Madeira Canyoning For Beginners Nun’s Valley Level 2

If you’re considering adding a splash of adrenaline to your Madeira trip, the Canyoning in Nun’s Valley might just be the activity to consider. We’ve seen plenty of canyoning tours, but this Level 2 experience really stands out for its perfect mix of adventure and scenic beauty. It’s geared towards beginners who want to push themselves just a little further, with options to jump or just enjoy the waterfalls at your own pace.

What we love most about this tour is the personalized guidance offered by the knowledgeable guides, and the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains that come with every leap or slide. On the flip side, keep in mind that this is a more active experience, so if you’re not comfortable with heights or jumping into water, it might require some extra courage.

This tour is best suited for adventurers seeking a manageable challenge, those who want to see Madeira from a different perspective, or anyone eager to do something memorable that combines nature, fun, and a bit of thrill.

Key Points

• Suitable for beginners with some adventure spirit, offering manageable jumps and rappels.
• Beautiful mountain scenery accompanies every step, making it as much a visual journey as an activity.
• Guides are praised for their patience, professionalism, and enthusiasm, which makes a big difference.
• Includes all gear, transfer, photos, and insurance, making it straightforward and stress-free.
• Small group size (up to 10) ensures more personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
• Duration is about 4 hours, giving you a decent chunk of time for fun without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Madeira Canyoning Experience

What’s the Tour All About?

This is a Level 2 canyoning tour designed for beginners but aimed at those craving a bit more excitement. Think of it as the next step up from basic canyoning, with more challenging rappels and big jumps that you can opt into or skip. The tour takes you into the middle of Madeira’s mountainous landscape, in the Nun’s Valley, an area renowned for its dramatic scenery and lush, rugged terrain.

The adventure starts from a convenient pickup point, with options for pickup at the CR7 Museum, Praia da Calheta, or Ponta Do Sol. The whole experience lasts around 4 hours, including transfers, safety briefing, and the canyoning itself.

What Makes Nun’s Valley Special?

Madeira’s Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) is a hidden gem—surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. The canyon here features big waterfalls and natural pools, which are perfect for jumping, sliding, and cooling off. The highlights include four abseilings, the tallest being 15 meters, and several optional jumps into clear water pools.

The guides do a fantastic job of making the experience accessible, even for first-timers, by explaining everything calmly and patiently. As one reviewer put it, “Jose explained calmly and patiently all the steps and the safety precautions to everyone so we were fully safe at all times and we were able to fully enjoy the experience.”

What to Expect During the Tour

The adventure kicks off with a roughly 20-minute walk on a dirt road along a levada (an irrigation channel), which already hints at the scenic journey ahead. Once in the canyon, you’ll encounter multiple rappels, with heights from around 10 to 15 meters—big enough to be exciting but manageable with proper guidance.

The tour offers several optional jumps, meaning you can choose to leap into the pools or simply slide down the natural water slides if you prefer a bit less adrenaline. The refreshing pools are perfect for cooling off, and the natural surroundings are truly breathtaking, with mountain views that make every splash more rewarding.

Photographers are part of the experience, capturing moments that you’ll be glad to have afterward. Enthusiastic reviews mention, “They took great pictures throughout the experience,” which is a nice touch when you’re busy trying to focus on the fun.

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The Guides and Equipment

Guides like Jose and Miguel are almost universally praised for their patience, professionalism, and friendly attitude. They go out of their way to explain safety measures and help everyone feel comfortable, no matter their experience level. One reviewer noted, “Jose and Miguel were amazing. It was the highlight of my trip.”

All necessary equipment, including wet suits, harnesses, helmets, and safety gear, is provided. The wet suits are particularly appreciated, as one review pointed out, “The suits made an important difference, feeling comfortable in the river, although the water temperature wasn’t too high.”

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip transfer from designated pickup points, making it quite convenient. Pickup times are confirmed the day before, and the group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

If you prefer to drive yourself, there’s free parking at the canyon location, which might be more convenient depending on your plans.

You’ll need to bring swimwear and a towel, but other essentials like photos are included, and there’s insurance for peace of mind. Remember, pregnant women are not suitable for this activity, and alcohol or drugs are not permitted.

Cost and Value

While the tour price isn’t specified here, the inclusions—gear, transfer, photos, and guides—offer solid value for an immersive 4-hour adventure in a stunning setting. When you consider the effort and safety measures in place, as well as the personalized attention from guides, it’s a worthwhile expense for adventure lovers.

Reviews from Fellow Travelers

The glowing reviews are a good indicator of what you can expect. Many mention how guides like Jose and Miguel made them feel safe and encouraged, praising their enthusiasm and professionalism. Comments like “loads of fun, engagement and information,” and “the experience exceeded all expectations,” highlight how well-loved this tour is.

Some travelers, even with no prior experience, found it accessible and fun, thanks to the guides’ clear instructions and supportive approach. Others appreciated that they could customize the jumps or just enjoy the waterfalls, making it suitable for a variety of comfort levels.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Nun’s Valley canyoning tour is perfect for adventurous beginners who want an adrenaline boost without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re comfortable with heights and water, you’ll find the jumps and rappels exhilarating without being overly technical.

It’s also a solid choice for nature lovers who want to see Madeira from a different angle, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views and lush greenery. Since the guides are highly praised for their friendliness and safety focus, it’s reassuring for solo travelers and small groups alike.

While not suitable for pregnant women or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy a mix of physical activity and scenic beauty. If you like your adventures well-organized, with professional guides and stunning photo keepsakes, this is a top pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour?
All necessary canyoning equipment, transfer from select pickup points, a qualified guide, insurance, water, chocolate, and photos are included.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs about 4 hours, from pickup to drop-off, with the canyoning part itself being a significant chunk of that time.

Can I choose to skip jumps or certain activities?
Yes, the tour offers optional jumps, including the 15-meter abseil and other leaps. You can decide whether to participate or just enjoy the slides and waterfalls.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. It’s also helpful to wear quick-drying clothes and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on dirt roads and rocky terrain.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The reviews focus heavily on adult participants, and the activity involves heights, jumps, and water—so it’s best for adventurous adults. Kids might find it too challenging or unsafe without specific age restrictions, so check with the provider if you’re considering it for children.

What if the weather is bad?
Guides are attentive to weather conditions, and you might find the activity postponed or canceled for safety. Always confirm on the day and be prepared for possible rescheduling.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind to plan your Madeira adventure.

Is it safe?
Absolutely, provided you follow instructions from guides and meet the activity’s safety requirements. The experience includes insurance, and guides are praised for their professionalism.

What about parking if I drive?
There’s free parking at the canyon location, which might be more convenient if you own a car. Pickup is available from designated spots if you prefer not to drive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced adventure that combines natural beauty with some adrenaline, Madeira’s Nun’s Valley canyoning is a real gem. It’s not just the jumps and rappels that make it special—it’s the stunning landscape, the friendly guides, and the feeling of accomplishment after navigating waterfalls and pools that truly stand out.

This tour is best suited for those who want to enjoy a manageable yet exhilarating experience, especially if you have some water or outdoor activity background. It’s a perfect way to see Madeira’s rugged side, away from crowded viewpoints, and to create memories that last long after the trip ends.

In the end, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a fun challenge, this canyoning adventure should be on your Madeira bucket list. Just pack your swimsuit, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a day full of smiles and splashy surprises.

You can check availability for your dates here: