In this guide we’ll take a look at how to make the most of Madeira’s stunning nature by exploring its vast green gorges. We will take a look at how to book a canyoning trip, what to bring and whether you can go canyoning independently. Read on for a full guide on everything you need to know about canyoning in Madeira…
Madeira’s sub-tropical climate has nourished its wild forests, deep gorges and coastal rocky outcrops. Its steep mountainous cliffs and mountain valleys provide a playground for outdoor activities.
The adventure-seekers living here have harnessed every element to play with. Hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, coasteering, diving and snorkelling, cycling, paragliding… the list goes on. If you’ve got the energy, the island will match your spirit!
Madeira is a paradise for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers
The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings. Madeira is known for being one of the best places in the world for canyoning and it’s synonymous with outdoor lovers on the island.
Tip: See our Madeira Travel Page for a complete overview of all our travel guides about Madeira!
Canyoning involves climbing, rappelling, swimming and cliff jumping
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Madeira canyoning experiences & travel resources
Top Canyoning experiences
- Canyoning Adventures for beginners
- Canyoning Adventures for intermediate level
- Private Canyoning Tour
Madeira Travel Resources
Why go canyoning in Madeira?
You’re never far away from a roaring waterfall or a towering gorge in Madeira. The island is teeming with ways you can explore its nature but canyoning is one of the most celebrated.
Canyoning is synonymous with Madeira, mostly because there are always new water systems to be explored. There are currently about 128 open canyons so it’s really no surprise that Madeira is one of the best places in the world for canyoning.
Madeira is one of the best places in the world for canyoning
If you’ve been on the Levada walks, this is taking it up a notch. The sport ties together climbing, rappelling, swimming and cliff jumping in waterfalls and mountain streams.
The thrill of canyoning is that you’ll be doing a different activity every 15 minutes so you’re kept on your toes. It’s also an action-packed adventure and a unique way to get to know the island’s nature!
Rappelling next to waterfalls on the intermediate route
What types of canyoning can you do in Madeira?
Canyoning is basically using all means necessary to get down a gushing mountain stream in a gorge. Involves climbing, rappelling, swimming and cliff jumping from your starting point to a different end point. You follow a water system with a team and use rope work to get down the more technically-demanding parts.
With a multitude of canyons on the island, there’s something to suit every ability.
Tour operator Epic Madeira took me out for the day to the Ribeiro Frio National Park. The guides were switched on, worked efficiently together and were very encouraging to our group. One of the main takes this trip was all about was having a laugh while learning the sport.
Canyoning involves rappelling down more technically challenging drops
If you decide to book with Epic Madeira, there are four levels you can choose from:
- Beginner (level 1): If you’re completely new to rappelling and jumping into water from height, this is a great taster option. The routes will be at a slower pace and you’ll be in a small group.
- Intermediate (level 2): This is the level I went for, as I have experience with climbing from height and I’m a strong swimmer. I would say this was a comfortable level for me because I had never rappelled over water before! It was pretty fast-paced moving over the rocks and down the run (I guess this was to ensure we kept moving and warm). I would say if you’re fit and are comfortable with heights then you will be fine with this option.
- Advanced: Epic Madeira only recommends this as a day out for those with previous experience with canyoning experience or rope work. The day is longer than the above two and you must be able to physically cope with the demands of the route. One of the guides told me about two tourists who claimed to have done loads of canyoning. They chose the advanced option. The truth erupted minutes before a 60m drop, when one of them confessed they had not done any canyoning. They couldn’t turn back and had to complete it!
- Pro: It’s likely that if you’re an expert in canyoning, Madeira will be one of your top destinations. Epic Madeira offers a tailored day out to suit your ability in some of the island’s wildest and extreme canyons.
If you feel unsure about your experience, just get in touch with the group. It’s also important for them to know any health conditions prior to a booking.
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There are canyons to suit beginners toon the island
What is the difference between canyoning and coasteering?
Both canyoning and coasteering are extremely popular on the island. Unsurprisingly, coasteering is exclusively on the coastline and involves lots of cliff jumps, swimming and some scrambling.
Coasteering is less committing – if you want to sit it out or walk around a harder scramble, you can! Large groups can be taken for this reason and is more inclusive than canyoning. Epic Madeira and other tour operators on the island also offer this activity.
Meanwhile, canyoning takes places in gorges and follows the waterfalls (see full description above). It involves a lot more rope work for rappelling.
Canyoning is also different in that once you start a run there’s no going back (it’s way less terrifying than I’ve made out there, but it’s also important to suit your experience with the level you choose).
The guides are always ready to help
Is canyoning an extreme sport?
Canyoning is classed as an extreme sport due to its mix of climbing, rappelling, swimming and jumping. If you’re feeling nervous about it, have a chat with an expert and discuss your experience.
Remember that everyone starts as a beginner and there are plenty of options to suit your ability in Madeira.
Some routes involve narrow channels
What equipment do I need to bring for canyoning?
If you book with Epic Madeira, they will supply all the gear. All you need to bring is a swimsuit to put under the wetsuit. Something to mention is that the canyoning waters can be fresh (the guides won’t allow you to say cold!) so I’d really recommend bringing some warm clothes for afterwards.
On our January trip, the guides took me to a place that was known as the ‘cold water canyon’ so safe to say I was pretty chilly towards the end. That particular canyon dries up by early spring so in other times of the year it’s likely you’ll be taken to warmer water spots.
When is the best time to go canyoning in Madeira?
With about 128 canyon openings, you can do it all year round. As mentioned above, the water can get fresh depending on the time of year. If you’re wanting warmer water, book a trip in summer/autumn.
The canyoning guides in Madeira are highly experienced
Can I go canyoning independently in Madeira?
There are a lot of logistical obstacles with canyoning independently. You need to have all the equipment ready at the start point and have someone to pick you up at the end of the run with your dry clothes.
There’s also safety to consider. The tour operators here are certified and they are thoroughly checking the routes on a daily basis.
It’s way easier to do this with a tour operator who knows exactly what they’re doing. Even if you’re a pro, it’s a good idea to contact the experts here. The guides are always hunting for wild new routes and I’m sure they would happily collaborate.
I hope this travel guide gave you lots of useful information and inspiration for canyoning in Madeira! If you have any questions or remarks, let me and other readers know in the comments below.
