Mad dogs, water slides, and serious views.

That’s the vibe of Level 2 canyoning in Madeira’s Nun’s Valley, where steep mountain walls shape every turn of the route. I like that it’s built for people who want more than a starter experience, but still has optional choices so you can control your risk. The biggest thing to consider is that the route includes jumps you may choose to skip, but you’ll still need a good head for heights and moving water.

What I’d put at the top of my “yes, do this” list: the largest abseil hits 15 meters, and the day is paced by experienced, calm guides. The other standout is the setting in the Curral das Freiras area, with guided time spent looking at mountain views while you descend, rappel, and play in pools.

One drawback worth planning for: you’ll need to show up prepared to get wet and moving. Bring swimwear and a towel, and note that this activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 15m rappels with several abseils for a real, Level 2 workout
• Optional jumps and water-slide moments so you can choose your comfort level
• Small group size (max 10) for more personal coaching and safer spacing
• 20-minute walk-in on a dirt road and along a levada before the canyon fun
• Guides like José and Miguel are known for patient, step-by-step safety teaching
• Transfers, insurance, equipment, photos, and water are included in the $82 price

Why Nun’s Valley is such a strong Level 2 choice in Madeira

Madeira is famous for rugged terrain, and Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras) turns that into a canyoning playground. This isn’t a gentle “dip your toe” outing. Level 2 is designed for people who want to get a little out of their comfort zone, without jumping straight into the most technical stuff.

I like that the experience is structured around doable challenges: rappels, refreshing pools, and enough options to adjust what you do. The canyon also gives you constant scenery. As you move through the route, you’re not just looking at rock and rope. You’re looking out at steep mountains around the valley, which makes the whole day feel like more than an activity.

There’s also a practical benefit to choosing a Level 2 route here. You get a mix of technical movement and fun water time in one package, so you’re not stuck in a single mode the entire 4 hours.

Rappels, optional jumps, and sliding pools: what you’ll do in the canyon

The headline is the abseils. You can expect four rappels, with the largest one at 15 meters. The maximum height on the route is listed around 10–15 meters, so you’re not guessing whether it’s “real” canyoning. It is.

Between rappels, you’ll hit pools that feel like they were put there on purpose. Some sections are built for jumping, and you may also find slide-and-plunge style moments. Importantly, some of these features are described as optional, which matters for first-timers who still want the adrenaline without committing to every single jump.

What this means for you on the day: your guide isn’t just watching you go down a wall. They’re helping you manage spacing, timing, and decision points—especially when jumps come up. If you’re the type who enjoys pushing yourself but likes control, this setup fits.

If you tend to stress about safety, you’ll likely appreciate the way the guides run the fundamentals. Multiple guide-led sessions highlight calm, patient instruction and a supportive tone. That kind of coaching is what turns scary steps into controlled steps.

The 20-minute approach along a dirt road and a levada

Before the first rope, you’ll walk about 20 minutes. It’s described as a dirt road and along a levada. If you’ve never heard that term, a levada is basically an irrigation channel common across Madeira. In canyon country, it often doubles as a natural corridor for access.

This walk-in is more than a quick transfer. It gets you warmed up and familiar with the environment before you start handling gear around water. It also gives you a moment to look around so the canyon itself doesn’t feel like it appears out of nowhere.

For planning, treat this as an active stretch, not a casual stroll. If you’re wearing gear that fits tightly (like a wetsuit), you’ll still want steady footing and a focused mind. The guide will set expectations, but your job is to move confidently and arrive ready.

Curral das Freiras pacing: how the 4 hours tend to feel

The total duration is about 4 hours, with the guided canyoning time described as roughly 3.5 hours. Translation: you’ll spend a meaningful portion of the day actually doing the activity, not just traveling and waiting.

There’s usually a flow to days like this:

• You meet up and get geared up.
• You walk into the canyon area.
• You tackle the abseils and move through the pool sections.
• You finish, regroup, and head back to your drop-off point.

The best part of this pacing is that it doesn’t drag. Level 2 canyoning is long enough for multiple technical moments and water play, but short enough that you’re unlikely to feel “done” before the best sections happen.

This is also where the small-group format matters. With a limit of 10 participants, the guides can keep instruction tight and prevent the line from getting chaotic when someone is nervous about a jump or rappelling technique.

Price and what you get for about $82

At $82 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for guided canyoning in Portugal. The value comes from what’s included, not from the idea of spending money to get wet.

Included items cover the big ticket basics:

• all required canyoning equipment
• qualified guide
• insurance
• transfer from your selected pickup area
• chocolate and water
• photos

A tour becomes worth paying for when it removes decision fatigue. Here, you’re not arranging equipment, insurance, or a guide on your own. You’re also not doing the “do we rent gear or buy gear” math.

The photos are a nice touch. People specifically call out that the guides capture a lot during the session, which means you get memories without risking your camera setup around water. If you’re booking for a trip highlight, the included media helps justify the price.

If you’re debating whether it’s “too much” for Level 2, here’s the honest lens: this isn’t a casual outing. You’re paying for professional rope access, safety management, and a full guided route with multiple rappels and water features.

Equipment, comfort, and the real safety vibe

You’ll need to bring swimwear and a towel. That’s it for personal items, which tells you the provider expects you to show up ready to be in a wetsuit and leave the canyon wet.

The gear is included, and in this type of activity the wetsuit isn’t cosmetic. Several sessions mention that wetsuits make a real difference for comfort, even when conditions feel cooler or rainy. So don’t assume the temperature will determine your enjoyment. Proper gear helps you focus on the canyon instead of fighting cold water.

On safety: pay attention to how the guides teach. The strongest praise in the provided details repeatedly points to clear, calm step-by-step instruction and a supportive attitude. Guides like José and Miguel are described as patient and engaging, and that matters when you’re learning rope techniques or approaching optional jumps.

Also, the fact that this is limited to 10 people isn’t just a “nice to have.” In canyon settings, smaller groups reduce waiting time and help everyone move with safer spacing.

One last practical note: don’t bring alcohol or drugs. It’s not allowed, and that policy makes sense for a water + rope activity where alertness matters.

Who should book this Level 2 Nun’s Valley canyoning

This is aimed at people who want adventure and a push beyond comfort, without taking a blind leap into extreme difficulty. If you’re curious about canyoning but you’ve done a little of the basics (or you learn quickly), Level 2 is a smart sweet spot.

I’d say this is especially good for:

• active travelers who like heights when they’re taught clearly
• people who want both technical moments (rappels) and fun water moments (pools, slides, optional jumps)
• groups that value small-group coaching and lots of encouragement

It’s not for you if you’re pregnant, since it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

If you’re afraid of water or you hate the idea of moving water and sudden drops, you might find the route stressful even with options. Level 2 doesn’t mean gentle.

Getting there: pickup areas and a simple plan for the day

Transfers are included from several points, and that makes the day easier if you don’t want to drive. Pickup options include:

• Portugal’s CR7 Museum area (roadside in Funchal)
• Ponta do Sol (pickup from the petrol station)
• Praia da Calheta (pickup in front of the Pingo Doce supermarket)

Drop-off locations match those pickup areas.

If you’re driving, the info suggests it’s convenient to go straight to the canyon location, and parking is free. Pickup times are confirmed the day before, so keep your schedule flexible around the confirmation.

This matters because canyoning is timing-sensitive. You want to arrive early enough to gear up calmly, not sprint through the morning.

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

Book this if you want a Madeira day that mixes rope technique, optional adrenaline, and mountain views, all with professional guidance. The value is strongest when you care about included equipment, insurance, transfers, and photos, and when you’re happy doing multiple rappels with at least some exposure to height and moving water.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable with the idea of rappels and the possibility of jumps, even if some jumps are optional. Also skip if you fall into the not-suitable category for pregnancy.

A smart approach: treat Level 2 as a confidence-builder. You don’t have to act like the fearless one. You just need to listen, follow instructions, and choose the option that matches your comfort that day. With guides like José and Miguel highlighted for patient coaching, you’re likely to get the kind of support that helps you enjoy the canyon instead of white-knuckling it.

FAQ

How long is the Level 2 canyoning session in Nun’s Valley?

The activity lasts about 4 hours total. Check availability to see starting times.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is included from Portugal’s CR7 Museum area, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta.

Where exactly is the pickup in Calheta and Ponta do Sol?

In Calheta, pickup is in front of the Pingo Doce supermarket. In Ponta do Sol, pickup is from the petrol station.

How high are the rappels?

There are four abseils, with the highest described as up to 15 meters. The maximum height is listed around 10–15 meters.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are all required equipment, a qualified guide, insurance, transfer, chocolate, water, and photos.

What is not included?

Towels, swim wear, and changing rooms are not included.

Do I need to send my measurements?

Yes. You’ll need to send sizes including height (cm), weight (kg), shoe size (EU), and age.

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