Murcia: Almadenes Canyon Rafting & Caves with Photos

Summary

Raft the wild Almadenes, see cave paintings, meet Murcia’s wildlife

You’ll float through Almadenes Canyon with a local guide, spot birds and maybe otters if you’re lucky, explore ancient caves with UNESCO-listed rock art, and get a set of photos from your day out on the river. It’s gentle adventure with moments that linger long after you towel off.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the otters are more curious than dangerous,” our guide Paco grinned as he handed me a paddle. I’d never been rafting before — not even on a lazy river — so seeing the green walls of Almadenes Canyon rising up around us felt a little surreal. The water was cold enough to wake you up but not freeze your toes off, and there was this earthy smell from all the willows and poplars crowding the banks. We drifted quietly for a while, just listening to birds (Paco pointed out a kingfisher darting past — I totally missed it), and then someone behind me squealed because they’d spotted an otter slipping into the water. I tried to snap a photo but my hands were too wet. Typical.

About halfway through this day trip in Murcia, we stopped at Los Abrigos del Pozo. Paco led us up to these caves where sunlight barely reached inside, and showed us faded red shapes on the walls — 8,000 years old, he said. He did this little workshop about how people used to paint them, mixing pigments with animal fat or something (I probably got that wrong). There was this moment where everyone went quiet, just looking at those marks left by people who had stood right where we were. It made me feel small in a good way. Then Paco cracked a joke about his own “artistic skills” and everyone laughed.

Back in the raft, we floated deeper into the canyon until we reached Cueva de las Nutrias — Otter Cave. It was darker and cooler inside; water echoed against stone and you could almost hear your own heartbeat if you listened hard enough. No otters showed themselves this time (they’re shy), but Paco swore he’d seen two last week with their whiskers twitching above the surface. On the way out, he snapped some photos of us looking very windswept — apparently included in the tour — which is good because my phone stayed zipped away after that first splash.

I’m still thinking about those cave paintings and how peaceful it felt drifting under all that green. If you’re after something gentle but real — not just ticking off sights — this private rafting tour in Murcia is worth it. Just don’t expect your hair to stay dry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting and cave exploration in Murcia

• Start rafting in Canyon de Almadenes
• Observe flora and fauna in gallery forest
• Stop at Los Abrigos del Pozo for talk
• Learn about 8000-year-old cave paintings
• Continue rafting to Cave of the Otters
• See otters in their natural habitat

Top questions

Is this rafting tour in Murcia suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s level 1 rafting and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are cave visits included during the Almadenes Canyon rafting?

Yes, stops include Los Abrigos del Pozo for cave paintings and Cueva de las Nutrias (Otter Cave).

Do I need to bring my own equipment for this day trip?

No, all necessary material like vest, helmet, paddle, and boats are provided.

Will there be photos taken during the tour?

Yes, a photo report is included as part of your booking.

How do I confirm my spot after booking?

You must contact the company via WhatsApp [phone]) to confirm minimum numbers.

Is lunch or food included on this private rafting tour?

No mention of lunch or food is included in this activity.

Can children join this Murcia canyon rafting experience?

The activity is suitable for all audiences; no age restrictions are listed.

What’s included

Your day includes internal transfers for the activity itself, all equipment like vests and helmets, access to both Cueva de los Monigotes and Cueva de las Nutrias caves with guided explanations about their ancient rock art, a hands-on workshop at Los Abrigos del Pozo led by qualified guides who know Murcia’s history inside out—and you’ll get a set of photos from your adventure before heading home.