Is prior rafting experience required?

No, Just Come provides expert guides and safety briefings suitable for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.

What safety equipment is provided?

Each participant receives a helmet, wetsuit, life jacket, and paddle to ensure safety on the river.

How physically demanding is the trip?

The tour requires moderate physical effort; basic swimming skills and stamina for paddling are needed.

Are meals included in the trip price?

Meals are included if you select the option with lunch, featuring local specialties and drinks.

Can I bring a personal camera on the raft?

It's best to use waterproof cases or leave electronics on shore to prevent damage.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary; check booking details directly with Just Come or your booking confirmation.

Rafting Adventure on the Paiva River with Just Come | Water Activities

Just over an hour’s drive from Porto lies the wild and clear-flowing Paiva River, carving deep valleys through northern Portugal’s rugged landscape. Here, Just Come offers an immersive rafting experience that stretches beyond the ordinary day trip, delivering 8.5 hours packed with pulse-racing rapids, tranquil river stretches, and moments to soak in the striking geology of the Arouca Geopark. The river itself is a highlight: its crystal-clear water rushes past sheer cliffs and dense native forests, punctuated by challenging whitewater that tests teamwork and skill. This section of the Paiva is renowned for its natural intensity, framed by granite outcrops and flanked by the famed Passadiços do Paiva boardwalks nearby, a notable regional attraction.

The tour begins in downtown Porto, where a professional driver picks you up for a comfortable transfer to Alvarenga, the launching point into the wild river corridor. Once there, expert guides walk participants through safety protocols before boarding 4x4s that navigate rugged terrain to the river’s edge at Praia Fluvial do Vau. With all gear issued — helmet, wetsuit, paddle — the group hits the water. Rapids come fast and furious but broken by stretches allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the pristine setting. When the day’s last paddles dip, the adventure winds down at Espiunca, a riverside village boasting a charming beach and panoramic bar, ideal for cooling off and sharing stories.

Food lovers find relief in a traditional Portuguese meal featuring local Arouquesa beef and artisanal cheeses, a rare chance to taste regional flavors paired with riverside views. The day concludes with a sweet stop in the historic town of Arouca, known for its conventual sweets dating back centuries.

Just Come’s rafting trip is a distinctive gateway into Portugal’s northern wildlands, perfectly blending adrenaline with cultural richness and environmental appreciation. It is a must for those seeking an authentic outdoor challenge close to Porto’s urban comforts.