The official minimum age: 8
I welcome children from age 8 on the Family package. It's the age when most kids have enough comfort in water, understand safety instructions and can put a wetsuit on by themselves. Below that, the experience becomes more of a piggyback than a shared adventure.
What I really look at (not just age)
- Water comfort: can they float without panicking?
- Height and weight: too-small kids don't float well in an adult wetsuit
- Motivation: a kid already scared before the first waterfall won't have a good experience
- Ability to follow simple instructions: essential for safety
And the maximum age?
None. I've taken 70-year-old grandparents who came out thrilled. What counts is general physical condition, not the number of candles. On the Family package, effort is really accessible: 20 min walking, a few short rappels, water play. No need to be an athlete.
Which package for which age?
- Ages 8 to 11: Family package only (upper Clapouse, upper Costeplane)
- Ages 12-13: Family or Discovery depending on motivation
- Ages 14-15: Sport if the teen is comfortable, Discovery otherwise
- Age 16 and above: all packages open, including Exception
My tip for a first experience
Start with the Family package, even if your teen is sporty. The goal of a first trip is to create the desire to come back, not to test limits. You can always step up later. Many clients do a Family first year, then come back for Discovery or Sport. That's how real memories are built.