From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

If you’re visiting Madeira and craving something more than just sightseeing, this Level 2 canyoning experience offers an engaging way to connect with the island’s wild side. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews, itinerary, and overall setup paint a very appealing picture for adventure lovers, especially those who enjoy a mix of physical activity and breathtaking scenery.

What really stands out are the professional guides who make safety and fun their top priorities, and the opportunity to rappel waterfalls and slide through natural streams—both of which promise plenty of adrenaline and fantastic photo moments. On the flip side, the activity does demand a reasonable level of physical fitness; it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed outing.

This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with heights, enjoy a good challenge, and want to explore Madeira’s lush landscapes from a fresh perspective. If you’re traveling with kids under 10 or have mobility issues, this adventure might not be the best fit. But for most active travelers eager to get out of their comfort zone, it’s a genuine highlight.

Key Points

• Adventurous and scenic: Combines physical activity with striking natural views.
• Expert guides: Focus on safety, encouragement, and capturing your moments.
• Inclusive equipment: High-quality gear provided, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Mixed terrain: Waterfalls, natural pools, slides, and jumps keep things varied.
• Duration and value: Around 4 hours for a substantial, well-organized experience at $91.
• Photo & video inclusion: Great for memories, no extra cost for the media.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Canyoning Adventure

This experience begins with a convenient pickup from Funchal, Câmara De Lobos, or Canico. Once everyone gathers, you’ll hop into a van for about 30 minutes to reach the canyoning start point—an easy ride that sets the tone for the day ahead. The guides are friendly and professional, ready to brief you on safety and equip you with wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, neoprene socks, and specialized shoes.

The Walk and Safety Briefing

After the gear is on, you’ll walk for about 15 minutes along a stream until you reach the entrance. This part is mostly about safety instructions and getting comfortable with the equipment. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions, especially if you’re new to canyoning.

Rappelling and Waterfalls

The core of the trip involves rappelling down waterfalls—some as high as 18 meters, according to reviews. Imagine the thrill of controlling your descent while surrounded by stunning, green landscapes. The guides excel at making sure everyone feels secure and confident, even if it’s your first time rappelling.

Jumps and Natural Pools

Throughout the canyon, there are several optional jumps into natural rock pools. These are usually less than 3 meters, but you can choose to skip if you’re not comfortable. The natural pools are perfect for swimming and relaxing after each challenge, offering a refreshing break and gorgeous scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Water Slides and Play Areas

My favorite part? The natural water slides—smooth, fun, and just the right amount of adrenaline. They’re built into the landscape, turning the canyon into a natural playground. You’ll also find splash pools where you can chill and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Snacking and Photos

After tackling waterfalls and slides, there’s a quick snack break—chocolate, which is simple but enough to fuel the next round of jumps and slides. Throughout the trip, guides take photos and videos, capturing your triumphs and fun moments. No need to worry about missing shots; those memories are included in your package.

The Return

At the end of four hours or so, you’ll hop back into the transport to head back to Funchal. The whole experience is well-paced, balancing action with opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Pickups from Funchal or Câmara De Lobos, followed by a 30-minute drive to the canyon.
Stop 2: Gear up with the supplied high-quality equipment—think wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and shoes.
Stop 3: Walk to the canyon entrance, brief safety instructions, and get ready for action.
Stop 4: Experience abseiling down waterfalls, jumping into pools, sliding streams, and swimming through the canyon.
Stop 5: Snack break and photo session, capturing the fun moments.
Stop 6: Return transport to the starting point.

The entire journey is about 4 hours, which gives you enough time to enjoy the varied challenges without feeling rushed. The tour ends with a comfortable transfer back to your original pickup points.

What the Experience Means for You

The reviews emphasize the professionalism of the guides, with many calling them fun, supportive, and safety-focused. As one reviewer put it, “the guides were the perfect mix of enthusiasm and competence,” which is exactly what you want when tackling waterfalls and jumps. The photos and videos are a real bonus, allowing you to relive the highlights without any extra effort.

Participants frequently mention how beautiful the natural landscape is—surrounded by the lush forests and scenic vistas that make Madeira such a special place. The activity is also praised for its value for money, considering the quality equipment, professional guides, and the entire four-hour adventure.

However, some reviewers point out that it’s physically demanding—the vertical challenges, jumps, and walking sections require a decent level of fitness and comfort with heights. It’s not suited for young children or those with mobility restrictions, but for most active adults, it’s a memorable and rewarding challenge.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour costs $91 per person, which includes transportation, all equipment, photos, and a snack. Compared to other adventure activities, this is quite reasonable considering the quality and safety measures involved.
• The activity lasts about 4 hours, so plan accordingly. Check availability in advance to find the best start times.
• Wear swimwear and bring a towel, especially if you plan to swim or change afterward.
• Children under 10 are not suitable for this experience, so it’s best for teenagers and adults with a decent level of fitness.
• The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with small groups limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This canyoning adventure from Funchal offers a fantastic blend of thrill, natural beauty, and expert guidance, making it a top pick for active travelers visiting Madeira. If you’re eager to challenge yourself with rappelling, jumps, and slides in a stunning setting, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy physical activities and aren’t afraid of heights.

The professional guides and quality equipment make safety a priority, so you can focus on having fun and taking in the incredible scenery. The inclusion of photos and videos means you’ll leave with lasting memories of your adventure, something you’ll surely cherish long after you leave the island.

While it’s not ideal if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, most active travelers will find this experience well worth the price. It’s a good value for the level of adventure and the stunning environment you’ll explore.

In short, if you’re looking for an exciting way to see Madeira’s mountains and waterfalls up close, this canyoning tour is a fantastic choice. Just come prepared for a bit of physical activity, and you’ll likely find it to be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
It’s rated Level 2, so it’s best for those with some basic fitness and comfort with heights. The guides are experienced and help make sure everyone feels safe, but you should be ready for rappelling and some jumping.

How long does the tour last?
The adventure is approximately 4 hours long, including transportation, gear-up, and the canyoning itself.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, high-quality canyoning equipment (helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness, special shoes), photos, a snack, and the guides.

Are photos and videos provided?
Yes, guides take pictures and videos throughout the day, and you receive them afterward at no extra charge.

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

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for travelers with mobility considerations.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The rest—gear and safety equipment—is provided.

Are children under 10 allowed?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 due to the physical nature and safety considerations.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout the adventure.

This Level 2 canyoning tour from Funchal offers an exciting way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty, with plenty of thrills, stunning landscapes, and professional guidance. If you’re up for a challenge and want to see the island from a different angle, it’s definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: