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

In the heart of Madeira, Nun’s Valley turns canyoning into a mountain adventure with a real sense of place. You’ll rappel down rock, move through refreshing pools, and choose whether to take optional jumps and slides, all beneath the steep walls around Curral das Freiras.

I like the balance here: four rappels, including one as high as 15 meters, give the outing some bite, while patient guides such as José and Miguel keep the mood calm. I also like that photos, transport, equipment, water, and even a small chocolate snack are included. The catch is that Level 2 is still an active outing, and there are no changing rooms or towels provided.

Key points at a glance

• Four rappels in Nun’s Valley: The highest reaches 15 meters, giving this trip more punch than a gentle introductory canyon.
• Optional jumps and natural slides: You can choose the bigger challenges instead of being forced into every one.
• Small groups of up to 10: Guides can give clearer instructions and individual encouragement.
• Around 20 minutes of walking first: The route begins along a dirt road and levada before the water section starts.
• Useful extras included: Equipment, insurance, transfers from selected points, water, chocolate, and photos are covered.
• Best for active beginners and adventure seekers: You do not need prior canyoning experience, but you should be ready to leave your comfort zone.

Why Nun’s Valley makes this canyoning special

Many outdoor activities in Madeira use the island’s mountains as a backdrop. This one puts you right among them. Curral das Freiras, also called Nun’s Valley, is surrounded by high, rugged mountain walls, and the canyon gives you a close-up view that you cannot get from a roadside lookout.

The setting matters because the outing is not just a collection of rope descents. Between the rappels, you move through water and rock with the mountains close around you. The route includes refreshing pools, natural slides, and several optional jumps. You get an active way to see a dramatic part of Madeira rather than simply stopping for a photo.

The canyoning section lasts about three and a half hours within a four-hour activity. Before the water work begins, you walk for roughly 20 minutes along a dirt road and beside a levada. That approach is not difficult to describe as a major hike, but it does add a short walking section, so wear something practical and expect uneven ground.

The guides lead you through each feature one at a time. José, Miguel, Pedro, and Filipe are among the guides associated with this experience, and the strongest praise focuses on calm explanations, safety checks, patience, and a good sense of humor. That combination is especially useful when you are handling a rope system for the first time.

What Level 2 really means here

The provider calls this an intermediate level. That sounds demanding, but the practical picture is more welcoming. You can take part without previous canyoning experience, and the guides explain the movements and safety steps before each section. Several people with no prior experience completed it comfortably, including families with children aged 10 and 13.

Still, do not treat Level 2 as a sightseeing walk with a little water. You may rappel from heights between 10 and 15 meters, move through wet rock, climb or walk along canyon sections, and decide if you want to jump or use a slide. The route asks for a reasonable level of confidence and a willingness to follow instructions.

The optional nature of the bigger challenges is a major benefit. If a jump feels wrong on the day, you can ask about the alternative. If you are keen for more action, the larger jumps and waterfalls provide that extra thrill. The guides can adjust their encouragement to the people in the group, which makes the experience workable for mixed abilities.

I would choose this level if you are active, curious, and comfortable with a little uncertainty. If you dislike heights, cold water, or wet outdoor activity, the four-hour commitment may feel long.

The route from the first walk to the final rappel

The experience begins with a short approach of about 20 minutes. You walk along a dirt road and beside a levada, Madeira’s famous water channels. This gives the group time to meet the guides, hear the basic plan, and get ready before the technical part begins.

Once you reach the canyon, the guides provide the equipment and explain how to use it. The included kit is important because canyoning requires more than a swimsuit and good intentions. You receive the equipment needed for the activity, along with insurance and a qualified guide.

The route includes four rappels. The highest is 15 meters, while the other descents are within the general 10 to 15-meter range described for the activity. Rappelling is the main technical feature, and the guides demonstrate the process clearly before you go over the edge.

The water sections add variety. You may jump into pools, use natural water slides, and move through refreshing stretches of the canyon. The larger jumps are optional, so the trip can feel adventurous without turning every obstacle into a forced test.

The water temperature can feel cool, especially if the weather is rainy. The wetsuits help keep you warm, and the gear is designed for a wet environment. Bring swimwear to wear underneath and a towel for afterward. The provider does not supply towels, and changing rooms are not included, so plan your clothing before pickup.

Photos are included. That is a useful extra on an activity where your hands are busy with ropes and your phone should stay safely out of the way. You can enjoy the route without trying to record every moment yourself.

The guides and the safety approach

The most important part of a canyoning trip is not the height of the rappel. It is the quality of the instruction. The guides on this outing are repeatedly praised for explaining each step in a calm and patient way, especially when someone feels nervous before the first descent.

José and Miguel receive particular attention for mixing clear safety instructions with humor and encouragement. That matters because canyoning can look more intimidating from the top of a rappel than it feels once you know where to place your feet and how to use the rope.

The group size is limited to 10 people. That is small enough for the guides to watch the group closely and help individuals who need more time. It also means the pace can depend on the least confident person in the group. If you want a fast, private outing, this is not a private tour, but the small-group format is a sensible middle ground.

Guiding is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The day before the activity, the pickup time is confirmed. You also need to send your height in centimeters, weight in kilograms, European shoe size, and age. Give accurate information, since the provider uses it to prepare equipment.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Those points are plain but important for a physical outing involving ropes, water, and uneven terrain.

Pickup choices and getting to Curral das Freiras

You can arrange pickup from three listed points:

• The roadside near Portugal’s CR7 Museum in Funchal
• In front of the Pingo Doce supermarket in Calheta
• The petrol station in Ponta do Sol

The return is to the same general pickup locations. Pickup times are confirmed the day before, so keep your schedule open until you receive the final details.

If you have your own car, driving directly to the canyon location may be more convenient. Free parking is available there. That option avoids collecting other participants and can make the day simpler, though you should confirm the exact meeting instructions with the provider before setting off.

For anyone staying in Funchal, Calheta, or Ponta do Sol, the included transfer adds real value. Madeira’s roads can be slow and winding, and having transport arranged removes one more piece of planning. If you are already based near the canyon, driving yourself may save time.

The four-hour duration includes the approach, safety preparation, canyoning, and return arrangements. Check the available starting times before booking, then avoid putting a tight appointment immediately afterward.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity, but the package is fairly full. You receive the required equipment, a qualified guide, insurance, transport from selected locations, water, chocolate, and photos.

The transport alone can make a difference if you are not renting a car. Photos are another practical inclusion, since a canyon is a difficult place to carry a camera safely. The small group also adds value: up to 10 people is more personal than a large coach-style outdoor trip.

Chocolate and water may sound minor, but they fit the day well. Canyoning takes effort, and a small snack during the route is welcome. One special treat mentioned for the group was hazelnut wafers, though you should think of the snack as a pleasant extra rather than a meal.

You still need to bring your own swimwear and towel. There are no changing rooms, so you should arrive prepared and think ahead about where you will change after the activity. That is the main practical limitation in the package.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit into a changing Madeira schedule. Those terms are useful if weather or other plans are still uncertain, but check the exact conditions at booking.

Who should book this canyoning trip

This outing fits active adults, adventurous families, couples, and first-time canyoners who want more than a very mild introduction. The guides can help newcomers, and the optional jumps mean you can control how far you push yourself.

It is also a good pick for someone who has already tried canyoning and wants a more exciting route. The 15-meter rappel, several descents, pools, and slides give the experience enough variety to feel like a proper half-day adventure.

Families should consider the age, confidence, and comfort of each child rather than relying only on the fact that children have taken part. The activity includes heights, wet surfaces, and physical movement. Ask the provider about suitability for your particular group before booking.

I would skip it if your Madeira plans are built around dry, easygoing sightseeing. You may spend time waiting for instructions, getting wet, and handling equipment. That is part of the appeal for the right person, but not everyone wants to trade a comfortable afternoon for a cold-water adventure.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under the wetsuit and bring a towel. Since changing rooms are not included, pack dry clothes in a way that keeps them separate from your wet kit.

Send the requested measurements promptly: height, weight, European shoe size, and age. Correct information helps the team prepare the right equipment and reduces delays.

Keep your schedule flexible around pickup. The final time is confirmed the day before, and the activity itself lasts four hours. If you drive, use the free parking near the canyon meeting point, but confirm the exact location first.

Do not count on every jump being compulsory. The activity is designed with optional jumps and slides, so you can talk with the guides about what feels right. At the same time, the outing remains Level 2, not a relaxed walk beside a stream.

The group can include people with different experience levels. Be ready for a supportive pace rather than a private, customized expedition. That is usually a fair trade for the price and included transport.

Should you book Go Explore Canyoning Level 2?

Book it if you want to see Nun’s Valley from inside a canyon, enjoy a few real challenges, and appreciate guides who explain things patiently. The mix of four rappels, optional jumps, natural slides, mountain views, photos, and included equipment makes $82 a reasonable price.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to an adventurous first-timer who wants a proper introduction without being pushed into every big jump. José, Miguel, Pedro, and Filipe are known for creating a friendly tone, but the activity still asks you to accept heights, cold water, and a wet, active half-day.

For the best experience, bring swimwear and a towel, provide your measurements early, and leave room in your itinerary for the four-hour outing. If that sounds like fun rather than work, this is one of Madeira’s more memorable ways to experience Curral das Freiras.

FAQ

How long does the Nun’s Valley canyoning activity last?

The activity lasts four hours. The guided canyoning portion is listed as about three and a half hours, with an initial walk of roughly 20 minutes along a dirt road and beside a levada.

How high are the rappels?

There are four rappels, with the highest reaching 15 meters. The activity includes several sections with heights in the 10 to 15-meter range.

Do I need previous canyoning experience?

The activity is an intermediate Level 2 outing, but previous experience is not required. The guides explain the safety procedures and techniques, and the optional jumps allow you to choose how much challenge you want.

What is included in the price?

The $82 price includes the equipment needed for the activity, a qualified guide, insurance, selected transfers, water, chocolate, and photos.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available near Portugal’s CR7 Museum in Funchal, in front of the Pingo Doce supermarket in Calheta, or at the petrol station in Ponta do Sol. The pickup time is confirmed the day before.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Changing rooms and towels are not included, so plan for changing before or after the activity. You will also need to provide your height, weight, European shoe size, and age before the outing.