Canyoning in Madeira: your first descent
Five abseils, the highest 12 metres, in a mountain stream above Funchal. It’s where many operators start.
In short. For beginners, operators often choose the Ribeira das Cales, in the Funchal Ecological Park: 850 metres, about 2 hours, a 120-metre drop and five abseils, the highest 12 metres. It’s always done with a licensed operator, and the minimum age depends on each one.
- abseils in the Ribeira das Cales
- 5
- the highest abseil
- 12 m
- in the stream, according to Visit Madeira
- 2 hrs
- Duration
- 2 to 3 hrs in the stream
- Route
- 850 m of stream
- Level
- 3 of 5, moderate
- Where
- Funchal Ecological Park
Top photo: illustrative, not taken at the exact spot.
In this guide: 8 sections
What it is
Canyoning means making your way down a mountain stream on foot, swimming and abseiling. Madeira already had about 40 equipped canyons in 2000, and the Ribeira das Cales, in the Funchal Ecological Park, is one of the most popular places for a first go.
Each side of the island has its season: in summer, the northern streams, with more water; in winter, the calmer southern ones.
This tour is run with a licensed operator on the island.
Before you go: booking and rules
- Licence and guide. Canyoning in forest areas needs an IFCN licence, and the IFCN recommends always going with a guide. Choose a licensed operator with certified guides.
- Minimum age. It depends on the operator: some take children from age 10 on level 1.
- Ribeiro Frio. It’s another beginners’ stream (1.5 km and 13 abseils), but it only has the right conditions in the rainy season, and the 50-metre abseil can be skipped.
What it costs
There’s no official cost: the price is set by each licensed operator and usually includes the wetsuit, helmet, equipment and insurance. We ask for a proposal with a fixed price for your day.
Shall we arrange it all?
We book a licensed operator, for your level, and arrange your pick-up.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
How to get there
The Ribeira das Cales is in the Funchal Ecological Park, above the city. Operators usually pick up from hotels in Funchal and Caniço.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- A change of clothes for afterwards
What if the weather changes?
In heavy rain, the stream fills up and the descent can’t go ahead: you change the day or the stream, depending on the operator.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need experience to go canyoning?
- Not for level 1. Visit Madeira rates the Ribeira das Cales as easy, and it’s one of the most used for beginners.
- From what age?
- It depends on the operator. One of the island’s operators takes children from age 10 on level 1; others don’t give an age on their website.
- When is the best time?
- It’s done all year round: the northern streams in summer, the southern ones in winter.
- Is it safe?
- The IFCN requires a licence for the activity in forest areas and recommends always doing it with a guide. Choose a licensed operator and tell them your level and whether you can swim.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We book a licensed operator, for your level, and arrange your pick-up.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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