Madeira Canyoning: Rappel, Jump & Slide Through Waterfalls

Control your own descent through hidden waterfalls and natural pools

Madeira canyoning is a 4-hour adventure where you rappel, jump and slide through river canyons surrounded by endemic forests, using rope systems and harnesses under the guidance of certified instructors. The activity includes all equipment, insurance, transportation and a snack break partway through. Children from age 1 can join, and the guide speaks English.

The experience

What makes this different from a hike is that you're not just walking alongside the water. You're moving through it. After pickup and a 20-minute walk to the stream entrance, you'll get a safety briefing and start with smaller vertical challenges around 26 feet, moving through walking sections and natural play areas. The river flows the whole time, and you'll find jumping spots 15–20 feet high where the water pools deep enough to land safely.

The middle section ramps up. After a snack break, the waterfalls reach 35 feet, and you'll use the rope system and harness to rappel down them, then scramble back up through the canyon or take natural water slides where the rock has worn smooth. You're always moving forward through the stream, never backtracking, and the guide stays with your group the entire way. The equipment (helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and specialized shoes) is provided and fitted before you start, so you're not figuring out gear on the fly.

Transportation picks you up and brings you back to where you started. The guide speaks English, so instruction and safety calls come through clearly. Free pictures and videos are taken during the day, and you'll get those afterward.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• complete high-quality canyoning equipment including helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and specialized shoes.
• insurance.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• snack and water during the break.
• free pictures and videos taken throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 6 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Be Local Madeira

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so instruction and safety calls are clear whether you're a native speaker or following along. This matters when you're rappelling and need to hear commands the first time. The 4-hour timeframe keeps the physical demands moderate enough for families with older children and adults up to 55, though anyone over that age or with spinal or cardiovascular concerns should check with the operator first.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

170 verified traveler reviews

5 ★169

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (1 to 6 years).

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 high are the waterfalls and jumps in this Madeira canyoning tour?

The canyon has vertical challenges starting around 26 feet, jumping areas between 15–20 feet, and waterfalls reaching 35 feet in the upper section. Your guide assesses each person's comfort and adjusts the route if needed.

What equipment do I get, and do I need to bring my own gear?

Complete canyoning equipment is included: helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and specialized shoes fitted to your size. You bring nothing except a change of clothes and a towel.

How long does the actual canyoning take, and what happens during the day?

The full experience is 4 hours from pickup to return, with about 20 minutes of walking to reach the stream, a safety briefing, then roughly 2–2.5 hours in the canyon itself, including a snack break partway through.

What's included in the price, and are there any extra costs?

Insurance, all equipment, transportation, a certified guide, snack and water are included. Free pictures and videos are taken during the day and provided afterward. No additional fees during the tour.

Do I need previous canyoning experience or special fitness?

No experience is necessary, but you should have at least moderate physical fitness. The tour involves climbing, jumping, swimming and rappelling, so comfort in water and on heights helps. The guide will brief you on each section before you do it.