REVIEW · MADEIRA
EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by EPIC Madeira · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Madeira canyoning hits different once you’re in the water. On Epic Madeira Level Two, you hike through rugged canyons and then jump, slide, and rappel down waterfalls with expert guides keeping you on track.
I like that the day is efficient and built around real canyon time, not a long slog. Two things really stand out for me: the small group limit (12 people) and the confident, upbeat guiding style you’ll feel from the first briefing.
One thing to consider: this isn’t a gentle stroll. It’s not suitable for people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, kids under 10, or anyone over 70, and you should be ready to get wet.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Canyoning Level Two: what intermediate means on Madeira
- From Funchal Cable Car to the canyon with minimal downtime
- The safety briefing at the local bar: where you learn the pace
- Inside the secret canyon: hikes, waterfalls, jumps, slides, and rappels
- Gear that’s actually part of the experience
- Price and value: why $97 feels fair here
- The guides matter: safety, fun, and names you may hear
- What to bring (and what not to count on)
- Who should book—and who should skip it
- Should you book Epic Madeira Canyoning Level Two?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point?
- How long does the canyoning tour take?
- How big is the group?
- Is prior canyoning experience required?
- What gear is included?
- Does the tour include photos?
- What languages do the guides speak?
- What should I bring, and what is not included?
- Who is the tour not suitable for?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Small group (max 12) means more attention when you’re learning jumps, slides, and rappels
- All technical gear included (wetsuit, helmet, harness, descenders, lanyards) so you travel light
- 2.5 hours in the canyon plus a structured safety briefing makes the whole flow feel controlled
- Optional jumps, slides, and a 20-metre upsailing spot give you “I can’t believe I did that” moments
- Remote canyon route feels like real nature time, not a quick sightseeing stop
- Free photos plus an energy bar or chocolate keeps the day easy to plan and remember
Canyoning Level Two: what intermediate means on Madeira
Epic Madeira’s Level Two is for people who are ready to be active, a bit fearless, and okay with getting wet. You don’t need prior canyoning experience, which is a big deal if you’re curious but nervous about jumping into something too advanced. What matters is that you’re willing to do the core elements: hiking in and around the canyon and moving through sections where you may jump off ledges, slide natural rock/water features, and rappel down.
This level is “intermediate” because you’re not just walking along a trail. You’re using ropes and climbing-like movement at certain points, guided step-by-step. If you’re the type who likes clear instructions and wants a challenge that’s still well-managed, this fits your sweet spot.
You’ll also spend a long enough stretch in the canyon (about 2.5 hours) that it doesn’t feel like a half-hearted taste. It’s enough time to get into a rhythm: hike, gear up, and then hit the water features as you go.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Madeira.
From Funchal Cable Car to the canyon with minimal downtime
Your day starts at Funchal Cable Car. You’ll meet the Epic Madeira team (look for the mini-van and/or the guide in an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt) and connect with the group from there.
Then it’s a 30-minute van ride before you even get into the action. That matters because the value of this tour is how much time you spend in the canyon. The setup is designed to avoid wasting your morning on long transfers, and you do get back to the same meeting point afterward—another 30-minute return van ride.
If you’re in Funchal without a car, this kind of pickup is exactly what you want: you show up centrally, you’re handled, and you don’t have to figure out parking or backtracking. If you do have your own transport, the meeting point is still straightforward to reach on your own and meet the group there.
The safety briefing at the local bar: where you learn the pace
Before you’re in the canyon, you’ll get a 30-minute safety briefing at a local bar. This is where the tour turns from exciting into reliable.
You’ll go over how the safety protocol works and how the gear is used. Since all the gear is included, you’re not dealing with last-minute shopping or borrowing. Instead, you’re focused on learning how to wear it correctly and what to expect at the water features—especially if you’ve never done canyoning before.
There’s also something practical here: a briefing gives you mental clarity. You don’t just show up and hope. You get the rules, the movement basics, and the boundaries, so when you’re standing at the edge of a drop or preparing for a rappel, you’re not second-guessing what’s supposed to happen next.
The guides also work in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which helps if your group has mixed languages. And the overall vibe stays friendly while still being serious about safety.
Inside the secret canyon: hikes, waterfalls, jumps, slides, and rappels
This is the heart of the tour: about 2.5 hours at the canyon with a guided route that’s described as remote and nature-focused. You’ll be hiking through the canyon environment, not just moving between platforms.
Once you’re in the canyon sections, you can expect a mix of:
- Waterfall drops where you abseil/rappel down safely
- Natural water features where you slide (using the rock and water flow)
- Optional jumps when conditions allow and your comfort level is right
- Natural swimming pools and spring waters where you’ll cool off
One detail that makes this tour feel more than “beginner canyoning” is the presence of a 20-metre upsailing spot. Even if you treat it as one element of the day rather than the main event, it signals that Level Two has real vertical action. The guides manage it so you’re not thrown into anything without support.
You’ll also spend enough time in the canyon to appreciate Madeira’s rugged geography from right inside it. You’re not looking at canyons from afar—you’re moving through them. That’s where the day earns its reputation: the route feels like deep nature time, with the waterfalls and natural pools as your changing backdrop.
Gear that’s actually part of the experience
Epic Madeira provides everything you need to do canyoning in Madeira’s conditions, including:
- Neoprene suit
- Shoes and neoprene socks
- Helmet, harness
- Carabiners, descenders, and lanyards
- Safety insurance and permits
This is a value point that often gets overlooked. If you’ve ever tried to arrange gear for outdoor activities while traveling, you know how much time and stress it takes. Here, the tour removes that friction.
It also helps you experience the canyon correctly. The neoprene and the proper protective setup aren’t just comfort items—they help you stay warm and safe during the water time and rope work. And because the gear is included, you can pack smarter: you don’t need to track wetsuits or borrow climbing components.
You’ll also get free photos, which is more than a nice add-on. When you’re busy doing the jumps and rappels, you’re not photographing. Photos are a way to remember the moment without turning the day into a camera job.
To keep energy up, there’s an energy bar or chocolate included, which you’ll likely appreciate after the hiking and excitement.
Price and value: why $97 feels fair here
At $97 per person, this tour sits in the “serious activity” category. The question is whether you’re paying for adrenaline or for a complete, professionally managed setup.
From a value perspective, you’re getting a lot in that price:
- Guides and a small group size (up to 12)
- Safety insurance, permits, and safety protocol
- All canyoning gear
- A structured plan with pickup from a central Madeira location
- Photo coverage
- Enough canyon time (about 2.5 hours) to feel like a real activity
This is also a tour where the logistics don’t eat your day. The ride time is manageable, and the structure helps you get to the canyon quickly. You don’t need to spend hours driving or coordinating multiple pieces of the experience yourself.
If you’re the type who hates wasting time on planning and prefers paying for the convenience and competence, this pricing can make sense. If you’re on a super tight budget, you might compare other activities in Madeira, but for a guided, gear-included, intermediate canyon day, $97 is a reasonable match.
The guides matter: safety, fun, and names you may hear
The guides are a big part of why this tour gets high praise. The team keeps you feeling secure while also making the experience enjoyable.
You might meet guides such as Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa, and the consistent message is the same: they’re serious about safety, but they don’t make the day stiff. That balance matters. When you’re doing rappels, jumps, and slides, you want calm instructions and a guide who’s watching everyone.
A practical benefit of this guiding style: if you’re unsure about one feature, you’re more likely to get support and encouragement without pressure. And if your group is mixed in confidence, the guide attention helps everyone stay together and moving safely.
What to bring (and what not to count on)
Plan to keep your packing simple. You’ll need:
- Swimwear
- Towel
Also note what’s not included: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and food/drinks. So don’t rely on convenience shops at the last second. If you burn easily, bring sunscreen because it’s not part of the tour package.
Since you’re in and around water, a towel is the big one you don’t want to forget. You’ll also want to wear something that dries fast because the day involves slides, jumps, and waterfall spray.
Who should book—and who should skip it
This tour is best for people who want a real outdoor challenge but still want professional support and a clear safety system.
You’ll likely enjoy it if:
- You’re curious about canyoning and want an intermediate-level day
- You’re comfortable doing rope work like rappels with guidance
- You like adventure that still has structure and supervision
- Your group is okay with getting wet and moving through canyon terrain
You should skip it if:
- You have back problems or heart problems
- You’re pregnant
- You’re over 70
- You’re using a wheelchair
- You’re bringing kids under 10
Also think about your comfort with optional jumps. They’re optional, but the activity is still physically active and water-based. If you want a purely scenic walk, you’ll be happier elsewhere.
Should you book Epic Madeira Canyoning Level Two?
If you want an active, guided Madeira experience with real canyon time, this is a strong yes. The tour combines professional gear, a well-timed structure (pickup, briefing, canyon time, return), and the kind of guide attention that makes intermediate canyoning feel manageable.
Book it if you’re okay with the water, you’re within the health and age limits, and you want that mix of hiking plus waterfall action. Skip it if you need a low-impact day or if any of the listed medical and mobility restrictions apply.
If you’re planning Madeira for a few “one-day wow” activities, this is one of the better bets for value because it bundles transportation, gear, safety, and the canyon experience into one smooth package.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Funchal Cable Car. Pickup is listed for 09H30, and you should look for the Epic Madeira mini-van and/or a guide wearing an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt.
How long does the canyoning tour take?
The total duration is listed as about 3.5 hours. The guided tour inside the canyon is 2.5 hours, with additional time for van transfers and a safety briefing.
How big is the group?
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is prior canyoning experience required?
No prior canyoning experience is required for this Level Two tour.
What gear is included?
The tour includes the neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards.
Does the tour include photos?
Yes. Free photos are included.
What languages do the guides speak?
The live tour guide speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
What should I bring, and what is not included?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour does not include sunscreen, food, or drinks, and it also notes that a towel and swimsuit are not provided for you.
Who is the tour not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, and children under 10.
