Do you want to experience rafting in Madrid? We will explain here which the main rivers and areas are to do rafting in Madrid, as well as the main companies that organize these tours in the autonomous community of Madrid.

Rafting is one of the most popular water sports in Madrid, as you don’t need previous experience in most cases. You won’t find anything as much fun as descending brave waters.

Rafting consists of descending into the river on inflatable boats that can perfectly move between the rapids and obstacles of the river, giving great stability to the participants. Participants will be divided into groups according to the capacity of the boat. They can usually take 8 to 10 people apart from the instructor, who will always be the person in charge of the rafting tour.

We leave you here a video so that you can further know how a rafting tour in this autonomous region would be like:

How many levels are there?

Rafting tours are classified into 6 different levels. Even though, levels I, II and III are the most common ones. Level I rafting tours are carried out in fast waters but jumps here don’t exceed 1-meter height. If the tour shows waves and stronger obstacles, it is classified as Level II. If you must face falls of more than two meters in height, it would be classified as Level III. Taking all this into account, rafting is suitable for children from 4 years old onwards provided that the river’s stage is appropriate for them.

Basic directions will be given in the riverbed, before starting the rafting tour. You will have to equip yourselves with a helmet, life jacket and neoprene wetsuit. In this way, you will have your head protected, you will float in case you fall off the boat and you won’t feel the cold temperature of the water on our skin.

Each participant will be given a paddle. Basic directions deal with paddling, turning and stopping. Every maneuver requires its own explanation, even helping another passenger to get back on the boat from the water. To do this, you will hold the back of his or her life jacket and push them back inside the boat to make it easier for them to join the tour.

The instructor will show the participants how to seat on the vessel to guarantee that the occupants’ weight is distributed in a correct and safe way. He or she will guide the entire adventure until the itinerary is over.

Where to go white water rafting near Madrid?

In the central area of Spain, it is only possible to do rafting in Cuenca and Guadalajara. These two provinces group the rivers with the legal permits and appropriate volume of water to do rafting. You must consider which is a suitable time to do rafting. In general, months ranging from March to November are the most appropriate ones because of the required volume of water for the boats to descend the river.

- Rafting in San Pedro de Palmiches: this rafting tour will take us across the Guadiela river, belonging to the province of Cuenca. It is located just over 90 minutes away from Madrid by car. These rafting tours usually take 4 hours and include a picnic before coming back. The exact level depends on the selected stage. Rafting tours which go from Albendea to this town, and from Colvillo to Trino, are both classified as Level I. They are suitable for children from 8 years old. Make a reservation here.

Juntas and Alto Tajo Natural Park rafting tours are both classified as levels II and III. Besides, they are both suitable for people over 14 years old.

- Alto Tajo area: in this natural region that belongs to Guadalajara, they can be done half-day and whole-day rafting tours during spring. They are suitable for people without any rafting experience. Make a reservation here.

What do I need to bring to do the activity?

Take into account that rafting is a water sport. So you will probably be more comfortable wearing a swimsuit underneath the neoprene wetsuit. Your shoes will likely get wet, so better to not let them get ruined for that reason. If you are thinking that this could be easily solved with a pair of flip flops, forget about them, since any footwear that is not tied to your feet can get lost. To make sure you will be able to make it back home completely dry, bring a towel and a change of clothes for the end of the tour.

What are you waiting for to make your reservation?