Canyoning in Gran Canaria? Of course! This island has a repertoire of outdoor activities that dazzle nature explorers. And logically, the island's rugged geography, dotted with ravines, lends itself to this.
There is no doubt that canyoning is one of the most incredible activities among adventure sports and is perfect for families or groups and equally suitable for adults and children.
The nature of Gran Canaria offers unique and spectacular itineraries for an unforgettable experience, so all you need is a spirit of adventure and a great desire to have a good time.
What is canyoning
Canyoning is based on descending a canyon (duh!) by following the course of the water. Obviously, canyoning is always recommended with an expert guide who guarantees both safety and fun for everyone taking part. Needless to say, any adult or child can practice this activity.
When progressing along the canyoning route in Gran Canaria there are several techniques to be used by the participants in order to finish the route:
- Walking: it is advisable to walk outside the watercourse to avoid excessive physical exhaustion and to protect the fauna and flora of the watercourse.
- Descending: descending steep areas, using feet and hands, which are not completely vertical or small ledges where it is not necessary to use a rope and it is not possible to jump.
- Climbing: sometimes small climbs are required to continue progress or to access areas from which to continue the descent.
- Handrail: horizontal progression on a rope along a vertical wall to avoid an obstacle that would otherwise not be surmountable.
- Rappel: the most common progression technique that consists of descending a vertical wall with the aid of a rope and a descender anchored to the harness.
- Swimming: in areas where there is a minimum depth of water for swimming instead of walking.
- Slide: free descent without a rope down a stone ramp polished by the water to a pool of water.
- Jumps: to bridge the difference in level in the riverbed or ledge with a jump into a pool of water.
- Zip line: guided descent with a rope or cable to overcome an obstacle on the course.
Recommended equipment for canyoning in Gran Canaria
During this activity it is recommended to have the following material, although most of it is provided by the organising company:
Personal equipment
The individual equipment of each of the members of the group that is going to descend a canyon consists of at least:
- Helmet
- Wetsuit
- Neoprene booties
- Suitable footwear (it is advisable that these shoes have a good grip in aquatic environments)
- Harness
- Anchor ropes or bagasse
- Descender (usually eight)
- Mechanical blockers
- Pedal
- HMS or pear type carabiners
- Quickdraw
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Backpack
- Waterproof canister
Group equipment
All of the above should be complemented by the following collective equipment:
- Installation bag (with material for making meeting installations on the rock).
- Two type A or B progression ropes and semi-static ropes (one of them at least twice the length of the longest abseil to be found in the canyon to be climbed).
- Rope protectors (to avoid possible chafing of the rope)
- Rope bag
- Rescue rope
- Cordelette (for rope recovery)
- Diving goggles
- First aid kit
- Lighter
- Charged mobile phone
Canyoning in Gran Canaria
There are those who wait for their holidays to rest. And there are those who prefer to opt for active tourism, that is, to enjoy activities in natural areas. For both types of visitor, Gran Canaria is the best possible setting.
Those who have decided to come to this island to enjoy nature to the fullest will not stop. Its climate makes it possible to enjoy any outdoor activity all year round due to its pleasant temperatures with hardly any variations.
Canyoning is the best way to access unusual places such as lush laurel forests, waterfalls or natural slides to discover the hidden side of Gran Canaria, and is one of the most unique sporting activities on the island.
Where to go canyoning in Gran Canaria
Some of the best ravines for canyoning on this island are the following:
- Barranco de Azuaje ravine
- Barranco de la Mina ravine
- Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine
- Barranco del Cofre ravine
- Barranco del Mulato ravine
- Caidero de Soria ravine
