Madeira’s Nuns Valley canyoning at Level 2 is where you trade comfort for real action without going full extreme. I like that it mixes 15-meter rappels with optional big moments, so you can choose how spicy you want your morning to be. I also like how the guides keep things tight and human, with Jose, Bruno, and Miguel leading with clear safety rules and a fun vibe.

The main catch is that you should be ready for physical effort and being fully wet in mountain streams and pools, plus you need to climb and move over rocks and boulders with confidence.

What makes this Level 2 canyon feel “just right”

You’re signing up for a structured adventure: several rappels, a route built around jumps and sliding into refreshing pools, and lots of mountain scenery along the way. It’s intermediate, which means you’re expected to handle the gear, trust your footing, and follow instructions quickly, especially during transitions between water and rock.

The consideration: if you have big feet, plan for footwear limits. The wet suit shoes provided max out at around size 11.5 UK, which came up for one rider with size 15 feet.

Key points before you go

• Small group size (max 10) keeps the pace smooth and the safety talk practical
• Highest rappel of 15 meters gives you a real vertical moment without being Level 3
• About 20 minutes of walking on a dirt road and along a levada before the canyon work starts
• Pool jumps and slides are part of the fun, but you’re choosing your level of risk
• Photos included so you don’t have to gamble on your own camera timing
• Snacks and insurance included, but lunch is not

Entering Madeira’s Nuns Valley: what Level 2 actually means

Level 2 canyoning in Nuns Valley is for people who want more adventure and a bit more adrenaline than the beginner routes. The key is that the route is built to feel varied: you’ll rappel, you’ll move through canyon sections, and you’ll hit pools where jumping or sliding is part of the experience. The choice is yours on how you approach the bigger features, which is important because canyoning is equal parts technique and attitude.

Think of Level 2 as a confidence check. You don’t need extreme fitness, but you do need moderate physical fitness and the ability to clamber over decent-sized rocks and boulders. If you’re comfortable getting wet, using provided gear, and listening closely when the guide calls the next move, Level 2 is a strong match.

The 4-hour flow: start at CR7 Museum, finish back where you began

This experience runs about 4 hours and is designed to be straightforward logistically: it starts at CR7 Museum in Funchal and ends back at the same meeting point. Start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends where it begins, which makes planning your rest of day much easier.

There’s also a practical detail that matters: you’ll use a mobile ticket. If you’re the type who likes to keep your phone charged and ready, this is simple, but it’s still worth noting so you don’t scramble right before departure.

Curral das Freiras: the calm lead-in before the canyon action

Your day centers on Curral das Freiras, and before the canyon parts kick in, you’ll do a transfer and then walk about 20 minutes on a dirt road and along a levada (a famous Madeira water channel used for irrigation). This isn’t just travel time. It’s your warm-up and your chance to get a sense of what the canyon environment is like: steep, green, and shaped by water.

That levada walk also helps the guides get everyone lined up. You’ll get your gear sorted, you’ll hear the rule set, and you’ll learn the rhythm of the route: listen first, act second. In the best guiding teams, that safety talk doesn’t feel like a lecture. People mention Jose and Bruno in particular for being professional and responsible while still keeping the mood light and reassuring, which helps a lot when you’re about to do vertical rappels.

Rappels up to 15 meters: the moment you’ll remember

The headliner feature at this level is various rappels, with the highest reaching 15 meters. A rappel is pure control once you’re set up, but it can feel intimidating at the edge. The value here is that Level 2 lets you experience that feeling in a controlled, guided way.

Here’s what I think makes this rappel size so good for most people:

• It’s tall enough to feel like a real event, not a training exercise.
• It’s still part of a bigger route with water pools and jumps, so it doesn’t become a single long fear moment.
• Guides can adjust the path based on skill, which gives you a chance to stay within your comfort zone while still getting the full canyon experience.

When the guide is calm and clear, you stop thinking and start following steps. That’s the difference between worrying and moving with confidence.

Big jumps and waterfall moments: choose your risk, keep your fun

Level 2 canyoning isn’t only rope and rock. You also get refreshing pools where you can jump and slide. Some routes include bigger waterfall moments where the choice matters. In this itinerary, you’ll be offered features, but the decision is yours.

This is one reason this tour can feel more rewarding than a rigid “do everything” option. If you want the adrenaline, you can take the bigger actions. If you’re more cautious, you can still participate fully without forcing yourself into a move that doesn’t fit your comfort.

And yes, the water gets involved. Expect full immersion in mountain streams and pools as part of the deal. That’s not a downside if you’re mentally prepared, and it’s part of why canyoning feels like a real outdoor adventure rather than a sightseeing stop.

Mountain views while you move: Madeira’s outdoors in motion

One of the quiet best parts is that you don’t do this in a canyon with no scenery. The activity is constantly paired with beautiful mountain views, which changes the emotional tone of the day. You’re not only focused on safety. You also get those quick looks that remind you where you are and why the route exists in this specific part of Madeira.

That matters because canyoning can become very sensory: sound of water, feel of rock texture, rope mechanics, and the movement of your body. Views give your brain something else to process, which makes the time go faster.

Gear, photos, snack, and insurance: what you’re really paying for

This tour includes all the gear you need, plus transfer, a snack, photos, insurance, and of course the guides. That bundle is a big part of the value. When you’re doing an activity like canyoning, buying or renting gear separately often becomes a hidden headache. Here, you show up and they sort you out.

Photos are another underrated inclusion. You’re moving fast, you’ll be wet, and you won’t have much time to frame a shot. The guides take photos during the experience so you can leave with them from the day, which is exactly what you want for a once-in-a-while activity.

The one item not included is lunch. So plan your day around that. You’ll have a snack during the tour, but if you’re the type who needs a real meal afterward, you’ll want to time it for when you return.

Safety and confidence: what the best guides do with Level 2

From real experiences with teams like Jose, Bruno, and Miguel, the common thread is safety with personality. You’ll be accompanied throughout, and the guides explain rules and safety so you have confidence at each step. That’s not just comfort talk. With canyoning, confidence is practical. It helps you act quickly and correctly when you reach a rappel edge or a pool jump zone.

Also worth noting: the team can adjust routes depending on skills. If the path for a section needs a tweak, the guides work with you rather than pushing you into something that doesn’t fit.

Finally, the tour depends on weather. If conditions aren’t safe, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund. This is one of those cases where “good weather” isn’t a marketing line. Water conditions affect grip, traction, and safety.

Shoes and fit: the detail that can ruin your morning if you ignore it

Bring attention to what’s happening with footwear. One rider had an issue because wet suit shoes provided max out around size 11.5 UK. If you’re near or above that range, you should ask in advance so your day doesn’t get messy at check-in.

Also remember: you’ll be in and around streams and pools, so comfort and fit matter more than style. If you’re offered the gear for your size and it feels secure, you’re more likely to focus on the adventure instead of your feet.

Group size (max 10): why it feels more personal on the rope

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this doesn’t feel like a mass operation. Smaller groups usually mean more attention at decision points: adjustments, quick checks, and clearer instruction when everyone is close enough to hear without shouting.

A smaller group also affects pacing. The day feels like it moves with you rather than waiting for you. That matters when your body is wet, moving, and learning a new sequence of tasks.

How to decide: who this tour suits best

This is a strong pick if you want an intermediate canyoning route with real features like rappels up to 15 meters, plus jumps and slides into pools. You’ll enjoy it most if you’re comfortable with water immersion, can clamber over rocks, and you’re willing to follow instructions closely.

You might consider it especially if:

• You’ve done some similar activity or you know you handle gear and vertical steps well.
• You want adventure but don’t want the intensity of a higher level route.
• You value small-group guidance and safety that feels both professional and fun.

If you’re anxious about being fully wet, or you’re not confident moving over uneven rocks, Level 2 may feel harder than you expect. In that case, you’ll do better by choosing a gentler option first.

Should you book Level 2 canyoning in Nuns Valley?

I’d book this tour if you want the real canyoning experience in Madeira with enough height to matter, water moments that are optional in how you approach them, and a guide team that prioritizes safety without taking the joy out of it.

Avoid booking if weather sensitivity is going to be a problem for you. This experience requires good conditions, and if it gets canceled for safety, you’ll need flexibility for a new date. Also avoid if you know you’ll have issues with provided wet suit shoe sizing, unless you confirm what they can do before you go.

For the right person, Level 2 in Nuns Valley is one of those rare activities that hits the balance: adrenaline, scenery, and a guide who keeps you feeling in control from the first rappel check-in to the final splash.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9004-518 Funchal, Portugal.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the canyoning experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What should my fitness level be?

You should have moderate physical fitness and be able to move over rocks and boulders during the activity.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes all equipment needed, transfer, snack, photos, insurance, and a guide.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What is the highest rappel height at Level 2?

The highest rappel is 15 meters.

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a refund if I cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.