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

The mountain water is your playground. Go Explore’s Level 2 canyoning in Nun’s Valley combines four abseils, natural slides, optional jumps, and fine mountain views in a four-hour outing. I like the choice built into the route: you can push yourself toward a 10 to 15-meter jump or waterfall, or take the calmer option. I also like that photos, equipment, transfers, water, and even chocolate are included.

The main consideration is simple: this is not a gentle sightseeing trip. You will walk for about 20 minutes on a dirt road and beside a levada, then spend the active part of the day in wet canyon terrain. The water may feel cool, and you need to be comfortable with heights, swimming attire, and physical activity.

Key points at a glance

• Four abseils, up to 15 meters: The highest descent gives Level 2 its real sense of adventure.
• Optional jumps and slides: You can choose how far outside your comfort zone you want to go.
• Nun’s Valley setting: Steep mountains frame the canyon, giving you views that are hard to reach on a normal walk.
• Small groups of up to 10: A limited group makes it easier to hear instructions and get help at each obstacle.
• Patient guides and useful extras: José, Miguel, and other guides are praised for calm safety briefings, encouragement, and good humor. Photos, water, chocolate, insurance, and all required equipment are included.
• Easy coastal pickup choices: Transfers are available from the CR7 Museum area, Ponta do Sol, or Calheta, though driving yourself to the canyon is described as more convenient if you have a car.

Why Nun’s Valley makes a fine canyoning setting

Nun’s Valley, known locally as Curral das Freiras, sits in the mountainous interior of Madeira. The canyon is surrounded by steep slopes, so the setting changes quickly from ordinary road and levada walking to rock, flowing water, and enclosed mountain scenery.

That setting matters. Canyoning is not simply a series of ropes and jumps. You move through parts of the island that are difficult to see from a road or standard viewpoint. The mountains remain part of the outing throughout, giving you something to look at while you wait for the next descent.

The approach walk takes about 20 minutes along a dirt road and beside a levada. It is not the main event, but it helps you reach the canyon at a steady pace. You should regard it as part of the physical demand rather than a transfer from one activity to another.

The attraction here is the mix. You get a guided mountain outing, a short walk, four abseils, pools, slides, and optional jumps. For someone who wants more than a basic introductory route, Level 2 offers a useful step up without requiring you to commit to every challenge.

What the four-hour outing actually involves

The full activity lasts about four hours, with the guided canyoning portion listed at roughly three and a half hours. Pickup times vary, so you need to check availability and wait for the exact collection time to be confirmed the day before.

After meeting your guide and reaching the canyon area, you receive the equipment needed for the activity. The operator asks you to provide your height in centimeters, weight in kilograms, age, and European shoe size before the outing. That information helps prepare suitable gear, so answer it carefully rather than treating it as routine paperwork.

The route begins with the approach walk. Once you reach the canyon, the guides explain the techniques and safety steps before you begin. This part is particularly important if you are new to canyoning. Several people with no previous experience found the instructions clear and the activity manageable, but that does not make the route passive. You still need to listen, move carefully, and follow the guide’s signals.

The four abseils are the backbone of the route. The largest is 15 meters, while the listed maximum height for obstacles is generally 10 to 15 meters. You descend using ropes and canyoning equipment, with the guide controlling the setup and explaining what to do.

Between the rope sections, you may reach refreshing pools, natural water slides, and places where you can jump. The word optional is important. The activity lets you decide whether a particular jump suits you. That choice makes this a better fit for mixed-ability groups, since one person can take the larger challenge while another uses a lower or gentler route.

The day ends with the return from the canyon and the transfer back to your chosen drop-off point. Photos are included, which is useful because your hands will be busy and your phone will be a poor companion in wet conditions.

Level 2: adventurous, but not reserved for experts

The name Level 2 may make this sound like a specialist outing. Based on the supplied details, it is aimed at people seeking more adventure and willing to leave their comfort zone, but it can also suit first-timers who are physically ready and properly supported.

That distinction matters. You do not need to have completed canyoning before, but you should not expect a relaxed walk with a few splashes. You may rappel from a 15-meter height, enter pools, slide through natural channels, and consider jumps. The guides make the decisions and instructions clear, yet you still need to be willing to take part.

I would choose this outing if you want a stronger thrill than a beginner route provides. I would choose another activity if heights make you freeze, if you dislike cold water, or if you want to remain dry. Pregnant women should not book this activity.

Families can make it work in some cases. One particularly useful detail is that a family with children aged 10 and 13 found the guides supportive and the activity suitable for them. That does not establish a universal minimum age, which is not provided here, so families should confirm age requirements before booking.

The guides make the difference

The strongest part of this outing is the guide team. José, Miguel, and Filipe are repeatedly described as friendly, patient, enthusiastic, and calm when explaining safety procedures. Those qualities are not just pleasant extras in a canyon. They directly affect how secure you feel before a rappel or jump.

José is praised for explaining each step slowly and clearly, while José and Miguel are noted for making first-timers feel at ease. That is valuable when a group includes people with different experience levels. A good guide does not simply tell you to jump. A good guide explains the movement, checks that you understand, and gives you room to choose.

The tone also sounds relaxed without losing its professional edge. Jokes and water splashing are part of the fun, but the guides continue to watch the group and keep the activity organized. That balance is exactly what I want in an adventure outing: serious about safety, not stiff or gloomy.

The group limit is 10 participants. A small group usually means less waiting at each rope section and a better chance to hear instructions. It also allows the guides to give more direct encouragement. If you dislike large commercial groups, this limit is a real benefit.

Equipment, cold water, and what to pack

All equipment required for the activity is included. The supplied comments specifically praise the wetsuits, which helped keep people warm in the river. That is a practical advantage because Madeira’s mountain water may feel cool even on a pleasant day.

You must bring swimwear and a towel. Towels, swimwear, and changing rooms are not included, so do not arrive expecting a full changing facility or a provided towel. The information does not specify the exact changing arrangements, so pack in a way that lets you change comfortably after the activity.

The operator also provides water and chocolate. The chocolate may sound like a small touch, but a snack halfway through an active outing is welcome. One group particularly enjoyed hazelnut wafers. Photos are included as well, giving you a record of the canyon without risking your own phone or camera.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. You should also send your height, weight, age, and European shoe size in advance, as requested by the operator. Wear swimwear beneath the activity gear and bring a towel for the end.

Pickup choices and the case for driving yourself

The tour offers three pickup areas:

• 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 same three areas are used for drop-off. Pickup times are confirmed the day before, so do not plan a tight connection immediately afterward.

If you have a rental car, driving directly to the canyon location is described as more convenient. Free parking is available there. That choice avoids coordinating a coastal pickup and may give you more control over your day, but you should confirm the exact meeting point and arrival time with the operator.

If you do not have a car, the included transfer adds useful value. It saves you from arranging transport to a mountainous interior location, and the three pickup zones cover several common bases on Madeira’s south coast. The practical drawback is that the transfer time depends on your selected pickup point and the day’s schedule.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not a cheap half-day splash in a pool. It is a specialist outdoor activity with a qualified guide, insurance, equipment, transport from selected locations, photos, water, and a snack included.

That package makes the price easier to justify. You would otherwise need to arrange transport, rent technical equipment, find a safe canyon route, and manage rope systems yourself. The included photos are another small saving, since you do not need to buy a waterproof camera or ask someone to document the activity.

Value depends on how much of the route you use. If you want to attempt the larger abseil, enjoy the slides, and take part in several jumps, the price buys a substantial four-hour outing. If you are likely to avoid heights, remain hesitant around water, or leave the route early, it becomes less attractive.

The small group also supports the price. You are paying for guidance and supervision, not simply access to a natural site. With a maximum of 10 participants, the experience should feel more personal than a large group tour, although exact group makeup can vary.

Communication and cancellation

Guides can host the activity in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. That range is useful for international groups, especially during safety explanations where clear language matters.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which helps if your Madeira plans are still shifting. These policies are useful, but you should still check the exact booking conditions and starting time before committing.

Who should book this canyoning trip?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You want a physical Madeira activity rather than a viewpoint visit
• You are curious about canyoning but do not have much experience
• You enjoy heights, water, and a little controlled fear
• You want the option to choose smaller or larger jumps
• You value a small group and patient instruction
• You are staying near Funchal, Ponta do Sol, or Calheta

I would hesitate if you dislike rappelling, cannot swim or move confidently around pools, or want a dry and predictable morning. The activity requires swimwear, a towel, and a willingness to get wet. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

The route’s flexibility is its main strength. A confident participant can aim for the bigger obstacles, while a nervous beginner can receive help and skip an optional jump. Still, Level 2 asks you to participate actively. It is not a passive ride through the valley.

Should you book Go Explore Level 2 canyoning?

Yes, if you want one of Madeira’s more memorable active outings and are ready for genuine adventure. The combination of Nun’s Valley scenery, four abseils, optional jumps, natural slides, and a 15-meter maximum descent gives you plenty to do in four hours.

I especially like the careful guide style associated with José and Miguel, the small groups, and the included wetsuits and photos. The main question is not the price. It is whether you want to spend part of your Madeira holiday wet, suspended on a rope, and deciding how far beyond your comfort zone to go.

If that sounds exciting, book it and send your measurements promptly. If it sounds alarming rather than fun, choose a gentler island activity instead.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts four hours. The guided canyoning portion is listed as approximately three and a half hours, with pickup and return included in the overall outing.

How many abseils are included?

The route includes four abseils. The largest is 15 meters.

Are the jumps compulsory?

No. The jumps are optional, so you can choose the level of challenge that feels right for you.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Towels, swimwear, and changing rooms are not provided as part of the activity.

Is equipment included?

Yes. All equipment required for the canyoning activity is included, along with insurance and a qualified guide.

Where are the pickup points?

Pickup is available near Portugal’s CR7 Museum in Funchal, in front of the Pingo Doce supermarket in Calheta, and at a petrol station in Ponta do Sol.

Can I drive to the canyon myself?

Yes. If you have a car, driving directly to the canyon location is described as more convenient, and free parking is available.

Is the activity suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.