Are the jumps mandatory?

No, some jumps are optional—you can always choose to rappel down if you prefer.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children 14 and older may join if they're physically capable; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming skills aren’t mandatory, but you should be comfortable in water and able to handle swimming through pools.

What equipment is provided?

Wetsuit, helmet, harness, and safety gear are included with the tour.

Will there be a guide?

Yes, certified professional guides from Madeira Adventure Kingdom lead the tour to ensure safety and fun.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather for your safety, with full refunds or credits provided.

Thrilling Canyoning Adventure in Ribeira do Lajeado, Madeira | Food Tour

Madeira, a volcanic island off Portugal's coast, is famous for its rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and dramatic landscapes. Among its outdoor highlights, Ribeira do Lajeado offers an exceptional canyoning experience that combines adrenaline with incredible natural beauty. This guided adventure leads you through narrow gorges, steep waterfalls, natural water slides, and crystal-clear pools carved from volcanic rock, making it a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region.

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from the centers of Funchal or Caniço, from where you journey to the canyon site within Madeira’s unspoiled wilderness. Your certified guide from Madeira Adventure Kingdom ensures safety and enjoyment with professional expertise recognized by the International Canyoning Academy. Wearing supplied wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses, participants will rappel down waterfalls, slide through natural chutes, and swim through refreshing pools, all while navigating the unique volcanic terrain that shapes this canyon.

What makes Ribeira do Lajeado truly special is its mixture of adventure and tranquility. Unlike many crowded adventure spots, it offers an intimate encounter with Madeira’s volcanic cliffs and lush flora, presenting stunning scenery that changes with every twist of the canyon. The volcanic rock formations, aged over millennia, create dramatic cliffs and shimmering pools, providing perfect photo opportunities and thrilling physical challenges. The dense greenery adds to the sense of discovery, highlighting the island’s biodiversity.

Though moderately challenging, the trip welcomes participants from 14 to 60 years old who are comfortable in and around water; no expert swimming skills are needed, but a good comfort level is helpful. The trip lasts about two and a half hours, extending to four hours with transport. Group sizes are kept small—maximum 10 participants—for a personalized experience.

Safety is paramount here, with all equipment included and a comprehensive briefing before the descent. Optional jumps add an extra thrill, but there’s always the choice to rappel down for those who prefer a gentler route. Photographs of the entire tour are included, so you’ll have lasting memories beyond the invigorating day itself.

Madeira's vibrant coastal towns offer excellent accommodation and dining, particularly Funchal, the closest city, where visitors can unwind after their canyoning adventure. This experience stands out as a unique mix of natural beauty, volcanic geology, and active adventure, making Ribeira do Lajeado a go-to destination for travelers seeking immersive outdoor thrills within a spectacular island setting.

About Madeira Adventure Kingdom

Madeira Adventure Kingdom is a Funchal-based activity operator specializing in guided outdoor experiences across Madeira island. Operating from Funchal and departing often from Funchal Marina for marine trips, the company offers a diverse program that includes levada walks, mountain hikes, catamaran cruises, whale and dolphin watching, canyoning and jeep safaris. Signature land experiences listed include Levada Walk Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Rei, Rabaçal with the 25 Fontes lagoon, Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hikes, Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo, and coastal routes such as Ponta de São Lourenço.

Sea-based options include catamaran trips for cetacean sightings, Desertas Islands excursions, sunset cruises, and dedicated dolphin swimming experiences departing from Funchal Marina. Adventure activities include multiple canyoning routes in Ribeira do Cidrão, Ribeira das Cales and Ribeira do Lajeado, plus scenic jeep safaris exploring the island’s south, north and west. Excursions to cultural and volcanic highlights such as Santana and Porto Moniz are also on offer. Tours emphasize Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, native flora, dramatic mountain vistas and coastal wildlife. Tours are presented as guided experiences tailored to different fitness levels, from moderate walks to challenging summit hikes. Booking details, schedules and meeting points are provided on listings and through The Adventure Collective feature page. Madeira Adventure Kingdom’s programs provide a practical way to explore Madeira’s natural landscapes, combining shoreline views, mountain panoramas and direct marine encounters in organized day trips. Scheduling options suit families, solo travelers and small groups, with clear meeting points and safety briefings included on departure.