Madeira’s Nuns Valley pulls you into motion fast. I like the mix of real adventure (rappels up to 15 meters, plus optional big jumps and waterfall moments) with safety-first guiding. I also like that you show up to CR7 Museum and the day is handled for you: transfer, equipment, snack, photos, and insurance are included. One thing to consider: you should be ready for rocky climbing and full immersion in cold mountain pools, and wet-suit footwear may run on the smaller side (one group noted max around UK 11.5), so larger feet should plan ahead.

This is canyoning Level 2, aimed at people who want more than an easy taster. You’ll walk about 20 minutes along a dirt road and a Levada before the canyon work starts, and you’ll be in the hands of guides like José, Bruno, and Miguel, who focus on rules and confidence as much as the adrenaline.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel in Nuns Valley

• Up to 15-meter rappels in an intermediate Level 2 canyon route
• Optional jumps and slides into refreshing pools, with choices during the run
• Mountain views all day, starting from the approach along a Levada
• Small group size (max 10) for a more personal, less chaotic experience
• Photos included, so you can relax during the fun parts instead of documenting

Madeira’s Nuns Valley: What Level 2 Canyoning Really Means

Canyoning in Madeira is not about standing still and taking pictures. Even at Level 2, you’re moving through water, rocks, and drops, with enough vertical moments to satisfy your inner daredevil without turning the day into a hardcore technical expedition.

Level 2 is described as intermediate and made for people who want to get out of their comfort zone. Practically, that means you should be comfortable with the idea that you’ll be climbing over uneven rocks and boulders, not just walking on a paved path. It also means you should not stress about getting fully wet. One of the most consistent themes in the experience is full immersion in mountain streams and pools, plus the fact that the wetsuit setup helps, but it’s still water time.

The route also leans into choice. Big jumps and bigger waterfall moments can be part of the day if you’re up for it, but you’re not forced into the most intense option on every obstacle. That flexible approach is a big part of why Level 2 works for a wider range of “adventurous but not reckless” people.

Finally, the canyon includes multiple rappels, with the highest drop listed at 15 meters. That height is a satisfying target: high enough to feel real, but still squarely in the territory where guides can keep the pace controlled and safety checks routine.

Route Overview: From CR7 Museum to Curral das Freiras

Your day starts at CR7 Museum in Funchal, at 9:00 am. From there, you’ll travel with the group as transfer is included, which matters more than it sounds. In Madeira, the best outdoor spots often aren’t right next to where you’re staying, and having transport handled keeps the morning from turning into a parking search.

Once you reach the start area near Curral das Freiras, the adventure shifts from logistics to hiking. You walk about 20 minutes along a dirt road and then along a Levada. A Levada is Madeira’s signature water channel system, and walking beside it is a nice pre-canyon warm-up. It gives you time to get your bearings and adjust mentally: this isn’t just a sudden descent. It’s a steady build from trail to technique.

Curral das Freiras is also a scenic setting for that buildup. You’ll already notice the mountain feel before the first drop, and that matters because the views are part of the experience, not just a background extra. The canyoning route keeps those surroundings in your line of sight when you’re pausing between obstacles or regrouping with your guide.

The stop is simple—this is not a multi-stop city tour. You’re essentially doing one main adventure in a single block of time, with the walk and then the canyon action doing the heavy lifting.

The Canyon Work: Rappels, Pool Jumps, and the Optional Adrenaline

This is where the day earns its name. The canyon has various rappels, and the highest is listed at 15 meters. Rappels change your perspective fast. Instead of stepping around obstacles, you’re controlling your descent, one decision at a time—hands, harness position, and guide instructions. For Level 2, the goal is to make you feel capable, not to overwhelm.

Between rappel moments, the route includes water features—refreshing pools where jumps and slides may be available. What I like about this setup is that it turns canyoning into something interactive. You’re not just lowering yourself; you’re also asked to choose your comfort level for each pool entry. If you want to go big, you can. If you’d rather take the more controlled option, you still keep moving and keep the momentum of the day.

Water adds a practical twist. Even with the wetsuit, you should expect cold-water immersion and slippery surfaces. One of the key considerations for this activity is that you’ll clamber over rock and boulder sections. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does mean you should feel reasonably steady on your feet before you arrive.

You also get the best kind of motivation: views. The canyoning run is described as consistently paired with beautiful mountain scenery. That might sound like a nice-to-have, but it actually helps your brain during the harder parts. When you’re waiting your turn at a rappel point, you’re not staring at a wall—you’re looking outward at Madeira’s terrain, and it makes the whole experience feel less like a task and more like an outdoor adventure.

Guides and Safety: José, Bruno, and Miguel’s Role in Your Confidence

In a sport like canyoning, safety isn’t only gear—it’s how the day is taught. The guide team for this kind of experience is consistently praised for explaining rules and procedures in a way that makes you feel secure.

Guides named in past groups include José and Bruno, and Miguel also appears as a leader for Level 2 canyon days. The pattern is consistent: professional instruction paired with humor and an upbeat tone. That combo matters because canyoning is mentally demanding. You can have all the equipment in the world and still hesitate if you feel confused.

You should expect a clear safety rhythm: gear gets checked, rules get explained, and you follow the group flow from one obstacle to the next. You’re not left to figure it out on your own. The best part is that guides can adjust the route to match your skills. So if you’re cautious on one obstacle, you’re still guided toward a path that keeps the day fun and safe, not rigid.

One more practical point: group size helps. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re more likely to get individualized attention during transitions—where you clip in, when you move across rocks, and how you prepare for each rappel or jump.

Gear, Photos, and Included Extras: The Value Stuff You’ll Appreciate

What makes this experience feel like good value is not just the canyon. It’s what you don’t have to manage yourself.

The experience includes:

• all equipment needed
• transfer
• snack
• photos
• insurance
• a guide

That list is a big deal for a short, action-heavy tour. Equipment can be one of the biggest unknowns when you book outdoor activities abroad. Here, you don’t have to hunt rentals or second-guess whether you’ll get the right setup. You also don’t have to plan meals in the middle of the day, since a snack is included. And photos being included removes one common distraction: you’re not trying to film while doing something risky.

It’s also worth noting what is not included: lunch. If you want a full day meal plan, you’ll need to eat separately before or after the activity.

The tour also offers a mobile ticket, and it’s conducted in English. If you’re traveling with a mix of confidence levels in the language, that’s a relief. Clear instructions are essential in canyoning, so being able to understand the guide without wrestling with translation helps.

If you care about having proof of the day, the built-in photo coverage is a practical win. You’ll get shots from the moments that actually matter, while you’re busy focusing on your footing and the next rappel.

Timing and Physical Readiness for Level 2

This activity runs about 4 hours. For a canyoning day, that’s a sweet spot: long enough for multiple rappels and pool features, but short enough that it doesn’t swallow your entire Madeira day.

You should aim for moderate physical fitness. That’s not a formal medical label, but the experience description and safety feedback point to real-world demands:

• clambering over rocks and boulders
• coping with wet, slippery surfaces
• staying comfortable with water immersion
• following instructions quickly during transitions

A common concern is how footwear sizing will work. One person in a past group highlighted that wet-suit shoes may not go beyond about UK 11.5, which affected their son’s participation choices. That’s a good example of why you should consider your shoe size early. If you’re at the high end, contact the provider before booking so you’re not stuck with an awkward last-minute limitation.

On the positive side, Level 2 is positioned as doable for adventurous people who want real action, not just a supervised walk. The guides can adjust parts of the route based on skills, which makes the day feel more like guided progression than a single fixed obstacle course.

Weather in Madeira: How Your Day Can Shift

Canyoning is weather-dependent. The experience requires good weather, and if the conditions aren’t safe, your booking can be adjusted. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

This is important practical advice for planning your Madeira itinerary. Don’t schedule canyoning as your one-and-only outdoor activity on a day when your plans are already locked. Build in flexibility. Madeira weather can be changeable, and canyon routes need specific conditions to keep the run controlled.

The provider also notes confirmation is received at time of booking, which is useful if you like knowing the date details up front.

Should You Book Canyoning Level 2 at Nuns Valley?

Book it if you want a genuine Madeira adventure that’s more active than sightseeing, and you’re ready for water, ropes, rocks, and a little fearless joy. This Level 2 run is a good fit if:

• you’re comfortable with getting fully wet and moving over uneven ground
• you want 15-meter rappel excitement without it being framed as an extreme technical challenge
• you prefer smaller groups (max 10) and guided instruction that keeps you confident
• you like the idea of optional jumps and slides, where you can choose your level of bravery

Skip it or ask extra questions first if you have concerns about wet-suit shoe sizing or you’re not comfortable with full immersion in cold mountain pools. Also consider your comfort with physical effort: you will clamber over substantial rocks and boulders.

Overall, this is a solid booking for travelers who want a memorable, active half-day in Madeira that includes the gear, transport, safety support, and even photos—so you can focus on the canyon, not the admin.

FAQ

Where does the canyoning tour start?

The tour starts at CR7 Museum, Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro 27, São Martinho, 9004-518 Funchal, Portugal.

What time does the activity begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the canyoning experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is this Level 2 canyoning suitable for everyone?

It’s described as intermediate Level 2, suitable for people with moderate physical fitness. You should be ready for rock/boulder clambering and full immersion in streams and pools.

What’s included in the price?

Included are all equipment needed, transfer, snack, photos, insurance, and the guide.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included.