Canyoning Level 2 – Ribeira do Cidrão- Madeira Island

If you’re looking for an activity that combines adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of adrenaline on Madeira, this canyoning experience in Curral das Freiras might just be your perfect match. For around $97 per person, you’ll spend about 4 hours exploring some of the island’s more secluded spots, with guides leading the way through 8 rappels, jumps, and an exciting slide that ends with a splash. Two pickup points—Funchal and Caniço—make it accessible, and with groups limited to 10 participants, you’ll get personalized attention.

What really drew us in are two specific things: the opportunity to abseil down waterfalls (including an 18-meter drop), and the spectacular views of lush mountains and valleys that make every moment feel like an immersive nature documentary. Plus, you’ll get professional photos and videos to remember the experience.

One consideration to keep in mind is that this activity is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions. Also, bringing a swimsuit and towel is a must, as you’ll be getting wet often. This tour is best suited for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a unique way to see Madeira’s wild side.

Key Points

• Adventure & Safety: Guides are certified and prioritize safety while ensuring everyone has fun.
• Spectacular Scenery: Expect panoramic views of mountains, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters.
• Variety of Activities: Includes rappels, jumps, and a natural toboggan slide for a well-rounded thrill.
• Photographic Memories: Free photos and videos capture every exciting moment.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 10) enhance safety and personal attention.
• Inclusive Experience: Suitable for those with some canyoning or outdoor experience, but not for very young children or certain health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Canyoning Adventure in Depth

The Setting: Curral das Freiras

Our journey begins with a scenic pickup in Funchal or Caniço, followed by a short van ride of about 25 minutes. The destination, Curral das Freiras, is a dramatic valley surrounded by towering peaks. Once a refuge for nuns fleeing pirates, today it’s a quiet, untouched corner that offers some of the most dramatic views on the island. The landscape is a visual feast: steep cliffs, lush green slopes, and the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon.

The Guided Tour Experience

Once we arrive, our guides—who are fluent in both English and Portuguese—explain what to expect. They clearly prioritize safety but also make it clear that fun is the goal. The group size is intentionally kept small, which makes for a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Over the next two and a half hours, we explore the canyon’s most thrilling sections, starting with a gentle warm-up as we gear up with high-quality equipment including helmets, wetsuits, harnesses, and rugged canyoning boots. The guides take the time to ensure everyone is comfortable with the equipment and the techniques, which is reassuring for first-timers but also appreciated by seasoned canyoners.

The Rappels and Jumps

The highlight for many will be the 8 rappels, each offering a different perspective of the canyon’s rugged terrain. The tallest, an 18-meter waterfall rappel, is a true adrenaline rush and a favorite among reviewers. We loved how the guides carefully managed each descent, making sure everyone was secure before lowering us down the vertical drops.

Adding to the excitement are two jumps into crystal-clear waters—the first more manageable, the second a bit more daring, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. One of the most memorable moments was a spectacular 6-meter natural toboggan, where we slid down a smooth rock face into a refreshing pool below. The opportunity to repeat this slide or jump allows for a chance to perfect your technique or simply enjoy the thrill again.

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The Scenic Finale: The Slide

After the rappelling and jumping sections, the adventure ends with a spectacular slide that offers a fun, fast-paced finish. It’s a perfect way to cool off and take in the surrounding landscape from a different perspective.

The Photos and Videos

Throughout the activity, our guides snapped high-quality photos and videos, which they shared afterward at no extra charge. These captured not just the action but also the stunning scenery, allowing us to relive the experience whenever we wanted.

Transport, Duration, and Practical Details

The tour lasts about 4 hours, including pickup, transfer, guided canyoning, and drop-off. The pickup points — in Funchal and Caniço — are convenient, and the vans are clearly marked. The small group size (max 10 participants) makes the experience more intimate, ensuring individual attention from the guides.

This tour is priced at $97 per person, which for what you get—a guided adventure with top-notch gear, photos, insurance, and personalized guidance—offers solid value. The activity includes all necessary equipment, and insurance is covered according to Portuguese law.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Participants should come prepared with swimwear and a towel. The activity involves getting wet often, so dress accordingly. The guides emphasize that alcohol, drugs, and certain health conditions (like recent surgeries or back problems) can make canyoning unsafe, so honesty about your health and fitness is crucial.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Several reviews highlight how the guides foster a safe and enjoyable environment. One reviewer, Mageli, noted, “Our guides made sure we were safe and had fun all through the adventure.” Alexandra appreciated the great atmosphere and guides, recommending it highly. Rasmus, a first-timer, mentioned feeling very safe in the guides’ hands, and enjoyed their fun attitude and the photos they took, which made him eager to try again and even go to the next level.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This canyoning experience is ideal for adventure seekers eager for a physical challenge amid stunning scenery. It’s particularly suited for those with some outdoor activity experience, given the technical nature of rappelling and jumping. The small group setting and professional guidance ensure safety, making it appealing to those new to canyoning but comfortable with basic outdoor activities.

Travelers who enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and a mix of adrenaline and tranquility will find this tour memorable. If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of physical activity and nature, this is a fantastic way to explore Madeira’s wild side.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira canyoning tour offers a well-balanced mix of thrill, scenic beauty, and professional guidance. For around $97, you get an adventure that’s both challenging and accessible, with plenty of opportunities for photos to keep the memories vivid. The 8 rappels, jumps, and slide provide enough variety to keep everyone engaged, while the small group size ensures personalized attention.

What truly makes this experience special are the stunning views of the mountains and valleys, along with the knowledgeable guides who make safety a priority without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or a curious first-timer, this canyoning adventure in Curral das Freiras offers an authentic taste of Madeira’s rugged beauty.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour in Funchal or Caniço, with vans marked with the company’s logo.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, guided canyoning, and return.

Is this suitable for beginners?
The tour is rated Level 2, making it suitable for those with some outdoor experience. Beginners with a good level of fitness might enjoy it, but it’s not designed for complete novices.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit and towel. You may also want to wear quick-drying clothes underneath the wetsuit.

What’s included?
High-quality canyoning equipment, photos and videos, insurance, and water during the activity are included.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or people with back problems, recent surgeries, or over 264 lbs (120 kg). Participants should also be aware that alcohol and drugs are not permitted.

Can I repeat parts of the activity?
Yes, the toboggan slide and jumps can be repeated for extra fun.

How challenging is the activity?
It involves 8 rappels, jumps, and a slide, so expect some physical exertion and comfort with heights and water. It’s designed to be manageable for most adventure lovers.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable, fun guides who ensure safety while creating a friendly atmosphere.

Will I get good photos?
Absolutely, the guides take professional-quality photos and videos, which you receive after the activity at no extra cost.

If you’re after a unique, adrenaline-fueled way to see Madeira’s most spectacular landscapes, this canyoning adventure delivers on every front. It’s an authentic, exciting experience that’s worth every penny for those ready to embrace the wild side of the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: