiring climbing skills.

Good to know: Aqua Trekking is the flagship activity of the Verdon. It offers the absolute best way to discover the Grand Canyon right from the riverbed. Several routes are available depending on whether you want a half-day or full-day trip, and whether or not you are traveling with children.

Please note: This activity can only be practiced when the EDF dams are closed (in July and August: every day except Tuesdays and Fridays, which are dedicated to rafting/navigation days). If the sun is out and temperatures are mild, it is available from May to mid-October.

Canyoning

1. A more technical and committed activity that combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and rappelling down narrow, deep gorges.
2. Level: Higher difficulty, requiring a good physical condition and sometimes knowledge of rope techniques (except for beginner-friendly canyons).
3. Obstacles: More significant challenges, including vertical waterfalls, high jumps, and underwater/under-rock passages.

Required Equipment

Aqua Trekking

1. Swimsuit
2. Neoprene wetsuit
3. Sturdy water shoes (an old pair of sneakers works perfectly! No flimsy water shoes/beach shoes!)
4. Helmet
5. Life jacket (buoyancy aid)

Canyoning

1. Thick neoprene wetsuit
2. Harness with lanyards and a descender
3. Mandatory helmet
4. Specific canyoning rope
5. Waterproof bag and canister for personal belongings
6. Sports shoes suitable for rugged terrain

Techniques Used

Aqua Trekking

1. Floating down currents and walking along the riverbanks to bypass larger obstacles or shallow areas.
2. Small jumps and sliding down natural rock slides.
3. Swimming in calm sections.
4. No technical gear required.

Canyoning

1. Rappelling (abseiling) down ropes.
2. Higher and more technical jumps (sometimes mandatory).
3. Down-climbing and progressing along rock faces (using via ferrata-style lifelines).
4. Ziplines.
5. Swimming through more turbulent whitewater sections.

Environments and Locations

Aqua Trekking

In the Verdon, Aqua Trekking takes place inside the Grand Canyon itself, starting right where the rafting and kayaking trips usually end: at the Point Sublime. We offer 4 distinct routes:

1. Tusset: Just upstream from Point Sublime (ideal for families and beginners).
2. The Couloir Samson: The "Classic" route—narrower, deeper, with more exciting currents.
3. Samson-Trescaire: The full-day immersion route.

Canyoning

Canyoning is practiced in narrow gorges and steep, deep ravines that require specific approach hikes.

1. We have a few "dry" routes around the Grand Canyon, such as the Ravin de Mainmorte.
2. Some routes are only runnable in spring, like the Riou Canyon near Moustiers.
3. You can also find beautiful routes in the Haut Verdon (La Lance, Ravin de Juan...).
4. However, we most frequently run these trips in the Alpes-Maritimes region, home to a multitude of routes that delight both beginners and experts alike (Gours du Ray, Saint-Auban, Riolan...).

 Target Audience

1. Aqua Trekking: Families, beginners, kids from 6–8 years old, and anyone looking for a relaxing, accessible activity to experience the Verdon Grand Canyon from the water. It is also an excellent introduction for those who want to try canyoning later on.
2. Canyoning: Thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts, and adventurers looking for a physical challenge who do not suffer from vertigo (fear of heights). That said, "initiation" canyons with low vertical drops do exist, making them ideal for a first taste of the sport.

Summary: If you are looking for an accessible, family-friendly water activity, Aqua Trekking is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you crave adventure and adrenaline, Canyoning is an excellent way to push your boundaries in a more demanding environment.