Waterfalls and rope work in true Madeira canyons. This Level Two canyoning outing turns a quick start at Funchal Cable Car into 3.5 hours of jumps, slides, and abseiling down cliffs in remote, untouched terrain.

I love how the guides Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa mix fun with very clear safety focus, so you feel confident even when you are trying canyoning for the first time. I also like that the tour provides the full setup, from a neoprene suit and helmet to harness and rappel gear, so you just show up ready to get wet. One thing to consider: it is not for everyone, including people with back or heart problems, and the day includes slippery climbing and wet jumps that may feel like a lot if you’re dealing with mobility or injury limitations.

Key Things That Make This Madeira Canyoning Tour Worth It

• Small group (max 12): You get more personal attention and a smoother pace.
• Short travel time: You spend your time in the canyon, not stuck on a long drive.
• Real canyon action: Jumps, slides, and rappels down waterfalls, plus natural swimming pools.
• Full gear provided: Neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, and rappel hardware.
• Guides who keep it fun and safe: You’ll feel guided, not rushed, with rope skills handled by the pros.

Madeira Level Two Canyoning: What You’re Signing Up For

Level Two is the sweet spot when you want more than your first taste of canyoning. You’re not just walking near water—you’re actively moving through it, using ropes where needed, and committing to the kind of moments that make you check your adrenaline meter after.

In practice, expect a route that can include jumping, sliding, and rappelling down sections of waterfalls and cliff faces. The goal is not acrobatics for show. The goal is flow: careful descent, controlled movement, and timed fun. If you’ve canyoned once before (or you’re feeling adventurous), Level Two is designed to push you a bit without turning the day into an endurance test.

Also, Madeira’s canyoning style is built around water features you can actually enjoy. This is not just a rocky chute. You’ll be looking for spots where you can float, swim, and reset your breathing in natural pools and spring-water sections.

Price and Value: Is $97 a Fair Deal for 3.5 Hours?

At $97 per person, this tour isn’t trying to be a bargain-basement activity. But when I look at what’s included, it starts to make sense fast.

You’re paying for:

• Professional guides and a safety setup with safety insurance and permits
• The full technical kit (neoprene suit, helmet, harness, descenders, carabiners, lanyards)
• A guided canyon session that takes up about 2.5–3.5 hours total
• Free photos, plus an energy bar or chocolate

The best value part for me is time management. The day is structured so you’re not burning hours on transportation. There’s a van hop (about 30 minutes), then you settle into safety prep, and then you get a substantial run through the canyon itself.

If you were to rent the gear separately or arrange private guidance, the costs would climb quickly. Here, you’re buying a complete package, and that’s what makes the price feel reasonable for an intermediate adventure day.

From Funchal Cable Car to the Secret Canyon Stop: The 3.5-Hour Flow

This tour is built like a well-run day: meet, kit up, safety briefing, canyon time, then back to Funchal. Here’s how it typically moves.

Stop 1: Funchal Cable Car Start

You’ll meet at the Funchal Cable Car area, and you should look for the Epic Madeira mini-van or a guide wearing an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt. This is handy if you don’t have a car, because your start point is obvious and central.

Stop 2: Van Transfer (about 30 minutes)

You’ll take a short ride by van—around 30 minutes—to the local canyon area. The key benefit is simple: it cuts down the “getting there” burden. You end up spending your energy on the good stuff instead of long travel.

Stop 3: Local bar Safety Briefing (about 30 minutes)

Before anything rope-related happens, you get a safety briefing in a local bar setting. This is where the guides set expectations, explain how the day will work, and get everyone lined up on what to do when you’re in the canyon.

It matters because canyoning is equal parts thrill and technique. If you know what to expect—how gear works, how the guides handle descents, and what the group rhythm looks like—you enjoy the day more and panic less.

Stop 4: Secret stop Guided canyon time (about 2.5 hours)

This is where you switch from “tour day” mode to “I’m actually in Madeira” mode. You’ll spend roughly 2.5 hours on guided canyon time, including waterfall and cliff features designed for Level Two.

From what you can expect in the fun range, you may encounter optional sections with jumps and slides, plus a notable 20-metre upsailing spot (described as part of the experience). The word optional is important: it suggests you can pace your own comfort level while still getting plenty of action.

Stop 5: Van back (about 30 minutes) and back to Funchal Cable Car

After the canyon route finishes, you’ll ride back by van and return to the Funchal Cable Car meeting area. That makes it easy to plan your afternoon without guessing how far you’ll be from town.

What You’ll Do Down There: Jumps, Slides, Rappels, and Natural Pools

Let’s talk about the actual “doing” part, because that’s what makes canyoning worth it.

Waterfall jumps and sliding sections

Expect moments where the route gives you chances to jump or slide down natural water features. These are the high-energy parts, and they’re also where you’ll feel the difference between Level One and Level Two—more commitment, more time moving through the water, and more variety in how you descend.

Rappelling down cliffs

Rappelling is a core canyoning skill, and here it’s guided end-to-end. You’ll use the provided harness and rappel hardware, and the route will include rope-guided descents down cliff or waterfall-adjacent sections.

Natural swimming pools and spring-water pauses

Canyoning days can be relentless if every moment is just movement and strain. This tour includes natural swimming pool and spring-water sections, which give you a chance to relax your body and reset your focus. Those natural pauses are also part of why Madeira canyoning feels like it’s in the wild, not just an activity.

Optional adds and the 20-metre upsailing moment

One standout detail is the mention of a 20-metre upsailing spot. That’s the kind of feature that gives you a big memory even if you decide not to take every optional jump. It signals that the route is not just small steps and gentle water play—it’s a real canyon experience.

The Guides Make It: Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa Keeping You Safe

The single most praised part of this experience is the guide crew. Names that come up strongly include Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa.

Here’s why that matters for you:

• Canyoning is physical, but it’s also technical.
• When safety is handled well, you can focus on the fun, not on fear.

From what’s described, these guides do two things at once. They keep the mood enjoyable—jokes, laughter, and a friendly pace—while still watching everyone’s safety closely. That combo is not easy. It usually takes a team that knows the route and knows how to manage a group of mixed comfort levels.

You’ll also appreciate that the tour is small group capped at 12. In a canyon setting, smaller usually means less waiting, less chaos at rope points, and quicker help when you need it.

Gear You Get vs. What You Must Bring

One of the biggest “hidden value” items here is gear. You don’t have to budget time or money hunting rentals.

Included gear

You’ll be given:

• Neoprene suit
• Shoes
• Neoprene socks
• Helmet
• Harness
• Carabiners
• Descenders
• Lanyards

That’s a lot of stuff, and it matters because canyoning gear isn’t just about comfort. It’s about grip, protection from cold and contact with rock, and having the right equipment for rappels.

What’s not included (and you’ll want it)

The tour doesn’t include:

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Food and drinks

Bring a towel because you will need one after a wet day. Bring a swimsuit because it’s not supplied. Sunscreen is not included, and even though canyoning is water-heavy, you can still get sun exposure during the van ride and between stops.

Also, plan on eating elsewhere afterward. An energy bar or chocolate is included for the tour itself, so you won’t be fully empty before you start, but it’s not a full meal.

Who This Tour Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This is not a casual stroll. It’s built for people who want an intermediate canyoning experience and can handle wet jumps and rope descents.

You’ll likely enjoy it if…

• You’ve canyoned once before, or you’re comfortable trying canyoning skills with a guided team.
• You want a remote-feeling outdoor day with jumping, sliding, and rappelling.
• You like small-group adventures and don’t want a lot of waiting around.

You should think twice or skip it if…

The activity is not suitable for:

• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• Pregnant women
• People over 70 years
• Wheelchair users
• Children under 10 years

If any of those apply, it’s better to choose a different Madeira activity that matches your body and mobility needs. Canyoning can look playful on photos; in real life, it involves impact, climbing, and controlled descents.

Getting Your Money’s Worth on Madeira: How to Plan the Rest of Your Day

Because this tour returns you to Funchal Cable Car, your day stays simple. You start near the cable car, head out, spend your time in the canyon, and come back to the same general hub.

My practical advice:

• After canyoning, plan for a slow landing. You’ll be damp, tired, and ready for a proper meal.
• If you’re scheduling other activities, give yourself a buffer. Even with included energy snacks, canyoning is active time.
• If photos matter to you, you’ll get free photos after—so consider this a day to focus on the experience, not on filming everything.

Also, small-group canyoning tends to feel more personal than big-bus tours. When there are only about 12 people, the guides can keep the rhythm moving, which helps you spend more time actually in the canyon.

Should You Book EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

If you want a Madeira experience that feels wild, hands-on, and properly guided, I think this is a strong pick.

Book it if you like:

• Intermediate challenge without being reckless
• A guided day with rope skills and real waterfall features
• A short travel setup from Funchal so the experience gets most of your time

I’d hesitate if:

• You’re dealing with a medical or mobility limitation listed as not suitable
• You’re uncomfortable with wet, slippery terrain and optional jumps
• You’re expecting a chill, low-activity nature walk

For most people who can participate safely, this tour looks like good value: gear is handled, safety is handled, and you get a full canyon session with photos as a bonus.

FAQ

Where do I meet for EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

You’ll meet at the Funchal Cable Car area. Look for the Epic Madeira mini-van and/or the guide wearing an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt.

What time is pickup from the Cable Car?

Pickup from the Cable Car is at 09H30.

How long is the canyoning tour?

The duration is about 3.5 hours (starting times vary based on availability).

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 12 participants.

Do I need previous canyoning experience?

No experience is necessary, and the tour is described as suitable for first-timers as well as those with prior canyoning experience.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Is canyoning gear included?

Yes. The tour includes the neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Does the tour include photos and safety insurance?

Yes. Free photos are included, and safety insurance is included as well.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.