Azores Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Baptism

When it comes to adventure travel, the Azores deliver in spades—volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and wild waterfalls create an environment perfect for outdoor explorers. The Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Baptism offers a fantastic introduction to canyoning, especially suited for first-timers eager to experience nature’s playground without prior skills. While the tour lasts a manageable three hours, it packs in enough excitement and scenic beauty to leave a lasting impression.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the guides are professional and attentive, ensuring your safety while making the whole process feel relaxed and fun. Second, the stunning views of waterfalls and volcanic formations make every moment picture-worthy. Lastly, the small group size (limited to 10 participants) means more personalized attention and fewer crowds—ideal for those wanting a more intimate adventure. That said, it’s worth considering that the activity’s physical demands and safety restrictions may not suit everyone, especially those with back or heart issues, pregnant women, or recent surgery recoveries. This tour suits travelers who crave authentic outdoor fun with an emphasis on natural beauty and safety.

• No experience needed: Perfect for beginners and adventure seekers alike.
• Stunning scenery: Waterfalls, volcanic formations, geothermal hot springs, and lush forests.
• Small group: Ensures personalized guidance and minimizes environmental impact.
• All necessary gear included: Wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and boots.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times.
• Family-friendly: Minimum age is 10, with a weight limit of 120 kg.

This tour stands out because it offers a balanced combination of adventure, safety, and scenery. It’s a great option for those new to canyoning who want to test the waters without feeling overwhelmed. The professional guides from GO WILD AZORES ADVENTURES are well-regarded for their friendly, reassuring approach, which enhances the experience even for first-timers.

The activity begins at the Baloiço da Matriz, a scenic spot with panoramic views that set the tone for what’s ahead. From there, you’ll head to the Salto do Cabrito canyon, where the real fun begins. Expect to rappel down waterfalls, take optional jumps into pristine pools, and explore volcanic caves—a true taste of Azores’ rugged beauty.

Meeting Point and Preparation

Your adventure kicks off at the Baloiço da Matriz, a popular lookout spot with sweeping vistas. Here, guides will greet you, and you’ll be fitted with top-quality equipment. Expect a safety briefing that covers how to handle your gear and what to do in case of uncertainties. Since small groups are maintained, you’ll receive personalized attention, and the guides can tailor the experience based on your comfort level.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Into the Canyon: Rappelling and Water Play

Once geared up, you’ll follow a short walk to the canyon start point. The core activity involves rappelling alongside waterfalls, which is both exhilarating and visually stunning. The guides will be with you every step of the way, making sure your technique is sound and that you’re comfortable with the process. For those eager to add a bit of adrenaline, optional jumps into deep natural pools are available—though you can skip these if you prefer a more cautious approach.

The appearance of hot springs along the route adds a special touch, offering geothermal waters surfacing naturally inside the canyon. These hidden features make the route feel like a treasure hunt through volcanic terrain, and the guides often share insights about the geology and volcanic history of the area.

Exploring Hidden Features

Beyond waterfalls and pools, you’ll encounter small caves tucked within volcanic walls, adding an element of discovery. The volcanic landscape is rugged and dramatic, with layers of lava rocks and lush greenery providing a stark contrast to the blue waters.

Scenic Return Hike

After the canyoning portion, you’ll enjoy a relaxed hike back through typical Azorean forest, passing geothermal areas and remnants of old hydroelectric facilities. This part of the journey offers a slower pace to appreciate the landscape, with plenty of opportunities for photos and soaking in the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

Multiple reviews highlight that the stunning views are a highlight, with many describing the waterfalls as “beautiful” and the volcanic scenery as “breathtaking.” One reviewer mentioned that guides like Luis and Rafael made them feel safe and confident, even if they had no prior experience.

Participants love the feeling of conquering waterfalls and the sense of achievement after completing each rappel—even if they were initially nervous. Many also appreciate the small group size, which fosters a friendly atmosphere and allows guides to give detailed instructions and support.

Some travelers noted that the activity is physically demanding, especially the hike back, though not overly strenuous. It’s important to be in good health and have a decent level of physical fitness to enjoy the full experience comfortably.

This 3-hour canyoning baptism is priced to reflect its value—a manageable timeframe packed with adventure. All necessary gear, including wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, and boots, is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything apart from swimwear, a towel, hair ties, and personal medication.

The tour is available in Portuguese and English, catering to a broad range of travelers. It’s limited to 10 people, ensuring a more personalized experience. The activity is suitable for ages 10 and up, with a weight limit of 120 kg (265 lbs) and a maximum waist circumference of 55 inches.

Transportation to and from the activity isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the meeting point at Baloiço da Matriz. This allows flexibility but also requires some planning on your part.

This canyoning baptism is ideal for adventure lovers who want a safe, guided introduction to canyoning amidst the stunning volcanic scenery of the Azores. It’s particularly well-suited for families with teens, first-time canyoners, and those who enjoy outdoor exploration without the pressure of previous experience.

It’s a fantastic way to combine physical activity with breathtaking nature, perfect for travelers who want to see a different side of São Miguel Island. If you’re after a memorable, active experience that’s both fun and scenic, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Baptism offers a well-balanced adventure for those seeking an authentic taste of Azores’ volcanic landscape. With professional guides ensuring safety and fun, stunning waterfalls and geothermal features as your backdrop, it’s a memorable way to explore São Miguel’s natural beauty. The small group size and inclusive approach make it accessible for newcomers while still rewarding for seasoned adventurers.

While the activity is physically engaging and requires a good health level, the breathtaking scenery and sense of achievement make it worth the effort. It’s a great option for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an active day immersed in nature.

Ultimately, this canyoning experience balances excitement with safety, scenic views with accessibility, making it a highlight for anyone wanting a genuine outdoor adventure in the Azores.

• Is prior canyoning experience necessary? No, this is a beginner-friendly tour, and no previous experience is needed.
• What should I bring? Bring swimwear, a towel, a hair tie, and personal medication.
• Are children allowed? Yes, the minimum age is 10 years old.
• What is the maximum weight limit? Participants can weigh up to 120 kg (265 lbs).
• Will I need transportation? No, transportation is not included; you need to get to the meeting point at Baloiço da Matriz.
• How long is the activity? The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, including safety briefings and transfers.
• Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with health issues? No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems, or recent surgeries.
• Are there hot springs along the route? Yes, geothermal waters surface naturally during the canyoning adventure.
• What languages are guides available in? Guides speak Portuguese and English.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This canyoning baptism offers a fantastic way to see the wild side of the Azores with safety, scenery, and fun at the forefront. Perfect for those looking to add a splash of adventure to their trip!

You can check availability for your dates here: