Gran Canaria: Canyoning Adventure & Waterfall Rappelling Tour

Summary

Volcanic canyons, forest trails, waterfall abseils, local stories

You’ll scramble through Gran Canaria’s volcanic canyons with a certified guide by your side, rappel down waterfalls, taste local snacks mid-adventure, and learn how these wild landscapes were shaped. Expect laughter, cold water on your skin, and stories you’ll want to retell long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

We slid into wetsuits in the back of a van somewhere up in Gran Canaria’s green folds — I honestly lost track after the third switchback. Our guide, Pablo, handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly like river moss (not unpleasant, just… real), and grinned like he knew what was coming. He asked if anyone had rappelled before. I shook my head. Someone else said “sort of” and we all laughed — nerves, mostly. The air felt cooler here than by the coast, and there was this earthy scent under the trees that reminded me of wet stone and something herbal I couldn’t name.

The first part was all clambering over rocks and ducking under branches while Pablo pointed out weird plants — he called one “balos” and made us try to pronounce it. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it. Then came the sound: water echoing off stone, louder as we followed the stream deeper into the canyon. When we reached the first drop, Pablo clipped us in one by one for our first abseil down a waterfall. Cold water slapped my calves and hands went numb on the rope for a second; I remember thinking “don’t look down,” but then I did anyway. It wasn’t even that high (maybe 9 meters?), but from up top it felt wild.

There were moments where time slowed — standing waist-deep in a pool waiting for everyone to come down, sunlight flickering through leaves above us. We snacked on something sweet Pablo brought (I think it was some local biscuit?) while he explained how these canyons formed from volcanic eruptions ages ago. He talked about how weather keeps shaping everything here — you could see layers of lava right in the walls if you looked close enough.

On the way back out, I realized my legs were shaking more from excitement than fear now. Gran Canaria canyoning isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s being inside this living geology lesson with people who actually care if you’re safe (and fed). I still think about that last view looking back up at the cliffs — all jagged lines and green shadows — before we hiked out laughing about who slipped where.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in Gran Canaria

• Start activity in amazing area
• Choose aquatic or dry canyon
• Move through fresh green forest
• Learn to rappel waterfalls
• Hike to canyon for abseiling
• Observe volcanic lava layers
• Rest in canyon area
• Return via adventure trail

Top questions

Is this Gran Canaria canyoning tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome; guides provide full supervision and instruction throughout.

What is included in the Gran Canaria canyoning adventure?

The tour includes wetsuit, harness, helmet, abseiling equipment, snacks, insurance, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long are the rappels during this day trip?

The maximum rappel height is 9 meters during both dry and aquatic canyon routes.

Are there both dry & aquatic canyon options available?

Yes, you can choose between dry or aquatic canyons depending on conditions and preference.

Is pickup included for this Gran Canaria canyoning tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby instead.

Is this activity suitable for people with health issues?

No; not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

Will we have a private group or join others?

This is a private activity with reduced group size so you won’t be waiting long between turns.

Are snacks provided during the canyoning trip?

Yes; snacks are included as part of your day out in the canyons.

What’s included

Your day includes all technical gear like wetsuit, harness, helmet and abseiling equipment plus snacks to keep your energy up along the way. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with insurance covered throughout your adventure before heading back after your last climb out of the canyon.