EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two

Madeira has plenty of hiking views, but canyoning Level Two gives you the more unusual way to experience the island, moving through narrow natural canyons instead of just looking at them. What makes it especially interesting is that it’s built for people who already want a step up, but still want professional guides keeping everything controlled and safe.

Two things I really like about this tour are the mix of action and variety (jumps, slides, and rappels into waterfalls) and the fact that it feels efficient. You do not waste half a day driving around, you get in, you move, and you’re back at the meeting area at the end. The one consideration I’d flag: it is not a laid-back sit-and-watch experience, so if you have back or heart issues, or you are pregnant, you should skip it.

You’ll start at Funchal’s Cable Car area, get outfitted in proper canyon gear, then head into a remote canyon stretch where the goal is to have fun with natural water features and keep you safe while you do it. Guides like Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa are part of what makes the day feel both energetic and well run.

Key things you should know before you go

• Level Two is for the adventurous beginner to intermediate, with jumps, slides, and rappels, plus optional sections you can choose to try
• Small groups of up to 12 means you get more attention and less waiting around
• Gear is included end to end, so you can show up in swimwear and a towel instead of hunting for equipment
• A remote canyon feel with minimal time wasting, with about 30 minutes by van each way instead of long transfers
• Photographs are included, and you also get photos and videos sent afterwards
• Guides mix fun with safety, and they manage the group closely so you never feel forgotten

Meeting at Funchal Cable Car, then straight into the action

Your day starts around the Funchal Cable Car area. You’ll look for an Epic Madeira mini-van and/or a guide wearing an Epic Madeira Canyoning t-shirt, and pickup from the Cable Car is set for 09H30. If you’re using the cable car as your base, that’s a helpful anchor point because you do not need to solve complicated meeting logistics on the island.

Once everyone’s gathered, the tour moves quickly into the “go time” rhythm. The group stays small, limited to 12 participants, which matters because canyoning is busy work. There are moments when you’re waiting your turn on a slide, a jump line, or a rappel, and fewer people means less standing around and more time with the guide close by.

Practical tip: if you’re arriving early, use that time to get mentally ready for wet gear and changing conditions. You’re about to put on neoprene and spend hours moving through canyon terrain where dry clothes are mostly a memory.

The 30-minute van ride that keeps your day efficient

After the meet point, you head out by van for about 30 minutes. I like this setup because it keeps the day focused. Canyoning is not just about the water, it’s about timing, moving as a group, and staying ready for the next obstacle. With only a short transfer, the canyon experience stays the main event.

When you’re traveling in Madeira without a car, it’s also a real convenience. The tour includes pickup from the Cable Car, and the end point brings you back to the same area, so you’re not stuck figuring out a ride after you’re tired and wet.

What’s nice here is the pacing. You’re not spending the morning in transit with no clear plan. You’re getting to the canyon approach, then straight into the safety and training portion.

Safety briefing at a local bar: where the rules actually get learned

Before you get into the canyon itself, there’s a safety briefing with time built in, about 30 minutes, and it happens at a local bar. This is one of those parts you might think is filler until you realize canyoning has a lot of small tasks that keep you safe, like moving on wet rock, managing your harness, and following the guide’s instructions quickly.

This tour is Level Two, and the description makes it clear you should expect more than a simple taster. You’ll be doing jumping, sliding, and abseiling (rappelling) down waterfall features and cliffs. The briefing is what turns those ideas into something you can actually do that day.

Even if you have never canyoned before, this is set up as an intermediate tour where you’re not expected to arrive with experience. The guides are there with you the whole time, and the group stays small enough that you get guidance while you learn.

Entering the guided secret canyon stretch: jumps, slides, and rappels

The heart of the experience is the guided canyon section, about 2.5 hours, with a total tour time listed as 3.5 hours. Somewhere along the way, you’ll move from the approach into what’s described as a secret stop, which is basically how they set up access to a remote stretch of canyon.

Here’s what you can realistically expect once you’re in the watercourse:

• Waterfall jumps and slides: some are optional, which is important if you want the thrill but still prefer to pick your comfort level
• Rappelling down cliff sections: this is where having the harness system and trained guides makes the whole thing feel controlled
• Natural water features and swimming pools: you get natural moments of cooling off in springy water areas

One detail I really like from the experience itself is the inclusion of a 20 metre upsailing spot. It’s not framed as a vague highlight, it’s a specific moment with scale. If you enjoy the idea of doing one bigger try during the trip, that’s the sort of anchor point that can make the whole day feel memorable rather than just “a bunch of water obstacles.”

Also, the canyon itself is described as remote and deeply nature-feeling. That’s not a small thing. Part of what you’re paying for is the sense that you’re off the usual Madeira routes, moving through untouched canyon space rather than repeating viewpoints.

How Level Two fits your comfort zone (without pretending it’s easy)

Level Two is for people who have done canyoning once before or who are ready for a step up. The tour says no experience is necessary, but the key is that you should be ready for physical water movement and some adrenaline.

In practical terms, your day will involve:

• changing and fitting gear (neoprene suit, helmet, harness)
• walking on uneven, wet surfaces
• following the guide’s call for jumps and slides
• doing rappels with your weight managed by the system

The guides matter here. In one of the experiences I saw, guides Ronaldo, Johnny, and Raffa were praised for doing a great job making sure everyone was safe while still keeping the vibe fun and laugh-friendly. That combination matters because canyoning is scary in the way that heights and moving water can be scary, even if you’re well prepared. You want someone who explains clearly, checks you, and keeps the group moving.

A smart approach for first-timers: watch the line once, then commit when your guide signals it’s your turn. If you hesitate too long, it becomes harder to read the rock, the footing, and the water flow.

What the tour includes, and why $97 can feel like good value

Price is $97 per person, and the biggest reason this feels like value is what’s included. You’re not just paying for the “canyon access,” you’re paying for safety systems, gear, and a controlled experience.

Included items:

• All gear: neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards
• Safety insurance
• Permits
• Professional guides
• Free photos (and photos and videos are sent afterwards)
• An energy bar or chocolate
• Pickup from the Cable Car at 09H30

When you add up gear rental and the cost of guided safety equipment, it’s easier to see why the price can be fair. You also benefit from not having to bring specialized items. You show up with swimwear and a towel, and the rest of the equipment is handled.

What’s not included is also useful to know. You’ll want to plan for:

• a towel
• swimsuit
• sunscreen
• food and drinks

If you forget any of those, you’ll have a less comfortable day. The tour includes a small energy snack, but it’s not a meal.

Gear, clothing, and small choices that affect your comfort

The tour plan assumes you’ll come dressed and ready for wet action. Wear swimwear underneath and bring a towel to dry off after. Sunscreen matters because you’re in Madeira and you’re moving in open-air canyon segments too.

One practical note: neoprene gear can get warm while you’re hiking the canyon approach, then feel chilly once you’re sitting in moving water. That’s normal. Your job is to keep following the guide, listen for instructions, and avoid rushing between steps.

Also pay attention to the “not suitable for” conditions. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, and children under 10. If any of those apply to you, it’s better to choose a different Madeira activity.

Photos and the post-canyon wrap-up back at Cable Car

You’ll spend around 3.5 hours total on the experience, with 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring the canyons. After your guided stretch, the day ends with the van ride back for about 30 minutes to the Funchal Cable Car area.

The free photos and the added media after the trip are a big part of the value. Canyoning is a hands-on activity, and it’s hard to capture your own jumps and rappels while staying safe. Getting photos and videos afterwards means you can actually enjoy remembering the moment rather than trying to film over your shoulder.

One more comfort detail: the included energy bar or chocolate helps you avoid that shaky feeling that can hit after physical effort and cold water. It’s a small thing, but it makes the ride back feel calmer.

Who this canyoning tour is best for

This one is a strong fit if you want more than a scenic stroll. You’ll enjoy it if you like:

• adventure with structure
• doing obstacles with guidance rather than DIY risk
• a small group vibe
• waterfalls, natural pools, and the kind of day where you finish tired and happy

It’s less ideal if you want a low-impact day, because canyoning involves repeated movement, wet surfaces, and gear handling.

If you’re traveling solo, the small group size is still a plus. You’re not joining a massive crowd. You’ll be guided closely and you’ll likely end up chatting with the rest of the group during the quieter briefing moments.

If you’ve already canyoned once, this tour should feel like a natural next step into more varied obstacles. If it’s your first time, your best strategy is to listen carefully during the briefing, commit when it’s your turn, and take optional moves based on how you feel in the moment.

Should you book Epic Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a Madeira activity that feels like an insider route through real canyon terrain, not just another viewpoint stop. The combination of action, remote feel, and safety-led guidance is the winning mix.

Do not book it if any of the health or mobility restrictions apply, or if you’re the kind of traveler who really wants dry comfort and predictable steps. Also skip it if you’re not ready for getting fully wet, because the natural slides and water features are part of the point.

My final take: for $97, you’re getting gear, safety systems, permits, guidance, and photo memories, all in a half-day frame with minimal transfer time. That’s strong value for an activity that is both physical and genuinely different from standard island sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is EPIC Madeira Canyoning Level Two?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours total, with 2.5 to 3.5 hours spent exploring the canyons. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

Where does the tour meet and end?

It meets at the Funchal Cable Car area. It also ends back at the Cable Car area.

Do I need previous canyoning experience?

No experience is necessary, although Level Two is intended for people who want a bit more challenge than a first-timer intro.

What is the group size?

This is a small group tour, limited to 12 participants.

What gear is included?

Gear is included, including a neoprene suit, shoes, neoprene socks, helmet, harness, carabiners, descenders, and lanyards.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is not included, so you may want to bring that too.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from the Cable Car is included at 09H30.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, pregnant women, people over 70, wheelchair users, and children under 10.