Canyoning in Ribeira da Salga, São Miguel: Rappel waterfalls

You rappel down waterfalls and jump into mountain streams with a guide watching every move.

Canyoning adventure in Ribeira da Salga, São Miguel, where you descend waterfalls by rappel, perform optional jumps ranging from 2 to 6 meters, and navigate mountain streams with accredited guides over five hours. The activity suits beginners and experienced climbers alike, includes all equipment, a picnic lunch, and free photos of the day. Pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on option.

The experience

The adventure starts about 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Once you arrive at the site in Ribeira das Coelhas, the guides distribute your gear (harness, wetsuit, helmet, boots and socks), then lead a 15-minute hike to the stream entrance, where they run through a safety briefing before you begin. The terrain and water flow shift with the seasons, so the exact sequence of jumps and rappels changes. What stays constant is the presence of your guide, who demonstrates every rappel before you attempt it and confirms you're ready before you move.

Throughout the route, you'll encounter optional jumps ranging from 2 to 6 meters high and rappels between 4 and 20 meters. The jumps are your choice. You can skip them and stay on the safer path, or push yourself if you want the full rush. The rappels are the spine of the experience: your guide sets up each one, shows you the technique, and stays in position to watch you descend. The stream itself is the playground. You move through it, around it, and into it, reading the water and the rock as you go. A 20-minute climb back to the starting point closes the day.

Lunch is included and eaten after the activity ends. The guides photograph and video the day, and you get those files free. You'll need to bring your own towel, water bottle, sunscreen and a hair tie if you have long hair. Wear swimwear and comfortable clothes underneath, and let the operator know your shoe size when you book so the boots fit properly.

What’s included

• All canyoning equipment (fully equipped harness, wetsuits, socks, helmet and boots).
• accredited guides in English or Portuguese.
• picnic lunch.
• free photos and videos from the activity.
• insurance.
• pickup and drop-off if you choose that option at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Portuguese09:30

Guide in English or Portuguese08:10

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDepartures at 08:10 and 09:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Fun Activities - Azores Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose the option with transport if you're traveling without a rental car or prefer a guide to handle the drive. Without transport, you'll need your own way to Ribeira das Coelhas, about 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada. The five-hour commitment includes the hike in, the canyoning itself, lunch and the walk back out, so plan the rest of your day around a full morning or afternoon block.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English 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's the difference between the two booking options for this canyoning trip?

One option includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel. The other does not. Both include the same five-hour activity, guides, equipment, lunch and photos. Choose the transport option if you don't have a rental car or prefer not to drive to Ribeira das Coelhas.

Can I skip the jumps and just do the rappels?

Yes. The jumps are optional throughout the route, so you can descend every waterfall by rappel instead. Your guide will show you both options at each point and let you decide what feels right for you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity runs in rain or sun. Stream flow and terrain change with the seasons and weather, so the exact sequence of jumps and rappels may shift, but the experience goes ahead. Bring a water bottle and dress in layers you can move in.

Is this suitable for someone who's never done canyoning before?

Yes. The activity is designed for beginners and experienced climbers both. Your guide demonstrates every rappel and jump before you do it, and you're never rushed. You need a moderate level of fitness and must be at least 14 years old. Children under 18 travel with an adult.

What's included in the five hours, and what do I need to bring?

Included are the accredited guide, all canyoning equipment (harness, wetsuit, helmet, boots, socks), picnic lunch, free photos and videos, and insurance. Bring your own beach towel, water bottle, sunscreen, hair tie if needed, and wear swimwear and comfortable clothes underneath.