A half day that feels like a full movie scene. This Level 2 canyoning trip on Madeira mixes rappels, optional jumps, and splashy waterfall time in Ribeira do Cidrão. Expect big views of mountains and water carved deep into the valley as your guides run the route with steady, serious safety.

What I like most is the combo of adrenaline and control. Eight waterfalls means you are moving the whole time, and the longest abseil reaches 18 meters. I also love the human side: guides like Beto and Diogo (and other teams on this tour) were described as professional, fun, and safety-minded at the same time.

One thing to plan around: there are no toilets during the activity. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, pack your day accordingly (and remember you’re mostly in nature from the start onward).

Key things to know before you go

• Level 2 means manageable thrills: you’ll handle rappels and optional jumps, but it’s built for beginners who are reasonably fit.
• Eight waterfalls in Ribeira do Cidrão keeps things active instead of slow sightseeing.
• Up to three optional jumps let you choose how brave you feel on the day.
• Longest abseil is 18 meters, with a couple standout descents around 16–18 meters.
• Free photos and videos are part of the deal, so you don’t spend the day filming instead of living it.
• No toilets on-site or along the route, so plan for nature as your bathroom.

Curral das Freiras walking in, then water blasting out

Your canyoning day starts with a scenic setup in the area of Curral das Freiras, often called Nuns Valley. You get a 20-minute walk to the beginning of the route, and it’s not just dead time. This is when you soak in the dramatic Massif Central Mountains backdrop and start mentally switching from regular walking pace to canyon mode.

This walk also gives you a quick reality check. Level 2 canyoning isn’t a couch-to-canyon ride. Even before the first rappel, you’re hiking on uneven ground and moving toward a narrow, wet environment. If you feel fine after that 20-minute stretch, you’ll likely be fine when the water time begins.

Getting ready for Level 2: what you’re actually signing up for

This is intermediate Level 2, and that rating matters. You’re not being thrown into a technical mountaineering situation. But you are expected to be comfortable with height exposure during rappels and the occasional jump option.

The tour is based in Ribeira do Cidrão and is designed around repeated challenges. You’ll rappel down waterfalls, move along the route, and splash through cascades that change as the water does. You don’t just do one dramatic descent. You do several, and that’s why it feels like an experience marathon in the best way.

Equipment is included, and guides handle the gear setup and safety basics. That said, the tour specifically notes you must provide your measurements for the equipment (height, weight, and shoe number). Do that promptly so you don’t end up with gear that doesn’t fit well.

What to bring (and what to remember you won’t have)

Plan to bring:

• Swimwear
• Comfortable clothes for the transfer and start
• Passport or ID card
• (You’ll want a towel, since it isn’t included in the tour listing.)

A small practical point: you’ll be wet. Even if parts of the canyon are cold-ish, what matters more is staying warm enough afterward. A towel and dry layers for after the tour are what keep a fun day from becoming an uncomfortable one.

The route in Ribeira do Cidrão: eight waterfalls and constant motion

The action centers on Ribeira do Cidrão, with 8 waterfalls during the experience. Eight. Not one or two. That’s the big value here: you get variety in water and terrain instead of repeating the same move over and over.

As you go, you’ll descend waterfalls using rappel techniques and then keep moving through the canyon sections. The guide team is there to teach you what to do before you’re put on the spot, and most of the route is about doing the next step safely, not freezing in fear.

Optional jumps: choose your bravery level

Jumps are part of the fun, and this tour offers up to 3 optional jumps. That optional detail is important for Level 2. You can say yes to the first one and watch your comfort rise. Or you can skip a jump and still keep the adrenaline by going through the rappel parts and swims.

The biggest descents are in the 16–18 meter range, with the longest abseil at 18 meters. If you’re worried about height, focus on the fact that guides control timing and technique. You’re not just being told jump or die. You’re being coached.

The rappels that feel big: what 16–18 meters means for you

When the tour says two of the largest waterfalls sit around 16 to 18 meters, take that seriously. That’s tall enough to make you think, even if you’re a confident adventurer.

Here’s how to think about it: on a canyon rappel, your brain wants to drift into scary thoughts about falling. Your job is to shift attention to technique—where your feet are, how your body is positioned, and what the guide tells you to do before you move.

What makes this tour work well for many beginners is the guide style. Reviews highlighted guides being safety-oriented while still keeping the tone light. Names that came up again and again include Beto, Diogo, Joao, Vitor, Mauro, Alex, Bernardo, Filipe, and Diogo/Bernardo teams. The common thread: clear explanations, good humor, and a strong focus on doing it right.

In other words, you should expect a controlled pace where the guide checks that you understand what’s happening before anything big happens.

The Funchal Ecological Park segment and why it matters

Your program includes a guided block at Funchal Ecological Park within the overall schedule. In plain terms, it helps break up the day and gives you a structured, guided experience before or alongside the main canyoning time.

There’s also van time built into your itinerary: multiple pickup options, then transfers by van, plus return transfers to several drop-off areas. The total commitment is about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, though it can vary depending on group size.

From a planning point of view, you should treat this as half a day with a tighter timeline than a casual walking tour. If you have dinner reservations right afterward, build in buffer time. You’ll be wet, you’ll be energized, and you’ll likely want to shower and eat.

Photos and videos: the best kind of souvenir

One of the most appreciated parts of this experience is that your guides capture photos and videos for free. That’s huge value because you don’t have to choose between enjoying the canyon and documenting the canyon.

This also helps your confidence. When you know someone is filming, you can focus on the task in front of you—rappel, swim, jump decision—rather than juggling a phone or camera. Later, you get the full story: waterfall moments, jumps (if you take them), and the in-between shots that make the day feel real.

Fuel, water, and the small comfort items

The tour includes water and energetic bars during the activity. That matters because canyoning is active, and even short sessions can burn energy faster than you expect.

What you should do: eat before you head out, and if you’re prone to getting hungry after physical effort, bring a small snack for afterward. Some people noted they wished they had food on the way back down, especially because you’ll feel wiped in a good way by the end.

Price and value: why $106 can actually be a good deal

At $106 per person for about 4 hours, this isn’t a bargain in the sense of cheap. But it’s priced like a real activity with real risk management and real staff time.

Here’s the value math that makes sense:

• Equipment is included (so you’re not paying separately for gear).
• Certified guides are included, plus insurance and first aid support on vehicles.
• You get photos and videos free, which can be a costly add-on with many adventure operators.
• The route includes multiple waterfalls and big rappels, not just a short splash.

If you’ve ever priced out renting gear plus hiring a guide plus paying for a professional photo pack, you’ll see why this price can be fair. You’re buying coaching, safety management, and the kind of return memories that actually show the action.

Logistics you’ll want to get right: pickup and drop-off

Pickup is included, but only for certain areas. There are 5 pickup locations in the region: Funchal, Ponta Do Sol, Câmara de Lobos, Caniço, and Machico. There are also 5 drop-off locations: Funchal, Caniço, Ponta Do Sol, Machico, and Câmara de Lobos.

Two practical notes:

1. Pickups outside Funchal are not included, so check your exact base area before booking.
2. You need to wait in the hotel lobby 30 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, and the driver waits no longer than 15 minutes after the pickup time shown.

One more small heads-up: at least one account tied to transportation frustration to how pickup was handled for their location. If your lodging is on the edge of the pickup zones, it’s smart to confirm details right away so you’re not dealing with confusion on a wet day.

Safety reality check: what the guide team should do well

This tour is built around rappels, waterfall descents, and optional jumps. That means safety is not a marketing line. It’s the whole job.

Based on repeated guide descriptions, you should expect:

• Clear explanations before you do the scary parts
• A fun tone that doesn’t erase seriousness
• Coaches who adjust pace and technique so you feel in control

For first-timers, the confidence comes from being taught what to do and seeing the guides stay consistent. If you’re nervous about heights, this is one of those activities where the right guide makes a real difference. People specifically highlighted feeling safe even when they were scared of heights at the start.

Still, take the difficulty level seriously. Level 2 requires you to be reasonably fit and comfortable moving in water and on uneven footing. It’s not a sightseeing stroll.

Who should book this canyoning tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want a physical adventure with guidance and a strong safety focus. It also suits you if you like water sports without needing extreme technical training.

You’ll probably love this if:

• You’re reasonably fit and don’t mind exertion for a few hours
• You’re open to rappels and at least one optional jump
• You want strong scenery value in a short time (mountains, rivers, waterfalls)
• You want free action photos and videos afterward

You should skip it if:

• You have limited mobility or mobility impairments
• You’re using a wheelchair
• You’re pregnant
• You’re traveling with children under 7
• You’re under 120 cm (3 ft 9 in)

Should you book Madeira Level 2 canyoning with Discovery Island Madeira?

If you want a Madeira activity that’s active, scenic, and guided, I’d say book it. This tour hits a sweet spot: 8 waterfalls, up to 3 optional jumps, and an 18-meter longest abseil, all with included gear and free photos/videos. It’s the kind of half-day that gives you something to talk about for years.

I’d only hesitate if you absolutely need facilities like toilets or if heights and water movement make you freeze. If you’re flexible, ready to move, and okay with nature-based bathroom breaks, this is one of the better ways to experience Madeira beyond viewpoints.

FAQ

What level is the canyoning experience?

It’s Level 2 (Intermediate) canyoning. It’s generally suitable for beginners who are reasonably fit and comfortable with the idea of rappels and optional jumps.

How long does the tour take?

The duration is approximately 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, and it can vary depending on group size.

Where does the canyoning take place?

The activity is in Ribeira do Cidrão, in the Curral das Freiras area (Nuns Valley Village).

How many waterfalls and jumps are included?

You’ll do 8 waterfalls. There are up to 3 optional jumps, depending on how your route and comfort match the day.

What’s the biggest rappel distance?

The longest abseil is 18 meters (and the larger waterfalls are around 16 to 18 meters).

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and comfortable clothes. You should also bring your passport or ID card. A towel and bathing suit are not included, so plan to bring them.

Do I get photos or videos?

Yes. Your guides capture photos and videos, and this is included for free.