Canyoning in Madeira: which level, which tour?
Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read
The short answer: if you have never done it, book the Beginner Canyoning Level 1 tour (€67.50, the most-reviewed canyoning tour in Madeira). If you are fit, like heights and want longer rappels, the intermediate Level 2 adventure (€76.50) is the step up. The price gap between operators is small; what changes the day is the level, the length of the rappels and the group size.
Five canyoning tours compared
| Tour | Duration | From | Rating | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Canyoning – Level 1 | not listed | €67.50 | 5 (1,771) | First-timers and families with children over 10 |
| Canyoning Beginners – Easy & Fun Waterfall Adventure | 4h 30m | €67 | 4.8 (646) | Beginners who want a longer day with a short approach walk |
| Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure | 4 hours | €76.50 | 4.9 (1,376) | Fit travellers who want rappels of up to 18–20 metres |
| Intermediate Canyoning Adventure in Madeira (Level 2) | 4 hours | €52.20 | 4.9 (363) | Anyone who wants Level 2 for less |
| Canyoning for Beginners, Nun’s Valley, Level 2 | 4 hours | €72 | 5 (1,177) | Travellers who want the canyon in the middle of the island |
What “Level” means here
There is no island-wide scale. Each operator sets its own, and on these pages Level 1 is the beginner day and Level 2 the intermediate one. The fifth tour in the table shows why that is not a guarantee: its title says “beginners” and “Level 2” at the same time. Read the description before you pay, and ask the operator directly if you are unsure what you will be asked to do.
Level 3 trips exist too, from €123 per person, and they belong to people who already canyon regularly. None of the five above is that.
Level 1: easy, wet and not as scary as it sounds
The most-reviewed tour is built for a first contact. Its description promises waterfalls, rappels, optional jumps and natural waterslides, no experience needed and alternative routes for every obstacle. The booking page says the route is easy and accessible for people over ten, and lists children under ten as unsuitable. Arrive already wearing your swimsuit, because there are no changing rooms or toilets at the meeting point – it is, as the page puts it, just nature.
The second beginner tour runs four and a half hours. The operator says it has led canyoning trips since 2011. After a short walk of 15 minutes through a rural area you reach the canyon, then abseil, jump and slide through, and walk back for ten minutes along old terraces. Wetsuit, harness, helmet, shoes and socks, an energy bar, water, insurance and photos are listed.
Level 2: longer rappels, fewer second chances
The Level 2 tour for €76.50 sends you down waterfalls of up to 18 to 20 metres, with natural slides, pools and optional jumps. Every jump is optional and, where possible, there are safe alternatives. Certified guides, helmet, wetsuit, neoprene socks, harness and special shoes are supplied, and you receive photos and videos.
This is not a beginner day. The booking page lists children under ten, people with heart problems, people with epilepsy and people over 65 as unsuitable. If any of that might apply to you, speak to your doctor before you book.
See prices and dates for the Level 2 canyoning tour
The cheaper Level 2 tour is a group tour for intermediate canyoners, with travel from Funchal and safety equipment listed. The pages do not explain why it costs €24.30 less than the other Level 2 tour – group size, canyon and equipment are all possible – so ask the operator.
The Nun’s Valley canyon
The fifth tour takes place in the valley in the middle of the island, surrounded by steep mountains. Its 5 stars on 1,177 reviews are the joint-highest rating on the list, and the title mixing “beginners” and “Level 2” is the thing to clarify before you go.
See availability for the Nun’s Valley canyoning tour
Before you book
Check your age and health. Operators set their own limits. The pages above name ten as the lower age for Level 1 and Level 2, but do not rely on our summary: the booking page you choose is the one that applies.
The water is a mountain stream. The pages call the pools refreshing. Plan for being wet, not for a swim in a warm bay.
Rain. Canyoning is a water sport; the stream changes with the weather. For how conditions can differ between the coast and the mountains, see Sun in Funchal, fog up top.
For the wider choice of active trips, see canyoning and adventure, which lists 67 offers from €19, median €67.50.
Who should skip it
Anyone afraid of heights or enclosed spaces. Optional jumps help, but a canyon is a descent on ropes.
Anyone with heart problems or epilepsy. The Level 2 page lists both as unsuitable.
Anyone who wants a gentle day on the water. For that, a boat trip is the better choice.
Our recommendation
For most people: the Beginner Canyoning Level 1 tour, €67.50. It has the most reviews of any canyoning tour in Madeira, a perfect 5 stars, and alternative routes for every obstacle.
See prices and dates for the Level 1 beginner tour
If you are fit and have done something similar before: the Level 2 tour, €76.50, 4.9 stars.
For the best value at Level 2: the cheaper intermediate group tour, €52.20. It costs €24.30 less than the other Level 2 tour, and the reviews are good, though there are fewer of them.
When the extra cost is not worth it: if you doubt you will enjoy cold water, heights or a wetsuit, skip the upgrade to Level 2 and the day entirely. A levada walk keeps you dry – see which levada walk first.
