RAFTING on the Ubaye river
The Ubaye river offers several routes of varying difficulty — from family-friendly to the most technical and demanding. Our guides tailor your experience to your wishes, abilities and your progress. You'll leave with real navigation skills and the desire to come back !
A team discipline
Rafting isn’t just an inflatable raft for drifting along with the current. It’s a craft that requires learning crew navigation techniques, reading the water, coordination. At Oueds & Rios, we pass on this passion for skilled navigation.
Each session lasts a total of 3 hours — longer than most other bases in the valley. This allows us to take our time, not watch the clock, and make the most of what our beautiful Ubaye river has to offer !
You arrive at the Martinet base where we’ll welcome you. After gearing up and a briefing at the water’s edge by your guide, who will have chosen the most suitable route for your first run — you’ll learn to paddle, find your position in the raft, read the rapids.
If your group’s acquired skills and motivation allow it, at the end of the session we offer you the chance to book a slot for a more challenging route, with the same guide who already knows you !
Routes and their difficulty levels
The Ubaye river isn’t limited to a single route. We offer several routes depending on your level :
- Discovery Route — fun rapids, varied scenery, perfect for families and first-timers
- Intermediate Route — adrenaline rush, well-marked rapids, good coordination required
- Technical Route — pure whitewater, legendary rapids, for experienced paddlers
When booking, you tell us about your experience and what you want to experience. We’ll suggest a suitable route based on conditions on the day : safety and enjoyment first !
Our offers and pricing
2 adults + 2 children — any age
Extra member : 50 € / adult or 40 € / child
Over 12, contact us for a tailored quote — lunch available (BBQ at the base or at Na !Déj’).
2 à 6 personnes
Everything you need to know about the activity
Practical information
- Total duration : 3h
- Sessions : 9am–noon, 1pm–4pm, 4pm–7pm
- Capacity : 3 to 6* people per raft
* If at least 3 children, up to 7 possible.
Requirements
- Be at least 8 years old
- Be able to swim 25 m
- Be able to submerge
The 3 hours allow for real skill-building without pressure. You learn the technique, you paddle in rhythm with the water, you progress as a crew. That's rafting at Oueds & Rios.
Provided gear
- Thermal wear : neoprene wetsuit (one or two-piece) + neoprene booties
- Safety gear : buoyancy aid + helmet
- Navigation equipment : raft + single paddle
You bring
- 🦱 Swimwear (worn under the wetsuit)
- 🥾 Closed-toe shoes — required for safety
- 🤓 Glasses (if essential)
- 🧺 Towel (to change after the run)
Any doubts or questions : 📞 Give us a call !
Special conditions
- Minimum age : 12 — for more challenging routes.
- Maximum age : None — what matters is the desire and general physical condition.
Rafting requires being able to sit and paddle, get back up and swim to shore — in case of immersion.
- Joint fragility in a limb or the spine.
- Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, diabetes or any other condition that may affect physical activity.
Please let us know as early as possible, an adaptation is often possible.
When to come ?
Cold water, high flow — the rapids are at their maximum power. For adrenaline seekers who want to experience intense whitewater.
Warmer water, moderate flow — ideal for families and beginners. Conditions are excellent and the water temperature is more comfortable, especially for children.
Water level varies with rainfall, fewer crowds — an excellent moment for a quiet, genuine outing with your loved ones.
So, shall we set off together ?
Whether you come as a family, with friends, as a couple or as a group, we tailor your session to what you want to experience. Our expertise : passing on the skills, letting you feel freely — safely on the Ubaye river.