Madeira canyoning: streams cut into a volcanic island
Madeira canyoning takes place in narrow ravines that run from the central mountains towards the coast, so you get waterfalls, rock pools and short abseils within a few hours of Funchal. You do not need experience for the beginner tours.
The tourism office describes Ribeira das Cales in the Funchal Ecological Park as a beginner stream: 850 m long, about 2 hours on the route, easy, with five abseils of up to 12 m. The Nuns Valley near Curral das Freiras is the other classic, with the Ribeira do Cidrão listed at 800 m and abseils of up to 15 m. Prices are starting prices as of November 2026.
Our picks: canyoning
Level 1 with hotel pickup, the Nuns Valley and the Curral das Freiras tours, each with kit and a guide.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Beginner canyoning, level 1
Hotel pick-up in Funchal, full equipment, photos, certified guides and insurance.
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Nuns Valley canyoning, level 2
- Full equipment
- Qualified guide
- Insurance and photos
About 4 hours in the Nuns Valley with all equipment, a qualified guide, insurance and photos.
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Intermediate canyoning at Curral das Freiras
- Full equipment with shoes
- Certified guide
- Photos and videos
Four hours from age 10, with equipment, guide, insurance, photos and videos.
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Waterfalls canyoning for beginners
- Full equipment
- Guide
- Photos and videos
Four hours of beginner canyoning for ages 8 to 60, with equipment, a guide, photos and videos.
Check availability →Canyoning tours in Madeira
Compare beginner, waterfall and Nuns Valley canyoning tours with live prices and availability.
Beginner canyoning in Madeira: the four tours
All four tours last 4 hours in total.
Beginner Canyoning, Level 1 (€64). No experience needed, and the jumps are optional. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, a helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness, canyoning shoes, a photo, certified guides and accident and liability insurance are included. It suits first-timers, couples and friends.
Nuns Valley, Level 2 (€57). Equipment, a qualified guide, insurance and photos are included, with a transfer from the CR7 Museum in Funchal. Complete the size questionnaire in the booking app on time so that your kit fits.
Intermediate Canyoning, Level 2 (€50). You meet at the São Rafael chapel, first road on the right after the access tunnel, or use a pickup option. Transport, full equipment with shoes, a certified guide, insurance, photos and videos are included. The minimum age is 10.
Waterfalls Canyoning (€50). The listed ages are 8 to 60, which makes it the tour for families with younger children.
Which Madeira canyoning tour should you pick?
Choose Level 1 if this is your first descent and you want transfers sorted from a Funchal hotel. Choose the Waterfalls tour for children from 8 at the lower price. Choose a Level 2 tour if you already like moving over wet rock and want the Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras.
When to go and what to bring
Canyoning runs all year. The tourism office suggests the streams of the wetter north in summer and the calmer southern streams in winter. Bring swimwear and a towel, and wear your swimwear under your clothes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on any of the tours.
Pregnancy and reduced mobility are excluded on the Level 2 and Waterfalls tours. Guests over 50 should contact the provider before booking those two. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the start.
If you would rather stay dry, see the Madeira tours page for walks, jeeps and boats, or the levada walks guide.
Madeira canyoning: practical questions
How much does canyoning in Madeira cost?
The four half-day tours cost €50, €50, €57 and €64 per person.
Do I need experience?
No. The Level 1 tour needs none, and the Waterfalls tour is built for beginners.
How old do you have to be?
The Level 2 tour from Curral das Freiras starts at 10, and the Waterfalls tour lists ages 8 to 60. Level 1 lists ages over 10 and under 55 in its conditions.
How long does a tour take?
Each tour lasts 4 hours in total.