
Adventure Guide
What is Canyoning, Canyoneering or Kloofing?
The complete guide to this thrilling adventure sport
Discover everything you need to know about canyoning, from basic techniques to the best canyons in Andalusia. Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your skills, this comprehensive guide covers it all.
Table of Contents
What is Canyoning?
Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the United States and kloofing in South Africa) is an adventure sport that involves descending through river canyons, typically in their upper or middle sections where the terrain creates fast-flowing water, waterfalls, and natural slides.
This thrilling activity combines multiple skills including swimming, walking, climbing small obstacles, and mastering two signature techniques: rappelling and jumping. Some waterfalls also form natural slides that can be descended like water toboggans.
Canyons are located in stunning natural environments and offer various difficulty levels, making canyoning accessible to virtually everyone. You can enjoy it solo, as a couple, with friends, families (children from 6 years old can participate), corporate team buildings, or hen and stag parties.
🎉 Canyoning truly has no age or skill barriers!
A Brief History of Canyoning
Canyoning emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, driven by adventurers eager to explore Earth's most hidden places. Beyond conquering the highest peaks, explorers sought to reach the world's most inaccessible locations.
Riverbeds were attractive destinations, but early exploration faced significant challenges: difficult access routes, dangerous cliffs, and the lack of modern equipment like neoprene suits and proper rappelling gear made most descents nearly impossible.
After a period of low popularity, canyoning experienced a revival in the 1950s and 1960s when it became a more serious sport with many specific techniques being developed. Today, it has evolved into one of the most exciting adventure sports, with professional guides, standardized safety protocols, and equipment designed specifically for canyon environments.
Essential Canyoning Techniques
Canyoning combines several techniques that you'll learn and practice during your adventure. Here are the main skills you'll use:
Slides
Natural water slides formed by smooth rock surfaces polished by centuries of water flow. You slide down these natural toboggans into crystal-clear pools below. Some slides can reach up to 10 meters in length!
Jumps
Jumping from various heights into deep pools is one of the most thrilling aspects of canyoning. Heights typically range from 2 to 10 meters, and our guides always check pool depths and demonstrate jumps first. Jumps are always optional!
Rappelling (Abseiling)
Descending waterfalls using ropes and specialized equipment. This technique allows you to safely descend vertical drops that would otherwise be impossible. Our guides set up all ropes and provide complete instruction.
Swimming
Swimming through natural pools and navigating water sections is an integral part of canyoning. The neoprene wetsuit keeps you warm and buoyant in the refreshing mountain waters.
Canyoning Difficulty Levels
Canyons are classified by difficulty to help you choose the right adventure for your experience level and fitness:
Beginner
Perfect for first-timers and families. Short rappels (under 10m), optional small jumps, and easy terrain. No prior experience needed.
Examples: Guadalmina Canyon, Zarzalones Canyon
Intermediate
For those with some experience or good physical condition. Longer rappels, higher jumps, and more technical sections.
Examples: Río Verde Canyon, Lentegí Canyon
Advanced
Challenging routes requiring experience and excellent fitness. Long rappels (30m+), exposed sections, and full-day adventures.
Examples: Buitreras Canyon, Zarzalones Integral
Best Canyons in Andalusia
Andalusia offers some of the best canyoning in Spain, with diverse landscapes ranging from the Costa del Sol to the Sierra Nevada. Here are our top recommendations:

Guadalmina Canyon
The perfect introduction to canyoning! Located just 15 minutes from Marbella, this beautiful canyon features natural slides, refreshing pools, and small jumps. Ideal for families and first-timers.

Zarzalones Canyon
A stunning canyon in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Features beautiful rock formations, multiple rappels up to 15 meters, and crystal-clear emerald pools.

Río Verde Canyon
Located in Almijara Nature Reserve, this sporty canyon offers crystal-clear waters, large pools, and numerous opportunities for jumping, abseiling, and sliding.

Buitreras Canyon
Known as the "Cathedral of the Guadiaro," this full-day adventure takes you through a deep, narrow gorge declared a Natural Monument. Features rappelling and jumps up to 9 metres.
Conclusion
Canyoning is an incredible way to connect with nature while pushing your limits in a safe, guided environment. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly introduction at Guadalmina or an adrenaline-pumping adventure at Buitreras, Andalusia has the perfect canyon waiting for you.
At TUUR Adventure, we provide all the equipment, expert guides, and safety training you need for an unforgettable canyoning experience. Our small group sizes ensure personalized attention and maximum enjoyment.
Ready to Start Your Canyoning Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable experience in some of Andalusia's most beautiful canyons. All equipment and professional guides included.
TUUR Adventure
Published: January 15, 2025 · 8 min read