Las Palmas, Gran Canaria: Canyoning Adventure

If you’re searching for an activity that combines adrenaline, nature, and a touch of adventure, the Canyoning Tour in Las Palmas might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally strapped on a wetsuit and slid down waterfalls in Gran Canaria, I’ve looked into this experience—and it sounds like an exhilarating way to explore the island’s natural beauty.

What we love about this trip is how it offers a balance of adventure and scenic beauty—rappelling waterfalls and wading through pools, all while soaking in views of native willow trees and lush landscapes. Plus, the fact that it’s led by experienced guides makes it feel secure enough for most non-professionals to try.

One thing to keep in mind is that this activity is not suitable for everyone. It’s physically demanding, involves heights, and has some specific restrictions—like weight limits and health considerations. So, it’s best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy a bit of a challenge and are comfortable in water and heights.

This canyoning experience is ideal for those who want to add a splash of adventure to their Gran Canaria trip—especially if you’re keen on exploring less accessible areas and love a good outdoor thrill.

Key Points

• Unique Location: Only canyon with water on Gran Canaria, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
• Adventure & Safety: Abseiling, hiking, and pool crossing under expert guidance.
• Incredible Views: Panoramic vistas of the island’s northeast and lush native flora.
• Inclusive & Flexible: Equipment, guide, insurance, and pictures are all provided.
• Not for Everyone: Some restrictions apply, including age, health, and weight limits.
• Perfect for Adventure Seekers: No experience needed, just a sense of adventure and willingness to get wet.

If you’re looking for an activity that gets your adrenaline flowing while allowing you to really see the natural beauty of Gran Canaria, this canyoning tour hits the spot. The experience takes place in the Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve, a less-traveled part of the island that feels like stepping into a secret world of waterfalls, native willow trees, and wild landscapes.

What makes this trip stand out is its focus on water-based canyoning, the only canyon on the island that involves water. You’ll be abseiling down waterfalls that climb up to 12 meters, crossing pools, and then hiking further into the lush ravine. It’s a mix of physical activity and awe-inspiring scenery, making it a hearty adventure that leaves you with plenty of memorable moments.

The tour lasts about 4 hours, which balances enough time for a thorough experience without being overly draining. It’s priced at $79 per person, which, considering the inclusion of equipment, guide, insurance, and photos, represents good value for a unique outdoor activity. You’re also encouraged to bring your own water, swimwear, change of clothes, and sturdy hiking shoes—things that make the experience comfortable and safe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Meet-up & Equipment Fitting
Your adventure begins at the designated meeting point, Parking Descenso de Barranco/Canyoning Los Cernícalos. Here, your guides will provide a wetsuit, harness, helmet, and safety instructions. Expect a quick briefing on how to use the gear properly, which is crucial especially if you’ve never done canyoning before.

Once suited up, you’ll set off on a 20-minute hike through a rural part of Gran Canaria. During this walk, your guide will share snippets of the island’s history and point out scenic views of the northeast coast—an added bonus for those who enjoy a quick cultural or geographical lesson.

The Main Canyoning Experience
The heart of the tour involves descending waterfalls up to 12 meters. Abseiling down waterfalls sounds intimidating at first, but with an instructor guiding you, it becomes manageable—even exhilarating. The guides are experienced and always connected by an extra safety rope, which adds a layer of reassurance, especially for those new to heights.

As you rappel, expect to slide across pools and navigate through narrow sections of the canyon. The terrain is lush and green, filled with native willow trees and other native flora, which makes for stunning photo opportunities.

Crossing Waterfalls & Hiking Back
After abseiling down four waterfalls, you’ll reach the narrowest part of the canyon. Here, you may need to cross a waterfall—definitely a highlight—before retracing your steps along the trail back to the starting point.

Relaxation & Views
The tour pauses for a snack, giving you a moment to soak in the scenery from above and catch your breath. The views from the canyon are spectacular, offering a different perspective of Gran Canaria’s natural landscapes.

What’s Included & What to Bring

The tour is designed to be hassle-free, with guides, gear, insurance, and photos included in the price. This means you don’t have to worry about renting equipment or missing out on capturing the adventure. The provided snack is a nice touch, keeping your energy up for the more physical parts.

You’ll want to bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sturdy hiking shoes, and water—sandals or flip-flops are not allowed, as they’re unsafe for canyoning. It’s wise to wear shoes that can handle water and rough terrain, making your experience more comfortable.

Considerations & Restrictions

While the activity sounds thrilling, it’s not suitable for everyone. The limits are clear: children under 12, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, those with vertigo, or individuals afraid of heights are advised to skip it. The weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg) and age restriction over 70 years also aim to ensure safety.

Since the tour is in water and involves heights, participants should be comfortable with these conditions. The guides do a great job of explaining safety procedures, but this is definitely a physically engaging activity that requires a reasonable level of fitness.

The Guides & Reviews

Based on reviews, guides like Manuel and Dani are highly praised for their professionalism and friendliness. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide Manuel was very kind, professional, and took the time to explain a lot about the island and the activity,” which hints at a personalized experience. Another shared, “Dani was very professional and quiet, making the experience exceptional,” emphasizing the guides’ competence.

Guests often highlight how safe and well-organized the tour feels, even if it’s physically demanding. And the feedback about the stunning scenery and the thrill of crossing waterfalls adds to its appeal. Shannon summed it up: “Incredible and the only way to see this region of Gran Canaria,” which speaks to how unique this adventure is.

Pricing & Value

At $79 per person, this trip offers good value, especially considering the inclusion of all necessary gear, insurance, guide, and photos. Compared to other adventure activities, it’s reasonably priced for a four-hour, guided outdoor experience in a beautiful natural setting.

For those looking to balance adventure with a manageable cost, this canyoning tour is a solid choice.

This experience is perfect for travelers who crave hands-on outdoor adventures in stunning natural surroundings. If you’re comfortable in water and heights, and you enjoy physical challenges, you’ll probably love it. It’s also a good fit for those who want to explore a less-visited part of Gran Canaria and see its lush interior.

On the other hand, if you’re pregnant, have mobility issues, or are generally risk-averse, this isn’t the right fit. It’s also not suitable for very young children or those over 70, as safety restrictions are strict.

In summary, this canyoning tour offers a thrilling way to experience Gran Canaria’s wild side, with professional guides, fantastic scenery, and a good dose of adrenaline.

Do I need any experience to join this canyoning tour?
No experience is necessary. Guides provide instructions and all safety equipment to help you feel secure throughout the activity.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sturdy hiking shoes, and water. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for safety reasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not recommended for children under 12 years old due to safety considerations involving heights and water.

What happens if it rains?
While the provided info doesn’t specify weather policies, outdoor canyoning generally depends on good weather. It’s best to check with the provider if rain might affect safety.

Can people with health issues participate?
Participants with back or heart problems, vertigo, or those who are pregnant should avoid this activity. Always consult your doctor if unsure.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 4 hours, including meeting, equipment fitting, hiking, canyoning, and the return.

What is included in the price?
Guide, equipment, insurance, pictures, and a snack are all included in the $79 fee.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to meet at the specified parking area.

If you’re someone who loves physical activity, stunning scenery, and a good adrenaline rush, this canyoning adventure in Gran Canaria should be on your list. It’s a well-organized, professional experience that offers a window into the island’s lush wilderness you might not see otherwise.

It’s especially suited for those comfortable in water and heights, and who are looking for an active, memorable day out. The guides’ professionalism and the breathtaking surroundings make it worth considering, especially if you’re eager to try something a little different.

Just remember to check your comfort level with heights and water before booking—safety first, but also, a smile-worthy adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: