Canyoning Level 2 – Ribeira do Cidrão- Madeira Island

If you’re considering adding a splash of adventure to your Madeira trip, you’ll want to hear about this canyoning experience. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture. This tour is designed for those who want a good dose of adrenaline, combined with breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re new to canyoning or have some experience, it promises a mix of fun, challenge, and natural beauty.

What really caught our eye is how highly rated it is—12 reviews giving it a perfect 5-star score. Thanks to the expert guides, it seems like safety and fun are seamlessly combined. Plus, the photos and videos they provide to capture every moment are a nice touch for those wanting memories to look back on. That said, it’s not a casual activity—there’s some physical effort involved, and it’s not suitable for very young kids or those with certain health issues.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who love the outdoors and don’t mind getting wet and a little muddy. If you’re after a unique way to explore Madeira’s rugged landscape, this canyoning day could be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading for a detailed look at what you can expect and whether this adrenaline-fueled escapade fits your travel style.

Key Points

• Highly rated experience with consistent 5-star reviews from past participants
• Includes expert guides ensuring safety and fun throughout the adventure
• Spectacular scenery in Curral das Freiras, with panoramic mountain views
• A mix of adrenaline activities: abseils, jumps, and a natural toboggan slide
• Perfect for active travelers aged 14 and above, with some physical prerequisites
• Photos and videos included so you can relive the highlights of your day

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is Canyoning Level 2 in Madeira?

Canyoning on Madeira is an exciting way to see the island’s less accessible parts, and this particular Level 2 tour hits a sweet spot for those with some outdoor experience but perhaps new to canyoning. It offers eight rappels, jumps, and a slide, all set in a dramatic mountain landscape.

While the experience is thrilling, it’s also designed with safety in mind. The guides are certified, and the equipment—helmets, wetsuits, harnesses—are high quality. The activity takes around four hours, giving you enough time to enjoy every element without feeling rushed. It’s not a casual stroll; expect a physical challenge but also a rewarding one, with plenty of moments to take in the natural beauty.

This tour is particularly appealing because it combines adventure with sightseeing. You’ll descend waterfalls, leap into crystal-clear waters, and slide down natural rock formations, all surrounded by the lush scenery of Curral das Freiras. The entire route is designed to be challenging yet manageable, offering a sense of accomplishment at the end.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transportation

The tour starts with convenient pickups from Funchal or Caniço, making logistics straightforward. The vans are clearly marked, so spotting your transport isn’t a hassle. The drive to Curral das Freiras takes about 25 minutes and offers a chance to relax and get excited for what’s ahead.

Guided Tour in Curral das Freiras

Once you arrive in this stunning valley, known for its isolated beauty and historical significance, your guides will set the tone. They’ll introduce you to the area and give safety instructions before you gear up. This part lasts about 2.5 hours and is where you’ll learn about the landscape and what’s coming next.

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The Canyoning Descent

The real highlight begins here. You’ll start with your guides helping you into your wetsuit, helmet, and harness—everything you need for the rappels and jumps. The route includes eight rappels, with the tallest being an 18-meter waterfall descent. That vertical drop is sure to get your heart racing, but rest assured, with guides by your side, safety is paramount.

Two jumps into clear waters are also part of the adventure, adding a splash of excitement. One of the most memorable moments is the spectacular 6-meter natural toboggan, where you slide down a smooth rock slide into a pool below. If you’re feeling daring, you can repeat this slide or a jump, making the experience even more memorable.

Return and Relaxation

After completing the descent, you’ll head back via van, enjoying the scenery on the way. The total activity lasts around four hours, including transportation and guide time, giving you a good balance of adventure and downtime.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Stunning Views: Throughout the descent, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. The remote location of Curral das Freiras means fewer crowds and more natural tranquility—perfect for travelers looking for authentic, untouched scenery.

Expert Guides: Multiple reviewers praise the guides for their professionalism and friendliness. They’re not only skilled at managing safety but also make the experience fun and confidence-building, even for first-timers. As one reviewer noted, the guides “took pictures and gave a feeling of confidence,” which really enhances the overall experience.

Photo and Video Service: The inclusion of photos and videos is a real plus. You get to relive the thrill and share your adventure afterward without worrying about capturing every moment yourself.

Appropriate for Active Travelers: While it’s not suitable for children under 14 or pregnant women, the activity is well-suited for those with a good level of fitness who love outdoor challenges.

Price and Value

At $97 per person, this canyoning adventure is quite reasonable considering the high-quality equipment, guides, transportation, and media included. For those seeking an active, memorable day that balances adrenaline with scenery, it offers solid value. It’s a good deal for a four-hour guided experience in such a unique setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re a traveler who loves outdoor adventures and is eager to explore Madeira’s rugged terrain. It’s perfect for those comfortable with physical activity and looking for a thrill. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, which many reviewers appreciated.

However, this isn’t suitable for everyone. You’ll want to be at least 14 years old, in good health, and able to handle some physical exertion. Those with back problems, recent surgeries, or specific health issues should probably pass on this one.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thrilling way to see Madeira that combines adrenaline, stunning mountain views, and a sense of adventure, this canyoning experience in Curral das Freiras could be just right. The combination of expert guides, safety measures, and impressive scenery makes it stand out from more typical sightseeing tours.

While it involves some physical effort, participants consistently praise the guides for their professionalism and the fun atmosphere. The inclusion of photos and videos means you’ll have plenty to remember your day by, long after you’ve left the mountains.

This tour isn’t for the faint of heart, but for active explorers craving a real adventure, it’s a memorable way to connect with Madeira’s rugged beauty. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind getting a little wet, pushing their comfort zone, and embracing the wild side of this stunning island.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal or Caniço are included. The van ride to Curral das Freiras takes about 25 minutes.

What should I bring? Bring swimwear and a towel. The activity involves water, so be prepared to get wet.

Are there age restrictions? Yes, participants must be at least 14 years old to join.

Is it suitable for beginners? It’s a Level 2 tour designed for those with some outdoor experience, but guides will ensure you are safe and confident.

What is the maximum group size? Groups are limited to 10 participants, making it more personalized.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the price? High-quality canyoning equipment, photos and videos, guides, insurance, water and a KitKat snack.

Are there any health restrictions? Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, over 70 years old, or those with recent surgeries.

How physically demanding is this? It involves some climbing, jumping, and sliding, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s not suitable for children under 14, but active teens and adults will enjoy the challenge.

If you’re craving a true adventure that combines nature, adrenaline, and fantastic scenery, this canyoning day in Madeira’s Curral das Freiras is worth considering. Just be ready for a physically engaging, awe-inspiring experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: