What is canyoning? A beginner’s guide
Descending a canyon past waterfalls and turquoise pools sounds extreme, but canyoning is actually one of the most accessible adventures out there. Here is what canyoning is, what a tour looks like, and why you can do it even if you have never tried.
What exactly is canyoning?
Canyoning (also called canyoneering) is the descent of a river canyon from top to bottom, using whatever nature puts in your path. Instead of watching the canyon from the side, you move through it: you hike, swim through natural pools, rappel down beside waterfalls, jump off small rocks into the water, and slide down natural chutes of smooth stone.
All technical gear, such as a wetsuit, helmet and harness, is included and part of every guided tour. You do not need to buy or know anything in advance.
What a canyoning tour looks like
Every canyon has its own character, but a good guided tour usually follows the same rhythm:
- Meeting and gear fitting, with a short safety briefing.
- A hike or short drive to the canyon entrance.
- Two to three hours through the canyon: swimming, descents, jumps and slides.
- Return to base and, with us, a warm lunch at the end.
Our full tour lasts about five hours. You can see the step-by-step tour plan on the home page.
Is canyoning dangerous?
With a certified guide and the right gear, canyoning is a moderate activity, not an extreme sport. We rate our tour 2 on a scale of 1 to 5. Your guide is with you at every descent, including the single rope descent beside a waterfall. The most important rule is simple: listen to your guide and take the harder parts together.
Who is canyoning for?
Canyoning for beginners is the rule, not the exception. You need no experience, and you do not need to be a swimmer, because the wetsuit keeps you afloat. Our tour is suitable from age 7, so it is great for families. If you can walk for about forty minutes, you can go canyoning.
What to wear and bring for canyoning
The organiser handles the technical gear. You only bring a few small things:
- Comfortable, closed shoes you do not mind getting wet.
- Drinking water and dry spare clothes with socks.
- Sunscreen for the open sections of the trail.
Canyoning in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the White River near Jablanica
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the best canyoning destinations in Europe, and the White River near Jablanica is one of its most beautiful canyons. Set below the Prenj mountain, the Jablanička Bijela offers clear turquoise water, small waterfalls and untouched nature. Read more about it in The hidden gem of Bosnia: the White River near Jablanica.