One of the reasons we from the Casa Vento team moved to Madeira,
Portugal is because of the fantastic canyoning. Over 100 different
tours in almost all parts of the island are at the feet of Madeira's canyoneers and visitors from
other countries.
We have done about thirty of them in our first three and a half years since moving here in January
2020, including reopening one canyon and re-equipping two others. Many more now have a hook or two
from Casa Vento in them.
From the canyons known to us, we have compiled our top 5 here. Of course, the
best of selection is subjective and it will certainly be updated a few times.
If you have a completely different opinion, please send us your own "the best"
tours list by mail.
Here now our best selection of canyoning tours in Madeira.
Of course you can book every single one of them at Casa Vento!
Canyoning is the crossing of a water-bearing, usually narrow gorge. As a rule, one moves downstream,
i.e. from top to bottom. Downward gradients such as waterfalls are overcome by means of various
techniques: Rappelling, jumping and sliding.
All this sounds rather dry at first, but quite the opposite.
In this sport you can reach points on the island where no one else can. Hikers always stop in front
of the big waterfalls, while canyoning you experience them directly, the flowing water massages
your body during the abseil and even longer stays in the clear and cool water pools are possible
thanks to the neoprene suit. Moments of action and adrenaline alternate with periods of mystical
tranquility and heart-stopping beauty of nature. Your body as well as your mind will be challenged
to fully engage in the experience of canyoning.
Special canyoning ropes are attached to specially mounted anchorages and you independently tie into this rope. Of course, you have previously learned the technique in a relaxed environment. You carefully sit down in the harness and as you now let the rope slowly slide through your hand, your abseil begins along the waterfall that accompanies you on your way down. The technique is the same no matter which of the top 5 canyons we are in. A great experience.
If the crystal clear pools, washed out of the rock at the base of many waterfalls, are deep enough, then exciting jumps from a height of several meters are also possible. The refreshing jump into the cool water usually costs a little overcoming, but you'll be even happier when you watch the videos later. Of course, jumps are never obligatory. In several gorges from our "the best" list, great experiences are guaranteed.
One of the best of experiences in canyoning is swimming in clear, cool water, which flows comfortably between high rock walls. You feel very close to nature, a dream come true. Enjoy a landscape that only reveals itself to the few canyoneers, because most of the canyons re far away from the regular hiking routes. And even further from civilization. Often they are hidden gems discovered by chance.
