Madeira Canyoning: Beginner Rappel & Waterfall Jumps

Jump Into Madeira's Waterfalls Without Experience

You get picked up from Funchal, driven to the canyon, fitted with full safety gear, and guided through rappels, swims and jumps at 1,500 meters elevation over 5 hours. Professional guides (at least two) handle all technical instruction and safety, and you receive photos from the day. No experience required, though you need to be comfortable in water and have moderate fitness. The fixed schedule means transport, equipment and timing are all arranged. You just show up ready to move.

Step-by-step itinerary

Canyoning adventure in Madeira

• Receive safety briefing
• Equip canyoning gear
• Travel to canyon start
• Swim, jump, and rappel waterfalls
• Overcome natural obstacles
• Enjoy rugged landscapes
• Return and de-equip gear

The experience

What makes someone actually do this? Maybe it's the thought of standing at the edge of a waterfall in the mountains, or the fact that you don't need to have done it before. The canyoning in Madeira runs at around 1,500 meters high, and the whole thing takes about 5 hours including the drive from central Funchal, the gear setup, and the canyon itself. You'll rappel down two sections, swim through pools, and jump into water surrounded by rock and spray: the kind of thing that sounds impossible until your guide shows you it's not.

The guides handle the safety briefing and the technical parts. There are at least two of them with every group, and they speak multiple languages, though English is the default if your preferred language isn't available. You get all the equipment (harness, rope, helmet, the works), and they take photos throughout the day so you have proof it actually happened. The route winds through a watercourse where the only way forward is to swim, jump, rappel and walk. It's not a hike with a view. You're moving through the landscape itself, using your body to navigate what's in front of you.

Pickup happens from the center of Funchal or Caniço, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The activity is beginner-friendly by design: Level 1 means no prior experience needed, and the guides are used to people trying this for the first time. You do need to be comfortable in water, even if you can't swim, and you need a moderate level of fitness because you're descending, climbing, swimming and jumping for several hours. Kids as young as 8 can join if they meet the height and weight requirements (minimum 125 cm, 25 kg). If you want to rent Adidas canyoning boots instead of using the standard ones, that's 5 euros, paid in cash at the end.

The activity runs rain or shine as long as it's safe to do so. You'll want to bring a towel and a change of clothes (you're going to be wet), and the whole day wraps up with the drive back to Funchal. It's the kind of thing that changes how you think about what you're capable of doing.

What’s included

• All necessary canyoning equipment including harness, helmet and rope.
• transportation from central Funchal or Caniço in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional canyoning guides (minimum two guides per group).
• safety briefing and technical instruction.
• photos taken throughout the day.
• and the full 5-hour experience including approach, canyon activity and exit.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and SundayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (8 to 60 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 45 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Madeira Adventure Kingdom

Is this one for you?Right for anyone curious about canyoning but nervous about trying it: the Level 1 difficulty and beginner-focused guides mean you learn as you go, and the pickup from Funchal removes the logistics of finding the canyon yourself. Requires moderate fitness and comfort in water, and works best if you're ready to be wet and moving for several hours straight.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. You need to feel comfortable around and in water, but swimming ability isn't required. The guides will support you through the water sections.

How long is the whole activity?

Approximately 5 hours total, including transportation from Funchal, equipment setup, the canyoning itself, and the return journey.

What's included in the price?

All canyoning equipment (harness, helmet, rope), transportation from central Funchal or Caniço, professional guides (minimum 2), and photos from the day.

Can children do this?

Yes, children from 8 years old can participate if they meet the height requirement (minimum 125 cm / 4'1") and weigh at least 25 kg (55 lbs). They must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine as long as it's safe to proceed. The guides assess conditions on the day and will cancel only if safety is at risk.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum weight is 115 kg (254 lbs). Participants close to this limit should be taller than 185 cm (6'1").

Can I rent better canyoning boots?

Yes. Adidas Outdoor canyoning boots are available for rent at 5 euros per person, paid in cash at the end of the activity.