Madeira Canyoning: Waterfalls, Rappels & Jumps for Beginners

Navigate six waterfalls and rappel down a 15-meter drop in the Funchal Ecological Park

Canyoning Level 1 in Ribeira das Cales, Madeira is a beginner-friendly adventure where you navigate six waterfalls, make three optional jumps and rappel 15 meters through an 850-meter route near Pico do Areeiro. The entire activity takes about three and a half hours and includes full gear, a live guide in multiple languages, GoPro video and photos, water and snacks, plus hotel pickup. Children from age 7 are welcome.

The experience

The route starts near Pico do Areeiro, one of the highest peaks in the Madeira archipelago at 1,818 meters, within the Funchal Ecological Park. You'll move through a series of natural pools and rappels (the tallest being 12 meters) before reaching the 15-meter abseil that closes out the day. The entire descent covers 120 meters over roughly three and a half hours, which means the pace stays manageable even if you've never done this before. Six distinct waterfalls break up the route, each with its own landscape and challenge, so the day doesn't feel repetitive.

What makes this different from a guided hike is that you're doing the climbing and rappelling yourself, not watching someone else do it. You get a full body suit, helmet, harness, gloves and boots, everything fitted before you start, plus a live guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or another language depending on your group. The guide handles the technical setup and safety checks, but you're the one making the jumps and working the rope. Three jumps are optional, so you can skip them if you want to stay conservative, but most people take at least one or two once they see how the water pools below.

Pickup is included from most Madeira hotels, and the operator provides GoPro video and photos of the day so you have proof of what you actually did. Water and snacks come along, and the whole thing wraps before late afternoon. The 850-meter route is classified as easy, which is why it works for beginners, but easy doesn't mean boring: the waterfalls and the rappel keep the adrenaline steady.

What’s included

• Full body suit, helmet, harness, gloves and boots.
• GoPro video and photos of the day.
• water and snacks.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or another language.
• hotel pickup from most locations.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 36 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discovery Island Madeira

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to jump and rappel through waterfalls with a guide managing safety and route decisions. You focus on the movement, not the planning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the difference between the 12-meter rappels and the 15-meter finale?

The route includes several rappels, with the tallest being 12 meters, and closes with a 15-meter abseil. The 15-meter drop is the final rappel of the day and provides the most dramatic descent of the experience.

Do I need canyoning experience to book this?

This is a Level 1 beginner activity, so no prior experience is required. The guide handles all technical setup and safety, and the 850-meter route with a 120-meter descent is designed as an accessible introduction to canyoning.

Will I get wet, and what happens to my phone or camera?

Yes, you will get wet. You're moving through waterfalls and natural pools. The operator provides GoPro video and photos of the day, so you don't need to bring your own camera. Personal items can be left with the operator or secured in a waterproof bag.

Is hotel pickup really included, or does it cost extra from certain areas?

Pickup is included from most Madeira hotels. Pickups from Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente and Porto Moniz carry an added cost of €10 per person.