Two benchmark whitewater descents, both starting from the Coo Waterfalls, through limestone gorges and century-old beech forests. The Amblève is the sportiest river in the Belgian Ardennes — class II-III. Instant online booking.
Every descent starts at the Coo Waterfalls, with nautical equipment and shuttle included. Our partner operator supervises, using certified guides.
Classic
The benchmark descent of the Amblève, starting from the famous Coo Waterfalls down to Cheneux. About 2h30 of playful whitewater: small rapids, a helpful current and beech forests as far as the eye can see. The best thrill-to-accessibility ratio in the Liège Ardennes.
Grand loop
The long version, to experience the river to the full: ~3h30 of descent between limestone gorges and centuries-old beech forests, with several class II-III sections, then a bus ride back to Coo (shuttle included). Ideal for a real nature day on the Amblève.
Partner operator. The reference for outdoor activities in the Liège Ardennes, active for over 20 years, runs the descent. Its contact details arrive by email once the booking is confirmed and the platform fee paid.
Swimming ability is mandatory (class II-III whitewater). If you capsize: lie on your back with your feet downstream, hold on to the kayak and head for a calm pool. The flow is monitored in real time by the SPW station.
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You get nautical equipment, a CE vest and a helmet for the committing sections, and a return shuttle: everything is in place for controlled whitewater. Here is what to know before launching at Coo. Already picked a date? Go straight to our online booking for the Amblève.
Stable, manoeuvrable kayaks that suit class II-III rapids, with a helmet on the committing sections. Equipment is renewed every season.
Every participant gets a certified CE life vest in their size, which you must wear throughout the descent, and a light paddle. A safety briefing is given at the start.
Return to the start point guaranteed, with a bus included on the Grand Loop, with no surcharge or separate booking.
Synthetic clothing, closed shoes required (no flip-flops), sunscreen and 1.5 L of water per person. All the nautical equipment is provided.
Mandatory on both routes, since this is class II-III whitewater. Wear the CE vest we provide closed.
Good stamina helps on the Grand Loop. Minimum age 12 recommended on class III sections; after the briefing, the Classic remains accessible to first-timers.
Get on your back, feet downstream, hold on to the kayak and let the current carry you to a calm pool where you can climb back in.
At 15 metres high, they are the tallest natural waterfall in Belgium, built in the 14th century by Benedictine monks and listed as Walloon natural heritage. See them on foot before launching, because they are not on the navigable route.
Cut into limestone gorges, with technical passages alternating with calm pools: the Amblève is sportier than the Semois or the Lesse. The SPW DGH/6621 station monitors its flow in real time.
The valley has Natura 2000 status (BE33007): Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests, water-crowfoot rivers, red kite and brown trout, markers of very high water quality.
A strong, bracing flow, spectacular rapids and lush vegetation. The best time for thrill seekers.
Calmer water that you can swim in, ideal for families and beginners. Booking is essential in July-August.
The Ardennes beech forest shows spectacular autumn colours, the flow returns to normal, and a mystical atmosphere hangs over the gorges.
Activity suspended: high flow, floods and frost make the river dangerous. Out of season, the operator is closed.
The whole valley has Natura 2000 status. Four simple habits are enough to protect this exceptional natural heritage.
Two, starting from the Coo Waterfalls: the Classic Coo → Cheneux (~2h30, class II rapids) and the Grand Loop Coo → Coo (~3h30, class II-III sections, bus ride back included). Kayak, paddle, CE vest and shuttle included.
After the safety briefing, adults and teenagers with no experience can do the Classic (Coo → Cheneux). The Grand Loop is longer and has class II-III sections, so it needs ease in whitewater and good fitness.
For safety reasons the Coo Waterfalls (15 m high) are not on the navigable route. You can reach them on foot from the Coo departure point, which makes a great spectacle before you launch.
Yes, on the Amblève (class II-III whitewater) you must be able to swim. The certified CE life vest is provided, and you must wear it throughout the descent.
Yes. Our partner operator has combined packages: kayaking + lunch, or a day with climbing, mountain biking and paintball. Ideal for groups, corporate events, stag and hen parties.
The nautical equipment (kayak, life vest, paddle, helmet depending on the route) is provided. Bring synthetic clothing, closed shoes (no flip-flops), sunscreen and water.
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« A perfect family day on the Semois. The welcome at Kayak Belgique is warm, the equipment is spotless (the kayaks are modern and clean), and the free shuttle system is superbly organised. A must-visit in the Ardennes! »
« Beautiful kayak trip on the Semois starting from Vresse! Very friendly staff and excellent shuttle service. The riverside campsites along the Semois are also a must for nature lovers. »
« Superb 11 km kayak descent starting from Alle-sur-Semois. The wild nature of the Ardennes is magnificent in the spring sunshine. Very competitive prices compared to the competition. We'll be back! »
« Wonderful experience! The kayak tour on the Semois was perfectly organised. The team is very helpful and speaks good German. The scenery of the Belgian Ardennes is simply breathtaking. »
« Excellent kayak rental service and great campsite on the banks of the Semois. The prices are very fair and the atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented. The little terrace bar is perfect for a refreshing drink after the effort. »
« A fantastic last-minute welcome even though we hadn't booked in the middle of August. Life jackets and waterproof barrels are provided free of charge. Very safe descents, ideal with children! »
« Top-tier kayak rental on the Semois river. Extremely friendly staff, well-maintained kayaks, and a reliable shuttle. The viewpoints along the river are absolutely stunning. Highly recommend this local business! »