This guided river walk combines canyoning techniques with hiking, swimming, and optional jumps through the Río Guadalmina. It’s a practical introduction to canyoning that suits active families, first-timers, and anyone looking for a half-day outdoor activity close to Marbella.
Set in a narrow limestone gorge just inland from the coast, the route balances physical challenge with flexibility, allowing participants to choose how adventurous they want the experience to be.
The route follows a natural section of the Río Guadalmina, combining walking, scrambling, swimming, and optional technical features. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, you’ll enter the canyon and begin moving upstream through narrow passages, rock pools, and short swims. Several sections involve deeper water, including swims of up to 20–30 metres, which must be completed independently.
Along the way, there are multiple optional jumps and a single 6-metre rappel. Every jump can be bypassed, and the rope section is guided step-by-step, making the experience adaptable for mixed-ability groups. Natural slides, shallow pools, and calm stretches of river balance out the more physical sections, allowing time to regroup and enjoy the setting.
The pace is steady rather than rushed, with guides managing spacing and offering assistance through trickier parts of the canyon. Depending on the season, wetsuits may be used for insulation, while in the warmer summer months participants often choose to go without. Guides also capture photos and short videos during the activity, which are shared after the session.
The activity takes place in Benahavís, a small municipality located in the foothills above Marbella. The canyon sits inland from the coast, offering a different landscape to the beaches below, with high rock walls, shaded sections, and flowing freshwater year-round.
The meeting point is approximately 15 minutes from Puerto Banús and around 25 minutes from Estepona. Access is via paved roads, and the final approach is short and straightforward. Free public parking is available close to the canyon entrance.
Participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without assistance and able to move confidently over uneven, slippery terrain. A basic level of fitness is required, as the route involves continuous movement, climbing, and swimming over several hours.
This activity is suitable for children from 8 years old who meet the swimming and mobility requirements. Anyone with medical conditions that could affect balance, endurance, or water confidence should make contact in advance to discuss suitability.
This experience is designed to be well-organised, flexible, and approachable, without cutting corners on safety. Groups are kept small, guides are fully licensed, and all technical sections are optional, allowing families and mixed-ability groups to enjoy the canyon at their own pace.
Equipment is included as standard, with no hidden extras on the day. Clear pre-trip communication, simple meeting arrangements, and experienced guides who actively support participants throughout the route make this a reliable choice for first-time canyoning close to Marbella.
About the centre
Benahavís
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