Gran Canaria is a mountainous and rural destination located within Spain’s Canary Islands. Just off the coast of Northwest Africa, the exotic place is known for its black lava, white sand beaches and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Canyoning in Gran Canaria is one of the most popular excursions on the island, as the varied landscape is filled with rocky ledges, dense forests, waterfalls and natural slides. Book your trip for an unforgettable adventure across the mystical island with an experienced guide at your service.

Here's all you need to know about canyoning, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Gran Canaria.

What are the best canyoning tours in Gran Canaria?

Aquatic canyoning tour in Gran Canaria

Prepare to get wet on this exciting canyoning tour of Gran Canaria. This 4-hour adventure through nature begins with a convenient hotel pickup by an air-conditioned vehicle.

After boarding, you’ll travel to the lush green heart of the island where your action-packed day begins. Your group leader will provide a wetsuit, helmet, harness and any other necessary equipment before you depart.

Then you’ll hike through the rainforest while spotting the native flora and fauna along the way. Your expert guide will provide plenty of information about the island ecosystem and the history of the Spanish Canary Islands at large.

Once you reach the canyon, your leader will prepare you for a thrilling rappel down the waterfall into the ravine. Jump from different heights, climb the surrounding cliffs and even slip down a natural waterslide during this fun outdoor experience.

After you’re good and soaked, you’ll have the chance to go for a swim at the bottom of the canyon and enjoy the refreshing water of Gran Canaria. Most tours include a delicious picnic lunch to be enjoyed before your hotel drop-off at the end of the day.

Dry canyoning tour in Gran Canaria

For a more classic canyoning tour without the need for a wetsuit, opt for the dry option in Gran Canaria. This day trip still includes the dare-devil drops, but without the visits to waterfalls or the wetter areas of the island.

Begin with a hotel pickup at 10 AM from where you’ll head to the canyoning sector of Barranco de Las Vacas in Agüimes. Once you arrive, you’ll gear up in your helmet, harness and carabiner before heading out to the red cliffs.

You’ll get a major adrenaline hit as you explore different areas filled with towering ascents and exciting descents. You’ll trek through the Gran Canaria landscapes and climb through daring cliffs for incredible views of the region. A photographer will grab snapshots as you rappel down during your exciting canyoning adventure.

Private canyoning tour in Gran Canaria

Choose a private canyoning tour during your trip to Gran Canaria for a more exclusive adventure through the ravines of the island. Enjoy a private car pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle from where you’ll travel far away from the tourist areas and to the interior of Gran Canaria.

You will head to one of the most beautiful parts of the islet where you’ll select between either aquatic or dry canyoning. If you choose aquatic, you’ll become immersed in the lush green forests on the way to a stunning waterfall. Your instructor will teach you how to safely rappel from the top of the waterfall for an exciting drop to the natural pool below.

If you select a dry canyoning excursion, you’ll kick off the day with an exciting hike before you arrive to the canyon. From there you’ll begin your abseil down 9 meters below with the help of your expert guide.

Learn about the fascinating geology of Gran Canaria as you observe the volcanic layers in the rocky cliff. Both aquatic and dry tours end with a fun walking trail back to the vehicle before hotel drop-off.

How much do canyoning tours in Gran Canaria cost?

A 4 to 5 hour aquatic canyoning tour in Gran Canaria typically costs between €70 and €80 per person including all equipment and a picnic lunch in the ticket price.

Dry canyoning tours are usually priced about €90 for a party of two, including access to the red rock cliffs and a trail hike. Private canyoning tours cost about €70 per person for a group of up to 10, or €90 per person for a free gift and hotel pickup included.

What is included?

All canyoning tours include the equipment necessary to abseil, such as a helmet, wetsuit, harness and other materials like a descender and neoprene shocks. Most excursions include insurance, snacks and refreshments, while many will include a picnic lunch.

Many tours will include air-conditioned roundtrip transportation to and from the hotel, although for some it could cost extra, as well as an experienced guide to lead the journey. Some will feature a photographer to snap amazing photos of your adventure.

Where does it start?

Most canyoning tours in Gran Canaria begin with hotel pickup. Aquatic tours will begin at a lush waterfall, while dry tours typically take place in the cliffs of Las Palmas.

How long does it last?

Canyoning trips typically last between 4 and 6 hours, with the longer excursions including a picnic lunch, a swim and a trail hike.

When is the best time for a canyoning tour in Gran Canaria?

The most popular time for canyoning on the island is in the cooler months, between November and April, when the water levels in the canyons are higher due to rainfall. This makes the canyoning experience more exciting and adventurous.

However, the weather in Gran Canaria is pleasant year-round, with mild winters and warm summers. This means you could technically go canyoning at any time of year. In the drier months, from May to October, some canyons might be more accessible, but others could have too little water to be interesting for canyoning.

Is it safe?

Canyoning is safe as long as your gear remains properly attached and you follow the guide's instructions. However, repelling down the canyon does require a moderate fitness level to perform safely, so it's not recommended for travelers who are pregnant, have back problems or a fear of heights.

Are children allowed?

Yes, but each provider sets a different age minimum, so be sure to check before booking your tour. Normally, children have to be at least 10 to 12 years old, but parents can sometimes sign a waiver to allow younger children to participate.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In case of bad weather, your canyoning tour will be canceled. When this happens, you can either reschedule for another date or choose to receive a full refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Gran Canaria?

Travel tips

Understand your limits. Canyoning can be physically challenging, so it's important to understand your limits and not push yourself too hard. If you're not comfortable with a particular part of the tour, let your guide know.
Learn the basics of swimming and rappelling. Canyoning often involves swimming and rappelling down rocks and waterfalls. If you're not comfortable with these activities, consider taking some lessons before your trip.
Take out travel insurance. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers adventurous activities like canyoning, in case of any accidents or injuries.
Be ready for a workout. Canyoning is physically demanding, involving climbing, jumping, and swimming. Regular exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip can help you prepare.