Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira das Cales I
Beginner · v2a2 I
Ribeira das Cales I is the perfect introduction to canyoning in Madeira, offering a gentle level 2 experience ideal for beginners and families. This popular Madeira canyoning tour is located just outside Funchal, featuring 5 rappels with a maximum height of just 12 meters - perfect for first-time canyoneers. The 850-meter route winds through beautiful laurisilva forest with refreshing natural pools. No prior experience needed for this beginner canyoning Madeira adventure. Our certified guides provide all training and equipment, with easy transport from Funchal hotels included.
Difficulty
v2a2 I
Based on v-grade scale
Location
Funchal
Max waterfall
12 m
Min rope
12 m
Rappels
5
Length
850 m
Recommended level
Beginner
Official technical sheet
Detailed data, history and technical notes are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira on the Canyons da Madeira website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about canyoning in this canyon
Whether this canyon is suitable for beginners depends on its difficulty rating. V2 canyons are generally beginner-friendly with professional guidance, V3 canyons require moderate fitness and some comfort with heights, while V4+ canyons are for experienced canyoneers only. Check the difficulty rating above and contact us for a personalized assessment. We'll match you with the right canyon for your experience level and ensure you have a safe, enjoyable adventure with proper equipment and expert guidance.
All guided canyoning tours include a certified professional guide, full technical equipment (wetsuit, helmet, harness, ropes), safety briefing and instruction, accident insurance, and transport to/from the canyon when needed. Your guide will assess water conditions, provide route information, teach rappelling techniques, and ensure group safety throughout the descent. Some tours also include photos/videos of your adventure. You only need to bring swimwear, towel, water, and appropriate footwear.
Canyon descent times vary significantly based on difficulty level, group size, water conditions, and experience level. Beginner canyons (V2) typically take 2-3 hours, intermediate canyons (V3) take 3-4 hours, and advanced canyons (V4+) can take 4-6 hours or more. Total tour duration including approach, equipment preparation, safety briefing, and return transport is usually 4-7 hours. We'll provide specific timing when you book and always allow buffer time for safe, enjoyable progression.
Physical requirements vary by canyon difficulty. All participants should be able to swim, have reasonable fitness for hiking and climbing, and be comfortable spending several hours in water. Beginner canyons require basic mobility and moderate fitness. Intermediate canyons need good cardiovascular fitness, comfort with heights, and ability to handle moderate physical challenges. Advanced canyons demand excellent fitness, previous canyoning experience, and comfort with technical rappelling and exposure. Contact us for a detailed assessment based on your abilities.
Canyon suitability for children depends on difficulty level, individual child's abilities, and water conditions. Lower-grade canyons (V2-V3) can accommodate children aged 10+ with good swimming ability and appropriate comfort levels, always under professional supervision. Each child is different - some are comfortable with heights and adventure sports while others aren't ready. We assess each case individually, prioritizing safety while ensuring an enjoyable experience. Contact us to discuss your child's abilities and we'll recommend the most suitable canyon.
Safety is our absolute priority. We monitor weather forecasts, rainfall, and water levels continuously before and during tours. If conditions are deemed unsafe (heavy rain, flash flood risk, high water flow, storms), we'll contact you to reschedule or provide a full refund. Light rain typically doesn't affect tours as you'll be wet anyway, but we never compromise on safety. Decisions are based on decades of local experience and real-time conditions. We always err on the side of caution to ensure your safety.
Official technical canyon sheets with detailed topographic data, approach routes, rappel specifications, historical notes, and comprehensive technical information are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira through the Canyons da Madeira project. These authoritative resources are essential for technical planning and independent descents. Click the 'View official page' button above to access the complete technical documentation. Our role is to provide guided tours and safety support, not to replace official documentation.