Four ropes, one valley, big Madeira views. In Nun’s Valley, you’ll tackle four abseiling’s, including the largest 15-meter rappel, plus jump-in pools and water slides with mountain views around you. I like how Level 2 pushes you out of your comfort zone while still letting you choose optional jumps, and I also like the calm, patient coaching style that keeps safety front and center. One consideration: this is wet, physical adventure, so you’ll want to be comfortable with heights, cold-ish water, and being in a harness for a while.

The canyon sits inland in the valley of the Nun’s at Curral das Freiras. Before you start rappelling for real, you walk about 20 minutes on dirt road and along a levada, which turns the day into more than just the fun bits. With groups capped at 10, you get enough attention to learn quickly and enough space to enjoy the scenery between moves.

This is built for a 4-hour experience overall (with a guided portion that runs about 3.5 hours). Pickup is included from the CR7 Museum area, Ponta do Sol, or Praia da Calheta, and you’ll get equipment, insurance, water, chocolate, and photos—so you’re not scrambling for basics at the last minute.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Four abseils in Nun’s Valley, with the biggest rappel reaching 15 meters
• Level 2 options: several optional jumps and refreshing pools you can choose to do
• Walk-in setup: about 20 minutes on dirt road and along a levada before the canyon starts
• Small-group format: limited to 10 participants, which helps with instruction time
• Photo coverage included, plus water and chocolate to keep energy up during the action

Nun’s Valley, Curral das Freiras: why this canyon feels different

Madeira is famous for dramatic scenery, and this canyon puts you right in the middle of it. The route runs through steep mountain terrain in the valley of the Nun’s, so you’re not just rappelling in a random gorge—you’re doing it with big views watching you from every angle.

What I like about Nun’s Valley is how it balances effort with payoff. You get a real walk first, then you shift into rope work (abseils) and water play (pools, jumps, slides). It feels like a full outdoor session, not a quick hit-and-run adventure.

And because it’s Level 2, the day is built to be exciting without pretending you’re invincible. You’ll get taught step-by-step, while the canyon still gives you those moments that make you feel accomplished afterward.

Price and value at $82: what you’re actually paying for

At $82 per person for a roughly 4-hour outing, the value comes from what’s included—not just the canyon time. You get all required equipment, transfer from your pickup area, a qualified guide, and insurance. You also get water, chocolate, and photo coverage, which matters more than people think.

If you’ve ever tried to DIY outdoor activities on an island, you know the hidden costs show up fast: gear rentals, transport, safety overhead, and the hassle of figuring out timing. Here, those moving parts are handled for you, which lets you show up, gear up, and focus on doing the activity well.

Small-group limits (10 people max) also help with value. It usually means less waiting around, clearer instruction, and less time spent watching other people figure out the basics.

Getting there and out: how the 4-hour rhythm usually plays

Your day starts with a pickup from one of three locations. Options include the CR7 Museum area (roadside), Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta. The exact pickup time is confirmed the day before, which is typical for tours that coordinate with traffic and group size.

After pickup, you’ll head toward Curral das Freiras. From there, you’re not dropped at the exact rappel spot immediately. You walk about 20 minutes on dirt road and along a levada first. That walk serves two purposes: it gets you moving and it helps you transition from travel mode to canyon mode.

The guided portion is about 3.5 hours, and then you finish back at your chosen drop-off location (again, one of the three areas used for pickup). So even though the activity feels like a single continuous adventure, the timing is set up so you still get a clean bookend to your day.

If you have a car, driving yourself to the canyon area can be more convenient. Free parking is mentioned, and you can avoid the back-and-forth of pickup timing. Still, the included transfers are there if you don’t want to think about logistics.

Inside the canyon route: four abseils and the 15-meter moment

This Level 2 canyoning centers on abseiling (rappelling) through the canyon. You’ll do four abseils, and the largest rappel is 15 meters. The canyon’s max heights are typically in the 10–15 meter range, with that top rappel being the big headline move.

What “Level 2” means in practice is that you’ll be challenged a bit more than beginner routes, but it’s not throw-you-in-without-teaching territory. You’re still guided closely, with clear safety instruction before you commit to each descent.

On the rope sections, the key skill is controlling your body position and moving at the pace the guide teaches you. The canyon gives you short, defined moments to focus—setup, check, descend, reset—rather than one long, tiring scramble. That structure helps when your brain starts to negotiate with your nerves.

Also, because this canyon is built around multiple rappels, you get repeated practice. The first one is where you learn your rhythm. By the third or fourth, you’ll usually feel more in control, and the experience shifts from fear-management to enjoyment.

Optional jumps, slides, and pool time: choosing your comfort level

Besides rappelling, this route includes water interaction that’s part adrenaline, part confidence-building. You can expect refreshing pools, with the chance to jump in and slide into the water. There are also several optional jumps, so you’re not forced to do every adrenaline option.

That’s a big deal for Level 2. The day isn’t only for people who want to go maximum. It’s also for people who want to try, then decide. If you’re nervous, you can still participate while choosing where you push yourself and where you keep it simple.

In plain terms: you’ll be wet either way. But you get to choose how dramatic the entry is. Guides can help you judge conditions and decide what’s right for your skills in the moment.

The wet suit is a real part of the comfort equation here. In Madeira, water temperature can be a concern for many people, but the included wetsuits are designed to keep you comfortable enough to actually enjoy the canyon. If the day is cooler or rainy, you’ll appreciate having that protection rather than fighting the elements.

The 20-minute walk to the canyon start: not hard, just real

That pre-canyon walk is about 20 minutes. It’s on dirt road and along a levada, so expect uneven ground and the kind of path that makes you watch your footing.

This is where you’ll feel the day’s physical rhythm begin. If you’re the type who only thinks about rappels and forgets you still have to walk with gear, this is your gentle reality check. It’s not described as a hike marathon, but it is part of the experience.

I like that this walk happens before the fun starts. It gives you a moment to settle in, meet your guide, and get your body warmed up before harness time. And it helps you build confidence because you see the environment up close before you commit to dropping into it.

Guides, gear, and photos: the stuff that makes the day feel smooth

The activity is run by a qualified guide, and the tour setup is designed to keep everyone safe and supported. The guide communication is listed as available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, so you’re not stuck trying to piece together instructions from gestures alone.

What matters most, though, is how guidance is delivered. The guide style described for this canyoning route is patient and calm, with step-by-step safety explanations. Names that come up often include José and Miguel, and you might also meet other guides such as Filipe depending on the session.

That calm coaching matters because canyoning is fast. You don’t have time for long lectures once you’re at the rope. Good guides make it feel manageable: quick checks, clear signals, and encouragement when your brain starts to overthink the next move.

Gear is fully included, including the wetsuit. You’ll also have insurance covered. That combination—equipment plus insurance plus trained leadership—is why you can focus on the experience rather than worrying about the fine print of safety.

Then there are the photos. Photos are included, which is a huge value add for an activity like this. Rope work and jump moments pass quickly, and it’s hard to capture them yourself while staying safe. Knowing photos are handled frees you to live in the moment, not behind a phone.

What to bring, what to skip, and how to prep your body

You only need a couple essentials before you head out: swimwear and a towel. Changing rooms aren’t listed as included, so plan to manage your wet gear without expecting a full dry setup on-site.

Also, you’ll need to send your sizes ahead of time. The request includes height (cm), weight (kg), shoe size (EU), and age. It’s smart to do this promptly, because fitted gear affects comfort and safety.

Not allowed items are straightforward: alcohol and drugs are not permitted. That’s standard for safety in outdoor adventure, and it keeps the whole group focused.

One more important note: the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women. If that applies to you, it’s best to choose a different experience that matches your needs and safety constraints.

Should you book this Level 2 adventure with Nun’s Valley in mind

You should strongly consider booking if:

• you want a step up from easy activities and you’re ready for heights and rope work
• you’re excited by the idea of rappels plus optional jumps and slides
• you want a small-group experience with equipment and photos included
• you like the idea of mountain views and a canyon day that feels like a real outdoor session

You might want to skip or reconsider if:

• heights make you freeze rather than focus
• you’re not comfortable getting fully wet and spending hours in wet gear
• pregnancy applies (the tour is listed as not suitable)

Price-wise, $82 makes sense because it bundles transfers, gear, insurance, and instruction. You’re not paying extra for rentals or scrambling for safety support. For an intermediate canyoning day with multiple rappels, that’s a solid deal.

FAQ

How high are the rappels in Nun’s Valley Level 2?

The highest rappel is listed as 15 meters. The canyon also has maximum heights in the 10–15 meter range, with the largest abseil reaching 15 meters.

How long is the Go Explore canyoning session?

The duration is about 4 hours total. Starting times depend on availability, and the guided canyoning portion is described as running around 3.5 hours.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off are available from three locations: CR7 Museum (roadside) in Funchal area, Ponta do Sol, and Praia da Calheta. Calheta pickup is in front of the Pingo Doce supermarket, and Ponta do Sol pickup is from a petrol station.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Towel-changing-room support isn’t listed as included, so plan how you’ll get changed after.

Do I need to send my measurements before the tour?

Yes. You’ll need to send your height (cm), weight (kg), shoe size (EU), and age so the team can prepare the right gear.

Is alcohol allowed during the activity?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on this canyoning tour.

If you’re ready for four rappels with a real 15-meter high point, plus the option to jump and slide when you feel good, this Level 2 Nun’s Valley session is the kind of Madeira activity that gives you both adrenaline and mountain scenery.