La Herradura: 3-hour guided kayak and snorkel tour in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park cliffs in Granada

La Herradura is one of the main destinations in Andalusia for practicing nautical experiences and activities. Nestled in a bay surrounded by majestic mountains, this town gets its name from its characteristic horseshoe shape, sculpted by the prominent hills of “La Punta de la Mona” and “Cerro Gordo” gracefully extending towards the sea.

Kayaking is an incredibly safe and rewarding experience, accessible to families and friends of all ages with minimal training, allowing almost everyone to participate. Beginners will receive an introductory course from our guides to learn basic control and safety techniques.

The Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park, running as a narrow strip parallel to the coast, stretches along twelve kilometers, reaching one nautical mile into the blue waters of the sea. This region is dominated by imposing and impressive cliffs, reaching heights of up to 75 meters. Maro-Cerro Gordo extends between the coastal regions of Almuñécar (Granada) and Nerja (Málaga). The highest elevation in the area does not exceed 325 meters, covering 395 hectares of land and 1,415 hectares of abundant sea.

Maro-Cerro Gordo holds immense environmental value due to its unique geological formations and flourishing biodiversity, both on land and in the sea. In particular, it hosts two endangered Andalusian botanical endemics, highlighting its importance for conservation efforts.

The marine realm reveals an even greater tapestry of diversity as numerous species of flora and fauna find sanctuary in its caves and rugged seafloors. The marine fauna embodies the abundance and variety of the area, with a vibrant community of invertebrates such as sponges, corals, anemones, echinoderms, and mollusks, along with a plethora of crustaceans like shrimps, spider crabs, and lobsters. The presence of significant populations of vulnerable orange coral underscores its ecological importance. Additionally, the crystal-clear waters are teeming with seashells, limpets, octopuses, mackerels, moonfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and groupers, thriving in the region’s diverse habitats.