Canyoning in Salto do Cabrito, São Miguel: rappels and jumps

Rappel waterfalls, jump into pools, slide through a volcanic canyon

Canyoning in Salto do Cabrito on São Miguel is a 4-hour activity where you descend a canyon using rappels, jumps and slides, surrounded by waterfalls and volcanic landscape. The tour includes all canyoning equipment, an accredited guide in English or Portuguese, insurance, and pickup from Ponta Delgada is available as an option. Minimum age is 14, and you need moderate fitness; the exact sequence of rappels and jumps depends on water flow and seasonal conditions.

The Experience

The canyon starts near Ribeira Grande, about 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada. After equipment distribution and a safety briefing at Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, you walk roughly 30 minutes through the volcanic landscape to reach the descent point. Once there, a second briefing covers the techniques you'll use — and then the canyon opens up.

The descent moves through several waterfalls using rappels that range from 4 to 16 metres, with the option to jump from a 3-metre platform into pools below. A zip-line is also available if you want it. The terrain and water flow change with the seasons, so the exact order of rappels, jumps and slides shifts — your guide reads the conditions and builds the day around what is safe and passable that day. You're fully equipped: harness, wetsuit, helmet, boots and socks all included, so the only thing you bring is swimwear and a towel.

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or meeting point near Ponta Delgada is optional — you can arrange your own transport to Salto do Cabrito if you prefer. The guide speaks English or Portuguese, and your insurance is covered for the whole activity.

What’s included

• Accredited guide in English or Portuguese.
• all canyoning equipment (harness, wetsuit, socks, helmet and boots).
• insurance.
• photos and videos of the activity. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or meeting point near Ponta Delgada are available on the Half Day Tour with Pick-up option.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Fun Activities - Azores Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose the option with pickup if you're arriving by plane or don't have a rental car — it removes the logistics of finding Salto do Cabrito near Ribeira Grande. Book without pickup if you're already mobile on the island or prefer to meet the group at the waterfall.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two canyoning options?

The Half Day Tour with Pick-up includes hotel or meeting point pickup and drop-off near Ponta Delgada; the Half Day Tour without Pick-up means you arrange your own transport to Salto do Cabrito. Both include the same 4-hour canyon descent, equipment, guide and insurance.

How difficult are the rappels and jumps?

Rappels range from 4 to 16 metres, and the optional jump is from 3 metres into a pool. You need moderate physical fitness and should be comfortable with heights and water. The guide adjusts the route based on water conditions and your group's ability.

What do I need to bring?

Wear swimwear and comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring your own beach towel, water bottle, and a hair elastic if you have long hair. Let the operator know your shoe size (men's or women's, in US, UK or EU) when you book so they have the right boots ready.

Is this suitable for children?

The minimum age is 14, and children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.

What happens if the water level is too high?

The exact itinerary — which rappels, jumps and slides you do — changes with water flow and seasonal conditions. Your guide decides the route on the day based on what is safe and passable, so the canyon experience shifts throughout the year.

What's included in the price?

All canyoning equipment (harness, wetsuit, socks, helmet and boots); an accredited guide in English or Portuguese; insurance; and photos or videos of the activity. Pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose the option with Pick-up.