Canyoning Experience Level 2 at Nuns Valley

This Level 2 canyoning outing in Madeira’s Nuns Valley is interesting because it mixes real vertical moments with walk-in scenery, then finishes with optional jumps and slides in mountain pools. It is the step up from beginner, so you get more chances to try new skills, not just float along in pretty water.

I especially like the small group feel (max 10), which usually means more attention from your guide when you are negotiating rocks, water, and nerves. I also like that the guides emphasize safety and give clear rules, then keep the pace fun, not stiff, with instructors like José, Bruno, and Miguel showing up in different groups.

One consideration: you should expect full wet gear immersion and some scrambling over bigger rocks and boulders. If you hate slippery footing or you are not comfortable getting soaked from start to finish, this might feel like more than you bargained for.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel in Your Legs and Your Smile

• Biggest rappel reaches 15 meters, so it actually feels like canyoning, not a guided splash.
• Level 2 gives options, with jumps and slides you can choose based on confidence.
• Small group size (up to 10) helps keep instruction personal.
• About 20 minutes of walking on a dirt road and along a Levada before you drop into the canyon.
• Photos are included, so you can focus on the experience instead of switching to phone mode.
• Equipment, transfer, snack, insurance, and guide are all part of the package, with lunch left out.

Level 2 in Nuns Valley: The sweet spot between thrill and control

Canyoning is basically controlled chaos with good timing, and Level 2 is where that becomes real. You are not just doing gentle descents. You are doing various rappels, including the highest 15 meters, and you are moving through a sequence of pools and rock sections where you might climb, slide, or jump depending on what fits your comfort.

What makes Level 2 great for many people is that it gives you a chance to stretch a bit outside your routine without turning the day into a fight. The route is designed so that you get bigger water features, like waterfalls and more dramatic drops, but you can still make choices. Some parts offer refreshment pools where you can jump and slide, and your guide can steer you to what works for your skill level and the day’s conditions.

In short, you will feel the adrenaline, but you should also feel the structure. That is the point of intermediate: you learn by doing, while still being guided step by step.

Starting at the CR7 Museum in Funchal, and why the timing matters

Your day starts at the CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9004-518 Funchal, Portugal, with a 9:00 am start. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not piecing together transport after you are already tired and damp.

This timing matters because canyoning depends on conditions. Madeira can have fast-changing weather, and this activity requires good weather. That means your operator may adjust plans if conditions are not safe, and if the activity is canceled for weather reasons, you should expect an alternative date or a full refund.

Also, because the tour is only about 4 hours total, you’ll want to protect that morning. It is long enough to feel like an actual outing, but short enough that you can still do other things later if you plan well.

The 20-minute approach along the dirt road and Levada

Before the fun gets loud, you get a build-up walk. You will walk about 20 minutes on a dirt road and along a Levada (those classic Madeira water channels). This stretch is not just a warm-up. It sets the rhythm and gets you ready for the physical reality of canyoning: traction, balance, and moving carefully when surfaces are uneven.

It also does something underrated for your experience, you get to look around. As you go along, you’re surrounded by mountain views, and you’re gradually shifting from “tour mode” to “adventure mode.” By the time you reach the canyon start point, you are already mentally checked in, not guessing what the day will demand.

The downside of the approach is obvious once you are walking it. If you have mobility limits, or you dislike walking on uneven surfaces, this is a point to take seriously. Level 2 still requires moderate physical fitness, and the walk is part of that.

Curral das Freiras: Where rappels, pools, and optional jumps take over

Your key location on the route is Curral das Freiras. This is where the canyoning action begins in earnest and where you start seeing why this is not a “sit and watch” activity.

You can expect:

• Multiple rappels, with the maximum height up to 15 meters
• Water sections that include refreshing pools
• Moments where you can jump and slide into water, if you choose
• Ongoing scenic views while you move through the canyon

The best way to think about the pools is this: they are part reward, part technique practice. Jumping is not mandatory, but it is there if you want it. Sliding can be more forgiving than a free jump because it gives your guide a chance to control the entry and timing. Your guide can help you pick what feels right for your body and your confidence.

The biggest practical takeaway is mindset. With canyoning, fear is normal, especially on rappels. Your job is to listen, breathe, and trust the process. Your guide’s job is to make sure you are moving through it safely and at a pace you can handle.

Guides make the difference: José, Bruno, and Miguel set the safety tone

In a sport like this, the guide is not just entertainment. The guide is the difference between you feeling “I got this” and you feeling “I’m guessing.”

This operator’s teams show up with a mix of professionalism and humor. Names that come up include José, Bruno, and Miguel. The consistent theme is that they explain the rules and safety clearly, so you understand what you are doing before you do it. That instruction matters because canyoning has a lot of tiny decisions: where to place your feet, when to control your body, and how to move around rocks without panicking.

You’ll also like the way experienced guides adjust. If you are new, you’ll get reassurance and guidance. If you are more experienced, you can get more out of the day. One review-style insight you should apply to your own planning is this: your path can change based on skill and conditions, so don’t assume you’ll do the exact same thing as someone else in a different group.

If you want a confident, friendly vibe with real safety focus, this is the kind of guiding you should look for.

Photos, snack, and included gear: the value math that actually matters

This tour packages a lot of the “day-of hassle” into the price. You get:

• All equipment needed
• Transfer
• Snack
• Photos
• Insurance
• Guide

Lunch is not included, so plan your food timing accordingly. Since the tour is about 4 hours, a snack plus whatever you eat before and after can work well, especially if you time a solid breakfast and then keep lunch for later in the day.

The photos piece is a genuine value driver. If you’re doing rappels, jumps, and slides, you will not want to stop and manage your camera. Having photos taken during the activity lets you leave with proof of the effort, not just memory and wet clothing selfies.

Transfers also reduce friction. You do not want to spend your energy figuring out roads while you are already thinking about slipping on rocks. Having that handled lets you focus on one thing: getting through the canyon safely and having fun doing it.

Fitness and comfort: what Level 2 asks of your body

Level 2 is for people who want more adventure and are ready to step outside their comfort zone. You should have moderate physical fitness, and you should be comfortable with clambering over decent sized rocks and boulders.

Also, plan for water everywhere. You should be okay with full immersion in mountain streams and pools. That is the job description for canyoning. If your idea of an outdoor day is light drizzle and dry shoes, this will feel like the wrong genre.

There is one more practical detail worth thinking about: wetsuit shoe sizing. In one experience, someone noted that wet suit shoes had a maximum size around UK 11.5, and that can be an issue if you need bigger footwear. If you fall into that category, it’s smart to ask the operator what sizes are available before you go, so you do not show up with an avoidable problem.

What to pack mentally: how to enjoy the scary parts

Even when you are prepared, some parts will feel intense. The key is to remember that guides are managing risk, and your job is to follow instructions with focus.

Here’s what usually helps:

• Listen before you act, even if you feel eager
• Expect slippery surfaces, and move slowly at first
• Keep your body controlled rather than stiff
• Treat jumps and slides as optional choices, not a test

When you choose the option that matches your comfort, your day gets better fast. You can still have adrenaline, still feel proud, and still end the tour smiling instead of worrying.

The good news for Level 2 is that the route design gives you a mix: vertical moments like rappels, plus water pool moments that break up the intensity. That variation keeps the day from feeling one-note.

Weather and rebooking: plan this as a morning with flexibility

This activity requires good weather. If conditions are not safe, you should expect the operator to offer a different date or a full refund. That matters because it means you should keep your schedule flexible for that morning slot.

It also means you can’t fully “lock” your expectations like a museum ticket. Nature has the final say. But if you treat this as a priority adventure and keep other plans light around it, you’ll be happier either way.

Group size and how it changes your experience

This canyoning outing caps at 10 travelers. Smaller groups usually mean:

• More time with the guide for instruction
• Fewer delays while everyone gets sorted
• A better sense of what’s happening next

That’s especially helpful when you are negotiating bigger rocks or when you need reassurance before a rappel. One of the reasons people recommend this approach is the more personalized feel compared with larger groups that can feel crowded or slower.

If you value a calmer, more guided adventure rather than a conveyor belt experience, this group size is a real benefit.

Who should book Level 2 canyoning in Nuns Valley?

You should book this if you want:

• Intermediate canyoning with real vertical work (up to 15 meters)
• An outing that includes rappels plus pools where you can jump and slide
• A guided day with safety instruction you can understand in English
• A small group size that feels more personal

You might reconsider if:

• You are not comfortable with getting fully wet and handling slippery surfaces
• You don’t feel steady walking on uneven dirt and rocky ground
• You have constraints around shoe sizing and you cannot easily accommodate wet suit shoe limits

For many people, this hits the sweet spot: adventurous enough to feel like an accomplishment, guided enough to feel safe.

Should you book Go Explore Madeira for Nuns Valley Level 2?

I think you should book it if you are ready for an active, scenic half-day where the “wow” moments are built into the route, not added as a bonus. The combination of Level 2 structure, 15 meter rappels, optional jumps and slides, and a small max group makes it a strong value for a true canyoning experience.

I’d especially book it if you want guides who are both professional and fun, with instructors like José, Bruno, or Miguel guiding you through safety steps so you can stop overthinking and start enjoying the day.

Just be honest with yourself about fitness and comfort with immersion. If you can handle that, you’ll likely come away with the kind of memory you keep telling people about on the trip home.

FAQ

How long does the Nuns Valley Level 2 canyoning experience take?

It runs for about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is this canyoning experience in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s the highest rappel on Level 2?

The highest rappel is up to 15 meters.

What fitness level do you need?

You should have moderate physical fitness.

How many people are in a group?

There is a maximum of 10 travelers.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where do you meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9004-518 Funchal, Portugal, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is unsafe or you need to cancel?

The activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance; within 24 hours there is no refund.