Canyoning in Funchal: Five rappels, swimming and waterfalls

Dive into crystal-clear pools after a scenic hike through Funchal’s lush forest trails

Canyoning in Funchal is a five-hour guided activity where you swim, jump, and rappel down waterfalls in the Laurissilva Forest, starting from the Ecological Park of Chão da Lagoa. Pickup from your accommodation and all equipment are included. No prior canyoning experience is needed, though you should feel comfortable in water and have moderate fitness. The highest rappel is 18 meters.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in central Funchal or Caniço, then a short drive to Chão da Lagoa in the Ecological Park. After a safety briefing and gear check, you hike into the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before entering the canyon itself. The route follows a mountainous watercourse where the actual canyoning begins: five rappels down waterfalls into pools, swimming between sections, and jumping where the canyon opens up. The tallest rappel drops 18 meters. Two professional guides lead the group and manage the ropes and safety setup at each stage.

What separates this from a hiking tour is the water itself. You're not walking past the waterfalls, you're descending them. The rappels are fixed and managed by the guides. You control your descent on the rope. Between rappels you swim across pools and wade through shallower sections. The guides time a short break for snacks and to catch your breath. Bring a bathing suit, sports shoes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes. Everything else (harness, helmet, rope, wetsuit if needed) is provided.

The activity takes approximately five hours total, which includes transportation, gearing up and down, the hike in, the canyon itself, and the return to your accommodation. The tour runs in any weather as long as conditions stay safe. A live guide fluent in English, Spanish, or Portuguese leads the group. While the operator aims to match your language preference, English is the fallback if that is not possible. Children as young as eight can join if they meet the minimum height and weight requirements (125 cm / 4'1", at least 25 kg / 55 lbs, and shoe size 35 EU or larger).

What’s included

• Professional canyoning guides (minimum two per group).
• all safety equipment including harness, helmet, and rope.
• transportation from central Funchal or Caniço and return to your accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• safety briefing and instruction.
• photos from the day.

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 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?Book this if you have a full morning or afternoon free. The five-hour format leaves time for a meal nearby, but not for squeezing other activities in between. Choose the half-day option instead if your schedule is tighter.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What is the Laurissilva Forest and why does the hike go through it?

The Laurissilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site: a subtropical laurel forest unique to Madeira. The canyoning route includes a short scenic hike through it before you enter the canyon, so you move through both forest and watercourse on the same day.

How high is the tallest rappel and what does rappelling feel like for a beginner?

The highest rappel is 18 meters (60 feet). You descend on a fixed rope that the guides have set up, controlling your speed with a device they teach you to use. The guides are with you throughout and manage the safety setup at each stage. No prior experience is required.

Do I need to be able to swim to do this canyoning tour?

You don't need to know how to swim, but you should feel comfortable in water and around waterfalls. You'll be swimming across pools between rappels and wading through sections of the canyon, so comfort in water is more important than formal swimming skill.

What equipment do I need to bring and what is provided?

Bring a bathing suit, sports shoes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes. All canyoning gear is provided: harness, helmet, rope, and any other safety equipment. Optional Adidas Outdoor canyoning boots can be rented for €5 per person, paid in cash at the end of the activity.

How long is the whole experience and what does that five hours include?

The activity is approximately five hours total. This covers pickup and return transport, the safety briefing and gearing up, the hike through the forest, the canyoning itself with five rappels and swimming sections, a short break for snacks, and time to change out of wet gear before returning to your accommodation.

Will the tour run if the weather is bad?

The tour runs in any weather conditions as long as it is safe to do so. The guides assess conditions and make the call on the day. If the canyon becomes unsafe due to heavy rain or other factors, they will reschedule or cancel.