Canyoning in Curral das Freiras: 7 Rappels & Jumps

Rappel waterfalls and jump into mountain pools in Curral das Freiras

A Level 2 canyoning adventure in Curral das Freiras, Madeira, with 7 rappels (the highest 18 meters), optional jumps into pools, and certified guide support throughout. You descend waterfalls on rope, swim between rock faces, and jump into clear water surrounded by mountain cliffs. High-quality photos of the experience come free.

The experience

Curral das Freiras sits in a steep valley ringed by peaks, and the canyon cuts through it with a chain of waterfalls and pools. You start with a 5-hour session that builds from smaller rappels into the 18-meter drop, each one anchored and managed by two certified guides who stay with the group the whole time. The route is more dynamic than a beginner course. You're moving faster, the water is colder, and the jumps are optional but there: you can drop 5 meters into a pool if you want the rush, or walk around and rappel down instead. Either way, the guides photograph the whole thing, and you get the images at no extra charge.

What you wear matters here: a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and Adidas boots come with the booking, along with socks and a snack partway through. The guides speak English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on who shows up, and they handle all the rope work. Your job is to trust the system, follow their cues, and move through the canyon. Hotel pickup runs from Funchal or Caniço in the morning, and port pickup is available if you're arriving by ship. You'll need to be at least 14 years old, comfortable in water, and willing to move fast for five hours. No previous canyoning experience is required, but the pace assumes you're fit enough to climb, swim and rappel without stopping to rest.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal or Caniço (port pickup available on request).
• snack and water during the activity.
• two certified canyoning guides.
• full canyoning equipment including wetsuit, socks, helmet, harness and Adidas boots.
• high-quality photos of your experience at no extra cost.

Before you book

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 09:00, from € 65 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (14 to 70 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Harmony in Nature

Is this one for you?This is a 5-hour activity with constant water immersion, rope work and climbing, so it suits people who move comfortably in cold water and can sustain effort without long breaks. The Level 2 rating means faster rappels and bigger jumps than a beginner course, but no prior canyoning experience is required: only fitness, water confidence and willingness to commit to the full duration.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the 18-meter rappel feel like, and do I have to do it?

The highest rappel in Curral das Freiras drops 18 meters down a waterfall face on a fixed rope, with your guide controlling your speed from above. You descend it on rappel, not a jump, so the guide manages the descent and you stay in control the whole way. It's mandatory as part of the route, but rappelling is a controlled technique, not a free fall.

Can I jump into the pools, or is that just for experienced people?

Optional jumps up to 5 meters into crystal-clear pools are built into the route, and you choose whether to jump or rappel down instead. The guides assess the water and conditions each time, and they'll tell you if a jump is safe that day. No experience needed. Just confidence in water.

How cold is the water in Curral das Freiras, and will a wetsuit keep me warm?

Madeira's mountain streams stay cold year-round, which is why the wetsuit is included. It keeps you warm enough to move through the canyon without losing body heat, and the socks and boots protect your feet on the rocks.

What happens if I'm not fit enough to finish the 5 hours?

The guides are trained to work with active participants and will adjust pace if needed, but this is a Level 2 route designed for people who can move steadily for five hours. If you have concerns about fitness or endurance, tell the operator before booking so they can confirm it's the right fit.

Do I need to bring my own towel, or is one provided?

Towels are not included, so bring one from your hotel or the ship. Everything else (wetsuit, helmet, boots, snack and water) comes with the activity.