Canyoning Tours FAQ

Canyoning is a sport that involves descending through water routes such as rivers, creeks, and streams using a variety of techniques including hiking, swimming, abseiling / rappelling, sliding, jumping, and scrambling.

There is no difference between canyoning and canyoneering; both terms refer to the same sport. However, we understand it might seem confusing! ‘Canyoning’ is commonly used throughout the world, while ‘canyoneering’ is a term more commonly used in the United States.

A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, formed by water and/or glacial activity over a very long period. Common features within a canyon include waterfalls, pools, hydraulics, and cliffs. As canyoners we navigate these features using specialized progression techniques, equipment and rope skills to progress safely.

There are both aquatic and dry canyons. Dry canyons are usually located in arid, desert-like areas such as the Southern United States and North Africa. In contrast, aquatic canyons are found in more mountainous regions. We offer predominantly aquatic tours.

1. We hike from the trailhead to the top entrance of the canyon
2. There we gear up (wetsuit, harness, helmet, etc.)
3. Then we start our descent passing various natural features 
4. Once we’re out of the canyon we hike back to the trailhead

You don’t need to be an extreme athlete, but you should be an active person with a sense of adventure. Our entry-level tours are designed for beginners, but a moderate level of fitness is required. Most of our tours don’t require any prior experience with ropes or swift water. If you can walk 8 kilometers, you should be able to participate in most of our tours.

We can accommodate most physical conditions or limitations, provided we know in advance. Please contact us to discuss any specific needs or concerns.

Need help choosing the right trip? Watch this video to guide your decision.

While we don’t enforce a strict minimum or maximum age, we do provide minimum age guidelines for all of our tours. Every person is different, and we hope the information we provide helps you decide if canyoning is suitable for your group and which trip is the best fit. If you’d like to book for children under the minimum age, please contact us to discuss.

We also have a minimum height requirement of 4’6″ (137 cm). Additionally, we require at least one adult for every two children.

Our guides take great pride in helping participants overcome their fears during a tour. We understand that canyoning can be challenging, and our guides are patient and ready to assist anyone who wants to push their boundaries. If you have any fears or concerns, please let your guide know beforehand so we can ensure you’re paired with a supportive and patient group.

If you don’t know how to swim please let us know in the comment section when you make your booking, and discuss it with your guide upon arrival.

For the Aquatic trip, swimming ability is ESSENTIAL, and you must be comfortable in water. 

We are able to accommodate non-swimmers on the Explore, Adrenaline and Heli trips. 

If you have any physical conditions, past or current injuries, or disabilities, please discuss them with us in advance. Canyoning is a full-body activity that involves walking on uneven terrain, bending, kneeling, scrambling, and pulling yourself up. While we offer trips at various difficulty levels, it’s important for us to know if any participants might face challenges.

Overweight can sometimes limit mobility, and the canyoning industry does not always provide larger-sized equipment, particularly harnesses. Please note that our harnesses can accommodate up to a 42-inch waist size. If you have concerns about equipment sizing, please contact us to discuss your options.

Like any other outdoor discipline, Canyoning presents some risks. The risks are detailed in our waiver which you are required to read and sign upon arrival. You will also receive a detailed safety briefing prior to entering the canyon.

At WCA your safety and the that of our guides is the number one priority. Please feel free to review our safety page and send us an email if you have any particular questions.

Details on what you need to bring are outlined on each trip page and will also be included in your booking email. We’ll provide all the necessary technical gear.

You’ll also receive a drybag backpack to keep your belongings dry during the canyoning tour. However, please note that no waterproof bag or container is 100% guaranteed, and there’s always a risk of your items getting wet. We recommend leaving behind anything you’re not willing to risk.

This video should help guide your preparation.

The specific details of what to bring and wear are outlined on each trip page and will also be included in your confirmation email.

General Guidelines:

• Dress according to the weather on the day of your tour. Wear a bathing suit under your wetsuit.
• Opt for synthetic or wool sports clothing, and avoid cotton, as it doesn’t perform well when wet. Be prepared for sudden weather changes!
• Bring a windbreaker jacket, a towel, and a spare set of warm clothing to change into after the trip—these items will stay in your car.

For Regular Canyoning Trips (Explore and Adrenaline):

• We’ll provide you with a wetsuit.
• You’ll wear your leisure clothing for the hike, pack it in a dry bag for the descent, and change back into it at the trailer afterward.

For Aquatic, Alpine, and Heli-Canyoning Trips:

• You may be wearing a drysuit. We recommend bringing multilayer warm clothing, similar to what you’d wear for hiking (again, synthetic or wool).
• Have spare clothing in your car for after the trip, as drysuits aren’t always completely dry.

The right footwear is crucial for both safety and comfort during your adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best shoes for your tour. We are not endorsing or renouncing any brands  simply detailing footwear that meets the appropriate criteria. We also provide canyoning boots for rent.

Acceptable styles

Canyoning specific boots:

Those who go canyoning often probably own a pair of canyoning specific shoes like those pictured here. Our tours are intended to be as accessible as possible and as such, we understand that going out and purchasing a brand-new pair of shoes just isn’t viable. If you do already own a pair though, please bring them along!

Trainers/Approach shoes:

For most people, a sturdy pair of trainers or approach shoes is ideal. Look for closed-toe shoes with a grippy, rubber sole. They should fasten securely with laces or Velcro.

Hiking boots:

Lightweight hiking boots made of Gore-Tex or synthetic materials are also a good choice as they offer excellent protection and grip. Avoid traditional leather hiking boots, as they can become very heavy when wet.

To be avoided

Neoprene or soft water shoes:

While these seem like an intuitive or appropriate option and can be for boat style sports, they are simply not appropriate for canyoning as they do not protect feet from sharp objects.

Sandals or any open sided shoe:

Sandals and other open-sided shoes leave your feet exposed to sharp rocks and other hazards, and they don’t provide the necessary thermal protection in cold water.