Canyoning Experience Level II Moderate

Exploring the Canyoning Level II Experience in Madeira

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a good adrenaline rush combined with stunning scenery, then the Canyoning Experience Level II in Madeira is worth considering. Designed for those with some canyoning background or those who’ve already tried Level 1, this tour offers a more challenging and technically demanding adventure through Madeira’s rugged landscapes. We’ve gathered insights from real travelers to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the spectacular waterfalls and narrow gorges that provide a dramatic backdrop for rappelling and navigating tricky passages. Plus, the professional guides are consistently praised for their energy and expertise, making safety feel effortless despite the more complex terrain. However, it’s worth mentioning that this tour is not suitable for very young children or those with limited physical fitness, given the level of activity involved.

If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to test your skills while soaking in Madeira’s wild beauty, this canyoning adventure could be a fantastic fit. It’s best suited for adventure seekers who appreciate a mix of challenge and breathtaking scenery without diving into the most extreme levels of canyoning.

Key Points

• Challenging but rewarding experience for those with some canyoning experience.
• Spectacular waterfalls and narrow gorges make for unforgettable scenery.
• Guides are highly praised for their professionalism, energy, and safety focus.
• Includes all necessary gear like full-body suits, helmets, harnesses, and even free photos and videos.
• Duration of about 5.5 hours offers plenty of time to enjoy the adventure without feeling rushed.
• Cost of roughly $99 provides good value, especially considering the gear, guides, and photos included.

Why Choose the Level II Canyoning Tour in Madeira?

This isn’t your standard sightseeing trip. Instead, it’s a physical challenge set against some of Madeira’s most striking natural landscapes. Expect a mix of technical descents, longer abseils, and bigger waterfalls that demand your focus and skills but reward you with views that are hard to beat. We loved the way guides like Beto, Mauro, and Alex create an atmosphere that’s both safe and fun, even when tackling steeper descents or jumps.

You’ll get all the gear needed for safety and comfort—full body suits, harnesses, helmets, gloves, and boots—all designed to keep you protected in the water and on rocky surfaces. Plus, with free photos and videos, you’ll have plenty of memories to take home without worrying about capturing everything yourself.

The tour begins early at 9:00 am from Capela de São Rafael, which means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures—ideal for a physically demanding activity. The group size is limited to 20 people, so you can expect personal attention and an intimate vibe, even in peak season.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Day-by-Day

Start Point & Meeting: The adventure kicks off at Capela de São Rafael around 9:00 am. Getting there is straightforward, and the meeting point offers a good launch pad into your canyoning journey.

Transport & Pickup Options: While the standard tour begins here, there are additional pickup options from places like Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente, and Porto Moniz for an extra fee of $10 per person. This can be a real bonus if you’re staying outside Funchal, as it saves you from a possibly long transfer.

The Canyoning Route: This Level II tour takes you through a more demanding route filled with advanced waterfalls, longer abseils, and complex navigation. You’ll tackle waterfalls that are larger and jumps that are higher than in Level 1, making for a more thrilling experience. Expect to navigate through tight canyon walls, slide down natural water slides, and conquer bigger jumps—some up to 4 meters.

Guided Experience: Guides like Tiago, Beto, Alex, and Mauro are celebrated for their friendly yet professional approach. They keep energy levels high and ensure your safety at all times. The reviews consistently mention how fun and outgoing these guides are, making the entire experience feel like a well-organized adventure rather than a tense challenge.

Lunch & Breaks: While not explicitly detailed, the tour includes bottled water, snacks, and the opportunity for memorable photos—some taken with a GoPro. These little touches help keep you energized and make it easier to relax and enjoy the scenery.

End Point & Return: The activity concludes back at the original meeting point, roughly 5.5 hours after it begins. This timing allows for a full day of adventure, with enough downtime to reflect and share stories of your jumps and descents.

The Experience: What Travelers Love & What to Keep in Mind

Stunning Scenery & Waterfalls: Multiple reviews highlight the “stellar views” and “beautiful waterfalls” that make the effort worthwhile. The narrow gorges and waterfalls create a dramatic setting for every rappel and jump.

Expert Guides & Safety: One common theme is the professionalism of guides like Alex, Beto, and Mauro. Reviewers say they felt safe and well cared for, even when tackling the more complex elements of Level II canyoning. They’re also known for their friendly, energetic personalities—adding a lot of fun to the day.

Photos & Videos: The free GoPro footage is a real highlight. Many reviewers mention how they appreciated having plenty of photos capturing the fun moments, which adds to the overall value of the tour.

Physical & Technical Challenge: Expect steeper descents, longer abseils, and bigger jumps. This isn’t a beginner’s activity, but it’s perfect if you’ve already tried Level 1 or have some canyoning experience. Be prepared for a workout: the tour is physically demanding but not overwhelming for those with moderate fitness.

Group & Crowd: With a maximum of 20 travelers, it’s a manageable size that allows for personal attention from guides. The reviews mention a lively, friendly group atmosphere, with guides keeping energy levels high.

Cost & Value: At roughly $98.69 per person, including gear and photos, many say this offers great value—especially considering the quality of guides, the scenery, and the included photos and videos.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Physical Fitness: Participants should have a moderate level of fitness. The activity involves steep descents and some jumps, so prior experience or comfort with similar activities is recommended.
• Age Restrictions: Children under 7 years old and shorter than 1.20 meters are not allowed, so this is better suited for teenagers and adults.
• Weather Dependence: The activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Booking in Advance: The tour is popular, typically booked about 18 days ahead. Planning early is advisable if you want to secure your spot.
• What to Wear & Bring: Expect to use the provided gear, but bring your own towels, swimwear, and perhaps a change of clothes for after. Sunscreen and a waterproof camera are also good ideas.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This canyoning experience is ideal for adventure-seeking travelers who already have some canyoning experience or are comfortable with physical activity. It’s perfect for those wanting to push their limits a bit while soaking in Madeira’s best natural scenery. If you love waterfalls, challenging descents, and gorgeous gorges, you’ll find this tour hard to beat.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed or family-friendly activity, this might not be the best choice due to its technical nature and physical demands. It’s best suited for those prepared to get wet, climb, and jump, and who want a day filled with adrenaline and natural beauty.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, this is a Level II canyoning experience, which involves steeper descents, bigger waterfalls, and more technical challenges. It’s designed for those with some canyoning experience or a good level of physical fitness.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the key features and scenery without feeling rushed.

What gear is included?
All necessary equipment—full body suits, harnesses, helmets, rappel gear, gloves, and boots—are provided. You’ll also get bottled water, snacks, and a free GoPro video and photos.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. You’ll get a full refund if canceled earlier.

Are transportation options available?
The standard meeting point is at Capela de São Rafael. Pickup from other locations like Ponta do Sol, Calheta, and Porto Moniz is available for an additional $10 per person.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 20 travelers can join each tour, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is there an age limit?
Children under 7 years old and shorter than 1.20 meters cannot participate.

What should I wear?
Wear swimwear under your full gear, bring a towel, and possibly a waterproof camera or phone case for photos. Sunscreen is always a good idea, especially if it’s sunny.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who appreciates a mix of adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and guided safety, this Level II canyoning adventure on Madeira could be a highlight of your trip. With professional guides leading the way, stunning waterfalls, and a good amount of technical fun, it offers a memorable way to see the island’s wild side.

While it’s not suited for absolute beginners or very young kids, it’s a well-organized experience that balances challenge with safety—making it perfect for travelers craving a true adventure. Just make sure you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity, and you’ll likely come away with stories to tell and memories to cherish.

In the end, if you’re after a day packed with action, stunning views, and expert guidance, this canyoning tour hits all the right notes. It’s a genuine, rewarding way to connect with Madeira’s natural beauty—something you won’t forget anytime soon.