Gran Canaria has a side that feels almost hidden.

This canyoning trip takes you into Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve, where you’ll follow a real ravine, rappel waterfalls, and hike through lush pockets of greenery that you don’t see from the main roads.

What I like most is the mix of action and nature. You get rappels (up to 12 meters) plus walking through jungle and pools, not just a single stunt. And the guide part matters: Manuel (one of the English/Spanish instructors) is known for being patient, professional, and willing to share island history as you move.

One thing to weigh: canyoning isn’t hard exercise in a gym sense, but it is physical and slippery. There are underwater rocks and rough steps, and one review even notes a sore knee after catching a stone beneath the waterline—so you’ll want solid shoes and calm footwork.

Key things you should know before you go

• Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve: you’re in a protected jungle pocket, not a built-for-tour site
• The only canyon with water in Gran Canaria: you get real splash-and-wade canyon time
• Up to 12 meters of rappelling: big enough to feel thrilling, still guided the whole way
• Small group (max 10): easier pacing and more attention from your instructor
• Safety rope always: you’re connected for extra security while you’re on rappel and moving through the canyon

Why This Gran Canaria Canyoning Feels Different From a Typical Tour

If you’ve only seen Gran Canaria from viewpoints and beaches, canyoning is a reality check—in a good way. This one sends you into a ravine environment where the island’s weather, plants, and rock channels actually shape the experience.

You’re also in a spot the locals take seriously. The route is inside Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve, and the whole point is to experience a narrow pocket of “jungle” life on a volcanic island that’s otherwise pretty dry. Expect native plants, shaded sections, and waterfalls that make the rock feel alive.

Then there’s the water. This activity is done in the Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine, and it’s described as the only canyon with water on the island. That matters because dry canyons can turn into more of a hiking scramble. Here, you’re sliding, wading, and crossing pools for real.

Meeting Point: Finding the Parking and Getting Ready Fast

You’ll meet at the Parking Descenso de Barranco / Canyoning Los Cernícalos. It’s the kind of meeting point where being on time helps. The group is small (limited to 10), and once you’re outfitted, you don’t want to slow the pace.

From the start, the process is structured:

• You meet your instructor.
• You’re fitted with a wetsuit, harness, and helmet.
• The guide shows you how the gear works and makes sure it’s set correctly before you head into the canyon.

Even if you’ve never done anything like this, you’re not left to guess. You also get an explanation of what you’ll do and why, which helps you relax once the adrenaline shows up.

After gear, there’s a 20-minute hike through rural area to get you into position. This hike is short, but it’s part of the full experience. You’ll see the northeast side of Gran Canaria, and your guide shares island context as you walk.

The First Push: Gear Up, Hike In, and Learn What You’re Looking At

The early part is more than warm-up. I like how it sets the tone: you go from parking-lot normal to ravine mode in a controlled way.

You’ll hike for about 20 minutes after equipment fitting. This is when you get a first look at the view and the terrain, so later when you’re staring at water channels and waterfall edges, it all connects.

This is also where Manuel’s style shows up in a practical way. In past outings, he’s been praised for taking time to explain tips and island history, and for keeping a comfortable vibe in the group. That’s not “tour talk” fluff. It’s helpful because canyoning has small technique details—how to move on wet rock, how to approach a rappel edge, and how to listen to safety instructions.

Rappelling Waterfalls and Descending the Ravine: What the Route Actually Does

Here’s the rhythm you can expect once you’re on the watercourse.

Following the watercourse

After the hike, you follow the ravine path and get to the waterfall sections. Then the real action starts: you rappel guided, up to 12 meters.

This isn’t a solo activity. You’re using a technique your instructor teaches you on the spot, and you move one step at a time—literally.

Four waterfalls, then the narrow part

The tour includes rappelling down four waterfalls. After those descents, you reach the narrowest part of the canyon. That section tends to be where the experience feels most “canyon-like,” because the rock walls close in and the water channel becomes the focus.

You’ll then cross a waterfall and start heading back along an adventure trail toward the starting point.

Slides, wading, and walking through jungle

Canyoning is not only about ropes. You’ll also:

• slide across pools,
• wade through sections of water,
• and hike through the jungle portions as you keep descending.

I like this mix because it keeps your body working in different ways. If you’re only doing rappels for hours, it can feel repetitive. Here, the variety helps you stay engaged and lets the group keep momentum.

Snack break with views from above

At the turnaround, you take a break with a snack, and you get views of the canyon from above. That moment is underrated. You finally see the full shape of what you just did, and it turns the physical effort into something you can picture later.

The Real Value of the Gear: Wetsuit, Harness, Helmet, and Insurance

This is a “included everything” kind of tour. That’s part of why the price feels reasonable once you compare it to booking equipment and professional instruction separately.

You get:

• Guide
• Equipment (wetsuit, harness, helmet)
• Insurance
• Pictures
• Snack

That combination matters. Wetsuits help you handle cooler water. Harnesses and helmets are obvious, but the insurance piece is the calmer thought in the back of your mind when you’re on wet rock. And the photo part is practical—if you’re focused on safety and technique, it’s hard to also manage your phone.

Safety: You’re Tied In With an Extra Rope

One of the best features here is that you’re not just given gear and sent off.

You’re told you will always be connected by an extra safety rope when canyoning. That’s a big deal for people who are nervous about heights or uncertain about rappelling technique.

That said, canyoning still comes with risk. Water + rock = slippery surprises. The spot where one review mentioned a painful knee from a stone under the waterline is exactly why you should treat this like an outdoors activity with rules, not a theme-park ride.

Practical advice: keep your eyes up when you’re moving, but also watch your feet near pools and entries. Proper footwear is required, and sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

Nature Highlights: Willows, Waterfalls, and the Los Marteles “Jungle” Mood

Even if you’re going for the adrenaline, this trip delivers on nature.

You’re in a part of Gran Canaria where you’ll see stunning native willow trees, plus waterfalls and plant life that feel almost out of place on an island better known for sun and sand. It’s the kind of setting that makes the canyon feel like a living system instead of a scenic backdrop.

And because the experience includes multiple waterfall rappels plus pool sections, you don’t just glance at water—you interact with it as you descend.

The “jungle reserve” angle is also why the trip feels more authentic than a single point-of-interest tour. You experience how the ravine shapes access, shade, and movement.

How Much Fitness Do You Need? And Who Should Skip This

You don’t need prior canyoning experience. That’s a clear plus. But you do need to be comfortable with uneven terrain, wet surfaces, and controlled rope work.

Think of it as:

• short hike segments,
• standing and moving on slippery rock,
• and handling your body during rappels and pool crossings.

The activity also lists clear limits. It’s not suitable for:

• children under 12,
• pregnant women,
• people with back problems,
• people with heart problems,
• wheelchair users,
• people afraid of heights,
• people with vertigo,
• people with a cold,
• people over 243 lbs (110 kg),
• people over 70 years.

If any of those apply, it’s better to skip rather than “see how it goes.” Canyoning is physical, and conditions can change quickly when you’re working near water.

If heights scare you a bit but you’re still open-minded, note that you’re supported with safety systems. Still, if you have strong fear or vertigo, don’t force it.

Price and Value: $77 for 4 Hours of Guided Canyoning

At $77 per person for a 4-hour adventure, the value is in what you get bundled in.

In many outdoor activities, the cost climbs when you add guide time, gear rental, and basic risk coverage. Here, you’re getting guide + equipment + insurance + pictures + snack in one price.

Also, the group size is limited to 10, which helps you feel less like a number. Smaller groups tend to mean smoother transitions and more room for technique coaching.

The only catch: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’re meeting at the parking lot. If you’re staying in Las Palmas, you’ll likely need reliable transportation to get there on time.

If you want a “do it yourself” version of canyoning, this isn’t it. This is the guided option that keeps you safe and teaches the moves.

Small Group Energy: Why Max 10 Changes the Experience

A max of 10 participants sounds like a detail, but it shapes the whole day.

With smaller groups:

• your instructor can slow down for technique questions,
• the pacing feels calmer between waterfalls and pool sections,
• and the safety checks don’t feel rushed.

The reviews also highlight that Manuel tends to create a safe, friendly atmosphere. Humor and patience matter in outdoor sports. They make you listen better, and they keep the group relaxed when you’re suddenly in a cold, wet canyon.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Regret It Later)

Pack like you’re going into water and then hiking a bit. The essentials are simple.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Hiking shoes
• Water

Don’t bring:

• sandals or flip-flops

A quick reality check: water shoes that slide easily or sneakers with slick soles can be a headache. You’ll want stable grip.

Also, bring a dry change of clothes even if you think you’ll be quick. You’ll be wet. That’s the point.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Canyoning Adventure?

If you want a guided adventure that feels like a real canyon day—waterfalls, pools, jungle hiking, and views included—this is a strong pick. The biggest selling points are the small group, the fact that you’re guided throughout, and the extra safety rope that keeps you supported.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you want adrenaline without doing it the scary way,
• you like nature as much as action,
• and you’re okay with wet feet, slippery rocks, and following instructions closely.

Skip it if heights/vertigo is a hard no, or if you have any listed medical limitations. And if you’re hoping for a relaxed stroll, you might find the canyon environment more demanding than you expect.

If those aren’t you, book it. It’s the kind of Gran Canaria experience that gives you stories you’ll still be talking about months later.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Las Palmas canyoning adventure?

The activity lasts about 4 hours.

Do I need any previous experience?

No experience is required. The tour is designed so you can learn and follow the instructor.

What’s the meeting point?

You meet at Parking Descenso de Barranco / Canyoning Los Cernícalos.

What language is the guide?

Instructors speak English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, hiking shoes, and water.

Is there safety equipment and insurance included?

Yes. You’ll receive equipment (including wetsuit, harness, and helmet) and the tour includes insurance. You’re also connected by an extra safety rope during canyoning.

Who isn’t suitable for this tour?

It isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with back problems or heart problems, wheelchair users, people afraid of heights or with vertigo, people with a cold, people over 243 lbs (110 kg), or people over 70 years.

Should I book this canyoning tour in Gran Canaria?

Book it if you want guided rope work plus real canyon water and jungle walking, and you’re comfortable moving carefully on wet rock. Skip it if heights/vertigo or listed medical limits apply, or if you want a low-activity day.