Canyoning in Madeira: Ideal for Beginners and Families
By Madeira Adventure Kingdom · listed in canyoning tours in Madeira for beginners
I'd look at this one for a first try if you don't swim. You must feel comfortable around and in water. You also need moderate fitness. At least two guides lead the group.
The Ribeira das Cales route includes two places to abseil. You also swim and jump along the stream. Transport from central Funchal and Caniço is included. Photos and canyoning equipment come with the trip.
Allow 6 hours for the day including transport. Canyoning boots cost €5 per person to hire. Pay in cash at the end of the activity. Food and drinks aren't included.
- Trip type
- Shared activity
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Listed group limit
- up to 15 people
- Price
- from €70 per adultLowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
- Rating
- 4.95/5 from 266 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 5.0 from 6 reviews
- Languages
- Portuguese, English, Spanish
- Details as of
- 13 September 2026
Before you book
- Ages 8 to 60 can book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ask about equipment fit for your child.
- You need moderate fitness. This trip isn't suitable with severe health problems or limited mobility.
- You must weigh no more than 115 kg. Anyone close to this limit must be taller than 1.85 metres.
- Be at reception 10 minutes before your pickup time. Check for any change the day before.
- The trip can go ahead in rain when it is safe.
- Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
- Up to 15 people per booking.
Options
Pick the option on the booking page. Prices are the lowest for each option.
| Option | What it is | From | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canyoning Ribeira das Cales | Pickup included | €70 per adult | Portuguese, Spanish, English |
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Programme
- Travel to Ribeira das Cales
- Get your equipment before entering the canyon
- Two abseil points with swims and jumps along the route
- Walk out of the canyon
Photos
Photos from the tour listing on Viator.
Included
- All necessary equipment
- Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Canyoning guides (minimum 2 guides)
- Photos from the day
Paid separately
- Drinks and Food
- Personal items
Meeting point, pickup and return
Hotel pickup included. Pickup 60 minutes before departure. 45 pickup points listed by the operator.
Pickup is included for guests staying at the designated hotels. We advise you to be ready and waiting in the hotel reception area 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Our guides will wait approximately 5 minutes for each guest. Look out for our vans, which can be either white (smaller) or grey (larger). We strive to ensure a smooth and timely start to your adventure, though external delays can occur. If that happens, you will be updated on the day. One day before the activity, we may adjust the pickup time for your convenience.
Schedule and confirmation
Usual timetable: Wed, Fri, Sun, at 08:30. Check your date when you book.
Instant confirmation. Book at least 1 day ahead. Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
Cancellation, weather and limits
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund when cancelled 1 day or more before
- 0% refund when cancelled less than 1 day before
Bad weather can cancel the trip. The trip can also be cancelled if too few people book.
The operator's conditions, as written
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Health and Fitness: This activity includes descending waterfalls, swimming, rappels, walking, abseiling, and jumping into lakes and waterfalls. A small level of fitness is required. Not suitable for individuals with severe health issues or limited mobility.
- Minimum age is 8 years old (or 125 cm / 4'1" with 25 kg / 55 lbs and shoe size 35 EU), accompanied by an adult.
- The maximum weight is 115kg (254 lbs). Participants weighing close to this limit must be taller than 185cm (6'1").
- Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of weather conditions (if it's possible to do it safely)
- Canyoning Boots: Enhance your experience with optional Adidas Outdoor canyoning boots, available for rent at 5€ per person, payable in cash at the end of the activity
- Swimming: You don’t need to know how to swim but should feel comfortable around and in water.
- Beginner Friendly: Our Level 1 canyoning activity is perfect for beginners! No experience necessary; our professional guides ensure your safety.
- Multilingual Guide: Your tour may be led by a guide fluent in multiple languages. While we do our best to provide a guide who speaks your preferred language, this is not always guaranteed. In such cases, the tour will be conducted in English.
- Adult rate: ages 8 to 60
Ratings by source
4.95/5 from 266 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor; on Viator alone 5.0 from 6 reviews.
| Source | Average | Reviews | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | 5.0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tripadvisor | 5.0 | 260 | 250 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Counts and averages as shown on Viator on 13 September 2026. We don't have the review texts.
From the operator
In Madeira Adventure Kingdom's own words, from the Viator listing.
On this Level 1 Canyoning in Madeira you will have the opportunity to do one of the best thing to do in Madeira and runs at approximately 1500 m (4,921 ft) high. Along the route you'll find 2 areas to rappel. To overcome the obstacles of the nature, you'll need to rappel, swim and jump in order to advance. This experience is the best for all people who want to try this amazing sport for the first time.
This approximately 5-hour activity accounts for the total time, including transportation, time for equipping and de-equipping, the activity itself, approaching and exiting the canyon, as well as safety briefings. It offers breathtaking waterfalls, rugged landscapes, and unforgettable moments. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers, it’s the perfect way to connect with Madeira’s wild beauty!
Alternatives in the same collection
- Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1€5 cheaper · 1 hour shorter · 12 people at most · from €65 per adult
- Level 1 - Canyoning For All - Beginner | Funchal3 hours shorter · 8 people at most · from €70 per adult
- Canyoning Experience Level I Beginners in Ribeira das Cales1 hour 30 minutes shorter · 20 people at most · from €70 per adult
Who checked this
Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Every detail on this page comes from the operator's own listing on Viator, as of 13 September 2026.
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