Gran Canaria: Canyoning Adventure & Waterfalls Small Groups

Summary

Gran Canaria canyoning trek with waterfalls and wild rainforest air

You’ll hike into Gran Canaria’s rainforest for a real canyoning adventure: abseil down waterfalls, slide through natural chutes, and scramble over mossy rocks with expert guides leading small groups. Expect laughter (and maybe a few nerves), cold mountain water on your skin, and moments where nature feels bigger than you imagined.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you’re ready for this?" That’s what Marta, our guide, asked as we zipped up our wetsuits at the trailhead — I was already sweating just from the walk in. The hike itself is no joke: about 45 minutes up and down these steep, ferny hills that smell like wet earth and eucalyptus (or maybe that was just my sunscreen mixing in). There were seven of us, swapping nervous jokes as we picked our way over rocks. I’d never done canyoning before. Honestly, I wasn’t even totally sure what it meant until Marta explained — basically scrambling, sliding, jumping and abseiling down a riverbed. Sounded simple enough when she said it.

The first time I lowered myself off a waterfall, my heart was hammering so hard I could barely hear the water. The rope felt slick in my gloves but Marta kept calling out encouragement in Spanish and English — she has this way of making you laugh right when you think you can’t do something. The water was colder than I expected (wetsuits only help so much), but after that first shock it actually felt good. There’s this moment where you’re standing on mossy rock ledges, sun flickering through laurel trees overhead, and all you hear is your own breathing plus whatever bird is yelling nearby. Not sure what kind of bird — sounded annoyed at us for being there.

We slid down a few natural chutes (I got stuck once; nobody let me forget it), splashed into pools that smelled faintly metallic from the rocks, and scrambled over boulders slick with rainwater. Lunch was just a soggy sandwich eaten sitting on a log — but somehow tasted better than most café meals back in town. At one point, Marta pointed out these tiny yellow flowers growing out of the cliffside; she said locals call them "boca de dragón" because they look like little dragon mouths. Li tried to say it in Spanish and made everyone laugh.

The last climb out was brutal — legs burning, shoes squelching — but looking back down into the green ravine below honestly made me feel weirdly proud. It’s not glamorous or easy (don’t wear new shoes), but if you want to see Gran Canaria’s wild side up close with people who know every twist in the riverbed… well, I still think about that view from the top sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in Gran Canaria

• Receive wetsuit and safety gear
• Hike 45 minutes through rainforest
• Descend ravine by walking and climbing
• Jump and abseil down waterfalls
• Enjoy natural slides and scenery
• Return with guide after 4-5 hours

Top questions

How long does the Gran Canaria canyoning tour take?

The canyoning activity lasts about 4 to 5 hours including hiking to and from the site.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transport is provided from a meeting point by air-conditioned vehicle.

What should I bring for canyoning in Gran Canaria?

You should bring sportswear, closed sport shoes or hiking shoes, swimsuit worn under clothes, towel, dry clothes for after, sunscreen, light food like a sandwich or fruit bar, at least 1.5 liters of water, and your ticket or invoice.

Are there age restrictions for this canyoning activity?

The recommended minimum age is 5 years old; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is prior experience needed for Gran Canaria canyoning?

No prior experience is required; certified guides lead all activities and provide instruction throughout.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 8 people for a more personal experience.

Are photos included during the tour?

Yes, your guide will take pictures during the activity which are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; participants should bring their own light food or snack.

What languages do guides speak?

Guides speak both English and Spanish fluently.

Are there restrooms at the canyoning site?

No public restrooms are available at the site; use facilities before departure or after returning.

What’s included

Your day includes certified mountain guides fluent in English and Spanish who provide all necessary equipment—wetsuit, helmet, harness—and transport by air-conditioned vehicle to Gran Canaria’s rainforest canyons. Activity insurance is covered and your guide will take photos along the way so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting soaked before heading back tired (but happy) to town.