The Piscia di Gallo canyon
Piscia di Gallo Canyon, located in the Aiguilles de Bavella region, is one of the most popular canyoning spots in Southern Corsica. This canyon is perfect for those looking for a moderate-intensity experience while enjoying an exceptional natural setting. This canyon is renowned for its main waterfall, the Piscia di Gallo, which is over 60 meters high. The water cascading down the rock forms a natural pool where you can jump and swim. The jumps into the water are often the main attraction of this canyon, with heights ranging from 3 to 10 meters, depending on the participant’s experience level.
The Piscia di Gallo canyon is suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers. It is accessible to anyone in good physical condition, as it requires walking and swimming, but no advanced technical skills. This site is also perfect for families or groups of friends looking to share a fun and safe experience.
The Purcaraccia Canyon
The Purcaraccia Canyon, located in the Gravona Valley, is another must-see for canyoning enthusiasts in Southern Corsica. This canyon is a little more technical than the Piscia di Gallo canyon, offering a more immersive experience. The jumps are higher, the slides faster, and the water faster. However, it’s also one of the most beautiful canyons on the island. The rock formations are impressive, and the pools of clear water invite you to swim.
The Purcaraccia Canyon is recommended for those with some canyoning experience. Jumping into deep pools, sliding down natural slides, and abseiling through waterfalls require a little more technical skill and good body control.
The Vacca Canyon
The Vacca Canyon, located in the Ospedale massif, is an easier-to-access site and therefore perfect for those new to canyoning. This canyon is ideal for beginners, as the sections are less technical. It offers a mix of small waterfalls, moderate jumps, and swimming. It’s a place where you can take your time, have fun, and enjoy the magnificent scenery while learning the basics of canyoning.
Safety first
Although canyoning is an exciting activity, it’s important to remember that it also presents certain risks. That’s why it’s highly recommended to go with a professional guide if you don’t have experience or knowledge of these canyons. A guide will be able to assess the risks, adapt the route according to the conditions, and ensure your safety throughout the activity.
The guide is also there to give you practical and technical advice: how to jump safely, how to use a rappel, how to swim in strong currents, and how to protect yourself from falls. It is important to follow the instructions given by the guides and not to improvise.
If you decide to go it alone, make sure you know the route well, are properly equipped (non-slip shoes, helmet, wetsuit, etc.), and check the weather conditions before setting out. Rivers and canyons can be dangerous in the rain, as the water can rise very quickly.
Necessary equipment
Equipment is crucial for canyoning safety. It includes a wetsuit to protect you from the cold, a helmet to protect your head from hitting rocks, a harness for rappelling, and suitable footwear for walking on slippery and rocky surfaces. If you’re going with a guide, equipment will be provided, but if you’re going alone, make sure you have everything you need.