Canyoning vs Coasteering
This is a question we often get asked by would-be adventurers.
If you are thinking of heading out on an adventurous activity, but can’t pick between canyoning and coasteering. This is our answer; hopefully it will help you make up your mind.
Don’t know what coasteering is or what canyoning is? Check out our respective articles to hear our full explanation!
Canyoning vs Coasteering | Which is better?
Canyoning and coasteering are similar in the sense that they are both combined rock and water activities that will give you an adrenaline-fuelled day out. However, each activity is suited to different individuals and groups. Coasteering is a really inclusive adventure that is great if you have a mixed ability group of friends, whereas canyoning requires everyone to jump, slide or abseil, you cannot stop and walk around anything that is scary!
We have broken down canyoning and coasteering into areas that we get most questions about, and given you details about how these factors should influence your choice. Here it is, Canyoning vs Coasteering!
The Factors
Group Size – How many people?
Canyoning
We believe that canyoning is better with a slightly smaller group size, anything up to 14 people is ideal. This is because canyoning involves lots of abseiling down waterfalls and jumps into pools, which can only be performed one at a time. Therefore if you have a larger group, there is a little more waiting around for the others on these technical sections. In order to maintain focus on this amazing, exciting and technical adventurous activity, our advice would be to cap the group at around 14 people per session.
Coasteering
Coasteering is great for every sized group! Because we are not in the same enclosed environment as the canyon, we have the flexibility to cater for larger groups by everyone moving through sections at the same time. This therefore allows all group members to remain engaged and focused throughout the activity.
Group type – Stag, Hen, Students, Tourists? Who is this for?
Canyoning
We deliver canyoning for almost everyone! Stag and hen parties on a weekend away to Edinburgh, adult groups touring Scotland and students from around the world. The one thing all the people that we take on canyoning adventures have in common is a sense of adventure, and a desire to step out of their comfort zones. Because canyoning will certainly do that!
Coasteering
Coasteering really is for everyone who is looking to get a little wild on the Scottish coastline. If you a looking to jump off high cliffs and swim through large swell coasteering is for you. However, it is equally accessible for those people that aren’t as interested in jumping off sea cliffs, but are just looking to explore Scotland in a new and exciting way.
Jumps, Jumps, Jumps
Canyoning
People always want to know about jumps! And for good reason, jumps are great. Canyons have jumps; Exciting, atmospheric and amazing jumps. But, canyons also have abseils and natural waterslides that surpass any man-made water park.
The point is this, most canyons have jumps, but canyoning isn’t all about jumping. If you and your friends are really interested in jumping, give us a call and we can take you to an absolute jump-fest of a venue. Just don’t disregard the other amazing features that canyoning adventures have to offer.
Coasteering
Now coasteering has a lot of jumps! Small jumps, tall jumps and jumps that are perfect for a silly salmon or a flying ninja kick. Jumps at our commercial coasteering venues range from 30cm to 10 meters and will not disappoint. It is important to remember that our experienced staff team will coach you as to the correct jumping technique and all jumps are optional, there is always the option to ease yourself into the water.
Swimming Ability – Do I need to be able to swim?
Canyoning
Swimming is desirable but by no means essential to canyoning. We often take non-swimmers. Let us know during the booking process and our guides will keep an extra close eye on you.
Coasteering
Equally, we often take non-swimmers coasteering. You will be kitted up in a wetsuit and personal floatation device, so are more buoyant that you can imagine.
The Cold – Will I be cold?
Canyoning
Ultimately you are spending the day adventuring down a Scottish river gorge. However, we invest in good equipment that we look after; no rips in the bum or broken zips that let the water in for you. The majority of people finish the canyoning adventure saying that they were much warner than they expected to be and they didn’t think about being cold once.
Coasteering
The majority of groups cannot wait to get into the water once we reach the first beach, and don’t look back! Our wetsuits and wetsuit socks are designed to keep people warm in the Scottish sea.
Wildlife | what will we see?
Canyoning
We canyon at some cool places, some locations are even Sites of Special Scientific Interest for the flora and fauna. However, other than the occasional dipper (rare bird), you are unlikely to see anything more exciting in the canyon.
Coasteering
Coasteering is the activity for the wildlife. It is not uncommon to see seals, porpoises and dolphins playing around you or watching on curiously.
Enjoyment and Adrenaline
Canyoning
If you are looking for a real adventure, canyoning will not disappoint. You will spend the day adventuring down one of the most incredible environments that you can imagine, jumping into clear mountain pools, abseiling down waterfalls and sliding down natural water features. Canyoning is truly Scotland’s ultimate adventure.
Coasteering
Coasteering is an awesome day out adventuring at the seaside, jumping from cliffs, swimming choppy channels and exploring caves. It is the perfect outdoor activity for everyone with a sense of adventure.
Conclusion
Canyoning and coasteering are both great adventurous activities and which ever choice you make; you will be having an exciting day. As we have explained in this article, the choice between canyoning and coasteering really comes down to which activity would better suit your group. If you have any questions about which activity would be more suitable for yourself and your friends, give us a call.
Check out our canyoning and coasteering tours from Edinburgh.
MY Adventure and Intrepidus Outdoors are adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. We are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
- SUP, A Buying Guide: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channel, Visit Scotland page and blog to hear about how others found their outdoor adventures with us! Equally, if there is any gear that you would like us to review, drop us a DM.