Ribeiro do Cidrão Canyoning Level 2: Technical Waterfalls

Steeper descents, bigger jumps, and technical passages through narrow gorges.

Canyoning Level 2 in Ribeiro do Cidrão, Madeira is a 5.5-hour activity for adventurers with prior canyoning experience, featuring advanced waterfalls, longer abseils, and complex jumps through dramatic canyon terrain. The experience includes full body suit, helmet, rappel gear, boots, gloves, harness, water and snacks. A live guide leads in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and one additional language, and hotel pickup is included. Participants need moderate physical fitness and must be at least 7 years old and 1.20 meters tall.

The experience

Five and a half hours in Ribeiro do Cidrão means you're moving through narrow gorges and past spectacular waterfalls that don't appear on easier routes. The canyon demands more from you than Level 1: steeper descents, larger waterfalls, longer abseils that pull you down rock faces significantly higher than before, and complex jumps that require real coordination. You'll navigate intricate canyon paths where the route itself becomes part of the puzzle, not just the obstacles along it.

Everything you need arrives with you. Full body suit, helmet, harness, rappel gear, boots and gloves come fitted before you enter the water. The guide checks every connection and walks you through each technical section. You carry water and snacks for the duration. A live guide in your language (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or one of the others offered) leads the group through each passage, positioning you for jumps and managing the rope work on longer abseils so you can focus on technique and timing rather than logistics.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need a car or a ride to the trailhead. The operator also captures the day on GoPro: video and photos come with your booking, so you have a record of the jumps and descents without managing a camera yourself. Bring a moderate level of fitness and comfort with exposure. This is not a walk through a canyon but an athletic engagement with it.

What’s included

• Full body suit, helmet, harness, rappel gear, boots and gloves.
• water and snacks throughout the 5.5 hours.
• GoPro video and photos captured during the activity.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or one additional language.
• hotel pickup included for most Madeira locations.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

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

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 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Discovery Island Madeira

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need to arrange transport to the canyon if you're staying anywhere in central Madeira. If you're based in the more remote areas of Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente or Porto Moniz, add €10 per person for pickup from your location. This course suits someone who has already completed Level 1 or has prior canyoning experience and is ready to handle steeper terrain, longer abseils and more complex jumps.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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). Under 7: they 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 makes Level 2 canyoning different from Level 1?

Level 2 introduces steeper descents, larger and more challenging waterfalls, longer abseils, and complex jumps that require stronger technical skills and better coordination than the introductory course.

Do I need canyoning experience to book this activity?

Yes, this course is designed for participants who have completed Level 1 or have prior canyoning experience and are ready to push their skills further in more demanding terrain.

What's included in the 5.5 hours, and what do I need to bring?

Full body suit, helmet, harness, rappel gear, boots, gloves, water and snacks are all provided. You bring a moderate level of physical fitness, a willingness to navigate technical passages, and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in a hotel without a car?

Hotel pickup is included in the booking for most areas of Madeira. If you're staying in Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente or Porto Moniz, an additional cost of €10 per person applies for pickup from those locations.

Will I have video or photos of the experience?

Yes, a GoPro video and photos are captured during the activity and included with your booking, so you have a record of the waterfalls, jumps and abseils without managing a camera yourself.

What age or physical requirements apply?

Participants must be at least 7 years old and 1.20 meters tall, and should have moderate physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or those who are pregnant.