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

Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 in Madeira’s Nun’s Valley is interesting because it mixes real canyon movement with a true adrenaline hit. You get four abseils, including a top rappel around 15 meters, plus optional jumps into pools when you feel ready.

I like two things most here. First, it runs as a small group maxing out at 10 people, so you spend more time actually doing and less time waiting. Second, the guides are the kind that talk you through each move, and names that come up again and again are Jose and Miguel, with other guides like Pedro and Filipe showing up too.

One possible drawback is the effort level. Before the water stuff starts, plan for about a 20-minute approach on foot along a dirt road and a levada, then you will stay active for roughly half a day.

Key points to know

• Level 2 canyoning energy: Four rappels with the highest around 15 meters, plus optional jumps and water slides
• Nun’s Valley setting: Mountain views during the whole route in the Curral das Freiras area
• A foot approach first: About 20 minutes walking on dirt and along a levada before canyoning begins
• Photos and transfer included: Equipment, guide, insurance, water, chocolate, and photos are part of the $82 price
• Small group coaching: Up to 10 participants, with guides focused on clear safety steps

Madeira’s Nun’s Valley Level 2: what you’re really signing up for

This is not a beginner “stand and look” activity. Level 2 canyoning is built for people who want more adventure and like the idea of getting out of their comfort zone. Think controlled chaos in the best way, where you follow instructions and then put your hands, feet, and nerves to work.

What makes Nun’s Valley special is the combination of vertical sections and playful water. You are doing multiple rappels, and at the same time you are moving through pools where you may jump, slide, or splash depending on what you choose. Even the height profile is designed to be exciting without being extreme for Level 2, with multiple rappel moments in the 10 to 15 meter range and one clearly called out as the biggest around 15 meters.

The setting does a lot too. The valley sits in the middle of the island and you stay surrounded by steep mountains. In practice, that means you get constant visual payoff while you work through each obstacle, instead of just staring at a single wall the whole time.

Price and what $82 gets you, really

At $82 per person for about 4 hours, the value here is mostly about what is included, not what you bring yourself. You do not just pay for “the fun.” You also get:

• All required equipment
• A qualified guide
• Insurance
• Transfer from the CR7 Museum (Funchal area), Calheta, or Ponta do Sol
• Water and chocolate
• Photos

That matters because canyoning gear, insurance, and professional guiding can add up fast if you were trying to piece it together. Here, you also avoid the hassle of figuring out where to rent wetsuits or how to get to a canyon location on your own schedule.

One practical note: towels, swimwear, and changing rooms are not included. You will still want to come prepared with swimwear and bring your towel, since you will be wet and you will need a quick way to get comfortable afterward.

Getting there: pickups from CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta

This tour is built around easy meeting points, with transfers included. There are three pickup options:

• Portugal’s CR7 Museum (roadside, Funchal area)
• Ponta do Sol (from the petrol station)
• Praia da Calheta (in front of the pingo doce supermarket)

Drop-off uses the same set of locations.

You should also know how timing works. Pickup times are confirmed the day before, so you will not be guessing. If you have a car, that can be even simpler. The operator notes it is best to drive straight to the canyon location, where parking is free. That option can save you from transfer waiting time and lets you enjoy Madeira at your own pace before you meet the group.

Finally, remember this is a small-group activity. When your group count is capped at 10, the meeting point timing matters more. Show up a little early so the safety briefing can start on time.

Curral das Freiras start: the 20-minute walk and why it’s part of the experience

The canyon adventure begins after a short but real warm-up. You walk for about 20 minutes on dirt road and along a levada before you reach the main canyon work.

Why I think that matters for you: it breaks the experience into two phases. First, you transition from normal island roads into the working water landscape Madeira is known for. A levada is part of the island’s water management system, and walking beside it gives you context for what you are about to do in the canyon.

It also helps the group settle in. You get a chance to meet your guide, match gear sizes, and ask any last questions before you commit to rappels and jumps. In a sport where safety and confidence are tied together, that lead-in matters.

The only “gotcha” is weather and footing. The route starts on dirt, so wear shoes suitable for being used during the approach and the wet sections. You do not need to guess what to do with that, because the activity includes equipment, but you do need to arrive ready to walk and get moving.

The rappels: four abseils and the 15-meter turning point

Here is the core of Level 2. You get four abseils, including the largest rappel around 15 meters. Overall heights can fall in the 10 to 15 meter range depending on the section, but the big moment is clearly the standout.

The way this makes the experience feel, in plain terms, is that you do not just “go down once.” You repeat the process. Each rappel builds a little confidence, then the next one asks you to apply it while staying calm.

That is where the guides matter. People consistently highlight that Jose and Miguel explain steps clearly and patiently, and that they keep everyone feeling safe at all times. The vibe described is not just safety rules, it is real coaching. You learn how to position yourself, how to manage the rappel, and how to handle the moment when you look down and realize you are actually going.

One small consideration: optional jumps and water sections can change how you feel about heights. If you are nervous about the first rappel, you will still have coaching and time to get comfortable, but you should choose your options based on your comfort level, not bravado.

Pools, jumps, and slide moments: choosing your level of wild

Beyond the rappels, this canyoning is about water play as much as it is about vertical movement. The route includes refreshing pools where you can jump, slide, or plunge into the water if you want to.

The key word is optional. Level 2 is designed for adventurous people, but you still get to decide which moments to attempt. That is a good balance for a mixed group, and it helps first-timers who are willing to try without forcing themselves into every stunt.

You can expect natural water movement to shape the experience. The canyon has pools and slides that turn rock and water into a mini obstacle course. It is not just a straight line down, it is a sequence of drops, short swims, and jumpable spots.

Also, water temperature is not always what you fear. In the real-world feedback, people mention the wetsuits make a big difference, and that the water was not unbearably cold. Still, bring swimwear and a towel like the activity asks, because after you finish, you will want to warm up fast.

Mountain views while you work: the part you remember after the adrenaline fades

You might expect a canyoning trip to be all tunnel vision and focus on safety. In this route, you still get views. Mountain scenery shows up alongside the water and the walls, not just at the start.

That matters because it changes how the day feels. You are not trapped in a narrow channel with only rock in front of you. You are moving through a valley with steep mountains, and the scenery keeps the adventure from feeling repetitive.

It also helps the photo value. Photos and images are included, and people highlight the fact that the guides take pictures throughout the experience. You will not just have proof that you were there, you will have moments that show the canyon setting and your progression through it.

If you care about getting memorable travel photos, included photos are a real quality-of-life feature. The guide team does the work, and you get to focus on staying safe and having fun.

Gear, photos, water, and the guides who keep it fun

This activity includes the gear you need, and it also includes insurance. You are also provided water and chocolate, which sounds small until you are wet, active, and working on concentration for hours.

The other standout from the feedback is the guide energy. Jose and Miguel in particular are described as enthusiastic, engaging, and supportive. People mention they explain steps calmly, are patient when questions come up, and keep the whole group at ease so you can enjoy the route.

That matches what you want from a Level 2 canyoning guide. The sport needs structure. If you are the nervous type, you need clear instructions. If you are confident, you still need someone watching your form and timing.

Guides like Jose, Miguel, Pedro, and Filipe are also described as funny and flexible, with enough space for jokes and group bonding. You do not have to be a canyon pro to enjoy this, and that comes through in the way the coaching is described.

What to pack (and what not to do) so the day goes smoothly

What to bring is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel

That is it from the must-bring list. You will handle the rest with provided gear. Still, choose swimwear that works for active movement, because you will be climbing, rappelling, and jumping or sliding into pools.

What not to do is equally clear: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Also, pregnant women are listed as not suitable. If any other medical situation applies, you should discuss it before booking, since the provided info only states this one specific restriction.

One practical packing idea based on the included items: you are going to get wet. Plan for changing and drying on your schedule, even if changing rooms are not included.

Is it right for you? Who should book Level 2 Nun’s Valley

This is a solid match for adventurous people who want intermediate action and like the idea of rappels plus optional jumps. The activity describes Level 2 as perfect for people who want a challenge and want to get out of their comfort zone.

It also seems to work for beginners who show up with the right mindset. Some feedback notes that people with no canyoning experience were able to enjoy the trip because the guides taught the steps and made them feel safe.

So who should consider it?

• You want an active half day with real canyon movement
• You are okay getting wet and walking in rugged terrain
• You want the structure of guided rappels plus options for jumps

Who might struggle?

• You hate heights, even with coaching
• You do not want to be active for about 4 hours
• You are pregnant (explicitly not suitable)

Small group logistics: what a max of 10 changes

Capped at 10 participants, the trip tends to feel less like a production line. With fewer people in the group, guides can give more attention when you need it, and it is easier to manage timing when everyone’s pace and comfort level differ.

This group size also matters for safety. During rappels, you want everyone lined up properly. With a smaller headcount, you can move with fewer delays and fewer “stand around” gaps.

If you care about photos, small group dynamics help there too. Guides can position people and capture moments without rushing everyone through.

Finally, the transfer model makes the day feel smoother. You are not coordinating separate cars or trying to find the meeting spot alone. If you have your own car, driving straight to the canyon location with free parking is an option, but the included transfers remove stress for most people.

Should you book Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 (Nun’s Valley)?

If you want a Madeira activity that feels hands-on and scenic, and you are comfortable with rappels up to around 15 meters, this is a great choice. The price makes sense because gear, insurance, transfers, water, chocolate, and photos are already included.

I would book it if you are excited by four abseils, optional jumps, and natural water slide moments, and you trust clear coaching. I would think twice if heights, getting wet, or sustained activity are not your thing. For the right mindset, this Level 2 canyoning in the Nun’s Valley is the kind of half-day adventure that sticks with you because you do so much in one go.

FAQ

How long is the Go Explore Canyoning Level 2 Nun’s Valley tour?

The experience lasts about 4 hours. The guided canyoning portion is about 3.5 hours, and starting times vary, so you should check availability.

Where are the pickup locations?

Pickups are available from Portugal’s CR7 Museum (roadside), Ponta do Sol (petrol station), and Praia da Calheta (in front of the pingo doce supermarket).

Where does the tour drop you off?

Drop-off is offered at the same three locations as pickup: the CR7 Museum, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta.

What is the biggest rappel height?

The highest abseil is listed as around 15 meters. The overall maximum height is described as roughly 10 to 15 meters, with several options along the route.

What activities are included besides rappelling?

The route includes refreshing pools with optional jumps and slide or plunge options, depending on your choice and comfort level.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. All equipment required for the activity is included.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos are included as part of the experience.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Changing rooms are not included.

What size information do you need?

You will need to send your sizes, including height in cm, weight in kg, shoe size EU, and age.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women. Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the activity.