Waterfalls, ropes, and wild canyons await Madeira. This EPIC Madeira Level Two trip takes you through untouched canyon cuts where you jump, slide, and rappel into natural water pools.

I really like two things here. First, you get a strong safety vibe from the start, and it shows in how guides Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa keep everyone together and moving confidently. Second, the schedule is efficient, with pickup at Funchal Cable Car, a short van ride, and then focused time in the canyon instead of wasting hours commuting.

One thing to consider: this is not for everyone. It is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, or kids under 10, and you will want to be comfortable getting in the water since a towel is not included.

Key highlights you will feel from the first minute

• Guides who blend fun and safety (Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa are specifically mentioned)
• Level Two, so it is for confident beginners or the adventurous who want more action than a first-timer route
• Short transfer, big canyon time, with about 2.5 hours at the canyon stop
• All the gear is included, from neoprene suit to harness, helmet, and rappelling gear
• Jump and slide options, plus a noted 20 metre upsailing spot on the route

Why Level Two Canyoning on Madeira Feels Like Real Adventure

Madeira canyoning is not a tame stroll. Level Two is where the trip starts to feel physical and playful, without turning into a hardcore stunt day. You are hiking through natural canyon corridors, then shifting from walking mode into water-action mode, with jumps, slides, and abseils down waterfalls and cliff drops when the route offers them.

What I like about this “intermediate canyoning” idea is that it matches the Madeira setting. The island gives you narrow channels, water-sculpted rock, and those natural basins that make it feel like you are using the landscape, not just passing by it. You still get guidance and structure, but the experience is built around movement. That is why it works so well if you have done canyoning once before, or if you are first-timer-ish but genuinely excited to follow instructions and get a little adrenaline going.

The “spring waters and natural pools” angle also matters. You are not just dropping into random water. You are getting a tour of canyon features that naturally collect and channel water, which keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Even if you choose fewer jumps, you still get the sense of progression through the canyon.

Price and What You Actually Get for $97

At $97 per person for a roughly 3.5 hour activity, the price makes sense because you are buying more than a guide. You are getting a full setup: the neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards, plus safety insurance and permits. That is a huge deal on any canyoning day, because gear costs and safety planning add up quickly if you try to do it piecemeal.

You also get the “small extras” that keep the day smooth. An energy bar or chocolate is included, and that is the kind of simple help that can keep you from feeling flat halfway through. You get free photos, and on this kind of tour they often share visuals after the session, which is perfect because you will likely be too busy concentrating to document everything yourself.

Value also comes from time efficiency. The flow is pickup, brief orientation, and then real canyon time. From what you can expect, you spend about 2.5 hours at the secret canyon stop, which is a lot for an activity that includes moving, climbing, and water obstacles.

Starting at Funchal Cable Car, and Why That Meeting Point Works

Your day begins at the Funchal Cable Car area. The pickup is scheduled for 09H30, which is handy because it gives you a solid chunk of the morning to be active before the rest of the day gets busy.

If you do not have a car, this is one of those meeting points that keeps things easy. There is van transport built in. You ride to the canyon area for about 30 minutes, so you are not spending your half-day stuck in transit. Then you return the same way, with another 30 minutes back after the canyon portion.

One practical tip: show up a little early so you can get your head right. Once you are kitted up, things move fast. Also, if you plan to walk around Funchal before or after, try not to schedule anything tight right after your pickup time. Canyon days have a way of making clocks feel optimistic.

Because the group is limited to 12 participants, the start tends to feel controlled. You are not fighting for attention or waiting ages for the gear check. It is the kind of pacing that makes you more likely to enjoy the experience rather than just survive it.

The Van Ride and Local Bar Safety Briefing, What It Is Really For

After pickup, you get a short van ride, then you head to a local bar for a safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes. This is not filler time. It is where you learn how the day works: what you will do, how you will move in gear, and how the guides expect you to communicate and respond during rappels and water entries.

You will also get your gear and fit adjustments. Even if you have canyoned before, your harness and helmet setup matters every time. A good fit means you can focus on the action instead of adjusting straps while you are trying to concentrate on the next obstacle.

The briefing is also where the route mindset gets set. You are not just hiking and then suddenly doing a rope section. You are going through sequences, and your guides are there to keep the group moving safely together. That is why the tour feels fun even when you are dealing with heights or cold water moments.

If you are a nervous person, this part helps. You get instructions in advance, and you see the guides handle the group. If you are fearless, it still helps because it teaches the best way to approach the actions without wasting energy or doing anything risky.

The Secret Canyon Stop: Jumps, Slides, Rappels, and Natural Pools

This is the heart of the day. After the briefing, you spend about 2.5 hours at the canyon, where the tour brings together hiking, vertical movement, and water fun. The route is described as exploring untouched natural canyons, with you jump, slide, and rappel down waterfalls and cliff sections.

Here is how that usually plays in real life. First you walk the canyon path, then you hit a water feature. Sometimes it is a slide. Sometimes it is a jump you can choose to take or do more conservatively, depending on how the guides and your comfort level align. Then you move to a rappel or abseil moment, where you attach to the safety system and descend rock safely with a controlled pace.

One of the most memorable details mentioned on the route is an optional 20 metre upsailing spot. That is not a “light and easy” moment, so it helps explain why Level Two is aimed at intermediate canyoners or adventurous first-timers. It is also why the “no experience required” message should not trick you into thinking it is casual. You are still expected to listen, follow, and participate with confidence.

You will also enjoy natural swimming pools and spring water. This matters because it gives you a break between action sections. You are not only dealing with rope work. You get a chance to float, reset, and enjoy the canyon’s water features in a more relaxed way.

Gear Included: Neoprene Suit to Descenders, and What That Changes

One reason canyoning can feel intimidating is figuring out what to wear. Here, that problem is mostly handled for you. Included gear covers the essentials: the neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, and the hardware like carabiners, descenders, and lanyards. That means you are not trying to source technical items on the spot.

What this changes for you is confidence. You can focus on what the guides are showing you instead of worrying whether your shoes will grip or whether your suit will keep you comfortable enough for the duration. A full setup also tends to improve safety because equipment is selected for canyon conditions rather than improvised.

Still, you will want to think about comfort. You are wearing multiple layers of purpose-built gear, and you will get wet. So plan for dampness and stickiness. If you have long hair, tie it back. Skip jewelry that can snag. Keep your valuables locked away, and do not count on having dry stuff available right away.

Also, take note of what is not included: a towel. You will be glad you brought one, not just for drying off but for the transition back after the canyon.

Photos, Snacks, and the Small Group That Keeps It Fun

A big part of the value is that the tour captures the moments you will miss while you are in motion. Free photos are included, and the experience is supported by a small group format, limited to 12 participants. That small size matters because guides can manage pacing, spot-check equipment, and keep you from drifting behind.

The guides are a highlight. Names like Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa come up because they do two jobs well at the same time: they keep things safe and they keep things enjoyable. You want that balance on a canyon day. If it feels overly strict, you might freeze up. If it is too laid back, you might feel unsure. This seems to hit the right note, with humor used to ease tension while attention stays on safety.

You also get an energy bar or chocolate. It is not a full meal, but it is enough to keep the day from turning into a blood sugar crash after a few action sections. My advice is to eat beforehand. If you arrive hungry, you will feel it during the hikes and after the water sections.

Who Should Book Level Two, and Who Should Skip It

Level Two is for people who want more than a first-timer route. The description says no experience is necessary, but the way the tour works still requires you to participate confidently in water entries, jumps or slide choices, rappelling sections, and short hiking segments.

It is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, or children under 10. If any of those apply, do not gamble with a “maybe it will be fine” attitude. This kind of activity includes physical motion and safety equipment, and it is safer to choose another Madeira adventure that fits your needs.

You will likely love this tour if you:

• enjoy active days and do not mind getting wet
• want a guided adventure that feels remote and in nature
• like structured excitement, with guides close by
• want a half-day activity that still feels full

If you are nervous about heights or ropes, the briefing and guided rappels help. But you still need to communicate your comfort level early, and be honest when asked.

What to Bring So You Are Comfortable During the Canyon Day

This tour is straightforward about what to pack: bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is not included, so if you use it, pack it. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan to eat ahead of time and bring a water plan for after your return.

Also bring a realistic mindset. You will likely end up damp, and your gear will not feel like dry-day clothes afterward. A towel matters, and dry change of clothes can make the rest of your day in Funchal feel much more pleasant, even though it is not listed as included.

For clothing beyond the swimwear, you will be wearing the neoprene suit and shoes you are provided. That means you can dress simply. The bigger priority is that your swimwear fits well and you feel comfortable moving in it.

If you are prone to chafing or have sensitive skin, consider what you normally use for wet activities. The tour provides technical gear, but skin still does skin things.

Should You Book Epic Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

Book it if you want an energetic Madeira activity with real canyon action: jumps, slides, rappels, and natural water features, all run by professional guides with a small-group feel. The included gear, safety setup, permits, and free photos make the $97 price feel practical rather than gimmicky. The short van ride and focused canyon time are also a big plus, especially if you are squeezing activities into a limited trip.

Skip it if you are in a group that the tour notes as not suitable, or if you know you cannot handle the physical demands of a water plus rope day. And if you hate getting wet and do not like the idea of cold water moments, be honest with yourself, because the canyon experience is built around the water.

If you are the adventurous type who likes guided challenges and you show up ready to listen, you will probably find this one a standout Madeira morning.

FAQ

How long is the EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two tour?

It lasts about 3.5 hours total, with about 2.5 hours spent during the guided canyon section.

Where do I meet for the tour in Funchal?

You meet at Funchal Cable Car. Look for the Epic Madeira mini-van and/or a guide wearing an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt.

Is pickup from Funchal Cable Car included?

Yes. Pickup from Cable Car is included, starting at 09H30.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What activities are included in Level Two canyoning?

You can expect hiking through natural canyons, jump and slide options, and abseiling or rappel moments down waterfalls and cliffs, plus natural swimming pool time.

What gear is included?

All gear is included, including a neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are photos included?

Yes, free photos are included.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, and children under 10.