Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour (Azores – São Miguel)

If you’re looking for a day that combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and some well-deserved relaxation, this Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour might just be what you need. Based in the lush landscapes of São Miguel, this full-day adventure offers a mix of outdoor excitement and culture that appeals to many travelers.

What really caught our eye are the accessible nature of the canyoning activities—suitable for most ages and beginners—and the chance to unwind in volcanic thermal waters afterward. It’s a busy, well-rounded day that promises both physical challenge and tranquil downtime. But, a quick heads-up: this tour does involve some walking on uneven terrain and small uphill scrambles, so a decent level of fitness helps.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring stunning landscapes, trying new things, and isn’t afraid to get a little muddy or wet, this experience will likely suit you. It’s a good pick for adventurous spirits who also appreciate cultural and culinary highlights. Just remember, it’s not designed as a family activity for young children or those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Accessible adventure: Suitable for beginners and most ages, with options to adjust obstacles
• Diverse experience: Combines canyoning, cultural lunch, and thermal baths
• Beautiful scenery: Located in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and Furnas
• Well-organized: All equipment included, with guided safety briefings
• Flavorful local cuisine: Traditional Cozido lunch cooked underground
• Flexible options: Private or small groups, reserve & pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of São Miguel’s incredible natural landscape combined with local culture. It starts with a pickup from Ponta Delgada, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics. From there, you’ll spend about 45 minutes traveling through scenic roads to reach Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of the island’s most striking parks.

Once there, your guides will fit you with all necessary canyoning equipment—harnesses, wetsuits, helmets, and boots—ensuring safety and comfort for the adventure ahead. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll enjoy a short walk (~15 minutes) to the canyon’s start, with a scramble uphill that’s manageable for most. The guides will show you how to rappel before the fun begins: jumping into clear pools, sliding down natural water chutes, and abseiling down waterfalls (all optional). The terrain varies according to seasonal conditions, so your experience might include different obstacles than others have faced.

The canyoning itself takes around an hour, during which you’ll encounter jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters, with options to skip any if you prefer. The natural environment—lush, rocky, and flowing with water—makes each leap or slide more thrilling. We’ve read reviews mentioning the “amazing scenery” and “super friendly guides” who make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of skill level.

After completing the canyon, you’ll retrace your steps back to the starting point, feeling accomplished and ready for a hearty lunch. The tour includes a generous meal in Furnas, where you’ll taste Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic heat. It’s a rich, comforting dish full of local flavor, paired with wine, beer, or water, and topped off with dessert and coffee.

Post-lunch, the tour offers a visit to Caldeiras Vulcânicas, where you can marvel at fumarolic fields and bubbling hot springs. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic activity. The day wraps up with a choice between a relaxing dip in the thermal waters of Parque Terra Nostra or Poça da Dona Beja—both iconic spots, although entrance fees aren’t included.

Let’s Break Down the Itinerary

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park: This is the heart of the canyoning adventure. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park provides a safe yet exciting environment for your canyoning experience. The safety briefings and equipment checks happen here, giving you confidence before you start. Reviewers describe the guides as professional and attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Canyoning: Expect jumps, slides, and abseils, but also plenty of opportunities to opt out of any obstacle that seems too challenging. The terrain can be slippery and uneven, so good footwear and a sense of adventure are helpful. The environment is stunning, and many say the experience is “well worth the effort,” offering a real sense of achievement coupled with incredible scenery.

Lunch in Furnas: After the adrenaline rush, you’ll sit down for a true taste of local cuisine. Cozido das Furnas is a must-try—imagine a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat, full of tender meats and vegetables. The setting is charming, and the meal provides a satisfying break.

Caldeiras Vulcânicas: Walking around bubbling springs and fumaroles, you get to see the island’s volcanic activity up close. The geothermal landscape is both eerie and beautiful, making it a perfect photo stop.

Thermal Baths: The final relaxing moment, whether at Parque Terra Nostra or Poça da Dona Beja, offers a soothing end to a full day. Keep in mind that entrance fees aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan for that if you want to indulge.

What Travelers Say

Many review the tour as “a fantastic way to see the island’s natural beauty,” with guides being “knowledgeable and friendly,” helping everyone stay safe and enjoy the thrill. One said, “The jumps and slides were perfect for beginners, and the scenery was simply breathtaking.” Others appreciate the combination of adventure and culture, noting that the lunch and geothermal experience rounded out the day nicely.

A few mention that the terrain can be tricky—“some parts are muddy and slippery, so wear good shoes”—but overall, the feedback is positive. Some found the thermal baths to be a perfect way to unwind after a busy morning, though a few wished entrance tickets to the baths were included.

The Practical Side: Price, Duration, and What You Need

This 8-hour tour is priced at $142 per person, which, considering all included activities, equipment, guide services, transport, and a hearty lunch, offers fair value. The price may seem steep compared to simpler excursions, but it covers a full day of diverse experiences with professional guiding, which enhances safety and enjoyment—especially important for canyoning.

The tour is flexible with private or small groups, and you can reserve with the option to pay later, adding convenience for flexible travelers. Pickup is included in Ponta Delgada, making logistics straightforward, but if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s worth confirming.

What to bring: Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, hair tie, daypack, personal medication, and a reusable water bottle. It’s a good idea to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain.

Note: This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, heart problems, or those over 264 lbs. It involves physical activity, walking on unstable terrain, and water-based obstacles.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, cultural insight, and relaxation. For those who enjoy outdoor activities and want a taste of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape, it’s a compelling choice. The canyoning portion is accessible enough for beginners, yet still exciting enough to thrill adventure lovers. The subsequent culinary and geothermal stops help to deepen your appreciation for the island’s unique environment.

While the physical demands and terrain might be challenging for some, the safety measures and friendly guides help ease any worries. The inclusion of a traditional meal and the chance to relax in hot springs makes this a full, memorable day.

Overall, if you’re after a safe, fun, and authentic experience that highlights São Miguel’s natural wonders and local culture, this tour hits many marks. It’s especially suited for active travelers who don’t mind getting a little wet, a little muddy, and coming away with stories and photos to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the activity is designed to be accessible for most ages and skill levels. Guides provide safety briefings and show you how to rappel, with options to skip obstacles if needed.

What is included in the price?
All canyoning equipment, insurances, guides, transportation, and a traditional Cozido lunch with drinks, dessert, and coffee are included. Photos and videos from the activity are also provided for free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off. Starting times depend on availability, so check in advance.

Are thermal baths included?
No, entrance tickets to Parque Terra Nostra or Poça da Dona Beja are extra. But many find the baths a perfect way to unwind after the morning’s adventure.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, hair tie, daypack, personal medication, and a reusable water bottle.

Is prior swimming experience required?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim, but you should be comfortable in the water. Let guides know if you have concerns.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private or small group options are available. You can reserve and pay later for flexibility.

Is this activity suitable if I have health problems?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with heart problems. Please disclose any health concerns when booking.

What’s the terrain like?
Expect walking on uneven, slippery, and muddy terrain, with some uphill and downhill sections. Good shoes and a reasonable fitness level are recommended.

If you’re craving a day of outdoor fun, cultural discovery, and relaxation, this tour offers a solid all-in-one package. São Miguel’s landscapes are captivating, and the guided canyoning adventure provides just the right mix of excitement and safety—making it a memorable highlight of any trip to the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: