Discover the World’s Best Canyoning Destinations

An amazing sport that combines loads of different activities into one, canyoning is a mix of caving, hiking, climbing and mountaineering, cliff diving, whitewater swimming and sliding down natural toboggans (like a slip-slide). Canyoning (also called canyoneering) is an amazing way of pushing your own limits and sharing a great day out with your friends and family.

An adventurous, all-natural assault course carved out by whitewater over thousands of years, natural couloirs, bowls, breaks and slides make this different from kayaking and rafting – as you use your body to travel downstream! Practised in some of the most beautiful and secret locations in the world, there's the right canyon for everyone – with each course rated on difficulty and skill level. Mostly navigated on foot but also by swimming, sometimes the use of technical rope work is necessary, via abseiling for example.

Canyoning, an all or nothing experience!

There’s no going back when it comes to canyoning! Don’t worry if you don’t know how to swim or you’re afraid of heights – there are loads of great instructors that are willing to take you step by step through the course and, whilst serious incidents are rare – respecting the safety rules is essential.

Testing your determination around every corner, get ready to face your fears as you muster up the courage to explore caves, jump off waterfalls or slide into giant pools… The most important part of any canyoning excursion is to check the water depth before any jump – closely followed by regular weather updates as rain, wind or fog could drastically change conditions.

The necessary equipment includes a temperature-appropriate neoprene wetsuit, hiking shoes (high, comfortable with a good tread), a helmet, gloves – plus a harness and technical gear are also important. We also recommend taking a bag to carry all of the above, some food, water and a good knife can also be useful. Make sure to check before the excursion which of those elements are provided by the instructors and which you'll need to bring yourself.

Best places to try Canyoning

Ready to try your first canyoning adventure in an unforgettable setting?
Here are some of our top-rated canyoning destinations to explore. Check out the best places to go canyoning.

Bavella, Corsica in France

Corsica Canyon

Canyoning in Corsica is renowned for its exceptional experiences due to the island's unique landscape and natural beauty.

Located in the Aiguilles de Bavella massif, close to the villages of Solenzara, Zonza, and Lecci, canyoning in Bavella offers a delightful half-day experience in the mountains, close to the coast! With its natural aquatic area featuring 10 meter jumps (that can all be avoided), as well as bypassable slides and other obstacles, Pulischellu Canyon is a great canyoning experience for families. Children as young as 8 years old can access it. To know which of the many amazing canyons to go for on the French island, have a look at our article with the best canyoning activities in Corsica.

Verdon Gorges, France

Buena Vista Canyoning

Canyoning in the Verdon Gorges, located in southeastern France, is considered one of the best spots of the country! Known as the "Grand Canyon of Europe", the Verdon Gorges feature towering limestone cliffs that plunge into emerald green waters, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure. The area offers a range of canyoning experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to challenging descents, ensuring that both novices and seasoned adventurers can find their thrill. The gorges' crystal-clear waters, natural rock formations, and numerous waterfalls enhance the excitement of rappelling, sliding, and jumping, making each canyoning trip a unique and memorable experience!

Reunion Island

Cilaos Aventure

Reunion Island is renowned for its diverse and dramatic canyons, with top spots including Cirque du Cilaos, Rivière Saint-Joseph, Rivière Langevin, and Bassin Boeuf. Cirque du Cilaos, a natural amphitheater surrounded by high peaks, offers thrilling descents through narrow gorges and cascading waterfalls.

Rivière Saint-Joseph and Rivière Langevin provide an exciting mix of jumps, slides, and rappelling through lush, green environments and crystal-clear waters. It showcases Réunion Island's unique volcanic terrain, making it an unparalleled destination for canyoning enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty in their adventures.

Guadeloupe

Mon Canyon

Guadeloupe's rich tropical landscapes and varied terrain make canyoning there an amazing adventure. Important locations like Pointe-Noire, Basse-Terre, and Ravine Chaude provide a range of exhilarating experiences. Renowned for its verdant surroundings and thermal springs, Ravine Chaude offers a distinct canyoning experience that combines natural slides and warm waters.

The island's mountainous region, Basse-Terre, is perfect for both novice and experienced adventurers, offering breathtaking waterfalls, deep rainforests, and difficult descents. Situated on the western coast of the island, Pointe-Noire provides picturesque pathways alongside immaculate rivers and waterfalls, all encircled by the vivid flora and fauna of the tropical forest. Discover all canyoning trips in Guadeloupe!

French Polynesia

Natura Exploration

What could be more idyllic than the islands of French Polynesia? Canyoning in French Polynesia offers you a captivating adventure, immersing you in the stunning natural beauty of the South Pacific. On the island of Tahiti, the Papenoo Valley invites you to navigate through verdant gorges, rappel down impressive waterfalls, and swim in pristine pools.

In Moorea, known for its jagged peaks and lush valleys, you will embark on thrilling canyoning routes that take you through breathtaking scenery and exhilarating descents to around 37 meters of abseil. The canyons of French Polynesia are less crowded, giving you a sense of solitude and a deeper connection with nature...

Spain

Expediciones

A thrilling adventure in some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery is what canyoning in Spain promises. One of the most popular locations is canyoning in Sierra de Guara, where you may explore an intricate network of natural rock formations, deep canyons, and turquoise pools tucked away in Aragon's untamed landscape where you will be able to go jumps up to 10 meters!

Canyoning in Nerja, well-known for its breathtaking Costa del Sol coastline, offers a unique contrast of freshwater streams and sea cliffs like for example the famous Rio Verde! Discover the picturesque mountain scenery and canyons sculpted by ancient rivers in Ronda, which is tucked away in the heart of Andalusia...

Try other Canyoning spots around the world...

Canyoning in America

• Moab, Utah, USA
• Banff, Canada
• Cuzco, Peru

Canyoning in Oceania

• Wanaka, New Zealand
• Behana gorge waterfalls, Australia
• Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

Canyoning in Asia

• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
• Canyoning in Bali, Indonesia

Now that you know about great spots to try Canyoning, you might want to learn more about the techniques of this sport. Our complete guide to Canyoning will answer all your questions.

Are you curious about other water activities? Great, we have everything you need to have fun and create long-lasting memories! Discover more activities like rafting, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and other.