What sets this option apart
There are two options on the Amblève, starting at the Coo waterfall. This is the longer one: about 3 h 30 on the river, against 2 h 15 for the Coo – Cheneux option. It includes grade II-III sections, whereas the other stays at grade II. It ends with a bus ride back to Coo, at no extra charge.
| Coo – Cheneux | Coo – Coo, bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Time on the water | 2 h 15 | 3 h 30 |
| Rapids | grade II | grade II-III |
| Return | shuttle | bus included |
| Price per person | €25.30 | €29.70 |
The hire company and how it works
The hire is provided by Coo Adventure, an independent hire company. On Kayak Ardennes, you pay only the platform fee online, that is 10% of the price. The hire and any meals are paid to the hire company on site. Your booking is a request: the hire company itself confirms availability. Departures are offered from 9:00 to 16:00, every half hour.
The price, per person
The displayed price is €29.70 per person, 10% platform fee included. The hire company charges €27; the difference is that fee, paid online. Meals are optional, chosen when you book and paid on site:
| Meal | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Lunch or dish of the day | €20.90 |
| Pizza buffet | €20.90 |
| Prestige grill, 4 meats | €30.80 |
| Surf and turf grill | €37.40 |
Meal prices include the 10% platform fee. On site, the hire company charges the meal at its menu price (€19, €28 or €34); this fee is paid online with the booking.
How the day runs
- Meet at the activity centre, above the Coo waterfall, next to the Hotel Le Baron.
- Attend the safety briefing, then put on the life jacket and, on the grade III sections, the helmet.
- Paddle down the Amblève between limestone gorges and beech woods, about 3 h 30.
- Take the bus back to Coo.
Skill level required
This option calls for confidence in whitewater and good physical condition: it is longer and more demanding than Coo – Cheneux. Being able to swim is essential. No minimum age is imposed when an adult is on board, but confidence on the grade III sections is still necessary.
Equipment is provided: kayak, paddle, CE life jacket and a helmet for certain sections. Wear synthetic clothing and closed shoes (no flip-flops), and bring sun cream and water.
Flow and regulations
Paddling depends on the flow measured at Stavelot and on precise time windows. A 3 h 30 trip leaves less margin than a 2 h 15 one: check the start time and the cut-off time before booking. Check the Amblève water level on the morning itself and the Amblève regulations for the thresholds and closure days. Bookings are open from April to October.