Top 5 canyoning tours in Madeira for beginners

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: the top 5 of 16 canyoning trips in Madeira

Viator lists 16 canyoning trips in Madeira. We analysed all of them, what each trip includes, its programme and its conditions, and picked the top 5. Here they are. Private tours and other formats are below.

Rating and the number of reviews count as one of the criteria: every trip here had 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor together, when we last went through the list.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Canyoning in Madeira: which one to choose

You can try canyoning here without any experience. A guide takes you down a stream with waterfalls to abseil. The beginner trips take about 3 to 6 hours. Starting prices range from €65 to €80 per adult.

Several trips include pickup in Funchal or Caniço. The Ecological Park trip has two certified guides. The trip from the CR7 Museum takes eight people at most.

The Ribeira das Cales day accepts non-swimmers who feel comfortable in water. The trip with GoPro photos includes boots. I'd look at the four-hour beginner trip if you'd rather avoid the jumps.

The level 2 trip at Ribeiro do Cidrão starts at €90 per adult for people with some canyoning experience. Bad weather can cancel these trips.

Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1
Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1

Start with what matters most to you: the route and how you get there. Stars won't tell you that.

Compare the 5 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 21 September 2026

Hide the tableShow the comparison table
5 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripHow you get thereVehicle or formatListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1Hotel pickup or meeting pointsee the tour page12 travellers€65 per adult5 hours09:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
02Level 1 - Canyoning For All - Beginner | FunchalHotel pickup or meeting pointOn foot8 travellers€70 per adult3 hours09:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03Canyoning in Madeira: Ideal for Beginners and FamiliesHotel pickupsee the tour page15 travellers€70 per adult6 hours08:30 (Wed, Fri, Sun)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Canyoning Experience Level I Beginners in Ribeira das CalesHotel pickup or meeting pointsee the tour page20 travellers€70 per adult4 hours 30 minutes09:00 (Mon, Wed, Fri)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
05Madeira Canyoning - BeginnerHotel pickupsee the tour page10 travellers€80 per adult4 hourstimes shown at bookingFree cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 5 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01

    The park trip with two guides

    Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1

    Canyoning in Madeira Island- Level 1

    4.98/5 from 1,159 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    Two certified guides lead this level 1 route in Funchal Ecological Park. It includes four abseils up to 12 metres. Boots and photos are included with pickup in Funchal or Caniço.

    It suits first-timers aged 10 to 65 who can book with someone else. Look elsewhere for a solo booking.

    The trade-off. You must be 1.33 to 2 metres tall. You must weigh 30 to 110 kg.

    From price
    €65 per adult
    Duration
    5 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 12 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    09:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Book for two to ten people.
    • The canyon itself takes about two and a half hours; with pickup and drop-off the day runs five to five and a half.
    • Travellers must be aged 10 to 65. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    • You must be 1.33 to 2 metres tall.
    • You must weigh 30 to 110 kg.
    • Give your shoe size when booking.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02
    Level 1 - Canyoning For All - Beginner | Funchal

    4.99/5 from 198 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You descend seven waterfalls with a group of up to 8 people on this level 1 trip. Pickup is at the CR7 Museum in Funchal. Boots and photos are included.

    I'd look here for a first canyoning trip with pickup in central Funchal.

    The trade-off. Travellers must be aged 10 to 99. Snacks cost extra.

    From price
    €70 per adult
    Duration
    3 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English
    Listed departure times
    09:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 10 to 99.
    • Meet at the CR7 Museum for pickup. Check your pickup time for the 09:30 departure.
    • Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03
    Canyoning in Madeira: Ideal for Beginners and Families

    4.95/5 from 266 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This level 1 day takes you to Ribeira das Cales. At least two guides lead the activity. Pickup from central Funchal and Caniço is included.

    I'd consider it for a first try even if you can't swim. You need moderate fitness. Look elsewhere if you feel uneasy in the water. Travellers must be aged 8 to 60.

    The trade-off. Plan for 6 hours including transport. Canyoning boots cost extra.

    From price
    €70 per adult
    Duration
    6 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 15 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Wed, Fri, Sun)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    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.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04
    Canyoning Experience Level I Beginners in Ribeira das Cales

    4.97/5 from 151 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The group can have up to 20 people on this level 1 trip. Boots and gloves come with the rest of the kit. GoPro photos and videos are included.

    I'd look here with children aged seven or over who reach 1.20 metres. Look for another option if anyone in your group is over 60.

    The trade-off. Ask which canyon you'll visit before booking. Be prepared for abseils up to 15 metres.

    From price
    €70 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 20 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    09:00 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Ages 7 to 60 can book. Each booking needs someone aged 18 or over.
    • Children must be at least 1.20 metres tall.
    • Ask which canyon you'll visit. Be prepared for an abseil up to 15 metres.
    • Pickup in Ponta do Sol or Calheta costs €10 extra per person. The same charge applies in Santana and São Vicente. It also applies in Porto Moniz.
    • Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  5. 05

    The trip with alternatives to jumps

    Madeira Canyoning - Beginner

    This is where your best memories are made. It's real exploring! adrenaline, excitement, and lots of good old fun!

    4.99/5 from 95 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    Guides lead this beginner trip in a group of up to 10 people. Boots and transport are included. You can use an alternative to the jumps.

    I'd choose it if you want to try canyoning without the jumps. You need moderate fitness.

    The trade-off. Abseils can reach 14 metres. Bookings cover ages 11 to 25 and 30 to 70.

    From price
    €80 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 10 people
    Listed guide languages
    English
    Listed departure times
    times shown at booking
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • You need moderate fitness.
    • You can book at ages 11 to 25 or 30 to 70.
    • Send a reference point for your pickup.
    • Bad weather can cancel the trip.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a back or spine injury.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Private tours and other formats

These are private, priced per vehicle, or work differently from the trips above, so they don't go in the ranked list.

Level 2 at Ribeiro do Cidrão

Canyoning Experience Level II Moderate

Canyoning Experience Level II Moderate

5.00/5 from 79 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

A level 2 trip at Ribeiro do Cidrão with boots and GoPro photos included for up to 20 people. You need some canyoning experience or a completed level 1 trip.

From price
€90 per adult
Duration
5 hours 30 minutes
Listed group limit
up to 20 people
Listed guide languages
German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Listed departure times
09:00 (Tue, Thu, Sat)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

Before you book

  • Some canyoning experience or a completed level 1 trip is required. You need moderate fitness.
  • Ages 7 to 60 can book. Each booking needs someone aged 18 or over.
  • Children must be at least 1.20 metres tall.
  • Pickup in Ponta do Sol or Calheta costs €10 extra per person. The same charge applies in Santana and São Vicente. It also applies in Porto Moniz.
  • Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
  • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

The intermediate trip

Madeira Canyoning Intermediate

Madeira Canyoning Intermediate

4.99/5 from 166 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

An intermediate canyoning trip with transport and boots included for up to 10 people. You'll need moderate fitness for the waterfall descents and pool jumps.

From price
€90 per adult
Duration
4 hours
Listed group limit
up to 10 people
Listed guide languages
English
Listed departure times
09:00, 09:30, 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup included

Before you book

  • You need moderate fitness.
  • Ask which age limits apply before booking. They differ for children under 10 and adults over 55.
  • Don't book if you weigh more than 120 kg.
  • Send a reference point for your pickup.
  • Bad weather can cancel the trip.
  • Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Back to the comparison table

Canyoning in Madeira: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Which trip would you choose for a first try?

I'd look at the Ecological Park trip for a first try with a friend. It has two certified guides. You don't need canyoning experience. Each booking needs at least two people. The level 2 trip at Ribeiro do Cidrão is for people with some canyoning experience.

How much does canyoning cost?

The beginner trips start from €65 to €80 per adult. The level 2 trip starts at €90 per adult. Canyoning boots cost €5 per person to hire on the Ribeira das Cales day. Pickup in Calheta costs an extra €10 per person on the trip with GoPro photos.

How long should I allow?

Allow 3 to 6 hours for a beginner trip. The Ecological Park trip spends about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes in the canyon. Pickup and return bring that to 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes. The CR7 Museum trip takes about 3 hours. Plan for 6 hours including transport on the Ribeira das Cales day.

Do I need a car?

No. The Ecological Park trip includes pickup in Funchal or Caniço. You can also drive to its meeting point in the car park by Barracão Bar. The CR7 Museum trip has pickup at the museum in central Funchal. Choose the meeting point that works for where you're staying.

What equipment is included?

Safety kit is included. On the Ecological Park trip you get a wetsuit and helmet. A harness and boots are included too. Photos come with the trip. Give your shoe size when booking. You can hire canyoning boots on the Ribeira das Cales day for €5 per person. Pay in cash at the end of the activity.

What if I'm nervous about water or jumping?

The Ribeira das Cales day accepts non-swimmers. You must feel comfortable around and in water. The trip with jump alternatives has other ways past the jumps. Its abseils can reach 14 metres. Both trips require moderate fitness. Neither needs previous canyoning experience.

Can children join?

Yes. The level 1 trip with GoPro photos takes ages 7 to 60. Children must be at least 1.20 metres tall. Each booking needs someone aged 18 or over. The Ecological Park trip takes ages 10 to 65. Its height range is 1.33 to 2 metres. Its weight range is 30 to 110 kg. Children go with an adult.

How fit do I need to be?

The Ribeira das Cales day and the trip with jump alternatives need moderate fitness. All five beginner trips ask you to give it a miss if you're pregnant or have a back or spine injury. The Ribeira das Cales day also isn't for anyone with limited mobility, a serious health problem or a heart condition. Its weight limit is 115 kg. Anyone close to that limit must be taller than 1.85 metres.

Will the trip go ahead in rain?

Rain does not automatically cancel the Ribeira das Cales day. It can go ahead if the activity is safe. Bad weather can cancel any of these trips. Too few bookings can also cancel the CR7 Museum trip. You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.

When do the trips run?

The CR7 Museum trip runs daily with a 09:30 start. The Ribeira das Cales day starts at 08:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can also book it on Sundays. For that trip you need to be ready at reception 10 minutes before your pickup time.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 16 canyoning trips in Madeira that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 8 of the 16 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same trip is sold under two names, we show it once. One more trip passed the review bar but stayed out for those reasons.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how good your day will be. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.

Report a mistake · How we choose tours · How we earn

Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 21 September 2026. We last went through this list on 13 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.