Ducky: an inflatable kayak on class III rapids

A ducky is an inflatable kayak for running the class III rapids of the Petrohue River, on the same route as our Petrohue River rafting, with views of the Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes. It starts from our base in Ensenada.

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Quick facts

Duration: Half day (1 h 15 min on the water)
Minimum age: 16+
Group: Minimum 2 people
Season: Summer
Price: CLP 50,000 per person
Route: 8 km of river
Difficulty: Class III
Requirement: Able to swim
Type: Double

Certified guides
All gear provided

A ducky runs a rapid beside a large river boulder

Two people in helmets paddle a blue inflatable kayak through waves

A person celebrates with the paddle raised in a red ducky

A red ducky crosses a wave on the Petrohue River

What a ducky is and how you paddle it

A ducky is a small inflatable boat, similar to a kayak, stable and open. Unlike a raft, here you do the paddling: you sit closer to the water and feel the power and flow of the river in every rapid. The ducky is a double: you paddle with a partner or with the guide.

The route: 8 km of class III rapids

The trip runs on the Petrohue River, along the same route as the rafting. From our base in Ensenada, our transport takes us to the start, at Los Patos. There the guide gives the safety and technique instructions. Then we paddle 8 km of class III rapids, with 1 h 15 min on the water, on a half-day trip.

Views of the Calbuco, Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes

This stretch of the river has views of the three local volcanoes: Calbuco, Osorno and Puntiagudo. It is inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

What is included and what to bring

Included in the trip

Transfers from the base, a bilingual guide, a rescue kayaker and full gear.

What to bring

You only need a swimsuit and a towel. The base has changing rooms and bathrooms.

Requirements and safety

The ducky is for ages 16 and up, and you must know how to swim. Each trip needs a minimum of 2 people. A guide and a rescue kayaker go with you, and the instructions are given before you get on the water.

Price and season

Ducky price: CLP 50,000 per person. The ducky runs in summer, when the river carries less water. To book, message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size.

More ways down the Petrohue

On the same river you can also ride the river on a hydrospeed board. For children from age 10, the option is rafting. If you prefer calm water, there is sea kayaking. To learn river paddling, there are kayak lessons, and to paddle on your own on the lake, kayak and SUP rental. Afterwards, stay at Barlovento, at the same base: there are cabins in Ensenada and a lakeside campsite.

Ducky FAQ

What is the minimum age for the ducky?

From age 16, and you must know how to swim. For younger people, the option on the same river is rafting on the Petrohue River, from age 10 in summer.

Do I need experience?

Before setting off, the guide gives the technique and safety instructions. The ducky is a double, so you paddle with a partner or with the guide, and a rescue kayaker goes along for the whole run.

Is the ducky single or double?

It is a double: you paddle it with a partner or with the guide.

Is it the same route as the rafting?

Yes. It is the same stretch of the lower Petrohue: 8 km of class III rapids, with 1 h 15 min on the water.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit or a change of underwear to wear under the wetsuit, and a towel. The rest of the gear is included, and the base has changing rooms.

How many people are needed for a trip?

Each trip needs a minimum of 2 people. It costs CLP 50,000 per person, including transfers, a bilingual guide, a rescue kayaker and full gear.