Canyoning in Madeira feels like a movie scene. I like how Level 2 in Nun’s Valley mixes real action with stunning mountain backdrops, so you get more than just thrills. You’ll tackle four abseils, the tallest reaching about 15 meters, plus refreshing pools where you can choose jumps, slides, or both.

One thing to think about before you book: this is intermediate adventure, so your route includes heights, moving water, and some physical effort. If you’re not keen on wet gear, rappelling, or getting splashed, Level 2 might push you farther than you want. Also, you cannot bring alcohol or drugs, and you will need to send your sizes in advance.

Key points at a glance

• 15m max rappel: the tallest abseil is around 15 meters, with multiple descents through the canyon
• Optional jumps and slides: you can choose how spicy you want to go
• Small group, up to 10: more personal attention and easier safety checks
• Mountain views the whole way: the valley sits in steep terrain, so the scenery stays front and center
• All gear plus photos: wetsuit and equipment are handled, and you get photo coverage
• 20 minute walk before you start: you’ll earn the fun with a dirt-road and levada walk

Nun’s Valley Canyoning: what Level 2 is really about

Level 2 canyoning in Curral das Freiras is for you if you want to get out of your comfort zone without jumping straight to the hardest stuff. It is intermediate, and the day is built around a series of descents and water moments that keep the pace moving. The best part is that the route gives you choices, especially with the pools.

You get heights you can feel, but you also get a guided setup where you learn or refresh technique before you go all-in. The canyon’s structure means you’re not just walking through, you’re working through it: rap, move, cool off, repeat. And you have mountain views while you do it, which helps the whole thing feel more like Madeira than like an obstacle course.

The only catch is that you should go in expecting to be active. You will wear a wetsuit, and you’ll get wet in a real way, not just a quick splash. If you hate heights or you freeze up with ladders and ropes, you might want a less technical option instead.

Abseil action in the 10 to 15 meter range

This is the headline, and it’s exactly what makes Level 2 satisfying. You’re looking at four abseils, with the largest one reaching about 15 meters. Even when you are not on the tallest drop, the overall maximum height is described as roughly 10 to 15 meters, so you should expect real vertical moments, not tiny practice rappels.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you variety. You do not just repeat one short rappel three times. Instead, the canyon mixes different descents and then links them with water sections where you can recover, regroup, and decide how you want to handle each pool.

For the pool parts, you can choose optional jumps or slides. That matters because it lets you match the activity to your day. Feeling bold? Go for the jump. Want to keep it smooth? Slides can still deliver the fun without the same gut-check. The guides are with you throughout, so you’re not guessing how anything works.

The pre-canyon walk: your warmup on dirt and a levada

Before you drop into the canyon itself, you walk for about 20 minutes. The route is along a dirt road and then along a levada. That might sound like an afterthought, but it changes the day in a good way.

First, it gets you moving before you need your focus for ropes and water. Second, it helps the group stay together at a human pace. Third, you start absorbing the valley setting early, so when the canyoning starts, you already feel like you’re part of the landscape.

If you’re thinking, I can just wait until the rappels, you might be surprised by how quickly those views and the sound of water set the mood. Wear comfortable footwear that can get wet later, and don’t be afraid if the walk feels a bit uneven. The group size is small, so it’s not like you’re in a big crowd trying to shuffle along.

Curral das Freiras: itinerary flow and where the day fits

The experience runs about 4 hours total, with a guided canyoning time of around 3.5 hours. That timing is useful because you still have room to plan the rest of your Madeira day without feeling like you’re sacrificing the entire island.

You’ll meet for pickup at one of three options: CR7 Museum in Funchal, Ponta do Sol, or Praia da Calheta. Then you head to Curral das Freiras, where the canyoning happens. After the guided portion, you get dropped back at your selected pickup location.

Here’s a practical note from how this day is structured: if you have your own car, it’s described as more convenient to drive straight to the canyon location since parking is free. If you’re relying on pickup, plan to be flexible, because pickup times are confirmed the day before. That system tends to work best when you’re not trying to match ultra-tight schedules.

The day is short enough that the activity feels intense in a good way, not dragged out. You’re also not stuck thinking about logistics for hours, because the core time is dedicated to doing the canyoning.

Guides and safety: the vibe matters as much as the gear

A Level 2 day lives or dies on communication, and the guides here get repeatedly praised for being calm, patient, and safety-focused. I love that the experience is led by qualified guides, and from the names mentioned, you may encounter people like José and Miguel, with others such as Pedro and Filipe also showing up as guides. When you have a team that explains steps clearly, you can focus on enjoying the canyon instead of panicking about what happens next.

In rainy conditions, one review noted that the team still made everything safe and fun, and that the wetsuits stayed cosy. That’s the kind of detail that matters because Madeira weather can be unpredictable. What you want is a guide who treats safety as part of the fun, not a buzzkill.

This group is capped at 10 participants, which I consider a major advantage. Smaller groups make it easier for guides to check harnesses, adjust technique, and keep eyes on who is ready for each section. If you’re worried about feeling lost in a crowd, this setup helps.

Also, you’ll get photos during the experience. That might sound like a bonus, but it changes how you hold the day in your memory. When you’re concentrating on the next rappel or deciding whether to jump, it helps to have someone capturing it without you juggling a camera.

What you get in the price, and how it stacks up

The price is $82 per person, and for a half-day adventure that includes gear, guide time, and transfers, it feels pretty fair. You’re not just paying for the canyon itself. Your package covers all required equipment, a qualified guide, insurance, and the transfer from CR7 hotel areas (CR7 Museum area, Calheta, or Ponta do Sol, depending on your pickup).

You also get water and chocolate, and photos are included. In at least one account, there was a mid-route snack such as hazelnut wafers. Even if snacks aren’t the main reason you book, it’s a nice touch for keeping energy steady when you’re wearing a wetsuit and working with ropes.

Value is also about friction. By handling equipment and transfers, you can show up and go. What you still handle yourself is what you pack: swimwear and a towel. There are also no changing rooms or towels provided, so plan to arrive ready to handle the wet-to-dry transition.

If you want a comparison lens: you’re paying for a guided, safety-managed canyon session with professional equipment and media capture, not just a hiking route. That’s where the price makes sense.

What to bring, what not to bring, and how to prepare

You should bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it for the basics, but you should also think about how you’ll keep warm afterward. Since towels and changing rooms are not included, I’d treat this like a full water activity, not a light dip.

You also need to send your sizes before the activity. The required details include height (in cm), weight (in kg), shoe size (EU), and age. This matters because wetsuit fit and equipment setup are not one-size-fits-all. The smoother your fit, the better your day will feel once you’re in the water and on the ropes.

Not allowed is alcohol and drugs. It’s a safety thing, but it also keeps the day focused and controlled.

One more practical tip: since you’ll be in wetsuit gear and possibly getting wet around the edges, keep your phone and valuables secured until you’re ready to use them. The activity is described as including insurance and a guide-led process, but that doesn’t replace basic common sense with phones and cameras.

Who this canyoning tour suits best

This Level 2 canyoning fits you best if you’re looking for more adventure than a beginner route. It’s designed for people who want bigger moments, including big jumps or big waterfalls where available, with options depending on what you’re comfortable doing.

I think it also works well for first-timers who are willing to listen and follow instructions. Some accounts describe the experience as fine even if you haven’t done canyoning before, as long as you’re open to learning and choosing the right level of challenge for each section. The key word here is choose. Optional jumps and slides let you tune the day.

That said, it is not suitable for pregnant women. If you fall into that category, you should choose another activity that fits your needs and safety requirements.

How to handle comfort, water temperature, and rainy days

Canyoning is always a mix of fun and discomfort, but you can reduce the discomfort with smart expectations. The wet suits make a big difference. One account specifically said the suits were cosy and helped even when the day was rainy.

Water temperature can vary, and you should assume it won’t feel like a warm pool at first. But the structure of the canyon helps, because you have movement and repeated chances to reset between descents. Also, the guides are there to help you move confidently through each step, which often matters more than the exact water temperature.

If you’re the type who starts feeling nervous when conditions change, remember this: you’re not left to figure it out alone. The day is guided from start to finish, so your job is to follow instructions and let the team manage the route.

And if it rains, that can actually make the canyon feel more alive. Just make sure you’re mentally prepared to get properly wet.

Should you book Go Explore Level 2 in Nun’s Valley?

Book it if you want an intermediate canyoning day with a clear highlight: up to 15 meters of abseil action, plus optional jumps and slides in a spectacular valley. You’ll also get a small group experience up to 10 people, qualified guides, and photo coverage, which makes the day feel well-organized without feeling stiff.

Skip it or rethink it if heights and wet technical activities make you tense. Level 2 still means rappelling, moving water, and physical effort, so you should go in ready to participate, not hoping to mostly watch.

If you’re planning your Madeira trip, this is a smart half-day adventure. It packs in real experiences without swallowing the whole day, and it brings you to Curral das Freiras, a place you wouldn’t see from a quick viewpoint stop.

If all of that sounds like your kind of vacation, this is a great way to spend time in Madeira. You’ll trade easy sightseeing for a day of movement, gravity, and mountain views, guided by people like José and Miguel who know how to keep things safe and fun.

FAQ

How long is the canyoning experience?

The total duration is about 4 hours, with the guided canyoning tour lasting about 3.5 hours.

Where is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are offered at three locations: CR7 Museum (Funchal area), Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta. The details for each pickup point are confirmed in advance.

What should I expect for the rappels and jumps?

You’ll do four abseils, with the largest reaching around 15 meters, and several options for jumps and slides into refreshing pools. The maximum height is described as about 10 to 15 meters.

Is Level 2 suitable if I have little or no canyoning experience?

Level 2 is described as intermediate and aimed at people who want more adventure. You will be accompanied by qualified guides who explain steps and safety precautions, and the activity includes options so you can choose how challenging you want each moment to be.

What is included, and what do I need to bring?

Included: equipment, transfer from the listed pickup areas, a qualified guide, insurance, chocolate, water, and photos. You need to bring swimwear and a towel.

What information do I need to send before the activity?

You need to send your sizes: height (cm), weight (kg), shoe size (EU), and age.

Is it allowed for everyone, and what is not allowed?

It is not suitable for pregnant women. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.