Madeira turns waterfalls into playgrounds. This Level Two canyoning trip mixes real action—jumps, slides, and rappels—with the kind of tight guiding that keeps the day feeling relaxed instead of chaotic. I especially liked how the route feels remote and natural, not like you’re being shuttled around for hours.

Two things I really enjoy here are the small group size (max 12) and the guide vibe. When I was there, Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa were all about keeping things fun while staying strict about safety.

One consideration: this is still physically demanding wet-and-wild fun, so it’s not for you if you have back or heart issues, are pregnant, are over 70, or need wheelchair access. Also plan on being without basic items like a towel unless you bring one.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (up to 12), so you get more attention during the action
• Gear is all included (neoprene suit, helmet, harness, and more), so you travel light
• 2.5 hours of guided canyon time with jumps, slides, and rappels
• Pickup from Funchal Cable Car at 09H30 keeps logistics simple if you’re car-free
• Free photos after the trip, plus a quick energy hit during the day
• Optional tougher moments can include a 20-metre upsailing spot

Why Madeira’s Level Two Canyoning Feels Worth It

Canyoning sounds simple until you’re standing at the edge of a waterfall and realizing gravity is not negotiable. That’s why Level Two is such a sweet spot. You get the full “action movie” feeling—jumping into natural pools, sliding where water already runs, and abseiling down rock—without needing to be an expert athlete.

I like that the tour is positioned as intermediate, but it still works for people without previous canyoning experience. What matters is your willingness to get wet, follow instructions, and move your body confidently on uneven terrain. If that’s you, you’ll have a great day.

The other big win is how much time goes into the canyon itself, not into waiting around. The day is built around a focused block of canyon time, with shorter transfers and a proper safety setup before you start.

Price and Value: What $97 Actually Covers

At about $97 per person, this is not a “cheap-and-boring” activity. It’s priced like an outdoor sport day where someone has already handled the hard parts: permits, safety protocol, insurance, and professional guiding.

The value gets clearer when you look at what’s included:

• Full canyoning gear (neoprene suit, helmet, harness, and technical equipment)
• Safety insurance and permits
• Free photos taken during the experience
• Pickup from the Funchal Cable Car area

You’re also not left hunting for basics like the right footwear or a neoprene setup. If you’ve ever bought gear for one trip only to have it sit in a closet later, you’ll appreciate that this includes everything you need.

What’s not included is also useful to know ahead of time. You’ll want your own towel and a swimsuit, plus sunscreen and food/drinks are on you.

Getting There: Cable Car Start, Van Transfer, Then Work Begins

The day starts at the Funchal Cable Car meeting area. You’re picked up at 09H30, and you’ll look for the Epic Madeira mini-van or the guide wearing the Epic Madeira canyoning t-shirt. This matters because it keeps the start clean if you don’t have a car.

After the cable car pickup, you get a 30-minute van ride. That transfer isn’t wasted time. It’s part of what makes the canyoning feel like you left the busy bits of Funchal behind and went toward more secluded terrain.

Then you do a 30-minute safety briefing at a local bar. This is one of those steps that people sometimes rush, but it’s worth paying attention to. You’ll be learning how to use the gear and how the day’s movements will work, which pays off once you’re in the canyon.

The Safety Briefing at the Local Bar (And Why It Matters)

The safety briefing is not a box-checking exercise. It’s where you get your bearings fast on what’s coming next: how to wear the harness, how the descenders are used, and what to expect when jumping or sliding.

Even though this tour is for Level Two, it’s still designed for people who haven’t canyoned before. That means the guides can spend time on technique and comfort, not just on advanced movements.

This is also where you’ll feel the guiding approach. The vibe from the guide team (including Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa) is a mix of serious safety focus and jokes that loosen everyone up. That combo is what turns nervous energy into confidence.

Gear and the Guide Team: You’re Set Up to Move

You’re provided with everything needed for canyoning: neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards. That’s a big deal because good gear fit affects comfort, grip, and safety.

Neoprene suit and socks matter in Madeira’s water because you’re not just standing there. You’re moving through splash zones, pools, and wet rock sections where you need insulation and protection.

The harness and rappel equipment are the heart of the day. You’re not left to figure out rigging on your own. Guides are with you the whole way, and that’s what makes the experience feel controlled even when the scenery looks totally wild and untouched.

Small group size (up to 12) also helps. With fewer people, the guides can check in more often—especially right before jumps or tricky transitions.

The Real Action: 2.5 Hours in Madeira’s Canyons

The heart of the trip is a 2.5-hour guided canyon route, where you’re moving from one natural feature to the next. This is where Level Two earns its name.

Here’s what you can expect as part of the experience:

• Jumps off the waterfall or into natural pools
• Slides down natural water slides
• Rappels/abseiling down cliff sections
• Natural swimming pools and spring water spots

The best part is that it feels like you’re playing within the landscape, not just watching it. You’re hiking through untouched canyon sections, then switching into “okay, now physics is in charge” mode for the vertical bits.

You’ll also likely notice how the route doesn’t feel like a staged attraction. The canyoning is described as remote and deep in nature, which changes the entire mood of the day. You’re not just getting wet—you’re getting a real connection to the island.

Jumps and slides: fun with a safety net

If you like adrenaline, this is your section. You’ll be asked to commit to jumps and slides, but you won’t be thrown in cold. The guides keep watch and explain what to do so you’re not improvising.

One helpful mindset: treat each jump or slide like a short task. You’re not trying to conquer fear in one dramatic moment. You’re following steps, then moving on.

Rappels: where technique beats toughness

Rappelling is the part where calm matters. A lot of people think it’s all bravery, but in practice it’s about controlled movement and trusting the system. With the gear setup handled and guides right there, it’s less about heroics and more about good positioning.

If you’re nervous, tell your guide. They can adjust how you approach each section.

The Optional 20-Metre Upsailing Moment

One of the more memorable additions (when conditions and the route allow) is an optional 20-metre upsailing spot. “Optional” is the key word here.

That means you can choose to go for it without feeling pressured to prove yourself. I like options like this because they let you tailor the day to your comfort level. If you want more vertical challenge, you can. If you’d rather keep it to jumps, slides, and rappels, you can.

Timing That Works: Van Out, Canyon Time, Van Back

After the guided canyon section, you head back to the van for another 30-minute ride. Then you return to the Funchal Cable Car meeting point area.

This pacing is practical for vacation planning. You’re looking at about 3.5 hours total, which is long enough to feel like you did something real, but short enough that you don’t lose your whole day to logistics.

Small group format also helps the schedule. Less waiting means more active time.

What to Pack (Because Some Basics Are Not Included)

This is where most people can save themselves stress. You should bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

You’ll also want to think about sunscreen and snacks in advance because food and drinks are not included. The tour does give an energy bar or chocolate, which helps right in the middle of the physical effort.

Since you’ll be in neoprene gear provided by the operator, you don’t need to bring technical canyoning clothing. But you do need to come prepared to change into damp gear afterward, so a towel and a plan for your day after are smart.

Photos and Memories: Expect Digital Proof

Free photos are included. That’s not just a nice extra—it solves a real problem with canyoning. When you’re wet, moving, and wearing a helmet and harness, it’s hard to stop and shoot your own best moments.

So you can focus on the experience while the guides capture the action. You’ll get a recap of the day instead of hoping you got one clear shot at the moment you landed in the pool.

Who Should Book This (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Are comfortable getting wet and being active for a few hours
• Like the idea of jumping, sliding, and rappelling with guidance
• Want a small-group outdoor day with professional safety support
• Prefer doing things near Funchal without long hassle

It’s not a good match if you have back problems, heart problems, are pregnant, are over 70, need wheelchair access, or are traveling with kids under 10. If you’re unsure, it’s worth being cautious. Canyoning is not just a walk in the rain.

Should You Book EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

If you want an adventure that feels genuinely Madeira—remote canyons, natural water features, and a day built around action—you should book it. The price-to-value ratio works well because the tour includes gear, permits, safety insurance, professional guidance, and even free photos.

I’d book it especially if you like structure with room for fun. The guide team approach—serious about safety, playful in the moment—helps make Level Two feel exciting instead of intimidating.

But if you know you’re sensitive to physical exertion, vertical movement, or you have any of the health limitations listed for the tour, skip this one and choose a calmer Madeira activity. You’ll be happier overall.

If you’re right in the middle—adventurous, healthy, and ready to follow instructions—this is the kind of day you’ll remember the moment you step back out into Funchal again.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Funchal Cable Car meeting point. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time is pickup from Funchal Cable Car?

Pickup from the Cable Car is at 09H30.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours. The guided canyon time is about 2.5 hours.

Is prior canyoning experience required?

No experience is necessary, and the tour is designed for people who want a challenge without needing canyoning experience beforehand.

What gear is included?

All gear is included, including a neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is not included, and you’ll also want to plan for food and drinks since those aren’t provided.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, and children under 10.