Lombadas canyoning: 45-meter waterfall rappel

Rappel a 45-meter waterfall through volcanic rock and lush canyon walls

Lombadas is a guided canyoning activity in the Azores where you abseil down a 45-meter waterfall, wade through crystal-clear pools and navigate volcanic rock formations over three hours. The canyon is short but dense with technical sections and natural drama. All equipment, a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, photos of the descent, insurance and a canyoning certificate are included. Children from age 14 can join.

The experience

Lombadas canyon sits on São Miguel island as a compressed rush of climbing, swimming and rappelling. The waterfall, 45 meters of sheer drop, is the centerpiece, and abseiling its face is the technical heart of the activity. What makes it work is the setting: you're moving through lush vegetation and volcanic rock the whole way, with pools deep enough to jump into between sections. The canyon is relatively short, but every meter carries something: a scramble, a swim, a rappel, a moment to look around and feel the scale of the place.

You'll wear a wetsuit, harness, helmet and specialized shoes throughout. A local guide leads the group and handles the rope work. They know the canyon's quirks and the safest lines through it. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, so communication is straightforward. Photos and video of you on the waterfall are captured during the activity and included afterward, along with a canyoning certificate that marks the day. Insurance covers the session, and all technical gear is provided. You show up ready to move.

Physical fitness matters here. The activity demands moderate strength and comfort with heights. The waterfall rappel is the peak moment, but the canyon itself requires climbing, swimming and scrambling throughout. Travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy should not book this one. Children from 14 onward can participate if they meet the fitness requirement.

What’s included

• All necessary canyoning equipment: wetsuit, shoes, socks, harness and helmet.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• photos and video of the activity.
• a canyoning certificate.
• insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

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 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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Basaltic Azores Adventures

Is this one for you?This is a guided group activity, so you move with other participants under a local guide's instruction and safety management. Choose Lombadas if you want the technical challenge of rappelling a major waterfall with professional support and the confidence that comes from a guide who knows every section of the canyon.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (14 to 17 years). Under 14: they 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.

What exactly is the 45-meter waterfall rappel like?

You're lowered down the face of a 45-meter waterfall on a rope and harness, moving slowly enough to take in the scale and the spray. It's the technical highlight of the canyon and the moment most people remember. The guide controls the descent and you focus on the rock and the water around you.

Do I need canyoning experience to book Lombadas?

No prior experience is required. The guide teaches you how to use the harness, how to rappel and how to move through the canyon safely. What you do need is moderate physical fitness and comfort being in water and on steep terrain for three hours.

What's included in the price?

Wetsuit, shoes, socks, harness, helmet, all rope work and safety gear, a live guide, photos and video of the activity, a canyoning certificate, and insurance are all included. Bring nothing but a swimsuit and a towel.

How cold is the water in Lombadas canyon?

The water is fed by mountain springs and stays cold year-round. The wetsuit keeps you warm enough to move comfortably for the full three hours, even if you're in the water for stretches of the activity.