Activities > Canyoning > Zarzalones
Zarzalones Canyoning: An Epic Mid-Level Adventure Near Marbella and Málaga
Explore one of the most stunning canyons in Málaga with this exciting 4-hour canyoning experience in Zarzalones, located in the heart of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
Ideal for families and adventure lovers alike, this route offers crystal-clear waters, thrilling rappels, and jumps in a spectacular natural setting — just 50 minutes from Marbella or Málaga.
- Jumps: 4 of 3m max (optionals)
- Rappels: 2 of 21m max
- Slides: No Slides
Description
One of the best canyons in Málaga
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Zarzalones is one of the most beautiful and complete canyoning adventures in the province of Málaga. With lush scenery, year-round water flow, and fun technical sections, it offers the perfect balance between accessibility and excitement.
This 4-hour experience begins at the source of the Río Grande, where pure, emerald waters emerge from the impressive Zarzalones cave. The route follows the riverbed through a series of natural pools, fun jumps (optional), and two spectacular rappels of 10 and 21 meters — making it an ideal choice for both adventurous beginners and intermediate canyoners.
If you’re looking for a canyon with a level between Guadalmina (3h) and Buitreras (6h), this is your perfect match. It’s a great alternative to Río Verde as well, especially if you’re based in Marbella or Málaga.
Why choose Zarzalones?
-
It’s one of the top canyons in Málaga province, along with Guadalmina and Buitreras.
-
It’s located near the picturesque white village of Yunquera, with lush landscapes and pristine waters.
-
It’s an unforgettable experience for families, friends, or couples — suitable for participants from 9 years old.
Special Summer Offer
From July to August, join an open group every Thursday for only €69/person — no minimum number of people required to book, but we need a minimum group size to operate: 4 participants.
Private group options are available year-round with custom pricing based on group size — ask for a private tour.
Meeting point
Sierra de las Nieves service station, Yunquera, Málaga
Includes
- Wetsuit/neoprene
- Canyoning harness
- Helmet
- Rappel equipment
- Professional Guide
- Accident and civil responsibility insurance
- Full photo report!
Optional extras:
Canyoning shoes: You can use your own sports shoes* or hire our professional canyoning shoes when booking and enjoy the activity without worrying about slipping and getting your own shoes wet.
*Note: Water shoes and flip-flops are not allowed for canyoning. If you use your own shoes, remember that they will get wet and you will probably need an extra pair to change at the end of the activity.
Why not include them in the price?
Professional canyoning boots are expensive and wear out quickly, and many travellers have their own boots or prefer to use their trainers, so we have made them OPTIONAL to allow saving some money. We recommend that you hire them if you can, as you will notice the difference and feel safer and more confident.
What type of shoe is best for canyoning?
- Hiking boots with a Vibram sole and reinforcements are best.
- Conventional running shoes are fine as long as they have good sole grip.
- Open footwear and water shoes are NOT allowed, as you could easily slip and hit your toes on rocks and break a phalanx. Even if they are closed, if the fit is poor or the sole is too soft, you could twist an ankle.
WATCH OUT FOR COMPANIES THAT INCLUDE SHOES IN THE PRICE.
Ask about the shoe type and make sure it meets the above requirements.
What to bring
- Swimming/bathing suit already on (you will wear the wetsuit over it)
- High socks (above the ankle is enough)
- Dry underwear and towel to change at the end of the activity
- If you didn’t rent our canyoning shoes, don’t forget the appropriate ones
- Water and food to recharge energy at the end of the activity
Security measures for carefree enjoyment:
🚫 Please avoid bringing valuable personal effects with you, such as jewellery or large sums of cash.
🚗 If you are arriving by car, please manually check that the locks are properly secured before leaving the site.
While the meeting point is usually safe, as with any tourist site, you should remain cautious 😊
(1) You will join other participants. We need a minimum group size to operate of 4 participants.The groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people per guide.
(2) All our guides speak English and Spanish. French and German tours have limited availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Want a Private Tour just for you?
We also offer private tours for you and your group. You will be led by one or several professional canyon guides during the parkour, and no other participants will join your group.
Contact us to check availability and prices.
Description
One of the best canyons in Málaga
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Zarzalones is one of the most beautiful and complete canyoning adventures in the province of Málaga. With lush scenery, year-round water flow, and fun technical sections, it offers the perfect balance between accessibility and excitement.
This 4-hour experience begins at the source of the Río Grande, where pure, emerald waters emerge from the impressive Zarzalones cave. The route follows the riverbed through a series of natural pools, fun jumps (optional), and two spectacular rappels of 10 and 21 meters — making it an ideal choice for both adventurous beginners and intermediate canyoners.
If you’re looking for a canyon with a level between Guadalmina (3h) and Buitreras (6h), this is your perfect match. It’s a great alternative to Río Verde as well, especially if you’re based in Marbella or Málaga.
Why choose Zarzalones?
-
It’s one of the top canyons in Málaga province, along with Guadalmina and Buitreras.
-
It’s located near the picturesque white village of Yunquera, with lush landscapes and pristine waters.
-
It’s an unforgettable experience for families, friends, or couples — suitable for participants from 9 years old.
Special Summer Offer
From July to August, join an open group every Thursday for only €69/person — no minimum number of people required to book, but we need a minimum group size to operate: 4 participants.
Private group options are available year-round with custom pricing based on group size — ask for a private tour.
Meeting point
Parking area, next to the Torre Leonera Park, Benahavís, Málaga
Includes
- Wetsuit/neoprene
- Canyoning harness
- Helmet
- Rappel equipment
- Professional Guide
- Accident and civil responsibility insurance
- Full photo report!
Optional extras:
Canyoning shoes: You can use your own sports shoes* or hire our professional canyoning shoes when booking and enjoy the activity without worrying about slipping and getting your own shoes wet.
*Note: Water shoes and flip-flops are not allowed for canyoning. If you use your own shoes, remember that they will get wet and you will probably need an extra pair to change at the end of the activity.
Why not include them in the price?
Professional canyoning boots are expensive and wear out quickly, and many travellers have their own boots or prefer to use their trainers, so we have made them OPTIONAL to allow saving some money. We recommend that you hire them if you can, as you will notice the difference and feel safer and more confident.
What type of shoe is best for canyoning?
- Hiking boots with a Vibram sole and reinforcements are best.
- Conventional running shoes are fine as long as they have good sole grip.
- Open footwear and water shoes are NOT allowed, as you could easily slip and hit your toes on rocks and break a phalanx. Even if they are closed, if the fit is poor or the sole is too soft, you could twist an ankle.
WATCH OUT FOR COMPANIES THAT INCLUDE SHOES IN THE PRICE.
Ask about the shoe type and make sure it meets the above requirements.
What to bring
- Swimming/bathing suit already on (you will wear the wetsuit over it)
- High socks (above the ankle is enough)
- Dry underwear and towel to change at the end of the activity
- If you didn’t rent our canyoning shoes, don’t forget the appropriate ones
- Water and food to recharge energy at the end of the activity
Security measures for carefree enjoyment:
🚫 Please avoid bringing valuable personal effects with you, such as jewellery or large sums of cash.
🚗 If you are arriving by car, please manually check that the locks are properly secured before leaving the site.
While the meeting point is usually safe, as with any tourist site, you should remain cautious 😊