Canyoning near Marbella: jumps, rappel & natural pools

A morning swimming through caves, jumping off rocks, and rappelling down a wall.

Guided canyoning in the Benahavís River canyon near Marbella combines swimming, jumping, climbing and rappelling through natural rock formations and pools. The activity runs about 3 hours, suits ages 8 to 65 with swimming ability, and includes wetsuits, boots, full gear and an English-speaking licensed guide. Multiple jumps and a 6m rappel are optional, and the water stays around 24°C year-round.

The Experience

You wade into the canyon with an experienced guide and start moving through water that stays roughly 24°C even in winter, thanks to the wetsuits provided. The canyon itself does the work—you'll navigate through caves, swim across pools, and climb over rock faces. The jumps come naturally as the canyon narrows: you can take them or watch from the side. A single 6-meter rappel appears partway through, also optional, and the guide handles the setup while you decide whether to descend or walk around. Everything is included—sturdy boots with real grip, a wetsuit cut for the season, a life jacket if you're under a certain age, and a complete set of canyoning gear that stays on your body the whole time.

The guide brings a camera and shoots photos and video throughout the three hours; you download them free after the tour. They also carry a waterproof tube for car keys and a cold bottle of water for the end. Because you're in the water the entire time, you leave everything else in the car—bring as little as possible, since the parking area has had break-ins. If you don't drive, small items can stay in the guide's car at your own risk. The activity works year-round; summer wetsuits are optional if the heat is enough.

You'll need to swim well on your own—the canyon demands it—and have enough fitness to climb, jump and move through water for three hours. Ages run 8 to 65. The guide speaks English, and private tours are available in Spanish, Dutch or English if you want the canyon to yourself instead of joining a group.

What’s included

• Wetsuits suited to the season.
• sturdy high-grip boots.
• complete canyoning gear and life jackets for children.
• full insurance coverage.
• cold bottle of water after the tour.
• free GoPro photos and videos downloaded after the activity.
• English-speaking licensed guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Marbella Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this tour to jump and rappel in natural pools with a guide who speaks your language—English, Spanish or Dutch.

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Top questions

Can I skip the jumps and the rappel if I'm not comfortable with them?

Both the multiple jumps and the 6-meter rappel are optional. You can watch others or walk around the side if you prefer to stay out of the water at those points.

What's the water temperature like, and will I get cold?

The Benahavís River stays around 24°C year-round. The wetsuits provided are suited to the season—short in summer, long in winter—so you stay comfortable even in cooler months.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to do this canyoning tour?

Yes, you need to swim well independently. The canyon has several stretches of water you'll move through, and the guide needs to know you can handle that on your own.

What happens to my phone, keys and other belongings during the activity?

Everything stays in your car because you're in the water the entire time. Bring as little as possible to the canyon. The guide carries a waterproof tube for car keys and can hold small items in their car at your own risk if you don't have a vehicle.

Is this activity suitable for families with children?

Yes, it's family-friendly for ages 8 to 65 who can swim and have reasonable fitness. Children get life jackets, and the optional jumps and rappel mean younger participants can move through the canyon at their own comfort level.

What's included in the price, and are there any extra fees?

Everything is included: wetsuits suited to the season, sturdy high-grip boots, complete canyoning gear, life jackets for children, full insurance, a cold bottle of water after the tour, and free photos and videos taken by the guide. No extra fees.