Rubber River was founded in 1986 as the result of the Dolcet brothers’ passion for adventure sports and nature. In the winter, they worked at the iconic ski slopes of Llessui, and in summer, they became kayak instructors at the canoeing school in Sort. With their winter season savings, they made their dream come true: buying their first rafting boat.
That raft had to be shipped directly from the United States, as there was no rafting market in Europe at the time. A few years later, they were able to acquire them in Paris. This was the beginning of Rubber River, a pioneering company with the goal of showcasing Pallars Sobirà from a unique perspective: navigating through the heart of the Noguera Pallaresa River.
The early days weren’t easy. Infrastructure was very limited: customers were only offered a helmet and life vest, and guides had to convince participants that “it wasn’t cold” while descending the river. In addition, the rafts could carry up to 18 people, and since there were no water flow agreements, they were literally paddling over rocks at certain times of the year.
But with great effort and determination, a water usage agreement was established to regulate the river’s flow. This marked a turning point: activities could be conducted more safely and professionally, and rafting began attracting more and more visitors. As a result, Pallars Sobirà began receiving tourists in the spring as well, helping to boost the local economy.
Rubber River is much more than a rafting company; it’s a story of passion, hard work, and deep love for nature. From the heart of Pallars Sobirà, we continue to offer unique, personalized, authentic, and unforgettable experiences on the Noguera Pallaresa River, complemented by our cozy Hotel Florido, where visitors can relax and enjoy a peaceful stay full of comfort after a day of adventure.