Canyoning Experience Level 2 at Nuns Valley

This canyon walk ends with real adrenaline. Level 2 canyoning in Madeira’s Nuns Valley pairs a short mountain hike with rappels up to 15 meters, plus jumps and slides in cool pools. It’s the kind of trip that makes you feel like you went off the map, without feeling thrown to the wolves.

I love that the experience stays practical and supportive, led by guides like José and Bruno, who focus on safety and clear instructions. I also like the value because equipment, transfer, a snack, photos, and insurance are included, so you can show up and just move.

The main drawback is that you should expect full immersion in wet streams and pools, and the canyon is not a place for delicate footwear. If you wear large sizes, note that wet suit shoes have been reported as max size 11.5 UK in one case, so ask before you book.

Key highlights you will care about

• Rappels up to 15 meters, with more than one chance to use gravity
• Pool jumps and slides, including the kind of waterfall finish people remember
• About 20 minutes walking, on dirt road plus along a Levada before the canyon work starts
• Maximum 10 travelers, so the coaching feels personal and the group stays manageable
• Guides in English, known for mixing rules, safety, and a relaxed vibe
• Photos included, so you leave with proof and don’t have to worry about a camera

Madeira’s Nuns Valley, Level 2 in plain terms

Level 2 canyoning is for you if you want more adventure than a beginner route but you are not chasing a full-on endurance day. Expect a mix of technique and fun, with multiple rappels, plus water elements like jumping into pools or sliding down into them. The big point is choice, if you want bigger moments, you can usually take them, and if you want to dial it back, you still get the canyon experience.

Madeira adds a special flavor. You are in the mountains around Curral das Freiras, and the whole route is accompanied by strong views while you work through the steps. It feels less like an obstacle course and more like a guided tour of the canyon, with the action built in.

From Funchal to Curral das Freiras, the start you can find fast

Your day kicks off at the CR7 Museum at Praça CR7 in Funchal, starting at 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That “round trip to the same spot” matters more than people think, because it simplifies your logistics and reduces stress right when you are getting ready for something physical.

Most trips like this begin with a transfer out to the canyon area, and this one is similar. You will head toward Curral das Freiras, which is the named stop in the itinerary, then move into the walking portion that leads to the canyon start.

One practical note: you get a mobile ticket. If you are traveling with spotty cell service, save the ticket in your phone before you leave the hotel.

The 20-minute approach along a Levada, warm-up with scenery

Before the rappels and jumps, you walk about 20 minutes on a dirt road and along a Levada. That’s a key part of the experience, because it helps you get used to moving on uneven ground before you start trusting ropes.

A Levada walk also changes the mood. You are not yet in “vertical mode,” so you can settle in, get your gear checked, and listen for safety instructions without adrenaline taking over. In a canyon day, that breathing room is gold.

Keep an eye on your footing. Dirt road and canyon approaches can be slippery when wet, and even short walks can wear you out if you go in tense. A calm pace here makes the rest of the day feel smoother.

Rappels up to 15 meters, the moment you remember

Level 2 here includes various rappels, with the highest around 15 meters. That means you will likely feel real height at least once, but you should not think of it as a single scary drop. The route is broken into multiple sections, so you get time between moves to reset your brain and follow the guide’s cues.

This is the part where being “moderately fit” matters. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need the ability to clamber over rocks and boulders while staying aware of your footing. If you get flustered by uneven terrain, go slowly and rely on the guide, that is exactly what they are there for.

From the reviews and route style, expect big fun options like a jump off a waterfall at the end of the adventure. Even if you choose not to take every dramatic water feature, the rappels and rock sections still give you a full “canyoning day,” not just a quick photo stop.

Pools, jumps, and why full immersion is part of the deal

This is not a dry adventure. You should go in expecting to be in mountain streams and pools, and that includes getting wet for real. For some people, that’s the best part, because the contrast is intense: you’re moving from rope work into cool water moments.

Level 2 includes refreshing pools where you can jump and slide into them. A few pools are more about technique and timing than pure fear, and you will usually have the option to take a bigger leap or a calmer entry depending on comfort.

One detail to plan around is footwear and sizing. In one reported case, wet suit shoes had a max size of 11.5 UK, which caused someone with size 15 feet to miss that gear fit. If you have large feet, ask ahead of time so you do not get stuck improvising.

What to wear and bring for a safer, happier day

The tour includes the equipment you need, but you still control your comfort with smart clothing choices. You will be wearing a wet suit style setup, so think in terms of staying warm enough after water time and avoiding items that tangle.

Bring:

• A change of clothes for after, since you will finish wet
• A towel if you prefer your own, though you may find the provider has basic ways to help you manage gear during the day
• A secure way to carry small essentials you do not want loose

Avoid:

• Loose items that can fall out during jumps and rappels
• Anything you are not willing to get fully soaked

If you are the “I hate cold” type, go anyway, but come prepared to embrace the water. This route is designed around that, and guides do their best to keep you moving and safe.

Guides José and Bruno, safety that feels confident

The standout quality here is the way the guides run the day. José and Bruno are mentioned specifically for explaining rules and safety clearly, and doing it with confidence and a sense of humor. That combination matters, because canyoning has a lot of steps where you need to listen, then act.

Guides also adjust the route according to the group and skill level, including for families. That means you are not just watching instructions, you are getting coached in the flow of the canyon.

The “felt safe at every point” theme shows up repeatedly. That does not mean you should relax completely, it means the safety process is consistent: briefings, technique reminders, and support when you are handling ropes or deciding how to tackle a water entry.

If weather looks questionable, guides can help with a reschedule to a safer time. In Madeira, mountain conditions can change quickly, and it’s better to wait than push ahead when it is not ideal.

Pace and timing, a half-day that does not drag

The full experience is about 4 hours, and it is structured like a proper adventure, not a slow meander. You start at 9:00 am from Funchal, then transfer out, do the Levada approach, and switch into canyon mode for the rappels and water features.

Because groups are capped at 10 travelers, the pace stays lively. Smaller groups generally mean less downtime while you wait for others to be briefed or set up. You also tend to get more personalized coaching, which helps a lot if you are new to rappels or moving over rocks.

You also get a snack. That sounds small, but it helps you keep energy up once you have been climbing, moving, and cooling off in water.

Photos included, so you can focus on the canyon

One of the easiest “value” wins here is that photos are included. You do not have to worry about balancing a phone, you do not have to do a complicated camera setup, and you get action shots of the parts you care about most.

In canyoning, those are usually the rope moments and water entries. When photos are taken for you, you leave knowing you have something to remember besides sore legs and wet gear bags.

Price and value: why this setup makes sense

You do not get a random “self-guided canyon.” You get a package where the biggest friction points are handled for you: equipment, guides, transfer, photos, snack, and insurance. That is real value, because these are the parts that usually add hidden costs and stress when you plan independently.

Lunch is not included, so budget time after the activity for food. The good part is that the tour returns you to the meeting point, so you are not stuck looking for transport or trying to figure out dinner plans while tired.

In short, the value here is not just the adventure. It is the structure that keeps it safe and fun, with support that makes Level 2 feel reachable.

Who should book Level 2 at Nuns Valley

Book this if:

• You have moderate physical fitness and you can move over rocks and uneven ground
• You want multiple rappels, including one around 15 meters
• You are okay with getting wet in mountain pools and streams
• You like the idea of a small group with coaching in English

You might think twice if:

• You hate being fully wet, even if it is only for a few hours
• You have concerns about footwear sizing and need wet suit shoes in a very large size
• You prefer totally dry adventures or very gentle steps

Also, if you are traveling with family, this level can work in the right situation. One group included children as young as 6, and the guides handled a more personalized approach. That said, canyoning is physical and wet no matter what, so match the plan to your family’s comfort and ability.

Should you book this canyoning tour in Madeira?

Yes, if your goal is a real canyon adventure without chaos. This Level 2 route gives you the elements that make canyoning exciting: rope work, real height, and water moments, all supported by guides who focus on safety and clear instruction. The small group size, English guidance, included photos, and included gear help the day feel organized and worth your time.

If you are sensitive to cold water or you are dealing with unusual shoe sizing, ask early and pack smart. With that planning, you will be set up for a confident, fun morning that ends with memories you will actually want to share.

FAQ

How long is the canyoning experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9004-518 Funchal, Portugal, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes all equipment needed, transfer, snack, photos, insurance, and the guide.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included.

What fitness level do you need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

How many travelers are in the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid will not be refunded.