Coasteering Gran Canaria: jump, rappel and zip-line the cliffs

You rappel straight into the sea from the cliff face.

Coasteering in Gran Canaria is a 4–6 hour activity on the island's southwest marine cliffs where you jump from different heights, rappel directly to the water, traverse a Via Ferrata above the waves and zip-line across a cave that opens to the sea, all guided by a professional and mixed with swimming and cave visits. A guide in English or Spanish leads the group; all equipment, water and a picnic of fruit, nuts, chocolate and biscuits are included. Minimum age is 10 with an adult; moderate fitness required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coasteering tour on Gran Canaria coast

• Meet expert guide
• Explore marine cliffs
• Jump into the sea
• Zip line through cave
• Swim between activities
• Climb Via Ferrata above waves
• Rappel directly into sea
• Visit sea caves

The Experience

Four to six hours on the water means you're in the cliffs for the whole arc of the activity—not a single jump and done. You start geared up (harness, helmet, life jacket, the works) with your guide, then move through a series of activations along the southwest coast. The jumps come at different heights so you're building into it, not starting at the edge and hoping. Between the jumps you're swimming in caves, moving along the rock face on the Via Ferrata, and at one point you're zipped across a cave that opens straight to the sea—the line carries you over the water and deposits you in it.

Rappelling is the thing most people don't expect to do on a coasteering day. You're lowered directly from the cliff into the sea on a rope, which is different from jumping or climbing down. The guide controls the pace and you're in the water within minutes of leaving the rock. The picnic comes partway through—chocolates, fruit, biscuits, nuts and water—so you're eating on the rocks or in the water depending on where you are in the sequence.

The group stays small enough that the guide can watch everyone, and because the activity runs 4 to 6 hours depending on conditions and how the group moves, there's no rush through any single moment. You need moderate fitness and comfort in the water, but the guide is there to talk you through each section. Minimum age is 10 if you're with an adult; anyone 18 and up can go alone. The operator runs the activity in English or Spanish, and pickup is included.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• harness, helmet, life jacket and all safety equipment.
• bottled water and snacks.
• picnic with fruit, nuts, chocolate and biscuits.
• picture report of the day.
• hotel pickup.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by MOJO PICON AVENTURA

Is this one for you?Most coasteering days on the island are single-activity outings—you jump or you rappel, then you're done. This one strings together jumps at different heights, rappels straight into the sea, a Via Ferrata above the waves and a zip-line across a cave, all in one 4–6 hour arc with a guide who's there for every section, so you're building skills and confidence instead of doing one thing once.

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Top questions

What exactly is a Via Ferrata and how is it different from the other cliff activities on this coasteering day?

A Via Ferrata is a fixed route along the cliff face using metal rungs, cables and handholds bolted into the rock. On this coasteering day, the Via Ferrata section runs above the waves, so you're climbing and moving horizontally along the cliff edge with the sea directly below. It's steadier than a rappel and more technical than a jump—you're using your hands and feet to follow the metal path.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to do this coasteering activity in Gran Canaria?

You need to be comfortable in the water and have moderate fitness, but you don't need to be a competitive swimmer. You're wearing a life jacket the whole time, and the guide is with you. Most of the water time is in coves and caves where the sea is calmer than open ocean, and you're moving between rock and water in short stretches, not swimming long distances.

What happens if I'm not ready to jump from a particular height?

The jumps come at different heights throughout the day, so you can start with a lower one and build up. The guide will work with you on each section—you're not forced into anything. If you want to skip a jump and use the rappel or another route down instead, that's an option the guide can arrange.

Is the picnic enough for lunch, or should I eat before the activity starts?

The picnic includes chocolates, fruit, biscuits, nuts and water—it's a snack and refuel break rather than a full meal. Many people eat a light breakfast before the activity and use the picnic to keep their energy up during the 4–6 hours on the cliffs. You can ask the operator about timing when you book.

Can children under 18 do this coasteering activity, and do they need to be experienced climbers?

Children as young as 10 can participate if they're accompanied by an adult. They don't need climbing experience—the guide teaches you how to use the equipment and move through each section. Moderate fitness is required, and the guide will assess whether each person is ready for each activation as the day goes on.