Rafting on the upper Sella, departing from Arriondas

The Sella canoe descent is a river outing; rafting is the other face of the same river, higher up and wilder. Cangas Aventura runs the upper stretches of the Sella in eight-seat inflatable rafts, with a guide who steers the craft and tells you when to paddle. It is done only when the river carries the necessary flow.

What it is like

You set off from the company's premises in Arriondas and they take you free to the starting point. Before boarding there are safety instructions. Each crew member carries a single-blade paddle and the guide, or rafter, steers the raft through the most suitable areas. There are stretches of white water and others of calm water where you stop, swim and catch your breath. It takes about two hours, in a timetable from 10:00 to 15:00.

Jaire Aventura, another active-tourism company in Arriondas, also advertises rapids rafting in rafts with an instructor, although its website does not detail the stretch or the price.

Requirements and booking

From age 14. A minimum of four people is needed; if there are fewer of you, the company fills the groups. The website does not publish the price: check availability and rate on 985 849 261. Bring sports clothes that can get wet and a towel; at the end there are showers, changing rooms and a picnic area at its premises.

When

It depends on the water. Ask when you book whether the river has flow on those days: with the river low, the alternative is the canoe. If you want river thrills without depending on the flow, the canyoning from the same company is done in canyons in the east.