Madeira: Beginner Canyoning Adventure with Gear & Photos

Summary

Canyoning madeira beginner tour with gear and photos included

You’ll feel your heart race on this beginner canyoning tour in Madeira—abseiling waterfalls, swimming hidden pools, and sliding down ancient rock chutes with a local guide. All technical gear is provided (wetsuit, shoes, helmet), plus free photos to capture those moments you can’t quite describe later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I hesitated at the edge of that first waterfall. My hands were shaking a little, wetsuit tight against my skin, water roaring somewhere below. Our guide João just grinned—he’d seen this before, I guess—and said, “It’s always the first step.” So I took it. The rope felt solid in my grip, cold water spraying my face as I started to abseil down into the green hollow. You can’t really hear much except your own breath and the rush of water—kind of peaceful, actually.

The canyon walls in Madeira are taller than they look in photos. Moss everywhere, ferns brushing your arms as you inch along slick rocks. João pointed out some plant (I forgot the name already) that apparently only grows here since Jurassic times—he laughed when we tried to pronounce it. There was a moment where we all just floated in a pool under a waterfall, sunlight flickering through leaves above us, and honestly? It didn’t feel real for a second. The air smelled like wet stone and something sweet I couldn’t place.

After that came the slides—natural ones, carved by who knows how many centuries of water. Some of us went down headfirst (not me). The jumps looked scarier from above but once you’re mid-air it’s too late to back out anyway. The whole time João kept snapping photos (included in the day trip), so you don’t even have to worry about your phone getting soaked. At one point someone lost a shoe in a pool but found it again downstream—so yeah, bring an extra dose of humor.

I still think about that view looking up from the bottom of the canyon—just sky and green walls closing in around you. You can only get to these places by canyoning; there’s no path or road here at all. It’s not polished or easy but that’s kind of why it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in Madeira nature

• Arrive at Madeira canyoning location
• Walk along the stream
• Abseil down waterfalls
• Jump into natural pools
• Slide down natural water slides

Top questions

Is this Madeira canyoning tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, this is designed for beginners with moderate fitness and no previous experience required.

What equipment is included for canyoning in Madeira?

The tour provides wetsuit, shoes, helmet and all technical gear needed for canyoning.

Are photos included on this Madeira canyoning trip?

Yes, free photos are taken by your guide during the activity and included after the tour.

How do I get to the starting point for Madeira canyoning?

The tour includes dressing room facilities at the starting location; transport details depend on booking arrangements.

Is lunch included on this beginner canyoning Madeira tour?

No lunch is included; focus is on the activity itself with all necessary equipment provided.

Can I join if I have health issues?

This activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

Your day includes all permits and insurance coverage plus full technical equipment: wetsuit, shoes, helmet and more—all set up at dressing rooms before you start. Free photo memories are captured by your guide as you go so you can focus on each jump and slide without worrying about your camera.