Madeira Canyoning For Beginners Nun’s Valley Level 2

If you’re craving a thrill and want a fresh way to see Madeira’s spectacular scenery, the Nun’s Valley Level 2 canyoning tour might just be your perfect match. This guided adventure is tailored for those who want to step outside their comfort zone without diving into overly intense territory. It’s an activity that combines adventure, safety, and awe-inspiring nature into one memorable four-hour experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and patient—are often praised for making even beginners feel confident and safe. Second, the stunning mountain views and the chance to explore in a lesser-trodden part of Madeira give it a unique appeal. That said, it’s worth noting that this adventure involves big jumps and rappels up to 15 meters, which might be a consideration if you’re nervous about heights or jumping into water.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who love a bit of adrenaline but aren’t necessarily seasoned canyoners. If you’re looking for a fun, accessible, and scenic activity that can be enjoyed by most healthy adults, this level 2 canyoning experience offers great value and authentic outdoor fun.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners looking for a more adventurous activity
• Includes four abseils, with the tallest at 15 meters, offering a mix of challenge and excitement
• Stunning mountain views and natural pools make for a scenic adventure
• Small group setting (limited to 10 participants) for a personalized experience
• All necessary equipment provided, along with photos, water, and snacks
• The tour is suitable for those comfortable with basic physical activity but not for pregnant women

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Location: Nun’s Valley in Madeira

Surrounded by steep mountains, Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras) is a quiet, dramatic spot that offers a different perspective from Madeira’s more popular tourist areas. It’s an ideal backdrop for canyoning because of its rugged terrain and clear, inviting pools. The canyon itself isn’t just a playground of water—it’s a journey through lush landscapes and towering cliffs, providing a real sense of connection to nature.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a pick-up from three convenient locations: the CR7 Museum in Funchal, Praia da Calheta, or Ponta do Sol. This flexibility makes planning easier, especially if you’re staying on the western side of the island. The transfer takes you to the canyon’s start point, where the adventure kicks off.

Once you arrive, the team leads a short walk of about 20 minutes along a dirt road and a levada (a traditional irrigation channel), offering a preview of the scenery ahead. This walk isn’t strenuous but primes you for the canyoning activity, giving a taste of Madeira’s lush, mountainous environment.

What to Expect During the Canyoning

The main part of the tour involves navigating through the canyon, with four abseils and several optional jumps. The highest rappel is 15 meters, and the entire experience blends water slides, plunges, and jumps into clear pools, with the freedom to choose whether to participate in each jump or skip it.

The guides emphasize safety and give clear instructions, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Participants often appreciate their calm, patient approach, as highlighted in reviews praising guides who explain everything thoroughly and make safety their priority.

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The Fun and Adventure

We loved the way the guides manage to balance fun with professionalism. The biggest thrill is of course the abseiling—descending down waterfalls and cliffs provides a real adrenaline rush. But even more enjoyable is the scenic aspect: natural pools surrounded by mountain views, the fresh splash of water, and the sense of achievement after each jump or rappel.

Multiple reviews mention how the pictures taken during the tour help capture the excitement, making it a perfect activity for sharing with friends or family afterward. The presence of snacks and water keeps everyone energized, and the provided wet suits keep you warm in the mountain water, which isn’t always as cold as you might expect.

The Group Size and Guided Approach

Limited to just 10 participants, the small group setting means you get personalized attention. Many reviews emphasize how guides like Jose and Miguel are enthusiastic, patient, and safety-conscious, making the experience enjoyable for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike.

The Cost and Value

At a fair price considering all the included equipment, transfers, photos, and snacks, this canyoning experience offers excellent value. For roughly four hours of adventure, you get not just a physical activity but an unforgettable way to see Madeira’s stunning landscapes from a new perspective.

Practical Details and Tips

• What to bring: Swimwear, towel (no changing rooms available), and sizes (height, weight, shoe size, age) need to be shared beforehand.
• Not allowed: Alcohol or drugs.
• Duration: Approx. 4 hours, with flexible start times (check availability).
• Languages: Guides speak English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
• Pickup points: CR7 Museum (Funchal), Pingo Doce in Calheta, or petrol station in Ponta do Sol. If you prefer, driving directly to the canyon is easiest, with free parking available.
• Age restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women.
• Cancellation: Free if canceled 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible option for spontaneous plans.

What the Reviews Say

Participants clearly love the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. As Nathan put it, the guides “made the whole experience so much better and put us all at ease.” Others, like Ciaran, appreciated the incredible views and fun water activities, while many mention the safety and clear instructions as a key reason they’d recommend it.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This canyoning adventure is ideal for active travelers who want a taste of Madeira’s rugged beauty without requiring prior experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy water activities, scenic landscapes, and a bit of adrenaline. Since it’s suitable for beginners but involves some jumps and rappels, it’s great for adventure-curious families, couples, or groups of friends.

However, if you are pregnant or uncomfortable with heights or jumping, this might not be the best activity. The focus on safety and optional jumps means you can tailor your experience to your comfort level.

Final Thoughts

This Level 2 canyoning tour in Nun’s Valley offers a balanced mix of adventure, nature, and safety that makes it a standout activity in Madeira. The expertly led guides, combined with breathtaking scenery and the thrill of rappelling and jumping, create a genuine sense of achievement and fun.

For those wanting a memorable, active experience that showcases Madeira’s outdoor beauty, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially recommended for travelers seeking authentic outdoor adventures with a supportive team in a stunning setting.

This experience delivers value for money, given the quality of guides, safety measures, and the unforgettable views. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to shake up your holiday routine, it’s a must-try activity for adventurous spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this canyoning suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a Level 2 tour designed for those wanting more adventure but still accessible for beginners who are comfortable with basic physical activity and open to some jumps and rappels.

What is the highest rappel during the tour?
The tallest rappel is 15 meters, which offers a satisfying challenge but is managed carefully by guides who prioritize safety.

How long does the entire activity last?
The canyoning itself lasts about 4 hours, including transfers, a short walk to the canyon, and the actual water adventure.

What gear is included?
All necessary equipment, such as wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, and waterproof gear, are provided. Photos, water, and snacks are also included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity, providing flexibility for your trip planning.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers from designated pickup points are included, but arriving by car is also convenient with free parking available at the canyon.

This Madeira canyoning tour represents a fantastic way to see the island’s natural beauty while getting your adrenaline fix. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, it promises laughs, splashes, and memories that will last long after you leave the mountains behind.

You can check availability for your dates here: