Tucked away in Funchal Ecological Park lies the thrilling Ribeira das Cales, a picturesque canyon offering an unforgettable canyoning experience. Perfect for beginners and nature enthusiasts, this 2.5-hour guided tour promises an adrenaline-filled adventure through a stunning natural landscape. Led by certified instructors, you will navigate a series of five rappels, two optional jumps, and two rock slides, all while immersed in the breathtaking scenery. With convenient transportation and high-quality equipment provided, this is an opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and discover the hidden gems of Madeira. What awaits beyond the first rappel is an adventure that’ll leave you captivated.
Key Points
• Experience a 2.5-hour guided canyoning tour in the Funchal Ecological Park, featuring 5 rappels, 2 optional jumps, and 2 natural rock slides.
• Enjoy a 30-minute van ride to the starting point, with a rest stop for a KitKat and water to recharge during the tour.
• Participate in a small group of up to 10 people, led by two certified English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking instructors.
• Receive high-quality canyoning equipment, including helmets, wetsuits, harnesses, and boots, as well as free photos of the experience.
• Suitable for participants aged 10 and above, with a focus on safety and a wet, adrenaline-filled adventure.
Activity Overview
The Madeira: Ribeira das Cales Canyoning (Level 1) activity is a 2.5-hour adventure that takes participants on a guided tour through the scenic Funchal Ecological Park.
During this experience, you will enjoy 5 rappels, 2 optional small jumps, and 2 natural rock slides.
Priced from CZK 1,766 per person, this canyoning experience is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability and reserve a spot in advance.
With a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, participants can book with confidence.
The activity includes a 30-minute van ride to the starting point and a rest stop with a KitKat and water, ensuring an enjoyable and well-supported outing.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a 30-minute van ride from the pickup locations in Canico, Funchal, or the Barracão Bar outside Funchal to the Funchal Ecological Park, where the canyoning activity takes place.
Once there, participants can expect a guided tour that includes 5 rappels, the highest of which is 15 meters, as well as 2 optional small jumps and 2 natural rock slides.
Midway through the activity, there’s a rest stop where you will receive a KitKat and a bottle of water, helping to recharge before continuing the experience, which lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in total.
The guides will ensure safety and provide high-quality canyoning equipment throughout the adventure.
Group Size and Instructor
A small group size of up to 10 participants ensures a more personalized canyoning experience, with two certified guides who can provide instruction in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to ensure safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure.
These experienced guides are responsible for equipping participants with high-quality gear, including helmets, wetsuits, harnesses, and specialized canyoning boots.
They’ll also lead the group through the dramatic Ribeira das Cales canyon, guiding them through five rappels, two optional small jumps, and two natural rock slides.
With their expertise, participants can focus on seeing the stunning natural surroundings while the guides handle the technical aspects, creating a thrilling yet safe canyoning excursion.
Equipment and Inclusions
With the guides’ expertise in outfitting participants, the canyoning adventure includes high-quality equipment like helmets, neoprene wetsuits, harnesses, and specialized canyoning boots to ensure comfort and safety throughout the excursion.
Along With the premier gear, the tour package also provides a bottle of water and a KitKat energy snack during the activity.
Participants can also expect:
- Insurance coverage according to Portuguese law
- Free photos of their canyoning experience to be shared afterward
- A 30-minute van ride to the Funchal Ecological Park
- An activity duration of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
These thoughtful inclusions make the Ribeira Das Cales canyoning tour a well-equipped and worry-free adventure.
Important Information
Participants must bring their own swimwear and towel for the Ribeira Das Cales canyoning adventure.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the activity.
To ensure a proper equipment fit, you will need to provide their height, weight, and shoe size prior to the tour. This is for safety reasons, as the provided gear – including a helmet, neoprene wetsuit, socks, harness, and Adidas canyoning boots – must fit each individual properly.
The canyoning tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, those under 4’3” (130 cm), over 70 years old, with mobility issues or back problems, or over 264 lbs (120 kg).
Participants should be prepared to get wet and have an amazing, adrenaline-filled experience!
Customer Reviews
Overwhelmingly, customers have praised the Ribeira Das Cales canyoning tour, with a stellar 5/5 rating across 29 reviews. Reviewers consistently highlighted the professionalism and expertise of the guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Plus, the tour’s value for money stood out, with inclusions like quality equipment, snacks, and free photos. The personalized experience facilitated by the small group size, limited to just 10 participants, further enhanced the overall enjoyment of the tour.
On top of that, the seamless transportation, featuring a convenient 30-minute van ride to the Funchal Ecological Park, added to the positive feedback.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly, noting that the tour ‘exceeded all expectations‘ with its perfect blend of adrenaline-fueled activities and attentive, knowledgeable guides.
For adventure-seekers looking to explore Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes, the Ribeira Das Cales canyoning tour comes highly recommended.
Pickup Locations
The Ribeira Das Cales canyoning tour offers three convenient pickup locations for participants: Caniço, Funchal (with hotel pickup included), and an outside-Funchal meeting point at the Barracão Bar.
Travelers staying in Funchal can opt for the hotel pickup, which saves them the hassle of navigating to the starting point. Those based outside Funchal should make their way to the Barracão Bar, where they’ll meet up with the group at 9:30 AM before embarking on the 30-minute van ride to the Funchal Ecological Park.
Regardless of the pickup location, the tour ensures a seamless and convenient start to the canyoning adventure, allowing participants to focus on the thrilling experience that lies ahead.
Transportation
A 30-minute van ride transports participants from the meeting points to the Funchal Ecological Park, where the canyoning adventure begins. The journey provides a chance to take in the stunning Madeiran landscape before arriving at the stunning natural setting of the park.
Here, the group will:
- Gear up with the provided high-quality canyoning equipment, including helmets, wetsuits, and specialized footwear.
- Receive a safety briefing from the two certified guides, who ensure everyone is prepared for the thrilling descents and jumps.
- Follow the guides as they lead the way through the picturesque Ribeira das Cales canyon, navigating the natural terrain with expertise.
- Fully enjoy the adrenaline-fueled experience of canyoning, with opportunities to rappel, jump, and slide through the breathtaking landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
The activity provider allows participants to bring their own food and drinks, though they provide a KitKat and water during the tour. Bringing additional snacks and water is generally permitted, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the safety equipment or experience.
Is It Suitable for Families With Children?
The activity is not suitable for young children, as it has a minimum participant height requirement of 4’3" and is not recommended for those under 10 years old. However, families with older children may find it an enjoyable and safe adventure.
Are There Any Age or Weight Restrictions?
There are age and weight restrictions for this activity. It’s not suitable for children under 10 or individuals under 4’3" or over 264 lbs. The guides ensure safety by fitting participants with appropriate equipment based on their measurements.
Can I Request a Specific Guide or Language?
The company offers canyoning tours with 2 certified guides who speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Participants can’t request a specific guide, but the small group size ensures a personalized experience with knowledgeable instructors.
How Strenuous Is the Canyoning Activity?
The canyoning activity is moderately strenuous, with 5 rappels up to 15 meters high, 2 optional small jumps, and 2 natural rock slides. It requires a good level of fitness and agility, but is suitable for beginners with proper guidance and equipment.
Recap
The Ribeira das Cales canyoning adventure offers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for both beginners and nature enthusiasts.
With five thrilling rappels, two optional jumps, and two natural rock slides, participants can enjoy Madeira’s stunning Funchal Ecological Park and enjoy the adrenaline-fueled fun under the guidance of certified instructors.
Convenience, safety, and exceptional equipment ensure an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
