
Rafting in Calabria — the most beautiful descents on Lao River
Adrenaline and uncontaminated nature on the Pollino
Choose your experience
Each rafting option has its own page: open it to check the route, duration, difficulty and price.
35€ adulti / 25€ bambiniRafting Fun Trip
The shortest descent in the catalogue, designed for a first approach and for groups with the indicated requirements.
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50€River Walking + Rafting
Two experiences in one: climbing up the gorge on foot and then descending by dinghy.
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75€Rafting Grand Canyon
The descent symbol: the complete path inside the Grand Canyon del Lao.
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50€Full Moon Rafting
The evening descent by moonlight: the river as you've never experienced it.
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160€Rafting No Limits
The whole day on the river: the longest route, for true enthusiasts.
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130€Rafting Fast & Furious
Half a day full of adrenaline, concentrated on the fastest and most rapid sections.
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195€Rafting Expedition
A true expedition: the wildest and most remote reaches of the Lao.
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250€Exploring Lao Rafting Expedition
Full Exploration of the Lao on Multiple Legs: The Full Expedition.
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280€Archeo Geo Rafting Expedition
Rafting + archeology and geology: the river as a natural history book.
Read the detailsRafting is a recreational outdoor sporting activity: it is a relatively recent sport, officially born in Italy in 1987, where inflatable dinghies called Raft are used. Thanks to the will of a group of enthusiasts, in order to promote and spread this activity, the Italian Rafting Association (A.I.Raft) was founded, which has now become the Italian Rafting Federation. Since 2010 it has also been recognized by CONI as a sporting discipline associated with the Italian Canoe Federation Kayak (FICK). Those who practice rafting try their hand at descending rapids in rivers or streams which, depending on the degree of difficulty, offer adrenaline-filled moments. Normally a crew is made up of 7 people: six passengers and a guide, who creates fun and safe trajectories through commands and his own skills.
Short answer
Where to raft in Calabria in Pollino Park?
The reference is the Lao river, in the Calabrian part of the Pollino National Park, with access from Laino Borgo and routes that cross the valley and the gorges towards Papasidero. River Tribe proposes different descents for duration and commitment: from short experiences for the first approach to days and shipments reserved for those looking for a more intense activity. The final choice also depends on the conditions of the river and the evaluation of the guide.
Read the guide: what is the best rafting in Calabria?Quick comparison of the experiences
| Experience | Duration | Level | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafting Fun Trip | ~1 hour | Easy | 35€ adulti / 25€ bambini |
| River Walking + Rafting | ~2.5 hours | Easy | 50€ |
| Rafting Grand Canyon | ~3 hours | Average | 75€ |
| Full Moon Rafting | ~2 hours | Average | 50€ |
| Rafting No Limits | ~7 hours | Challenging | 160€ |
| Rafting Fast & Furious | ~4 hours | Challenging | 130€ |
| Rafting Expedition | Full day | Challenging | 195€ |
| Exploring Lao Rafting Expedition | 2 days | Advanced | 250€ |
| Archeo Geo Rafting Expedition | 2 days | Advanced | 280€ |
How to choose the descent on the Lao
For families and beginners the starting point is the Rafting Fun Trip; who wants to see the most representative section of the gorges can be oriented on the Grand Canyon. River Walking + Rafting adds the exploration on foot of the hole, while Full Moon is an evening exit available only on selected dates.
No Limits, Fast & Furious and Expedition require more time, preparation and active participation of the crew. Minimum age, duration, difficulty and minimum number indicated in the cards serve for a first comparison; before confirming the staff verify composition of the group, experience and operating conditions.
Rafting between Laino Borgo, Papasidero and Lao valley
The Lao is the natural axis that connects the Calabrian Pollino to the villages of the valley. The Calabria region indicates it as a reference destination for rafting and canoeing; the Pollino massif, recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark, is on the border between Calabria and Basilicata. For this reason a descent can become the center of a wider outdoor stay, combining trekking, bike and overnight stay in the territory.
Water level, weather and accessibility can change times or stretch of water. The guide always keeps the final decision on the route and equipment: is a security element, not an arbitrary variation of the program.
Frequently asked questions before booking
- Do you need rafting experience on the Lao?
- Not for introductory proposals: briefings, controls and equipment are explained before departure. The challenging and advanced experiences are designed for groups with adequate preparation and are confirmed after an evaluation with staff.
- What is the most suitable descent to a family?
- The Fun Trip is the shortest and most accessible proposal of the River Tribe catalog. The suitability of the individual participant remains linked to the minimum age indicated, the confidence with water and the verification of the guide on the day of the activity.
Official sources for planning
- Calabria Region — where to raft in Calabria
- Pollino National Park body — information and updates
- Pollino National Park body — official cartography of trails
- UNESCO — Pollino Global Geopark
Who accompanies you
The guides
The guides are recognized with the FI.Raft patent with training courses ranging from 2nd degree patents suitable for not too demanding rivers, up to 5th degree patents which allow them to work in very demanding rivers.
What is included
- Patented FIRAFT guide
- Dinghy and paddle
- Neoprene wetsuit and socks
- Helmet and life jacket (life jacket)
- Shuttle to return to base
- Photoshoot of the descent
What to bring
- Swimsuit
- Synthetic or thermal T-shirt (to be worn under the wetsuit)
- Trainers or lightweight trekking shoes (which will get wet)
- Necessities for the shower and dry change