Canyoning in Ribeira da Salga: Seven waterfalls and rappels

Seven waterfalls, eight-meter jumps, and rappels down a remote canyon stream

Canyoning in Ribeira da Salga is a guided descent of a remote stream on São Miguel where you rappel, jump and wade through emerald pools surrounded by endemic trees and green pastures. After a 35-minute walk through local terrain, you begin the one-kilometer descent with seven waterfalls, combining abseiling and jumps, including an optional six-meter plunge through a waterfall base. The return walk takes 20 minutes through groves of Cryptomeria trees.

The experience

The day starts with a briefing on equipment and technique, then a 35-minute walk through pastures and local vegetation to reach the river. Once there, a second technical briefing prepares you for the descent itself: a one-kilometer stretch combining abseiling and jumps across seven waterfalls. The longest rappel is 18 meters. The longest jump is eight meters. You also have the option to jump through a six-meter waterfall at its base, dropping into the pool below.

The descent mixes adrenaline with the landscape: emerald-green lagoons sit beneath each waterfall, framed by endemic trees and long vines that make the canyon feel isolated even though you're on a populated island. The combination of techniques (lowering yourself on rope, then launching into air and water) keeps the rhythm varied across the hour-long canyon section. On the way back to the vehicles, a 20-minute walk winds through groves of huge Cryptomeria trees native to this region.

You wear a five-millimeter neoprene suit, neoprene socks, canyoning boots, helmet and harness throughout. Water and an energy bar are provided. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and leads groups small enough that everyone gets individual attention on the technical sections.

What’s included

• Water and an energy bar.
• five-millimeter neoprene suit, neoprene socks, canyoning boots, harness, helmet and canyoning ropes.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Before you book

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 09:00, from € 95 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

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Splash Azores Adventure

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace manageable and allow the guide to work with each person on the technical sections. This suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants the adrenaline of rappelling and jumping but needs hands-on instruction to get there safely.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How difficult is the canyoning descent in Ribeira da Salga?

The descent combines seven waterfalls with abseiling and jumping, so it requires at least moderate physical fitness. The longest rappel is 18 meters and the longest jump is eight meters, with an optional six-meter jump through a waterfall. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for children under eight years old.

What is the walk like before and after the canyon descent?

The approach walk takes 35 minutes through pastures and local vegetation to reach the river. After the canyon section, a 20-minute return walk passes through groves of Cryptomeria trees, large endemic species abundant in this area.

What equipment do I wear for the canyoning?

You wear a five-millimeter neoprene suit, neoprene socks, canyoning boots, a harness, helmet and are secured with canyoning ropes. All equipment is provided and fitted during the initial briefing.

Can I do this canyoning trip if I have never rappelled before?

Yes. The guide provides a technical briefing at the river before the descent begins, and the guide leads you through each rappel and jump. No prior canyoning experience is required, though you do need moderate physical fitness.