Salto do Cabrito Canyoning: Azores Waterfalls & Volcanic Pools

Rappel down waterfalls, then swim in pools carved by volcanic stone

Salto do Cabrito canyoning adventure in the Azores puts you in a wetsuit, helmet and harness to descend waterfalls, swim in emerald pools and navigate volcanic canyons on São Miguel Island. Professional guides lead small groups through a 30-minute hike past geothermal areas and old hydroelectric remnants, then into the canyon itself. All equipment, insurance and photos of the experience are included; the guides speak English and Portuguese.

The Experience

Salto do Cabrito sits in the heart of São Miguel's wild landscape, and getting there means a 30-minute hike through verdant trails where you'll pass geothermal areas and the ruins of old hydroelectric facilities. The hike itself is the approach—it sets the pace and gets you into the terrain before the canyoning begins. Once you reach the canyon, the real work starts: you'll rappel down waterfalls, swim through pools the water has carved into volcanic rock, and move through sections that demand both nerve and technique. The operator keeps groups small to minimize impact on the landscape, which also means you're not threading through crowds at the water's edge.

Before you start, there's a safety briefing and a full equipment check. You'll wear a wetsuit, helmet, equipped harness and boots—everything needed to move safely through water and over rock. The guides are professionals trained in these specific canyons, and they'll show you where to place your feet and how to manage the rappel lines. If you're bringing swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, pack it; otherwise, the wetsuit alone is enough. The whole experience runs about 4 hours from start to finish, and photos and video of the day are captured and included, so you leave with a record of what you did.

This is not a tour where you watch a guide demonstrate technique from a safe distance—you're the one descending, swimming and navigating. It's designed for nature enthusiasts and people who want to feel the landscape rather than pass through it. The operator notes it's suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy. Bring any personal medication you need (for diabetes, asthma or other conditions), and be ready to move through water and over rock for four hours straight.

What’s included

• Professional guides in English or Portuguese.
• all necessary canyoning equipment including wetsuit, helmet, equipped harness and boots.
• insurance coverage.
• photos and videos of the experience.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Go Wild Azores Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this adventure if you want to move through the landscape rather than observe it from a trail—you're rappelling, swimming and navigating volcanic canyons yourself, not watching someone else do it. Small group size means you're not competing for space at the water's edge or waiting for others to finish a rappel.

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Top questions

What exactly do I do during the Salto do Cabrito canyoning adventure?

You hike 30 minutes through volcanic terrain to reach the canyon, then rappel down waterfalls, swim through emerald pools carved into rock, and navigate sections that combine climbing, swimming and technical movement. The guides lead you through each step and manage the safety lines.

What equipment do I get, and do I need to bring anything?

The operator provides a wetsuit, helmet, equipped harness and boots—all the gear needed for canyoning. Swimwear to wear under the wetsuit is optional and something you bring yourself; everything else is supplied and included in the price.

How long does the whole experience take?

The canyoning adventure runs about 4 hours total, including the 30-minute hike to the canyon and the time spent descending, swimming and moving through the volcanic canyons themselves.

What language do the guides speak?

The guides speak English and Portuguese, so you can choose which language works best for you when you book.

Do I get photos or video from the day?

Yes—photos and videos of your experience are captured during the adventure and included, so you have a record of what you did in the canyon.

Is this suitable for beginners, or do I need canyoning experience?

The adventure is designed for both beginners and seasoned adventurers and is suitable for all fitness levels. The guides manage the technical parts and provide instruction, so prior canyoning experience isn't required.