Arriondas · Asturias · Since 1998

Descent of the Sella by canoe

Experience the Sella River descent by canoe from Arriondas, one of the most beautiful rivers in Asturias. An all-inclusive experience for families, couples and groups — unhurried, no surprises.

All inclusive Asturian picnic on us

Start Arriondas
Distance 7 — 15 km
Duration 2 — 5 h
From 30 €
4.5
Mother and child enjoying the Sella River descent together by canoe
Sella River descent 1998 — today

"Great service, attentive and friendly staff. The experience was wonderful, I loved it."

Anaïs Suárez
Verified review · Google
— 01 / Who we are

A descent
without rush,
thought out in detail.

For more than 25 years we have been helping families, couples and groups enjoy the Sella River with zero hassle. Every detail of the day is thought out so you only have to relax and paddle.

From the moment you arrive at our base until we pick you up at the end of the route, we look after every step of the experience. New equipment, transport included, warm and close attention, and the freedom to go at your own pace down one of the most beautiful rivers in Spain.

+25
Years of experience
56K
Happy adventurers
4.5/5
147 reviews · Google + TripAdvisor
— 02 / The experience

This is the
Sella River descent

Panoramic view of the Sella river winding through the Asturian mountains
Sella River
Family with kids enjoying the Sella River descent by canoe
With kids
Mini Sella route, a short descent of the Sella river ideal for families
Mini Sella
Banks of the Sella river, the starting point of the canoe descent
Riverside
Launch ramp into the Sella river from the Aventura en el Sella base
The Ramp
Asturian landscape surrounding the Sella River descent route
Asturias

Come to the Sella.
Let the day begin.

What your booking includes

One single price,
no surprises

All inclusive

No surprises

Unsinkable K1/K2/K3 canoe, double paddle, certified life jacket, waterproof barrel, wetsuit on cold days, mini-class with certified instructors and Sella champions, boarding ramp (optional), return transfer, Asturian picnic, changing rooms with showers, locked lockers, guarded private parking and compulsory insurance. From €30 per person. No extras.

Booking only

Your spot, guaranteed

We work by prior booking always — that way we secure your spot for the day and time you choose, with no queues or uncertainty. We confirm instantly by WhatsApp or email, with every detail of your descent.

Paying is easy

However you prefer

Book without paying now and pay on the day when you pick up the canoe, or by card in advance if you prefer — whichever suits you best. You can change or cancel before the day of the activity; if you paid by card, refunds require 48 h notice. We are connected 24/7 for any questions.

— 04 / How it works

Your day on the Sella,
step by step.

We have thought of every detail so you can simply focus on enjoying yourselves.

  • Duration 2 — 5 h
  • Distance 7 — 15 km
  • Stops As many as you wish
  • From €30
— 05 / The route

Map of the
Sella descent

Hover over any point on the map to discover rapids, riverside snack bars and footbridges.

Arriondas Fuentes Margolles Toraño MINI END Llordón Cuevas La Uña Fríes FINISH SELLA · ASTURIAS
— Where to find us

In Arriondas,
the heart of the Sella.

Our offices are in Arriondas (Asturias), kilometre zero of the descent. Well connected by car, ALSA bus and Renfe Cercanías AM train.

— From your city
  1. Oviedo

    52km 50 min Capital of Asturias
  2. Gijón

    75km 55 min Asturian coast
  3. Santander

    160km 1 h 55 min Cantabria
  4. Madrid

    440km 4 h 30 min A-66 + A-64 axis
Aventura en el Sella

Your Premium all-inclusive booking and
start your descent with no hassle

Three easy ways to book. You choose.

Every booking includes lockers, Asturian picnic and open hours 10:30–12:30 · see everything our Premium Sella descent includes.

— Quick season guide

When to do the
Sella descent?

Each season has its magic.

The Sella is paddled from March to November. All the info at a glance — temperature, daylight, river flow and what you'll live in each season.

OPEN

mar — jun

Spring

Lively river and very little footfall.

13–18° Air temp.
12–14h Daylight
80–120 Flow m³/s
  • Explosive green forests
  • Mild temperature
  • Very low crowds
Couples · photographers · quiet
TOP
THE BEST

jul — aug

Summer

Warm water, sunshine and ideal flow.

18–24° Air temp.
14–15h Daylight
25–45 Flow m³/s
  • Warmer water
  • Long sunny days
  • Perfect flow for canoeing
  • Atmosphere of the International Descent
International Descent guide
Families · groups · kids
TOP
2ND BEST

sep — nov

Autumn

Golden light and ochre forests.

12–20° Air temp.
11–13h Daylight
35–80 Flow m³/s
  • Spectacular ochre colours
  • Low crowds
  • Seasonal gastronomy
Photography · food · calm
CLOSED

dec — feb

Winter

Outside the recreational season.

4–12° Air temp.
9–10h Daylight
100+ Flow m³/s
  • Activity not available
  • High flow · cold water
  • Book your spot for the next season
Plan for mar–nov
— Our way

The Sella River descent,
no shortcuts.

We've been on the river since 1998. And we've learned one thing: what matters isn't the paddling, it's that you don't have to think about anything else.

— The Aventura en el Sella team

— Real reviews

Stories that
make us happy

4,5 / 5
Based on 147 verified reviews · Google + TripAdvisor

Attentive and friendly staff

Great service, attentive and very friendly staff. The experience was amazing, I loved it.

Anaïs Suárez
Google · Oct 2025

A once-in-a-lifetime experience

Everything on time and very kind. An experience to try once in a lifetime, recommended for young and old.

Nacho A.
TripAdvisor · Aug 2025

Adventure and calm at once

Worth it. You get changing rooms and can shower after the activity. Fun instructions and a dry barrel where you can stash plenty of stuff.

Carlos S.
TripAdvisor · May 2025

Flawless organisation

We booked via WhatsApp in five minutes. Professional guides, punctual shuttle and a spectacular route.

María G.
Google · Jul 2025

Perfect for families

We went with two kids and it was perfect. Quality gear, delicious Asturian picnic and a comfortable shuttle back.

Sophie L.
TripAdvisor · Jun 2025
— Booking is easy

No surprises,
no fine print.

Book my spot
  • Confirmation in 2 minutes

    No payment now. Book in a moment and get your confirmation instantly.

  • Pay on the day of the activity

    By card when booking or on the day you pick up the canoe. You choose.

  • WhatsApp confirmations

    You receive everything by WhatsApp and email — no need to check spam or wait.

  • Flexible cancellation

    Up to 24 h before at no cost if you paid in advance. No fine print.

  • Reply in minutes

    We answer by WhatsApp, email or phone throughout the whole season.

How long does the Sella River descent by canoe take?
The Sella descent can take between 2 and 5 hours depending on the route you choose. The Mini Sella (7 km, from Arriondas to Toraño) takes 2 to 3 hours, ideal with children or for those who prefer a calmer paddle. The full descent (14.5 km, down to Fríes) takes 4 to 5 hours and includes the most varied stretches and the most spectacular scenery of the river.
How much does the Sella River descent cost?
The price of the Sella River descent by canoe with us is €30 for children (up to 12 years old) and €40 for adults. The price is the same on both routes and includes all the equipment (unsinkable canoe, double paddle, certified life jacket, dry barrel, wetsuit on cold dates), a mini class with qualified instructors, optional boarding ramp, return transfer, Asturian picnic, changing rooms with showers, lockers with keys, private guarded parking (300 spaces · also for motorhomes) and mandatory insurance.
Is it suitable for children? And for families?
The Sella descent is ideal for families, but it has a strict safety requirement: minors can paddle from 5 years old and a minimum height of 1.15 m. It is not only because of the life jacket — it is also due to the nature of the river (current, variable depth, sections with rapids) and the requirements of the insurance companies we work with. Children who do not meet the minimum are not admitted, even if accompanied by an adult or if they can swim. If the little ones are not there yet, we invite you to come back when they grow.
What is the best time to do the Sella River descent?
The Sella is navigable from March to November. The best season is July and August (warm water, more daylight hours, ideal flow). September and October are also excellent: fewer crowds, ochre colours and seasonal Asturian cuisine. Spring and early autumn for those looking for calm and high flow.
Can you do the Sella River descent with a dog?
Yes, pets are welcome and free. Your dog rides in the canoe with you at no extra cost, and at the end of the route they ride with you on our return transfer with no problem. We recommend that the animal be used to water and wear its own life jacket if it is small.
Do I need to know how to swim or have previous canoeing experience?
Knowing how to swim is a legally required condition. However, you do not need previous experience in canoeing. Our canoes are flat-bottomed and very stable, and before setting off you will receive a short technical briefing with our qualified instructors to learn how to handle the paddle, manoeuvre and pass the rapids of the Sella, a calm river suitable for all levels.
Do I have to choose a departure time?
No. Your booking is Premium · open hours: arrive at our facilities in Arriondas whenever it suits you, between 10:30 and 12:30, with no need to pick a specific time. It is one of the Premium advantages · we kit you out on arrival and you head to the river when you are ready. Exceptions: the Saturday of the International Descent has a single departure at a set time · and if a storm or river conditions require a specific time or a guided departure, we will let you know in advance. The Hydrographic Confederation sets a river curfew at 18:00.
Are there any health restrictions? Can I paddle if I am pregnant?
For safety reasons, the activity cannot be carried out if: (1) you suffer from a serious illness (cardiovascular, respiratory, epilepsy or another condition that may be aggravated by physical effort or immersion), (2) you are pregnant, or (3) you cannot swim. These restrictions respond to insurance company requirements and our own safety criteria. If you have doubts about a specific condition, contact us before booking.
What does the booking include? Do I have to pay anything else on arrival?
The booking includes everything: unsinkable K1/K2/K3 canoe, double paddle, life jacket, dry barrel, wetsuit on cold dates, mini class with qualified instructor, return transfer from Toraño or Fríes, Asturian picnic (tuna pie, traditional Asturian bun and water), changing rooms with showers, lockers with keys, private guarded parking (300 spaces · also for motorhomes) and insurance. No surprises or extras on the day of the activity.
How do you book the Sella River descent?
We work by advance booking only. You can book online from our website in 2 minutes, or directly by WhatsApp (+34 681 09 36 73) or email (reservas@aventuraenelsella.es). No upfront payment — you pay on the day of the activity when you pick up the canoe or by card in advance, whichever suits you best. You can change or cancel at any time before the day of the activity; if you paid by card, the refund requires at least 24 h notice.
Limited spots — 2026 season
4.5 / 5 · +147 verified reviews

Book today
your Sella River descent

  • Confirm in 2 minutes without paying now
  • Pay on the day of the activity
  • Confirmations by WhatsApp and email
  • Secure card payment if you prefer
  • 24/7 connected to help you
or contact us directly

Important: we work by prior booking only. No walk-in service — this is how we secure your spot and a personalised service.

Sella River at sunset from Arriondas, starting point of the canoe descent

It will be
the best day
of your holiday