Caving in the Ria Cave near Prades, Pyrénées-Orientales

Take a caving trip to the Ria cave and challenge yourself in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales!

The crossing course | Very advanced level

2 options available from €50

Book your activity

From€60
4 hrs
Sporty
From 14 years-old and up

Practical information

A sporty caving course in the Ria cave, accessible all year round and feasible on a rainy day (temperature underground: 15°C).

  • No turning back possible
  • Abseiling down the narrow shaft of the Aven Pérez (15m)
  • Gallery walk with climbing and narrow passages
  • Mailbox well (15m)
  • Descending, narrowing and ramping up to the third abseil (12m) which joins the large En Cassa network.
Course of events

Please allow 4 hours on site, including around 3.5 hours in the Ria cave.

  • Meet your instructor at the meeting point.
  • Fitting of equipment (helmet with light, clean cotton overalls, clean boots, harness).
  • Distribution of bags to be carried.
  • 30-minute uphill approach walk.
  • Briefing on the outing.
  • Outdoor rope exercise to learn how to handle the tools.
  • Explore the network for around 3 to 3.5 hours (traverse route with rope recovery, no turning back possible).
  • 30-minute walk back (10-minute ascent then 20-minute descent).
  • Stowing of the equipment with the instructor.
  • Debriefing on the outing (optional).
Activity requirements

You need to be in excellent physical condition and able to move around on varied terrain to take part in this activity.

You must not be claustrophobic or have had any recent fractures.

You must be able to contort yourself without fear, be able to climb and unclimb, move in opposition, crawl, be able to move along a rope and abseil independently (after prior instruction).

Please inform the instructor if you are taking any medication or have any health problems.

Special terms

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Previous caving experience is a plus. Previous experience of rope access is a plus.

Meeting point:
Small dirt car park located after the village of Ria, between the Ria SNCF station and just before the joinery shop. On the N116, turn right before the joinery and cross the small Pont d'en Gourne. The car park is 1 minute further on your right.
Spoken languages:Spanish, Greek, French, English
Included
  • Professional guide
  • Caving equipment (wetsuit, helmet, headlamp, etc.)
  • Photos of the outing (at least one group photo)
Do not forget to bring
  • Sportswear you don't mind getting dirty
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Trainers
  • Water