Canyoning Experience Level II Moderate

Exploring Madeira’s Wild Side: A Deep Dive into Level II Canyoning

If you’re craving an adventure that combines adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a good dose of physical challenge, then the Canyoning Level II experience in Ribeiro do Cidrão on Madeira is worth considering. Priced at around $98.69 per person and rated a perfect 5.0 from 51 reviews, this activity is designed for those with some prior canyoning experience or a decent level of fitness. It runs for about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, which makes for an immersive day out in Madeira’s volcanic landscapes. Guided by Discovery Island Madeira, the company boasts enthusiastic guides like Beto, Mauro, Alex, and Bernardo, who get glowing praise for their professionalism and cheerful attitude.

Two features I particularly love about this trip are the technical variety and the quality of the guides. You’ll be tackling larger waterfalls and longer abseils, requiring more skill and confidence than the beginner level, which keeps things exciting without crossing into danger. The guides keep safety front and center while making sure everyone enjoys the thrill of jumps, slides, and rappels with well-explained instructions. The other highlight is the scenery—narrow gorges, cascading waterfalls, and rugged canyon walls provide a backdrop that’s as dramatic as it is photogenic. The reviews frequently mention the “stellar views” and “beautiful waterfalls,” making this adventure as much about nature’s spectacle as it is about personal achievement.

A possible consideration is that the experience demands moderate physical fitness and a willingness to get wet and muddy. It’s not suited for children under 7 or those shorter than 1.20 meters, which makes sense given the technical descents and jumps involved. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness or dislike getting your hands dirty, make sure you’re comfortable with each obstacle—though the guides are known for their attentive, encouraging approach.

Key Points

• Expert-guided adventure: Guides like Beto, Mauro, and Alex are praised for their professionalism, fun personalities, and focus on safety.
• Spectacular scenery: Expect breathtaking views of waterfalls, gorges, and rugged natural formations that make every moment picture-worthy.
• Physical challenge: Designed for those with some canyoning experience, it involves technical descents, long abseils, and more complex moves.
• All necessary gear included: Full-body suit, harness, helmet, gloves, boots, and even water and snacks—convenient and cost-effective.
• Extra value: Free GoPro photos and videos help you relive the adventure without hassle.
• Transport options: Pickups are available for an additional fee, making logistics easier, especially if you’re staying outside Funchal.

What to Expect on Your Madeira Canyoning Adventure

Starting bright and early at 9:00 am at the meeting point Capela de São Rafael in Funchal, your day kicks off with a safety briefing and gear fitting. The tour is capped at 20 participants, striking a good balance between intimacy and camaraderie. From there, you’re transported to Ribeiro do Cidrão—a rugged, narrow gorge with waterfalls that host the level 2 challenge.

The route features larger waterfalls and complex jumps, which are a step up from beginner courses. You can anticipate longer abseils, sometimes more exhilarating than those in Level 1, as you descend steep sections with expert guidance. Reviewers mention guides like Daniel, Filipe, and Mauro making this part fun without sacrificing safety, with comments like “they transmit confidence so that nothing in the activity scares you.” Participants are often surprised at how accessible the technical elements become with clear instructions and encouragement.

The journey isn’t just about the vertical descents; navigating through tricky passages involves careful problem-solving and coordination. Moving through the gorge often requires a mix of jumping (up to 4 meters), sliding, and abseiling, with some spectacular waterfalls that demand technical skill. Many reviewers note the good variety of natural slides, free jumps, and abseils, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The guides also provide plenty of photo opportunities, capturing the fun and adrenaline.

By the end of the approximately five-and-a-half-hour adventure, you’ll return to the starting point tired but euphoric—having overcome a physical challenge and witnessed Madeira’s raw beauty. The tour ends back at the initial meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This canyoning suits adventurers with some canyoning experience or those physically active and confident in water. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a more technical, adrenaline-packed outing that pushes their skills and endurance. The activity’s fantastic guides and well-structured itinerary make it accessible for anyone with moderate fitness who doesn’t mind getting wet and muddy. It’s ideal for groups that enjoy outdoor challenges, as well as individuals eager to learn technical skills like rappelling and jumping.

If you’re traveling with teens or older children (over 7 and taller than 1.20 meters), this activity could be a memorable family adventure, especially with guides like Mauro and Filipe engaging everyone with their energy and humor. However, those seeking a more relaxed, scenic walk or a gentle boat tour may find this level of activity too intense.

Is It Worth the Price?

At nearly $99, the value of this experience hinges on the quality of guides, scenery, and safety. Many reviews rave about how professional, fun, and attentive the guides are, which greatly enhances the experience. The inclusion of gear, bottled water, snacks, and free photos minimizes additional costs and hassle. Plus, the small group size means more personalized attention. Considering all that, this is a cost-effective way to access Madeira’s wild heart and get a full day of adventure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a challenging yet safe way to enjoy Madeira’s spectacular landscapes, this Level II canyoning is a fantastic choice. It offers a considerable adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking scenery and expert guidance. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, the excitement of tackling waterfalls, and the memories captured on camera.

This experience is best suited for adventurers with some canyoning or outdoor activity background, those comfortable with water, and anyone eager to test their limits in a stunning natural setting. The balance of technical challenge and supportive guiding makes it accessible for confident thrill-seekers but not for complete beginners or very young children.

In short, if you want to see Madeira from a different perspective—one of roaring waterfalls, narrow gorges, and a sense of accomplishment—this canyoning trip should be on your list.

FAQ

Do I need prior canyoning experience?
While Level II is designed for those who have some experience or have completed Level I, some basic familiarity with canyoning skills like rappelling is recommended for comfort and safety.

What should I wear?
You’ll be provided with a full-body suit, helmet, harness, gloves, and boots. It’s best to wear a swimsuit underneath and bring a towel and change of dry clothes for after the tour.

Is transportation included?
Basic booking doesn’t include pickup, but there is an option to add pickup from locations like Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Santana, São Vicente, and Porto Moniz for an extra €10 per person.

How physically demanding is this tour?
It requires moderate physical fitness. Expect to navigate tricky terrain, climb, jump, and abseil. If you’re comfortable in water and have good strength and stamina, you’ll enjoy it more.

Can children participate?
Children under 7 or shorter than 1.20 meters are not permitted for safety reasons. For older kids with good fitness, it might be suitable, but check with the provider.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

How long is the entire experience?
Including pickup, the activity itself lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, from briefing to returning.

What are the safety measures?
Guides emphasize safety at all times, with clear instructions, proper equipment, and a focus on controlled descents and jumps.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is limited to 20, and you’ll be guided throughout, making it a suitable solo adventure or a fun activity for friends.

If you’re ready to test your skills, challenge your body, and witness Madeira’s spectacular waterfalls up close, this canyoning experience is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Just prepare to get wet, muddy, and exhilarated.