Madeira, a territory of abundant vegetation and incredible landscapes. An area of sea and cliffs, but also an area of wild Laurissilva forests, waterfalls, rivers, levadas and natural slides. Undoubtedly, the scenery of the scenery for the most adventurous.

Its volcanic origin, and the origin of many of its natural sites on the craters of extinct volcanoes make canyoning in the Madeira area one of the activities par excellence that you should not miss if you live in the area or are passing by. Want to know more? Read on!

Where are the best areas for canyoning in Madeira?

• Curral das Freiras Canyon. Considered one of the best-known areas of Madeira Island as it arouses interest among the public for a great attraction. It awaits an impressive beauty that can be completed from its rocky viewpoints. But, undoubtedly, the magic of this place is that it is the crater of an extinct volcano. For this reason, it has become the perfect setting for canyoning, with rappels of up to 15 meters and incredible natural slides.

• Garajau Coast: Don't you know what coasteering is? Easy: swimming, climbing, jumping from the rocks and falling in love with the landscape. Basically, this is what you will perform while descending the cliffs of Madeira's coast. An island of volcanic origin that presents a rocky terrain, full of cliffs that break its abrupt beauty with crystal-clear waters, that's Madeira and its coast of Garajau. Needless to say much more, if you want the sea breeze to caress your face while you jump an impressive 20 meters high cliff, climb those cliffs, this is the scenery you should choose!

• Ponta de São Lourenço. If you find the coastal landscapes more dazzling, why not do some coasteering in this nature reserve? This is a coastal area with a special charm, as it is the most eastern part of Madeira and its rocky terrain makes this area a perfect location for canyoning. Challenging the terrain by climbing its rock formations and swimming through the turquoise water of the Atlantic will leave you speechless!

• Ribeiro Frio or Ribeiro do Lajeado. These two canyons are part of the Laurissilva Forest, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both are perfect routes for canyoning. Rappels of more than 10 meters, impressive waterfalls, Levada do Alecrim, natural slides and jumps to lakes, are many of the obstacles you will have to face.

• Canyons in the Seixall area. The Seixall area has fascinating canyons such as Joao Delgado or do Inferno. Its high walls and waterfalls, surrounded by a great vegetation by lush forests of the area and columns of fog, is consolidated as an excellent location for canyoning in Madeira.

• Ribeira da Hortelã. This canyon has 300 meters of vertical drop, so it can be the perfect plan if you already have experience in rappelling down waterfalls or jumping into amazing lakes. It is a great natural space full of vegetation that will undoubtedly leave anyone speechless.

How long does a canyoning experience in Madeira last?

There are different canyoning experiences that combine the duration of the activity with the level. This level will determine how long each type of descent will take. If you have never practiced canyoning or coasteering in Madeira before, we recommend the 2-hour experiences. They usually have a lower level of difficulty and will serve as an adaptation process. If, on the other hand, you consider yourself an expert in this type of adventure, jumping into lakes or rappelling with many meters of descent, the 4-hour activities are the ones for you.

Keep in mind that these are estimated times, since the exact duration of the activity will depend on the pace of the group overcoming the natural obstacles of the canyons or coast, you set your own pace!

And to the duration of the activity, you will have to add the time it will take you to get to the starting point. Relax! Because in this case, most canyoning offers in Madeira include transportation from Funchal or Caniço to the meeting point. And simply... We recommend you to book half a day or more so you can fully enjoy this experience sliding down natural slides!

When is the best time for canyoning in Madeira?

Do you want to do canyoning or coasteering now? You can do it. Easy, it doesn't matter when you read this, because the climate of Madeira Island will allow you to live this experience at any time of the year.

It has a subtropical climate, with mild and pleasant temperatures, not excessive. It is a coastal climate, close to the meridian, so there are no major differences between winter and summer seasons. It is true that in the summer months some canyons may not have water, but you can always choose coasteering along the coast of Grajau or Ponta de São Lourenço.

Who can do canyoning in Madeira Island?

If you want a thrilling family activity, why not canyoning? Generally, if the little one in the family is 7 years old or older and knows how to swim, there will be no problem when it comes to rappelling, jumping down the 25 Fontes waterfall, or sliding down the natural slides.

As we have already mentioned, there are different levels of canyoning, from the low level, going through the medium level and reaching the advanced level. In this last one, it is important to have experience in the world of canyoning and thus have a good physical condition if you want to overcome each of the natural obstacles that will be placed in front of you on your way.

But, even if you are an expert in the field, during the canyoning descents in Madeira, there will always be a specialized instructor who will accompany you and tell you how to act in any of the cases. You will not have to worry about anything else but to enjoy and discover the beautiful landscapes of the deep island!

How to prepare yourself for the canyoning day?

The practice of canyoning involves climbing and swimming, among other things, so it will be necessary that you come to your appointment with the appropriate clothing. In general, the center that organizes your experience will provide you with safety equipment such as helmet, vest, wetsuit and socks. But we recommend that you come with your bathing suit, even if it is under the wetsuit, and that you bring two pairs of shoes in case you need to change at the end of the canyon in case they are wet. If you want to bring other accessories such as a bath towel or sunscreen, you can do so without any problem, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience to the fullest, get ready to get wet and enjoy yourself from the highest areas of Madeira!

You can walk through the canyons and fall in love with its crystal-clear waters in the natural pools, and its vegetation, while you practice canyoning through the impressive canyon do Inferno or walk among impressive rock formations that collide with the turquoise sea, where you will end up taking a dip at the end of your day of coastering on the beach of Garajau. Become an adventurer doing canyoning!