Kayaking the Sella River in Asturias: 16 km descent

Paddle 16 km down the river where Spanish canoeing began

Kayak the Sella River in Asturias on a 4-hour descent from Arriondas through meadows and riverside forest, with instruction, return transport and accident insurance. You choose your endpoint: the full 16 km run to Llovio, or shorter sections at Toraño (7 km) or Llordón (11 km). Children from age 5 are welcome, and the activity is wheelchair accessible.

The experience

The Sella is the river where canoeing in Spain began, and every August the International Descent brings athletes from across Europe to race its waters. You get to paddle the same section they do, but at your own pace. The Soto brothers, winners of that championship, guide you through the descent, offering instruction and tips before you launch. The route runs between meadows and Atlantic-type forest, where you'll see salmon in the water and otters, birds and other wildlife along the banks.

You pick how far you want to go. The full descent covers 16 km from Arriondas to Llovio. If that feels like too much, you can turn back at Toraño (7 km out) or Llordón (11 km). Either way, a vehicle meets you at your chosen endpoint and drives you back to the start, so you only paddle one direction. The whole outing takes about 4 hours from start to finish.

The kayak or canoe, watertight drum for your things, and all the insurance are included. You can book the descent alone or add a picnic lunch. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French, and the activity works for families: children from 5 onward can paddle, and if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair, the facilities and all surfaces are accessible.

What’s included

• Kayak or canoe.
• instruction and tips from the guide.
• watertight drum for personal items.
• return transport by vehicle to the starting point.
• accident insurance and all fees and taxes.
• guide available in English, Spanish or French.

Options for this experience

2 options

Descent without PicnicGuide in English, Spanish or French · No fixed timePaddling the Sella River by canoe or kayak, going downstream

Descent with PicnicGuide in English, Spanish or French · No fixed timePicnic box with a sandwich, a puff pastry, an apple and a bottle of water

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (19 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 250

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Escuela Asturiana de Piragüismo- Ranasella

Is this one for you?The choice of endpoint (7, 11 or 16 km) means you control how long you spend on the water, so families with younger paddlers or anyone wanting a gentler pace can turn back early without cutting the outing short for everyone else.

Traveler reviews

4.37★★★★★★★★★★

71 verified traveler reviews

5 ★51

4 ★10

3 ★1

2 ★3

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose how far down the Sella I want to paddle?

Yes. The full descent runs 16 km from Arriondas to Llovio, but you can turn back at Toraño (7 km) or Llordón (11 km) instead. A vehicle picks you up at whichever point you choose and brings you back to the starting point.

What is the Sella River like to paddle?

The Sella flows through meadows and riverside forest with Atlantic vegetation, passing banks where salmon, otters and birds live. The section you paddle is the same one used for the International Descent of the Sella, a championship race held every August, but you go at your own pace in a totally safe setting.

Do I need kayaking experience to do this?

No. The guide gives instruction and tips before you launch, and the descent is suitable for all fitness levels. Children from age 5 can paddle, and the activity is accessible for wheelchair users.

What happens if I get tired partway through?

You can choose your endpoint before you start: Toraño at 7 km, Llordón at 11 km, or Llovio at the full 16 km. A vehicle will meet you at whichever point you pick and return you to the starting point.

What's included in the kayak descent?

The kayak or canoe, a watertight drum to keep your things dry, instruction, return transport by vehicle, and accident insurance are all included. You can add a picnic lunch at checkout if you want.