A half day Rafting trip in the river of Zeus
The Place
Lousios is the river where Zeus took his first bath after his birth. Alfios is the longest river of the Peloponnese and a god himself according to mythology. Both rivers flow through an impressive gorge, with white limestone cliffs rising above, surrounded by prolific plant life even in the summer. Until the 20th century, the river’s power was harnessed by numerous watermills, whilst the cliffs above provided refuge to hermits and monks in caves and cliff-hugging monasteries, the latter of which is still inhabited. Here takes place the unique Rafting in Lousios river experience into two of the most beautiful rivers of Greece.
The Trip
Our trip starts from the bridge of Atsicholos in Arcadia. In the beginning, a brief training will be conducted by your river guide, and you will be given wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, and paddles. We are ready to discover the hidden natural wonders of the area, and have fun whilst paddling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The difficulty of the rapids we encounter during the trip is easy, with a few moderate parts on levels 2-3 based on the river’s rating of difficulty. During the summer months, river conditions and the volume of water make this activity easier and suitable for everyone, beginners, and families with kids. In Spring and Autumn, depending on the rainfall and the water volume, the activity gets more challenging and ideal for those seeking more action and adrenaline. Previous experience is not required.
Key Details
Meeting time: 10:15 a.m.
Meeting point: Maratha, Arcadia.
Duration: 4 hours including breaks
Difficulty: Easy
Suitability: Family friendly, Group friendly, Couples, Youth
Know before you book for Rafting in Lousios River
Includes:
- Full Rafting equipment: paddle, life jacket, wetsuit, waterproof jacket.
- Land and water-based rafting and paddling instructions.
- Rafting river guides also hold a First Aid certificate.
- Eco-friendly cultural and educational guiding.
- Transfer from the finish point to the starting point.
- Waterproof camera and photographs from the trip.
- Liability insurance.
- All taxes.
Excludes:
- Water (please bring your full bottle of water)
- Transfer to the meeting point
- Tip or gratuity
- There is a minimum of 2 participants for the implementation of this outdoor activity.
- We reserve the right to modify or cancel any outdoor activity due to bad weather or any other reason beyond our control.
- Private trips available.
- Discounts available for families and kids.
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off upon request.
Know before you go
What to bring with you:
- Bottle of water (1,5 litre per person).
- Any specific medication you are on.
- Hat or cap.
- Short or long sleeve t-shirt (quick dry if available).
- Sunscreen.
- Towel.
- Swimwear or shorts.
- Change of dry clothes (to change after river trekking).
- Spare pair of shoes that will get wet. Suitable are hiking shoes or trainers (open shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are unsuitable).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’ve never rafted before??
Most of our customers are first-timers. The Rafting in the Lousios River is easy to catch up, and beginners can complete a decent journey on their first-time rafting trip. Our experienced guides will take you through the basic skills, so you have the knowledge and adequate paddling capability to enjoy a day at the river.
What will be the pace?
All of our trips are about journeying. We paddle at a relaxed pace; we learn on the move and enjoy the natural environment. If you are a group of experienced paddlers wanting to complete a demanding journey, then a private trip would be the best option.
What should I wear?
We suggest wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Swimwear is essential, a quick-dry T-shirt, and shorts. Flip-flops, sandals, open shoes and socks are not recommended as they tend to get soggy. Hiking shoes, trainers, or sneakers are fine. A lightweight polypropylene or fleece layer should be included in early spring and late fall tours. Wetsuits are provided.
Who are the people who will guide us?
Professional local river guides with a great knowledge of the area and the environment.
Is this Rafting trip suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely Yes! A family rafting tour is fun, educational, stimulating, and surprisingly relaxing for parents who wish to have their kids engaged in the experience of exploring the natural environment and the outdoors in a safe and controlled way.
What is the minimum age for a kid to join this rafting trip?
Kids from 10 years old may join a standard group trip or a private trip. We always paddle with kids at a relaxed pace giving them the opportunity to learn and have fun.
What kind of fitness level do I need to take part?
Paddling is similar in intensity to walking. You don’t need to be a strong, athletic person. Good general physical condition will be just fine. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to have fun and to enjoy the journey. We’ll take plenty of breaks and paddle at an achievable pace.
What is the size of a group?
From 2 participants up to 16 people on our standard group trips. Most of our groups consist of couples, families, and individuals. We can also cater to smaller groups on private trips.
What trip is best suited for me? How do I choose?
All of our trips are designed to be suitable for everybody. Each one has its own unique characteristics. The best way to choose a trip among others is to check which one departs closer to the place you are staying.
Do you offer private trips?
Yes, we can organize a private tour, standard or tailor-made, just for you, your family or your friends.
Should I book a standard trip or a private trip?
If you are happy to paddle with a mixed group or don’t want to spend more money, booking a standard group trip is the best way to go. Private trips really work best with groups of experienced paddlers or groups of friends who want to do the trip slightly differently, would like to do a more advanced journey, or just want to have privacy and enjoy the trip just themselves.
Is lunch provided?
Upon request, with an extra charge.
What route will we take?
We usually perform our tours within a certain route, aiming to visit the most beautiful spots each trip has to offer; however, your guide is likely to choose an alternative route that suits the conditions on the day and the experience and needs of the group. This is the safest and best way to operate hiking trips.
Where do I park my car?
You can park your vehicle safely and for free near our meeting point. Feel free to ask us about parking conditions for a specific trip.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
A rafting trip is either canceled, and we return your money, or arranged for another day.
How can I book a trip?
You can fill out the online booking form for the Rafting in the Lousios River or the trip you wish to participate in.
We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the coastline for future generations. Our SUP activity embodies this green character in several meaningful ways. Notably, the activity is powered solely by human effort, ensuring no fossil fuel is consumed during your exploration. By opting for paddle power, we minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Our super stable and easy-to-paddle SUPs are made from high-quality, durable materials designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, we supply reusable waterproof bags to keep your belongings dry, reducing the need for single-use plastics.
We strongly encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle to minimize the use of plastic throwaways. Hydration is crucial, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet’s health. Refillable bottles can be topped up before departure to ensure you have ample water for the journey.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond equipment and personal habits. We integrate environmental stewardship into our activities. During our trips, guides will provide space and bags for small beach clean-ups, encouraging participants to help maintain the pristine condition of the coastline. We ask everyone to collect any plastic or other debris encountered along the way, ensuring that we leave the places we visit better than we found them.
By following these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the breathtaking beauty of the coastline remains undisturbed and that our sea kayaking experiences continue to be eco-friendly and enriching for all.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
