10 refreshing ideas for your aquatic outings in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Planning a getaway to Occitanie and enjoy eco-friendly outdoor activities ? Looking for an original water sport in the Pyrénées-Orientales for a weekend? River swimming or tubing, canyoning, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing : there's no shortage of water sports near Perpignan . Extérieur Nature offers a guide to outings to enjoy the pleasures of the water in July, August, and even outside of school holidays.

1. Canyoning: Explore the gorges and torrents of Roussillon

Canyoning is the ideal activity for nature adventure lovers. You combine water sports with the discovery of the hinterland of the Perpignan region.

Extérieur Nature offers excursions adapted to all levels, led by qualified and experienced instructors for thrilling adventures in complete safety. Fantastic locations for whitewater sports, explore verdant canyons far from the crowds, with family or friends.

Combining climbing, jumping, swimming, hiking and abseiling in waterfalls, the canyoning courses in the Catalan country offer you an unforgettable experience.

2. Kitesurfing: Fly above the waves of the big blue

The winds which blow regularly attract water sports enthusiasts to the Pyrénées-Orientales. On the Salses pond, in the heart of the Parc des Dosses, you will find a kitesurfing spot whose reputation crosses borders. Safe and easy to access, it is ideal for beginners or Big Air enthusiasts via the northwest-facing tramontane.

If you prefer waves, wait for the southeast sea wind and have fun on the swells off Saint-Cyprien or Barcarès. Be warned: once you have tasted this nautical activity of pure gliding on this magnificent playground, you may want to come back.

Are you a beginner? Find a school to get started on the right foot.

3. Tubing: Slide on a tube in the river

Looking for fun and a unique, playful activity? Tubing is for you! First, settle into a large inflatable tube. Equipped with a double paddle and a life jacket, you'll float down a river in an original way. Get ready for laughter and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for children aged 12 and up, teenagers, and adults.

You don't need to be an experienced sportsman, but if you're hungry for a challenge, take on the small rapids, slalom between the rocks and avoid obstacles until you reach the finish line. Enjoy the peaceful setting of the banks of the Têt in the heart of the Extérieur Nature leisure park. Picnic, swimming, tubing: this is the recipe for a successful vacation day!

4. Wingfoil: Discover the new aquatic activity of the Pyrénées-Orientales

Derived from kiting, wingfoil involves navigation using a board, foil and wing. This accessible board sport is open to a wide audience, experienced or not.

What sets the Wingfoil apart is the freedom to move on the water by harnessing the wind and waves to propel the wing and facilitate control of the foil. It is particularly suitable for water sports enthusiasts looking for new water games.

To get started, it is best to call on a professional instructor. There are several schools which will welcome you on the Salses-Leucate pond and in the surroundings of Canet-en-Roussillon.

5. Rafting: Challenge the white waters of Occitania

Are you staying in Languedoc-Roussillon and looking for a thrilling sporting activity? A rafting trip with Extérieur Nature will delight adrenaline-seeking holidaymakers.

The rivers are not suitable for this type of aquatic outing in the Pyrénées-Orientales. But fortunately, our guides offer you 3 fantastic descents located on the border of the Aude department (11).

Green landscapes, mineral gorges and the welcome freshness of the torrents in summer: descents are possible for all ages, from beginners to experienced athletes.

Canyoning

Tubing

Rafting

hydrospeed

Book your aquatic adventure with Extérieur Nature!

6. Sea Kayak: Stroll through the coves of the Vermeille Coast

Departing from Racou beach, in Argelès-sur-Mer, plan a kayak trip that runs along the coast towards the South. Start paddling early in the morning and you will see the beautiful lights of dawn on the wild coves: a memorable moment of your summer.

If the walk in the sun makes you want to cool off, then come ashore. You will enjoy the privacy of beaches accessible only by sea for a swim in the clear water or a nap in the shade of the rock walls.

7. Hydrospeed: Take on turbulent waters by swimming

The south of France is brimming with treasures. Leave the Mediterranean beaches for a few hours and come cool off by trying hydrospeeding . Neighboring the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Aude department (11) boasts waterways perfectly suited for whitewater swimming. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, this water sport offers thrills for teenagers and adults alike.

Qualified guides provide all the necessary equipment and will take you on a journey through spectacular gorges and limestone cliffs filled with crystal-clear water. Unforgettable holiday memories await you.

8. Stand up Paddle: Paddle on the lagoons of the south of France

Roussillon has many bodies of water, ponds and rivers suitable for practicing stand up paddle (SUP). The protected natural site of Parc des Dosses has a rich biodiversity. As a couple or with the whole family, exploring the fauna and flora of the islets of this lagoon offers you a real feeling of freedom.

You don't need a lot of sporting experience to have fun, you just need a little balance to hold on to the board and then push the paddle to move forward. Calm and serenity, birdsong and the lapping of the water are yours... And great moments of adrenaline and laughter in the event of an uncontrolled dive!

9. Sailing: Sail along the Mediterranean coast

Do you like fine sandy beaches? How about changing your perspective to the seaside and enjoying a little peace and quiet, even during the peak tourist season? Windsurfing, catamaran or sailboat: you have the choice of many activities to practice during the holidays.

From Port-Barcarès to Port-Vendres, passing through Saint-Cyprien and Argelès, there are about ten sailing clubs accredited by the French Sailing Federation. On the website , you will find the club closest to your accommodation.

10. Diving: Observe the seabed of the nature reserve

Holidaymakers who love a preserved environment will find what they are looking for in the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve located to the south of Paulilles cove. You swim among the fish, corals, octopus, sea urchins and other invertebrates that inhabit these protected bottoms.

This scuba diving experience will fill you with thrills and beautiful images. The markers along the specially designed underwater trail provide information about the biodiversity. You can find details for organizing your snorkeling trip on the P.O. tourist office website.

Do you prefer scuba diving? The Banyuls town hall explains everything and gives you the contact details of qualified facilities.

The Pyrénées-Orientales are a true paradise for lovers of aquatic activities looking for original experiences. Whether you are a fan of extreme water sports looking for thrills or a nature lover preferring white water adventure: the department has everything to offer.

Book your outdoor activity now with Extérieur Nature! We offer canyoning trips from spring to autumn and tubing, rafting, and hydrospeeding trips every day in July and August. Dive into a unique aquatic experience with our certified instructors, explore crystal-clear waters, and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the region's landscapes in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.