If you’re considering a trip to the Asturias region of Spain and want to experience one of its most iconic adventures, the Sella River canoe descent is a must. This particular tour, offered by K2 Aventura, promises an exclusive 4km stretch of the river, making it a fantastic option for those who want a more private, less crowded experience.
What really caught our eye about this tour are two things: first, the customizable routes that allow you to choose how far you want to paddle, and second, the chance to enjoy some of the best scenery and tranquility away from the busy crowds that often gather in larger groups. The flexibility to extend your journey up to 19 kilometers means you can tailor your adventure to your energy level and interests.
A small but important consideration is that this activity isn’t suitable for children under 5 or non-swimmers, which is standard for river activities but worth keeping in mind for families or less confident swimmers. This tour appeals most to those who enjoy nature, want a more personalized experience, and prefer avoiding the typical tourist rush.
If any of this sounds like your kind of adventure, keep reading. We’ll walk you through what to expect and why this tour might fit your travel plans perfectly.
Key Points
- Flexible routes: From 4km to 19km, you can choose your adventure length on the fly.
- Exclusive section: The 4km stretch between Las Rozas and Arriondas is reserved for your group, offering fewer crowds.
- Scenic and peaceful: Enjoy beautiful views and riffles in a quiet setting, especially on the first stretch.
- Good value: The tour at $34 per person includes essential gear, insurance, and transfer.
- Comfort and convenience: Changing rooms, showers, parking, and a terrace bar are available at the meeting point.
- Weather friendly: The activity runs rain or shine, as long as the river maintains flow.
The Adventure in Detail: What to Expect
When you sign up for this Sella River descent, you’ll start in Las Rozas, about 4km before Arriondas. This initial section is what makes this tour stand out—it’s a part of the river that’s usually quieter because most other vendors launch from Arriondas itself. Here, you’ll paddle through shallow waters with gentle riffles, making it a relaxing start, especially if you’re new to canoeing or kayaking.
The first stretch (Las Rozas to Arriondas) lasts around 1-2 hours and offers a peaceful paddle with beautiful scenery. As one reviewer noted, “the equipment was in good shape, the staff helpful, kind, and prompt with the pickup,” which helps to set the tone for a smooth experience. This section is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds that gather later in the day or in the busier areas.
From there, you have options. You can extend your trip to Toraño, adding 8 km, which takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, or go all the way to Llovio—adding up to 15 more kilometers, taking around 3.5 to 6 hours. The flexibility here is a real bonus: you can decide on the spot based on how you’re feeling and how much time you want to spend on the water.
The second section (Arriondas to Toraño) gets a bit busier as many paddlers launch from Arriondas. Still, according to feedback, it’s very scenic, with riffles and lovely landscapes. The third stretch (Toraño to Llovio) tends to be less crowded, offering some of the best scenery and a peaceful paddle, especially as many paddlers tend to stop at Toraño.
One review mentions, “several sets of riffles to make it interesting,” meaning the water isn’t just a straight paddle, but has enough variation to keep it engaging. You’ll be paddling through a landscape that’s both tranquil and visually captivating.
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What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind
This tour provides everything you need for a comfortable trip: life jackets, paddles, watertight jerry cans, and wetsuits in Spring and Fall. The wetsuits are a thoughtful touch, especially since water temperatures can be cooler outside summer months, making the experience more comfortable.
The canoes are available in 1, 2, or 3-seat options, so whether you’re alone or with friends, you’ll find a suitable setup. Plus, safety is prioritized with civil liability and accident insurance included, giving peace of mind.
After your paddle, you can enjoy access to changing rooms, showers, parking, and a terrace bar at the start/finish point. The convenience of these amenities makes the whole experience more relaxed.
Not included are food and drinks, so plan to bring snacks or purchase them at the bar afterward. Also, note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t part of this package, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at K2 Adventure.
The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective
One of the most praised aspects, based on reviews, is the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. “The staff helpful, kind, and prompt with the pickup,” a reviewer shared, which is always reassuring when trying a new activity. The equipment was also in good shape, meaning fewer worries about gear failures or discomfort.
The scenery along the river is widely appreciated, with paddlers describing it as “lovely,” “beautiful,” and “some of the best scenery in this section.” Paddling through riffles adds a fun element and makes the journey more engaging—it’s a good mix of relaxation and adventure.
The flexibility of route choice is a highlight, especially for those with varying energy levels or time constraints. Plus, the reasonable price of $34 seems to be seen as very good value for what’s included, especially considering the personalized experience and the quiet stretch of river you get all to yourself.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who:
- Prefer a more private, less crowded paddle in nature
- Want the flexibility to customize their route
- Have a moderate level of comfort with water activities (not suitable for non-swimmers or young children under 5)
- Appreciate beautiful scenery and a relaxing outdoor activity
- Are looking for good value, with all necessary gear included
If you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and customizable canoeing trip that avoids the typical busy spots, this tour fits the bill perfectly.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Thoughts
All in all, the Cangas de Onís: Descent Sella River Exclusive 4km offers a refreshing way to experience Asturias’s natural beauty. It’s a chance to paddle along a peaceful stretch of the Sella River, away from crowds, with the option to extend your journey for more adventure. The equipment is good, the staff helpful, and the scenery is stunning—what more could you want?
This tour is especially well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, value flexibility, and want a quieter experience. It’s not the best choice if you’re traveling with very young children or non-swimmers, but for most others, it provides an engaging, scenic, and well-priced way to explore Asturias from the water.
Cangas de Onís: Descent Sella River Exclusive 4km
“What a fun paddle and a great vendor. 3 optional end points that you can choose on the fly (worth doing the whole distance if companions dont get t…”
FAQ
Is the activity suitable for families with children?
This activity is not suitable for children under 5 years old and non-swimmers. It’s best suited for older kids and adults comfortable in water activities.
How long does the paddle last?
The initial section from Las Rozas to Arriondas takes about 1-2 hours. You can extend your trip up to 19 km, which could take anywhere from 2.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route.
Can I choose my route on the day?
Yes, the tour allows you to decide whether to stop at Toraño or go all the way to Llovio, offering real flexibility for your adventure.
What’s included in the price?
You get a life jacket, paddle, watertight jerry can, canoe in your preferred size, insurance, return transfer, parking, changing rooms, showers, and access to a terrace bar.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable shoes and possibly a waterproof bag for personal items. The activity runs in rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
Is the activity weather-dependent?
It can be carried out in both sunshine and rain, as long as the river maintains adequate flow.
How busy does the river get?
The first stretch is quite quiet since it’s reserved for your group. The second section can be busier with other vendors, but the third stretch tends to be less crowded.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if needed.
If you’re after a peaceful, flexible, and scenic canoeing adventure in Asturias, this tour might just be the perfect fit. It delivers good value, excellent scenery, and a chance to enjoy the river without the usual crowds.
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