Winter canyoning in Madeira, 2026/2027
José da Câmara Santos, Madeira Canyoning Center · 21 October 2026 · 5 min read
We run canyoning in Madeira all year. From October to March is our winter season, and it looks a lot like summer: the same canyons, the same 8:30 start, the same levels. What changes is the water. It rains more, the water is colder, and there is a lot more of it running through the canyons.
“Winter is when I like canyoning most. Big waterfalls, a lot of water inside the canyon, and you feel the power of it. Even with the cold, it's more fun than summer.”
Do you run canyoning in winter?
Yes, every month. We run all three levels through the winter, five days a week. In December we run as normal, apart from the Christmas days, when the team takes time off with family.
Which canyons run in winter?
All of them, the same as in summer:
- Level 2: Ribeira do Cidrão, our beginner canyon.
- Level 3: Ribeira Funda (lower section). When it carries too much water, we move to Ribeira da Pedra Branca.
- Level 4: Ribeira do Vimieiro and Ribeira da Hortelã (lower section), in the north-west.
What's different about canyoning in winter?
- More water. The waterfalls are bigger and the canyon moves more. Jumps, slides and rappels all feel different with more flow.
- Smaller groups. Fewer visitors on the island means fewer people per tour.
- Colder water. We give you thicker suits for it (see below).
- More weather calls. Rain upstream changes the water level, so we check it every morning.
How cold is the water?
On the coldest days of the year the air can be around 10°C. In the Level 4 canyons the water can drop to about 5°C. Those canyons sit higher up and don't finish at the ocean, so they stay colder. The Level 2 and Level 3 canyons usually don't get that cold.
What gear do you give us in winter?
- 5 mm wetsuits with a hood.
- 3 mm neoprene socks.
- Jackets when needed, mostly on Level 4.
- Harness, helmet and canyoning shoes, as on every tour.
If someone in the group is smaller or gets cold easily, we keep a closer eye on them and change how we move through the canyon: fewer waits in the water and more time moving. That's how we keep winter tours open to everyone.
What should I bring?
- Swimwear for under the wetsuit.
- Closed shoes for the walk in.
- Dry, warm clothes and a towel for after.
- A waterproof jacket.
- Some snacks.
What if it rains?
Rain on its own doesn't stop a tour: you're getting wet anyway. What matters is how much water is in the canyon. Before we start, the guides go up a bit early and check the water level, because that is the group's safety. Then we decide:
- Go ahead as planned.
- Switch to our second canyon (on Level 3, Pedra Branca instead of Ribeira Funda).
- Move the tour to the afternoon.
- Move it to another day, or give you a full refund.
Cancelling for too much water does happen, but it isn't common. If we cancel, you choose between a new date and a full refund.
Who is winter canyoning for?
Anyone who would go in summer. There's no need to wait for warmer months: we adapt the day to the group. Children follow the same age rules as in summer (10+ on Level 2, 12+ on Level 3, 18+ on Level 4).
Prices and group size in winter
Prices are the same as in summer. The minimum group size in winter is 2 people. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour still applies.