Hi. I saw a reference to white water rafting and tubing in Portugal in the guide book, but now I can't find it. Can anyone recommend the best location and company for this? Also, does it make sense to be based in Porto or somewhere else for this? Finally, I will be there at the end of september. Is that time of year OK? Thanks.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1786 posts
I have heard nothing of white water rafting in Portugal. If it is a thing, it would be in the north as there is more rain in that area. It’s hard for me to believe you would find it in September, though. The summers have very little rain and we have been in drought conditions off and on for the last several years.
Posted by
OP
41 posts
This is a website I found that does list rafting. Any ideas if this is a real company, or what river, or if the river has run dry?
Thanks!
https://www.oportomountaintour.com/gallery
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1786 posts
In looking at the website, it also shows regular rafting, which is more likely in Portugal. I would definitely search out reviews before booking. Have you found any other companies that list white water rafting? Are they on Trip Advisor? I find tour reviews on Trip Advisor to be pretty good. The other activities on their website look like activities that would happen in Portugal. I’m just questioning the white water rafting.
Posted by
OP
41 posts
I'm glad you are questioning it. The website for this pousada lists boat tours, not rafting, and "radical sports" but doesn't say what they are.
https://www.pousadas.pt/uk/hotel/pousada-geres-canicada/facilities
I'm curious if you think a visit to this area would be best done staying in a pousada like that above, or via tours from Porto, sleeping in Porto. I don't want to get there and find out there are no tours going. Is it correct that I would need to rent a car to be based in Geres? I'm traveling alone this time and that might get a bit tiring.
Here's one group that uses the words "white water" rafting on Paiva:
https://www.oportoadventuretours.com/adventure-tours/paiva-river-white-water-rafting-tour
This one has a variety of other tours, including canyoning:
https://trekportugal.pt/tours
This one has a variety of other tours, including Paiva walkways. They might all use the same guides, who knows. I am cross-checking things with tripadvisor as well. Thanks for any thoughts, everyone!
https://www.detours.pt/regular-tours