Canyoning in Madeira - Everything You Need to Know!

Feb 15

canyoning on Madeira: Smiling person in red helmet in water, others climbing rocky waterfall in background. Blue and orange gear, natural setting, adventurous mood.

Canyoning is an epic outdoor adventure where you hike through canyons, climb over rocks, slide down natural water slides, and even rappel down waterfalls. It’s like a mix of exploring, swimming, and rock climbing—all rolled into one. And honestly, there aren't too many better places for it than Madeira. With its cliffs, lush forests, and endless waterfalls, the island is a canyoning paradise, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro.

canyoning on Madeira: Three people in wetsuits and helmets trek through a narrow, moss-covered canyon with water, evoking a sense of adventure and exploration.

Is Canyoning on Madeira for Everyone?

Canyoning on Madeira is open to just about anyone, with different difficulty levels available to suit all kinds of travellers. No prior experience with rope safety is needed—when you join a guided tour, the instructors take care of everything, from setting up the ropes to ensuring your safety. They also provide all the necessary equipment, including wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, and even canyoning-specific shoes.

We went with Vertical Expeditions, a company that specialises in small-group tours, which meant we could take our time and fully enjoy the experience at our own pace.

canyoning on Madeira: Three people in wetsuits and helmets wade through a mossy canyon stream, surrounded by green cliffs. Focused expressions, adventure mood.

Canyoning involves covering a few kilometres through rivers and rocky terrain, rappelling down waterfalls, walking through streams, and making exciting jumps into natural pools. A tour can take several hours, and while the guides are there to support you every step of the way, you’ll still need to actively participate in all the activities. If you’re reasonably fit and up for an adventure, canyoning in Madeira is definitely worth trying!

Three people canyoning on Madeira; one descends in red gear, others watch atop mossy rocks. Lush greenery surrounds, creating an adventurous scene.

How to Choose the Right Canyoning Level on Madeira

Canyoning on Madeira is divided into three levels, so you can pick the one that best matches your experience and comfort level:

Level 1 – Perfect for beginners and kids.

Level 2 – Ideal for sporty individuals who enjoy a bit of adventure. Expect jumps, longer rappels, and more technical terrain, but nothing too extreme.

Level 3 – Designed for the most adventurous thrill-seekers. This level involves challenging routes, longer rappels, and even descents down waterfalls as high as 100 meters!

According to our guides, many people underestimate their abilities and choose a level that’s easier than what they’re actually capable of. If you’re unsure which level is right for you, it’s always best to contact a local canyoning company for advice—they’ll help you find the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment. With our Madeira Guide, you can score exclusive discounts of up to 15% on canyoning and other activities across the island. Don’t miss out on the chance to save while making the most of your adventure!

Two people in helmets and gear climb a mossy waterfall in a lush forest. Water cascades down rocks. Sunlight filters through foliage of Madeira.

Is Canyoning on Madeira worth it?

Canyoning in Madeira is truly unique because it’s available year-round—unlike many other destinations where it’s seasonal. This makes the island one of the top five canyoning spots in Europe. But the experience here is about more than just the sport itself; it’s also a chance to explore Madeira’s beautiful landscapes. Routes often begin high in the mountains, wind through forests, and take you past stunning waterfalls where you rappel down sheer cliffs—some even lead all the way to the ocean. That combination is incredibly rare worldwide! Plus, the trails are well-maintained by the local canyoning community, with short approaches, so you can jump straight into the action.

canyoning on Madeira: A person in a yellow helmet jumps into a waterfall pool in a lush, green forest setting, conveying a sense of adventure and excitement.

Our Experience Canyoning Level 2 in Ribeiro Frio with Vertical Expeditions

Even though I had already tried Level 3 canyoning on Madeira, we decided to go with Level 2 for Maria as a great way to break the ice while trying canyoning for her first time. We chose Vertical Expeditions because they specialise in small-group tours, which meant we could move at our own pace without waiting around for a large group to complete each section—something that can be frustrating on more crowded tours.

Two people canyoning on Madeira, while rappelling down a mossy waterfall in a lush forest. The scene is dynamic with bright gear and sunlight filtering through trees.

The adventure started at the meeting point, where the guides provided us with all the necessary equipment and gave a briefing on what to expect. They walked us through the basic rappelling techniques, ensuring we felt comfortable with the ropes. While the guides were always there to ensure safety, we also got to rappel on our own, which made the experience even more exciting.

From the very start, we were waist-deep in water as we entered the canyon. The trail took us over large boulders, through flowing river, and even across deep pools where we had to swim as the water was so deep. Some sections allowed us to jump from waterfalls, while on smaller drops, the guides lowered us down with ropes. The highlight was a 6-meter waterfall, where we got to rappel down ourselves—an epic experience to say at least!

People in helmets and harnesses canyoning on Madeira near a waterfall in a forest. Green foliage, mossy rocks, and vibrant outdoor gear are visible.

Although the route was challenging at every turn, no one ever felt overwhelmed. The guides kept the energy high with their inside jokes, making the entire experience fun and relaxed.

The whole trip took about 2.5 to 3 hours, and at the end, we quickly changed out of our neoprene suits into dry clothes. By the time we finished, we were already thinking ahead—next time, we’re definitely leveling up to Level 3!