Canyoning Ribeira dos Caldeirões São Miguel: Jumps & rappels

Jump, rappel and slide through a canyon where the water does the work

Canyoning Experience in Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a 2.5-hour activity in Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões on São Miguel where you jump, rappel and slide down a river canyon using techniques suited to the day's conditions. The operator provides all equipment (harness, wetsuit, helmet, boots), and an accredited guide in English or Portuguese. Pickup from Ponta Delgada is available on one option. Children from age 6 are welcome with an adult.

Options for this experience

2 options

From € 70 to € 85 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Half day, pickup not included Available from 31 Mar 2027 Guide in English or Portuguese Lasts 3 hours. Meet at the parking area of Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões; a waterfall is visible across the road.

Half day, pickup included Available from 31 Mar 2027 Guide in English or Portuguese Lasts 3 hours. Pickup usually happens between 08:00 and 08:20 from April to October, or between 08:30 and 08:50 from November to March. Pickup is included.

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What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Ponta Delgada (on the with-pickup option).
• all canyoning equipment including harness, wetsuit, helmet, socks and boots.
• accredited guide in English or Portuguese.
• insurance.
• photos and videos of the experience.

Times

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Next departure: 31 Mar 2027

Information

Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões on São Miguel with jumps and rappels, all gear included: no swimming skill needed, just comfort in water.

Group Up to 14

Live guide English and Portuguese Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 35 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure. See the exact addressSee the pickup points

Book up to 18h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The canyon sits about 45 minutes northeast of Ponta Delgada. After pickup (if you choose that option) and a short walk to the park entrance, you'll get your gear (harness, wetsuit, socks, helmet and boots), and a safety briefing before a 15-minute walk to the first stop. A second briefing covers rappelling technique, then another 10 minutes uphill brings you to the canyon itself.

Once you're at the top, the second half starts. You'll face several jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters (all optional, so you choose which ones to take) plus a natural slide and abseils between 5 and 15 meters. The exact sequence depends on water flow and seasonal conditions. The terrain and stream change throughout the year. You walk back along the same path to the starting point.

You don't need to swim. Comfort in water is enough. Bring swimwear, a towel, water bottle, sunscreen and a hair elastic if you have long hair. The operator covers insurance and all canyoning equipment. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and there are physical limits: minimum height 1.20 m, minimum weight 20 kg, maximum weight 120 kg, and maximum waist circumference 1.40 m for the harness.

Top questions

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 35 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 60 minutes before departure.

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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.

How high are the jumps and rappels in the canyon?

Jumps range from 2 to 7 meters and are entirely optional. You choose which ones to do. Rappels (abseils) range from 5 to 15 meters depending on the route the guide takes based on water conditions that day.

Do I need to know how to swim to do this?

No. You need to be comfortable in water, but swimming skill is not required. The guide will show you how to move through the canyon safely.

What equipment does the operator provide?

All canyoning gear is included: a fully equipped harness, wetsuit, socks, helmet and boots. You bring your own swimwear, towel, water bottle and sunscreen.

How long does the whole experience take?

The canyoning activity itself is 2.5 hours. Add travel time to and from Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões (about 45 minutes each way from Ponta Delgada) if you're not driving yourself.

Operated by Fun Activities - Azores Adventure. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated yesterday