High Canyoning: Medium-High Level Canyoning Tour

If you’re craving an adventure that tests your physical limits and fills your camera roll with awe-inspiring scenery, the High Canyoning tour in the Azores might just be what you need. While we haven’t personally strapped into the harness, the detailed descriptions and glowing reviews paint a vivid picture of a challenging, exhilarating experience designed for those with a passion for adventure and some prior canyoning experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it involves rappelling down waterfalls over 40 meters high—a true adrenaline rush. Second, it offers technical slides and demanding terrain that will push your skills and endurance. Third, the stunning, untouched canyon scenery ensures every moment is visually spectacular. That said, it’s not suited for absolute beginners or anyone with limited physical fitness, as the activity is physically demanding and technically complex.

The High Canyoning tour is best suited for adventure lovers who already have some canyoning experience or are confident in their physical condition. If you’re looking for a serious outdoor challenge with safety and expert guidance at the forefront, this is a top contender.

Good To Know

• Challenging terrain: Massive waterfalls, technical slides, and exposed areas make this an adventure for experienced canyoners.
• Expert guides: Guides are certified (ICA) and provide a detailed safety briefing, ensuring safety in demanding conditions.
• Included photos: Capture every epic moment—valuable memories that you can re-live long after the canyon adventure.
• Group size: Small groups (up to 8 participants) allow for personalized support and attention.
• All gear included: Wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, and technical gear are provided, making the experience hassle-free.
• Good value: At $164 per person, considering the technical challenge, safety measures, and included photos, it offers solid value for adrenaline junkies.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This medium-high level canyoning tour in the Azores is meticulously designed for those who seek a serious outdoor challenge. Starting early, you’ll meet your guides—professionals from Vertic Rope Access—who will equip you with all the necessary gear: wetsuits, socks, harnesses, helmets, descenders, and canyoning boots. The full gear setup is quick, but crucial, as it prepares you for the technical nature of the activity.

The safety briefing is comprehensive, focusing on advanced rope techniques, signals, and canyon behavior. While no certification is required, some prior canyoning experience is recommended, highlighting that this isn’t a beginner’s trip. As you gear up, you’ll notice the guides’ attention to detail—this isn’t just about fun but about ensuring safety at every step.

Your adventure begins with a scenic hike into a deep, isolated canyon, away from crowds. Once inside, the real excitement begins. You’ll rappel down waterfalls that tower over 40 meters, using multi-anchor techniques that require concentration and trust in your guide’s instructions. Here, the guides like Carlos and Marco—for whom the reviewer has high praise—offer encouragement, technical support, and some light-hearted humor, making the experience both safe and enjoyable.

Expect to navigate slippery, exposed terrain, perform optional high jumps into pools, and slide through narrow rock chutes. The technical slides are steep and require focus, but with the guidance, you’ll find yourself able to handle these natural water slides with confidence. Many reviewers, including one who called the experience “absolutely amazing,” appreciated the professionalism and enthusiasm of the guides, as well as the stunning scenery.

The tour lasts between 4 to 5 hours, with about 3 hours spent actively canyoning. The small group size ensures that each participant receives close attention, which is especially important given the demanding nature of the route. Photos are included, so you’ll have plenty of photos to remember the adrenaline rush and the breathtaking surroundings.

What to Expect in Detail

The journey begins with a safety and technical briefing that covers ropes, signals, and canyoning techniques—crucial for managing the more challenging sections. The hike into the canyon is scenic, offering views of the lush Azorean landscape, helping build anticipation for what’s ahead.

Once inside the canyon, the adrenaline kicks in. Rappelling down waterfalls over 40 meters high is the highlight, giving you a real sense of achievement and a view that makes every drop worth it. The technical slides and narrow chutes are designed for those comfortable with heights and slippery surfaces, so if you’re not confident in your physical fitness or prior experience, this might not be the best fit.

Exposed terrain features keep you alert, and optional high jumps add an extra thrill—these are not mandatory but add to the fun for those seeking more adrenaline. Throughout, the guides are attentive, ensuring each move is safe and supported.

The Value of the Tour

At $164 per person, the cost might seem high compared to more casual outdoor activities, but when considering the technical difficulty, safety measures, expert guides, gear, insurance, and photos included, it offers excellent value for thrill-seekers. The tour is tailored to group paces, which means you won’t feel rushed or left behind, and the support from guides ensures you’re in capable hands.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers with prior canyoning experience or those physically fit and comfortable with heights and technical terrain. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers who want to go beyond basic canyoning and challenge themselves in a remote, scenic setting. The inclusion of photos and the small group size add to its appeal, making it a memorable and personalized adventure.

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FAQs

Do I need to have previous canyoning experience?
While no certification is required, some prior canyoning experience is recommended due to the technical and demanding nature of the route.

How physically demanding is this tour?
It’s quite challenging, involving rappels, technical slides, and exposed terrain. Good physical condition is important to fully enjoy and handle the activity.

Are all safety gear provided?
Yes, all technical gear including wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and boots are supplied, along with safety briefings.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Photos are included in the package, so you can focus on the adventure while your guides capture your epic moments.

What should I bring?
You’ll need a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes for after, and perhaps some snacks or water—though these aren’t included. Transportation to the canyon is also not included unless arranged.

Is this suitable for children or beginners?
Given the technical difficulty and physical demands, it’s best suited for experienced canyoners or confident, fit individuals. It’s not recommended for complete beginners or children.

Final Thoughts

The High Canyoning tour in the Azores offers a unique blend of technical challenge, stunning scenery, and expert guidance. It’s perfect for travelers who have previous canyoning experience or those eager to test their limits in a remote, wild setting. The inclusion of professional guides, safety gear, and photos ensures a smooth, memorable experience worth every penny.

While it’s not an activity for the faint of heart or complete beginners, those with the right mindset and fitness levels will find it an exhilarating, rewarding adventure. It’s a chance to explore some of the Azores’ most demanding natural features, pushing your abilities while surrounded by breathtaking views.

If you’re after a serious outdoor challenge and love the idea of rappelling waterfalls and navigating steep natural chutes, this tour offers genuine value and unforgettable moments. Just be ready for a full day of adventure that will leave you craving more—and possibly planning your next canyoning trip before you even leave!

You can check if your dates are available here: