Experience canyoning in Madeira
Canyoning in Madeira, Portugal is a great sport
for young and old people, most fun is to visit the gorges and canyons together!
You need special material for the exercise, some of which you can borrow on the island, for example in Calheta.
Necessary canyoning material
Two-piece, 5 mm thick wetsuit with hood
Neoprene socks and possibly neoprene gloves
Shoes with a soft sole and firm shaft
Mountaineering helmet and canyoning harness according to the latest CE standard
Canyon backpack and waterproof box
Three times the length of the highest rapel
First aid kit
Rescue material adapted to the tour
In Madeira, an island with an area of 700 square kilometers, we find around 100 canyons with plenty of
waterfalls. At least half of them are already equipped for canyoning. During the winter of 2019 - 2020,
some municipalities put up information signs for the people who practice this sport.
The best known area with the most tours is the north coast between Seixal and
Porto Moniz. But you can also find gorges near Funchal, Machico or Calheta.
No matter what level of difficulty you are looking for, you will definitely find it in Madeira.
Some well known canyons with a high reputation
Hortela (superior and inferior)
Seixal
Ribeira Funda
Aqua d Alto
Ribeira do Lajeado (waterfall of Risco)
Vimieiro
Delgado
Canyoning consists of various activities such as swimming, walking, climbing, jumping, sliding and abseiling.
The sport takes place in the heart of nature, between high rock walls, along waterfalls and through deep pools.
Several participants form a group, in which each one relies on the other, this also applies to tours
that are guided by a certified guide.
Basic safety precautions are always essential: established expert knowledge, a knowledge of the local weather
conditions of the current and the last few days, as well as its effects on the water level in the gorge.
Participants should be able to swim and, depending on the current conditions, a good knowledge about white water
is mandatory. At least one participant in the group should be able to master all the necessary rope
techniques, it is best if this applies to everyone in the group.
If you do not want to take part in a guided tour, we therefore recommend the most solid training possible.
In case of any doubt about the conditions of the canyons you wish to visit, do not hesitate to ask some of the local
professionals or book a guide.
An international canyoning meeting takes place in Madeira every year. Here the great possibilities
of the island are presented to a public from all over the world.
In 2020 it will take place from June 8th to June 13th.
