Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 (Nun’s Valley) .

If you want Madeira that mixes ropes, water, and serious scenery, this Level 2 canyoning run in Nun’s Valley is a great pick. It is set in the middle of the island, surrounded by steep mountains, and the whole day has that satisfying rhythm of walking in, suiting up, then committing to the drops.

What I like most is the mix of four abseils (including a biggest rappel around 15 meters) with optional jumps into refreshing pools. The second big win is the human side, the guides like José and Miguel keep things calm and clear, so even when you are stepping out of your comfort zone, you are not doing it blind. The one drawback to plan for is that this is wet work and not everyone fits Level 2, it is not suitable for pregnant women, and you will need swimwear plus your own towel.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Four abseils with the biggest around 15 meters, plus smaller drops up to the 10 to 15 meter range
• Optional jumps and slides into pools along the way, so you can choose your level of thrill
• About a 20-minute approach on a dirt road and along a levada before the canyon work starts
• Small group, max 10 people, which keeps the pace tighter and the safety briefing more personal
• Photos and videos included, plus a little chocolate and water to keep energy up
• Transfers from CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, or Praia da Calheta, so you do not need to wrestle logistics

Nun’s Valley Canyoning: the Madeira Water Adventure with Real Rope Time

This isn’t a casual splash-and-snap photo stop. Level 2 in Nun’s Valley is a proper canyon route where you move through the canyon using ropes, jumps, and natural water features. You spend time in a lush valley setting, but the story of the day is the action: rappels, plunges, and the moments where you land, regroup, and go again.

The valley itself matters. You are not just looking at mountains from a viewpoint, you are inside the terrain, with steep rock around you and mountain views coming and going as you progress. That changes how the experience feels, it is more like being guided through a narrow slice of Madeira than doing a standard sightseeing loop.

Price and What Your $82 Actually Buys

At $82 per person for a roughly 4-hour slot, you are paying for more than a guide. You get the equipment needed to do the activity, a qualified guide, insurance, water, and a chocolate treat. You also get photos included, which is genuinely useful because canyoning is hard to capture well on your own.

If you have ever priced outdoor activities separately, you know gear rentals and guided instruction can add up fast. Here, the price bundles the key pieces you would otherwise scramble for: the safety kit, the professional oversight, and documentation.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) is part of the value, too. A larger group can mean more waiting and less individualized coaching. The format here tends to keep you moving, and that matters when you are trying not to waste your energy before the next drop.

Getting There: Pickup from CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta

This tour uses transfers, and that is a big deal on Madeira where roads and timing can get annoying. You have three pickup options: Portugal’s CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta. Drop-off returns you to the same three places.

The details matter for convenience:

• Calheta pickup is in front of the pingo doce supermarket
• Ponta do Sol pickup is from a petrol station
• CR7 Museum pickup is roadside near the museum road

Pickup times are confirmed the day before, so you will not be left guessing for weeks. And if you have your own car, it can be even easier. The canyon location has free parking, and driving yourself is described as more convenient.

The Start of the Adventure: Walking In via Dirt Road and a Levada

Before you ever touch the ropes, you earn the canyon. Plan on about a 20-minute walk on a dirt road, plus time along a levada (a traditional water channel). This is not just time filler. It is part of how the canyoning route connects you to the landscape.

Why this helps you as a participant: you get a chance to settle your nerves, hear the plan, and start feeling the pace of the day before the first rappel. Also, because you are moving along the terrain, you learn where the route will lead, so the later drops feel less sudden.

It also means footwear and posture matter. You will be walking before you get wet and clipped in, so go in ready to move safely over uneven ground.

Curral das Freiras Time: the Guided Build-Up to the Canyon Work

You spend your main guided session in the Curral das Freiras area, with the overall activity time totaling about 4 hours. That guided portion is where your safety instructions and gear setup happen in a structured, step-by-step way.

This is the point where you should pay close attention, even if you feel confident. Level 2 is designed for people who want more adventure and to stretch past their comfort zone. That does not mean it is reckless, it means you will face bigger features, and you will be given the choice to jump or slide when the route offers those options.

The Heart of the Route: Four Abseils, Including a Biggest 15-Meter Rappel

Now for the part you came for. This is Level 2 canyoning with multiple rappels, and the biggest is listed as around 15 meters. Along the way, you will also encounter several other drops, with maximum height in the 10 to 15 meter range depending on the feature.

You can think of the route as a series of controlled commitments:

1. You rappel down, focus on your technique and breathing.
2. You move on to the next section, often with a chance to reset.
3. You reach pools where you can choose what you want to do next.

The listing specifically calls out four abseils, and that structure is part of the appeal. You are not doing one dramatic moment and then floating back. You get repeated rope time, which builds confidence quickly if you follow the guide’s instructions.

If you are worried about heights, remember this is guided and paced. The route is intermediate, so you should expect some nerves, but the setup is meant to help you manage them.

Jumps, Slides, and Refreshing Pools: Your Choice Within Level 2

One of the best things about this version of canyoning is that it does not force one single style. You can face big moments, but you can still make choices when you reach certain sections with optional jumps and slides.

The route includes pools that you can jump into and slide into, plus opportunities for refreshing water features. There are also natural water-slide type moments, where you get the fun factor without losing the safety structure of a guided canyon run.

How to decide on the day: if you feel good after your first rappel, you can go bigger with the jumps. If you feel tense, start with the parts that build comfort. Level 2 is designed for people who are adventurous, but it is still your body on the rope, so you should choose what fits that day’s confidence.

Views From the Canyon: Madeira’s Mountains Up Close

You get mountain views throughout the route, not just at the start. This is a key reason people love canyoning here. The setting is steep and dramatic, and being lowered down rock faces and moving through narrow water channels makes the terrain feel huge.

That matters because it changes what you remember. A lookout gives you a view. Canyoning gives you movement, sound, and texture. When you leave, you are not just thinking about scenery, you are thinking about how it felt when you dropped and landed and looked up at the rock above you.

Gear, Warmth, and Weather Reality in Madeira

You are provided all equipment required, and that includes wetsuits. Several reviews highlight how the wet suits make a big difference for comfort, including on days where conditions were rainy. The key is that canyoning water work can cool you down fast, so the suit is not optional comfort, it is part of how you finish the route feeling okay.

Still, go into it with the right mindset. You will get wet. Even on a good day, you will likely change your plan from what you wore that morning. Bring your swimwear and your towel, and you will be happier when the water sections do what water sections do.

Also, no alcohol and drugs are allowed, which keeps the day safer and more controlled. If you like a clean, professional activity vibe, this helps.

Guides Like José and Miguel: Safety Instructions That Actually Land

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The guides are described as patient, calm, and clear with safety precautions. That is not small talk, it is exactly what you need for a Level 2 route where you are doing rappels plus optional jumps.

José and Miguel come up repeatedly, along with other guides like Pedro and Filipe. The common thread is a relaxed confidence: they explain steps, check that you understand, and then keep you moving so you are not stuck in worry.

One practical takeaway for you: if you are even slightly nervous, tell the guide early. The whole point of good canyoning leadership is not just technical skill. It is helping you get your bearings fast, then giving you the confidence to do the next section.

What’s Included and What You Must Bring

Here is the list of included basics that matter:

• all equipment required
• qualified guide
• insurance
• transfer from CR7 Museum, Calheta, or Ponta do Sol
• photos included
• chocolate and water

What you need to bring:

• swimwear
• towel

Changing rooms and towels are not included, so do not count on a magical post-run towel situation. If you forget swimwear, you will be stuck improvising, and canyoning is not the place to improvise.

You also need to send your sizes before the activity, including:

• height (cm)
• weight (kg)
• shoe size (EU)
• age

This is how they set you up with gear that fits safely and comfortably.

Who Should Book Level 2 in Nun’s Valley (and Who Should Skip It)

This Level 2 canyoning is for you if you want adventure and want to get out of your comfort zone, but you are not looking for the absolute beginner version. It is a good fit when you are ready for repeated rappels and you like the idea of optional jumps and water slides.

It also seems to work well for first-timers who listen closely and take coaching. Several accounts describe people with little or no canyoning experience still feeling safe and learning the rhythm quickly with patient instruction.

You should skip this specific tour if it is not compatible with your situation, especially because it is not suitable for pregnant women. And be honest about your comfort with heights and getting wet, because the activity is designed around drops and water entry.

Is It Good Value for Your Madeira Day?

I think this is strong value for people who want something active and truly different from viewpoints and levada walks on your own. You are paying for a guided safety setup, gear, insurance, and documentation, not just for a pretty location.

Four hours is also a sweet spot. You get a full action experience without losing your whole day to logistics. Plus, the route is in the middle of the island, which makes it feel like Madeira beyond the coast.

If you already plan to do other active days on the island, this can be a highlight. If you are only choosing one “big activity,” this is a serious contender because the experience is hands-on and repeatable in memory, rappels, pools, slides, and all.

Final Call: Should You Book Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 in Nun’s Valley?

Book it if you want real canyoning, not a tamer version, and you are excited by rappels up to about 15 meters plus optional jumps into pools. The combination of professional guides, provided equipment, small groups, and included photos makes it feel like good organization for a high-energy day.

Skip it if you are not comfortable with wet conditions and heights, or if the activity is not suitable for you due to health reasons, including pregnancy.

If you do book, send your measurements on time, bring swimwear and a towel, and go in ready to listen. Then trust the guide when they say the next move is safe. That is when this Level 2 canyon stops being scary and starts feeling like Madeira at full volume.

FAQ

How long does Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 in Nun’s Valley take?

The duration is about 4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact slot.

Where are the pickup locations?

You can choose pickup at Portugal’s CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, or Praia da Calheta.

Where exactly is the Calheta pickup point?

The Calheta pickup is in front of the pingo doce supermarket.

What is the maximum height of the rappels?

The highest rappel is listed as around 15 meters, with other drops in the 10 to 15 meter range.

How many abseils are included?

There are four abseils on this Level 2 route.

Is jumping into pools part of the experience?

There are several pools where you can jump and slide, and those moments include optional jumps.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to a small group size, with a maximum of 10 participants.

What is included in the price?

Included are all equipment, transfers from the listed pickup areas, a qualified guide, insurance, chocolate, water, and photos.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Towels, swimwear, and changing rooms are not included.

Do I need to send my measurements ahead of time?

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

Are alcohol and drugs allowed?

No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.