If you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor experience just outside Marbella, a guided canyoning tour in Benahavís offers an unbeatable mix of adventure and natural beauty. For around $46 per person, you get about three hours of swimming, jumping, sliding, and rappelling through some of the most scenic canyons in Andalusia. Led by professional guides who speak English and are passionate about safety, this activity is perfect for families, active travelers, or anyone who loves a good splash in nature.
What we really love about this tour is how accessible it is—multiple jumps (some optional, some not), and a 6-meter rappel that adds just enough thrill for adventure lovers. Plus, the natural pools sit at a comfortable 20°C, making it enjoyable regardless of whether you’re visiting in summer or winter. The guides are eager to help you navigate tricky spots, ensuring you feel both challenged and secure. The other big plus? The chance to spot local wildlife, like turtles and lizards, adds a charming touch that makes this more than just a physically active outing.
That said, it’s worth considering that this adventure involves swimming through deep water—sometimes over 20 meters long—and navigating slippery rocks. It’s not suited for those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or non-swimmers. If you’re comfortable in the water and looking for a family-friendly yet exciting day out, this tour fits the bill perfectly.
In short, this canyoning experience is best suited for active individuals who want to combine adventure with nature’s beauty near Marbella. From reviews, it’s clear that both beginners and seasoned thrill-seekers find plenty to enjoy here, especially with guides who go out of their way to make it memorable and safe.
Key Points
- Accessible Adventure: Suitable for ages 8-65 with swimming and reasonable fitness required.
- All Equipment Provided: High-quality wetsuits, boots, life jackets, and harnesses included with no hidden costs.
- Expert Guides: Enthusiastic, licensed guides ensure safety and fun while taking photos and videos.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Natural pools, high cliffs, caves, and wildlife sightings make every moment special.
- Flexible Jump Options: Multiple jumps from 3-5 meters, with the option to skip if you prefer.
- Great Value: An immersive, well-organized experience at a reasonable price, especially considering the gear and expert guidance.
Starting Point and Logistics
The adventure begins at a public parking area in Benahavís, known locally as Parking Ermita. It’s about 15 minutes from Puerto Banús and 25 minutes from Estepona, making it a convenient escape from the coast’s busier areas. The tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own ride or leave your car safely parked there. Because valuables aren’t recommended in the car (due to car break-in risks), it’s best to bring only essentials—water, swimwear, and a towel—and leave everything else behind or store it in the guide’s car at your own risk. The guides bring a waterproof tube for your keys and a camera to capture the fun.
Once you arrive, you’ll walk about 15 minutes to the canyon’s entrance. This short trek is an opportunity to take in the surroundings and prepare for the adventure. The activity is designed to be accessible, but do keep in mind that you’ll be walking on slippery rocks and navigating uneven terrain.
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The Canyon of the Angosturas: The Heart of the Adventure
The core of the tour takes place in the Canyon of the Angosturas, a stunning natural corridor carved through limestone, filled with natural pools, caves, and high cliffs. The guided tour offers scenic views along the way, with plenty of photo opportunities—your guides often take shots with GoPro® cameras, which you can download afterward for free.
Expect to spend roughly 2.5 hours exploring this beautiful area, during which you’ll be swimming, climbing, sliding, and jumping from rocks and ledges. The jumps vary from about 3 to 5 meters, and are ultimately optional—if you’re nervous or just want to take it slow, you can skip the jumps and enjoy a scenic hike or swim instead.
What we love about this section is the variety of activities and natural formations. Some of the deep pools are quite long—up to 20-30 meters—so strong swimming skills are necessary. The water temperature hovers around 20°C, which is comfortable enough for most, especially with the wetsuits provided. Guides are attentive to individual comfort levels and will assist you through tougher spots.
Rappelling and Jumping: The Highlights
One of the tour’s biggest attractions is the 6-meter rappel—a perfect introduction to climbing for those new to canyoning. This activity is optional, so if you’re hesitant, your guides will offer alternatives or let you stay dry and admire the scenery. The jumps, from 3-5 meters, are also optional but add a real adrenaline boost for those seeking it.
As one reviewer noted, “There were a lot of cool opportunities to jump from 3-5 meter cliffs but for the ones that didn’t want to jump they offered nice detours!” This flexibility makes the experience accessible to people with different comfort levels.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Throughout the canyon, you might catch glimpses of local wildlife, such as turtles lounging in the water or lizards darting across rocks. The natural setting is truly impressive, with high cliffs, scenic caves, and crystal-clear pools that are more beautiful than any postcard.
Many travelers comment on how pictures don’t do justice to the landscapes. The combination of lush greenery, rock formations, and the flowing stream makes this a landscape photographers dream.
More Great Tours NearbyGuides and Equipment
The guides are a diverse, young, enthusiastic team from Spain, The Netherlands, Hungary, and France. Their knowledgeable and friendly approach earns rave reviews—many comment on how guides like Sam, Fabian, and Sem make the experience fun, safe, and memorable.
All high-quality equipment—wetsuits suited to the season, sturdy water shoes, harnesses, and life jackets—is included in the price. During summer months, some participants opt to go without wetsuits, especially in July and August, but the wetsuits are great for colder days or seasons. The gear makes all the difference, providing comfort and safety in the flowing water and slippery rocks.
The guides also take photos and videos during the tour, which are provided free afterward—meaning you can focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about capturing every moment.
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Duration and Price: Good Value for Money
At $46, this canyoning adventure offers excellent value considering the gear, guides, and the experience. It lasts about 3 hours, which is enough time to fully learn about the natural beauty without feeling rushed.
The activity is fully insured and includes multiple jumps and one 6-meter rappel, with all safety gear. The only thing not included is transportation, so plan accordingly.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
Based on reviews and details, this trip suits:
- Active families with children over 8 who can swim comfortably.
- Travelers seeking a fun, physical activity with a focus on nature and scenery.
- People who enjoy adventure but prefer the safety of guided instruction and quality gear.
- Those looking for a unique experience that offers both thrills and stunning landscapes.
It’s less suited for visitors with mobility issues, pregnant women, or anyone uncomfortable with swimming or heights. Be sure you’re physically prepared for walking on slippery rocks and swimming through deep pools.
If you’re craving an active day in the Spanish outdoors that combines adventure, natural beauty, and expert guidance, this Benahavís canyoning tour hits the mark. It’s a well-organized outing, with good value for what it offers—quality gear, professional guides, and unforgettable scenery.
The flexibility to skip jumps and take detours means it’s accessible for a wide range of fitness levels and comfort zones. Plus, the chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the stunning landscape makes it more than just a physical challenge—it’s a memorable way to connect with nature.
Most travelers rave about the friendly guides, the beautiful scenery, and the overall value. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, this canyoning adventure provides a perfect mix of excitement and natural wonder that you’ll be talking about for years.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the price?
No, transportation is not included. You need to get to the meeting point yourself, but parking at the starting location is free.
What should I bring on this tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sportswear. Remember to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, like your own sport shoes if possible, as the provided water boots are optional.
Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 8 and above can join, provided they can swim well and are reasonably fit. Life jackets are provided for children for added safety.
What if I don’t want to jump or rappel?
All jumps and rappelling are optional. Guides will suggest alternatives if you prefer not to participate in those activities.
Is this activity suitable in winter?
Absolutely, with the provided wetsuits suited to the season, the water temperature around 20°C remains comfortable year-round.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
You should be able to swim independently and comfortably in open water, as some parts involve swimming through deep pools.
To sum it up, this canyoning tour near Marbella offers a fantastic mix of adventure, natural beauty, and safety at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for active families, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors in a way that’s both invigorating and scenic. Guides are well-trained and friendly, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating experience that’s hard to beat in the region. So, if you’re ready to splash into an unforgettable day, this is one trip you won’t regret.
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