Rafting in Lousios river
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.
What's included
- 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.
Not included
- Water (please bring your full bottle of water)
- Transfer to the meeting point
- Tip or gratuity
Know before you book
Booking conditions
- There is a minimum of 2 participants for the implementation of this outdoor activity.
Know before you go
- 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 rafting).
- 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 rafting 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.
Sustainability
We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the Lousios River for future generations. Our Rafting activity embodies this green character in several meaningful ways. Notably, the activity relies entirely on the natural flow of the river and human effort, ensuring that no fossil fuel is consumed during your descent. By opting for paddle power, we minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Read more
Our high-quality rafts, along with durable life jackets, helmets, and paddles, are designed for long-term use and minimal environmental impact. We also provide wetsuits made from terraprene, a petroleum-free and durable material designed to reduce environmental footprint.
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 and during the activity 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 river descents, guides encourage participants to help maintain the pristine condition of the river by collecting any plastic or other debris encountered along the way. We ask everyone to contribute, ensuring that we leave the places we visit better than we found them.
By following these sustainable practices, together we can ensure that the unspoiled beauty of the Lousios River remains protected and that our rafting experiences continue to be eco-friendly and enriching for all.
You can read more about our Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct here.
What our guests say
The guides were amazing and true professionals. It was our first time rafting and we felt completely comfortable and safe. The place is magical, and the experience is definitely worth it. We will definitely do it again!
Amazing experience! Great guides and very professional. Nature is so beautiful. Very nice views. Suggest 100%!
Excellent experience!! Great team of guides and very hospitable. 100% suggested. Lots of fun in the rover and amazing views
Trekking hellas arcadia incredible experience, five hours full of action on the river. The main thing is professionals in their work with the main goal being the safety and fun of the participants.
Trekking Hellas are very professional with all their attention on safety as well as the joy of the experience . Very nice and competent crew and excellent organization . The experience is magnificent !
What guests say about their days with Explore Messinia — from trips across our program:
Read all of them on TripAdvisor and Google — also featured by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler.
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