Madeira: Canyoning Ribeira das Cales & Funchal Pickup

Summary

Swim jump and rappel waterfalls in Madeira’s wild forest

You’ll start your day picked up in Funchal and head straight into Madeira’s lush Laurissilva Forest for beginner-friendly canyoning with local guides. Expect swimming through clear pools, rappelling waterfalls (the tallest is 18 meters), sharing laughs over snacks mid-canyon — then returning home tired and proud. It’s an adventure that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared of heights, right?” That’s what João asked as he tightened my harness at Chão da Lagoa, grinning like he already knew the answer. I just laughed — maybe a bit too loud. The van ride up from Funchal was quiet except for the sound of rain on the windows, but once we stepped into the Laurissilva Forest, everything changed. The air smelled green (I know that sounds weird), almost sweet and earthy, and our group kept stopping to touch the mossy trees. João told us these forests are UNESCO-protected — apparently nowhere else has quite this mix of plants. I tried to repeat “Laurissilva” back to him but definitely mangled it; he just shrugged and said, “Close enough.”

The first waterfall looked taller than I expected (18 meters is a lot when you’re looking down). My hands were shaking a little as I clipped in for the rappel, but João and Marta — she was the other guide — kept things light. She joked about how everyone looks awkward their first time canyoning in Madeira, which made me feel better as I slid down into the cold pool below. The water was shockingly clear and so cold it made me yelp, but after that first splash it felt kind of… freeing? We swam through narrow channels with ferns brushing our faces, and at one point someone started singing quietly — not sure who, maybe just nerves or joy or both.

We stopped halfway for a snack break on a flat rock where sunlight poked through the canopy in stripes. Someone shared chocolate; my hands were still shaking from adrenaline or maybe just excitement. It was strange how quickly I trusted these people I’d just met — maybe because we were all wearing wetsuits and helmets and looked ridiculous together. There were five rappels total on this Ribeira das Cales route, each one different: some gentle, some with water pounding your back so hard you couldn’t hear anything except your own breath. By the last one I wasn’t even nervous anymore — just buzzing with energy.

I keep thinking about that moment after we finished, peeling off wetsuits with numb fingers while João handed out photos he’d snapped along the way (I look terrified in most of mine). The drive back to town was quiet again but in a different way — tired happy silence, everyone staring out at Madeira’s hills through foggy windows. If you’ve never tried canyoning before or you’re nervous about it, honestly? This day trip from Funchal is probably the best place to start. You’ll get muddy and soaked and maybe laugh at yourself more than once… but you’ll remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in Funchal

• Pickup from accommodation
• Travel to Chão da Lagoa
• Briefing and gear up
• Hike through Laurissilva Forest
• Swim, jump, and rappel waterfalls
• Take short break to snack
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

Is this canyoning tour in Madeira suitable for beginners?

Yes, this Level 1 canyoning activity is designed for beginners—no prior experience needed.

How high is the tallest rappel on this tour?

The highest rappel on the Ribeira das Cales route is 18 meters (about 60 feet).

Do I need to know how to swim for this activity?

No swimming skills are required but you should feel comfortable around water.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You should bring a towel, bathing suit, sports shoes that can get wet, and a change of clothes; all other equipment is provided.

Is hotel pickup included from Funchal?

Yes, transportation from central Funchal (and Caniço) is included in your booking.

Are photos included in the tour price?

Yes, photos taken during the activity are included.

What’s the minimum age or size for participants?

The minimum age is 8 years old (or at least 125 cm tall/25 kg weight) accompanied by an adult.

How long does the entire canyoning experience take?

The total duration is about 5 hours including transport, briefing, activity time and breaks.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço by air-conditioned vehicle, all necessary canyoning equipment (with optional boots available for rent), guidance from two professional multilingual guides throughout five rappels along Ribeira das Cales, plus photos from your adventure before drop-off back at your hotel.