Complete Canyon Database

Explore Madeira's 21 documented canyons with detailed technical specifications, safety information, and professional insights. From beginner-friendly routes to extreme technical challenges.

8
Total Canyons
8
5-Star Rated
2
Beginner Friendly

8 Canyons Found

Ribeira do Cidrão

Câmara de Lobos
5/5

The ultimate beginner canyon! Ribeira do Cidrão offers the perfect introduction to canyoning with its famous 15-meter natural toboggan slide finish. Beautiful natural pools and manageable rappels make this ideal for first-timers.

Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
2-3 hours
Max Waterfall: 15m

Key Features:

Perfect introduction to canyoning
15m natural toboggan finish
Safety Notes:

Natural slide requires swimming ability

Season:Year-round
Permit Required

Ribeira da Água Negra (Inferior)

Calheta
5/5

An excellent beginner route accessed via the famous 25 Fontes levada walk. Cold but manageable waters with the option to jump some rappels make this perfect for skill building.

Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
2-3 hours
Max Waterfall: 20m

Key Features:

Levada approach via 25 Fontes
Tourist-friendly access route
Safety Notes:

Very cold water conditions

Season:Year-round
Permit Required

Córrego da Beira do Lombo Queimado (Inferior)

Porto Moniz
5/5

An excellent progression route for developing intermediate skills. The jungle approach adds adventure while the technical challenges remain manageable for skill building.

Difficulty
Intermediate-
Duration
3-4 hours
Max Waterfall: 26m

Key Features:

Perfect skill progression route
Technical but manageable challenges
Safety Notes:

Dead vegetation obstacles in approach

Season:Year-round
Permit Required

Ribeira do Folhado (Inferior)

Porto Moniz
5/5

A classic aquatic canyon that perfectly bridges beginner and intermediate levels. With 18 rappels of increasing difficulty, it's ideal for comprehensive skill development.

Difficulty
Intermediate-
Duration
3-4 hours
Max Waterfall: 33m

Key Features:

Classic aquatic canyon introduction
18 varied rappels for skill development
Safety Notes:

Slippery rock conditions

Season:Year-round
Permit Required

Ribeira da Pedra Branca

Porto Moniz
5/5

Features Madeira's most accessible 50-meter waterfall rappel. Perfect for intermediate canyoners ready to tackle bigger descents in a controlled environment.

Difficulty
Intermediate-
Duration
2-3 hours
Max Waterfall: 50m

Key Features:

50m waterfall showcase
Combinable with other routes
Safety Notes:

50m rappel requires experience

Season:Year-round
Permit Required

Afluente Ribeira do Inferno (Capulla)

São Vicente
5/5

The crown jewel of Madeira canyoning featuring a massive 111-meter fractionated rappel. This world-class route demands advanced technical skills and extensive experience.

Difficulty
Advanced
Duration
5-6 hours
Max Waterfall: 111m

Key Features:

111m fractionated rappel - massive technical challenge
Luxury aquatic canyon experience
Safety Notes:

Advanced skills mandatory

Season:Variable
Permit Required

Ribeira da Água do Vento (Inferior)

Porto Moniz
5/5

The ultimate European canyoning challenge featuring a 170-meter waterfall rappel - the longest in Europe. Only for the most experienced canyoners with extensive technical training.

Difficulty
Expert
Duration
8+ hours
Max Waterfall: 170m

Key Features:

170m waterfall - LONGEST IN EUROPE
World-class extreme challenge
Safety Notes:

Expert certification required

Season:Variable
Permit Required

Ribeira do Moinho (Centro)

Porto Moniz
5/5

Another world-class 170-meter challenge with 19 technical rappels. This route represents the pinnacle of European canyoning difficulty and technical precision.

Difficulty
Expert
Duration
8+ hours
Max Waterfall: 170m

Key Features:

170m technical masterpiece
19 rappels of extreme difficulty
Safety Notes:

Professional certification mandatory

Season:Variable
Permit Required

Planning Your Canyon Adventure?

All canyons listed require proper equipment, permits, and experience. Consider booking with certified operators for safety and the best experience.