Madeira Canyoning For Beginners Nun’s Valley Level 2

Madeira does not do boring outdoor days. This Level 2 canyoning in Nun’s Valley turns waterfalls and pools into a guided obstacle course with a few big moments, including a top 15-meter rappel. I especially like that the jumps are optional, so you can build confidence without feeling trapped. The other big win for me is how much hands-on coaching you get before you start getting vertical. One drawback to plan for, it is physical, and you should be comfortable getting wet, climbing a bit, and doing the moves with focus.

You’re also not left guessing. You’re on a clear 4-hour schedule, with pickup options near the CR7 Museum or in Curral das Freiras, and a qualified guide with insurance watching your technique the whole time. Just note that there are no towels or changing rooms included, so you’ll want to bring what you need.

Key highlights I’d circle before booking

• Up to four abseils, including the largest one at 15 meters
• Optional jumps and slides into refreshing pools, with choices for your comfort level
• About 20 minutes of approach walking on a dirt road and along a levada before you start canyoning
• Madeira mountain views throughout, so the adventure comes with scenery, not just exertion
• Guides that balance safety and fun, often named Jose and Bruno in feedback
• Photo support included, so you get images without needing to risk your hands on a phone

Nun’s Valley Level 2: the right kind of adrenaline for most beginners

Level 2 is for you if you want more than a casual walk, but you’re not chasing the hardest drops. Here, the canyoning has enough height to feel real, with a maximum height listed around 10-15 meters, plus rope descents that add structure to the day. You’re not just jumping in and hoping for the best. You learn, you practice the moves, and then you apply them as the canyon throws the next obstacle at you.

What I like most is the way the experience is built around options. The info you’re given points to “big jumps or big waterfalls, the choice is yours,” and the feedback reinforces that you can skip some pool jumps without losing the fun. That’s important because Level 2 is still a challenge. Your comfort level matters, and the tour is set up so you can choose how spicy you want to be.

There’s also a simple truth to remember: canyoning is wet, physical, and focused. Even if you’re nervous at first, the good part of Level 2 is that you get coached through the scary-looking parts until they feel manageable.

The 4-hour schedule: pickup at CR7 Museum or Curral das Freiras

This is a short half-day, listed at 4 hours total, with the guided portion clocked at about 3.5 hours. That timing matters because you’re doing real adventure, not a long travel marathon.

You get two pickup options:

• Capela de São Rafael, Portugal (CR7 Museum area)
• Curral das Freiras

There are also two drop-off locations listed, again at the CR7 Museum area and Capela de São Rafael.

If you’re staying near town and you like the easy button, the tour includes transfer from the CR7 hotel area or ponta do sol. If you have your own car, the guidance is pretty clear: drive straight to the canyon location because it’s more convenient, and parking there is free. If you choose to drive, pick the capela location option.

One practical note: pickup times are confirmed the day before. So when you book, keep an eye on your message notifications so you’re not guessing in the morning.

The 20-minute approach on dirt and a levada

Before you reach the action, you do a walk of about 20 minutes. You’ll be on a dirt road and then along a levada.

This part is not filler. It sets you up for the day in three ways:

1. You warm up just enough so you’re not suddenly shocked by cold water and rope work.
2. You get a feel for the terrain, which helps if you’re new to wearing canyon gear and moving on uneven ground.
3. It transitions you from Madeira’s roads and viewpoints into the “water working” side of the island.

If you’re the kind of person who gets anxious when things start moving too fast, this approach actually helps. It gives you a moment to settle in before the first abseil.

The canyon action: four abseils, a 15m rappel, and optional jumps

This is the heart of the tour. The route includes four abseilings, with the highest one at 15 meters. In general terms, the tour describes maximum heights around 10-15 meters, so even when the tallest drop comes later, you still get a taste of vertical movement at Level 2.

Here’s how to think about the experience, step by step:

• You’ll rappel down sections that require controlled body position.
• You’ll move through parts of the canyon that involve both walking and using ropes and anchors.
• You’ll hit refreshing pools where jumps and slides are presented as options, meaning you can do them or you can choose a safer alternative.

The big-picture vibe is “adventure with structure.” You’re not free-climbing. You’re doing guided rope descents and water entries in a sequence designed to keep the flow going without chaos.

And yes, there are drops that feel dramatic. The good part is that the guide system is built around turning a scary-looking moment into a coached action. The feedback repeatedly highlights that the guides explain everything clearly and encourage you at your pace, which is exactly what you want for optional jumps.

Guides, safety, and encouragement: the Jose and Bruno factor

For canyoning, safety is not a vibe. It’s technique, timing, and attention. That’s why the guide team matters so much here.

Names that show up again and again in the feedback include Jose and Bruno, described as experienced, professional, and funny in a good way. The pattern is consistent: clear briefing, encouragement, and steady monitoring so you stay secure while still having fun.

I also like what the feedback signals about coaching style. Even if you skip a jump, you still get the full canyoning rhythm. And even if you’re in a group with a mix of ages and fitness levels, the approach is described as confidence-building rather than pushing.

Just keep your end of the bargain. Level 2 still expects you to listen, follow instructions, and act thoughtfully around ropes and edges. If you treat it like a freestyle video shoot, you’ll make it harder on yourself.

Equipment, insurance, and photos: what you really pay for

The total price is listed at $61 per person, and you get a lot for that money, not just “an activity.”

What’s included:

• all required equipment
• qualified guide
• insurance
• photos

What’s not included:

• towels
• swimwear
• changing rooms (not provided)

The value angle is simple: rope-based activities are gear-heavy and staff-heavy. Getting equipment, insurance, and guided rope work in one price is what keeps this from feeling like you’re paying only for the location.

Photos are also a big deal here. When the day includes rappels, jumps, and slides, you usually spend the whole time trying to remember what you looked like. Getting photos takes stress off you and lets you focus on doing each part correctly.

On the equipment side, you should be ready to get very wet. The tour includes what you need, but you still control your comfort by bringing the right swimwear and having a towel ready afterward.

What to bring (and what to leave out)

The tour asks you to bring:

• swimwear
• a towel

That’s it, but it’s not trivial. Since towels and swimwear are not included, plan to arrive ready to use the wetsuit and get cleaned up afterward. Also, there are no changing rooms mentioned, so think practically: bring gear you can put on without needing a lot of privacy.

You also need to send your details ahead of time. The tour requests your:

• height in cm
• weight in kg
• shoe size (EU)
• age
• shoe size and other measurements for sizing

This matters because canyoning gear needs to fit. If you’re sloppy with sizing info, you risk gear that doesn’t sit right.

What’s not allowed:

• alcohol
• drugs

If you’re doing this as part of a vacation drinking schedule, plan that one carefully.

Who should choose this Level 2 canyoning day

This activity is described as intermediate level and “perfect level for all those who are really adventurous.” It’s also repeatedly framed as doable for beginners who want a confidence boost, not just a spectator role.

Choose Level 2 if you:

• want a step up from beginner canyoning
• are excited by rappels and want to learn rope descent basics
• are okay with optional jumps and water entries, even if you skip some
• want guided coaching with real safety focus

Skip it and look for an alternative if you:

• are pregnant (listed as not suitable)
• know you will not be able to follow instructions around ropes and water
• are not prepared for a physical day that includes climbing, walking, and wet gear movement

A final fit note from the feedback you were given: you should be reasonably fit. That’s not about being an athlete. It’s about having the stamina and balance to enjoy it without feeling constantly overwhelmed.

Price and logistics: $61 for rope work, coaching, and photos

At $61 per person, this is positioned as an affordable way to do a guided, equipment-based canyon day without paying for a full-day commitment. The value is strongest because you’re not just buying access to water. You’re paying for:

• multiple rope descents (including a 15m max)
• a qualified guide
• insurance
• photos
• pickup/transfer support from specific areas

Logistics matter too. Pickup is built around the CR7 Museum area and Curral das Freiras. If your base is near those, it’s easy. If you have a car, the suggestion to drive directly and use free parking removes a layer of waiting.

In other words, the day is short, but not rushed. It’s designed to get you to the canyon, do the technical bits, and get you back without turning it into a whole travel project.

Should you book Madeira Canyoning For Beginners Nun’s Valley Level 2?

Book this tour if you want a fun, guided day that mixes rope skills with water play, and you like the idea of optional jumps when you’re not sure how you’ll feel. You’ll probably enjoy it most if you’re ready for something physical, but you still want coaching, clear instructions, and a guide presence the whole time.

Don’t book if you’re looking for something gentle or you cannot handle wet gear, walking on uneven ground, and careful movement around ropes. And if you’re pregnant, this one is not suitable.

If you’re torn between courage and comfort, Level 2 is a smart compromise. You get the big moments, including a 15-meter rappel, without being forced into every jump. That blend is why so many people treat it as a highlight in Madeira’s outdoor lineup.

FAQ

What level is this canyoning experience?

This is a Level 2 canyoning experience described as intermediate, with more adventure and challenges than beginner options, including rappels and optional jumps.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup options include Capela de São Rafael (Portugal, CR7 Museum area) and Curral das Freiras.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours, with the guided tour time about 3.5 hours.

Is equipment included?

Yes. The activity includes all equipment required to do the canyoning.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are towels or changing rooms provided?

No. Towels, swimwear, and changing rooms are not included.

Is the tour safe for everyone, and are alcohol or drugs allowed?

You must not bring alcohol or drugs. The activity includes a qualified guide and insurance.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

No, it is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

What information do I need to send before the tour?

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

Which languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.