High Canyoning: Medium-High Level Canyoning Tour

If you’re seeking an adventure that pushes your limits while showcasing some of the Azores’ most stunning landscapes, the High Canyoning tour by Vertic Rope Access offers exactly that. This experience is designed for those with some prior canyoning experience or fit adventurers eager to take on a demanding, technical challenge.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the massive waterfalls over 40 meters that are both exhilarating and breathtaking. Second, the technical slides and exposed terrain provide a true test of your skills and physical endurance. Third, the expert guides, like Carlos and Marco, who keep safety front and center while making the experience fun and engaging.

A key consideration? This isn’t a beginner’s activity—it requires good physical condition and some canyoning background. If you’re after a relaxed day, this might be too intense, but if you’re craving a true adrenaline rush, it’s perfect.

This tour is best suited for thrill-seekers, experienced canyoners, or those looking to challenge themselves in a wild, natural setting.

Key Points

• Challenging terrain designed for adventure lovers with some canyoning experience
• Long waterfalls over 40 meters that are safely rappelled with multi-anchor techniques
• Technical skills required for slides, jumps, and navigating exposed areas
• Expert guides (Carlos and Marco) who add humor, insights, and safety assurance
• Photos included to capture every adrenaline-filled moment
• Small-group format ensures personalized support and safety

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Azores’ Most Demanding Canyon

The High Canyoning tour offers a full-day adventure that begins with setting up your gear and a detailed safety briefing. Guides will walk you through advanced rope techniques, signals, and canyon behavior, making sure everyone is comfortable before you head into the wild. Expect a scenic hike to reach the start of the canyon, where the true challenge begins.

Once inside, you’ll encounter massive waterfalls, some reaching over 40 meters, which you will rappel down using multi-anchor techniques. These descents are the highlight for many, offering moments of pure thrill and accomplishment. The guides emphasize safety, especially during these long rappels, with expert support to ensure your confidence and safety.

The canyon itself is a marvel—slippery, exposed, and full of surprises. You will navigate steep, narrow chutes, slide through natural formations, and have the option to perform high jumps, adding an extra layer of adrenaline. As one reviewer, Stephane, mentioned, “Carlos and Marco were fantastic. Great humor, exciting moments, interesting insights about the local flora, and plenty of surprises.”

The total activity lasts between 4 to 5 hours, with roughly up to 3 hours spent in the canyon, making it a substantial experience without feeling rushed. With a small-group setting, you’ll receive plenty of technical support, making this a safe yet intense adventure.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Gear Setup and Safety Briefing

Your day kicks off with an in-depth safety talk and gear preparation. Expect to be fitted with wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, canyoning boots, and other technical equipment. Guides will review advanced safety techniques, signals, and expectations, ensuring you’re fully prepared to face the terrain.

Scenic Hike and Entry into the Canyon

After gear check, a scenic hike leads you into the canyon’s entrance. This part offers a chance to appreciate the landscape and get mentally ready for the physical challenge. The guides’ insights about the local flora and geology add a layer of educational interest.

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Rappelling and technical navigation

The main event involves rappelling down waterfalls that are often over 40 meters high. Expect to use multi-anchor techniques to descend safely. The experience is demanding but incredibly rewarding, with clear safety measures in place. You’ll love the way the water crashes around you, creating a feeling of being surrounded by natural power.

Slopes, jumps, and slides

Following the rappels, you’ll navigate narrow chutes and exposed sections. There’s also the option of performing high jumps, which can be tailored to your comfort level. The technical slides will test your agility but are designed to be safe with expert supervision. Some slides are steep and natural, adding to the thrill.

Exiting the canyon and reflection

After several hours of action, you’ll hike back out, often with a sense of accomplishment and a camera roll full of epic moments. The photos included in the tour package help preserve your memories of a day well spent.

Taking a Closer Look at the Value

At $164 per person, this tour offers good value considering the experienced guides, technical gear, insurance, and photo package included. The level of safety and support provided allows adventurous travelers to push their limits without undue worry.

Compared to other adventure activities, this canyoning experience provides a rare mix: technical difficulty, natural beauty, and expert instruction. It’s a solid choice for those who want more than a typical canyoning trip and are prepared for a physically demanding day.

The inclusion of photos is particularly appreciated—as you’ll want to remember those moments of adrenaline and awe. The small-group setup ensures that everyone gets individual attention, making it safer and more personalized than large tour groups.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re an experienced canyoner, this tour will challenge your skills and stamina while immersing you in the Azores’ stunning natural landscapes. You’ll love the way guides like Carlos and Marco keep safety tight yet add humor and insights along the way. The massive waterfalls and technical features will satisfy adrenaline junkies looking for a high-level activity.

For travelers with some canyoning background, this experience offers a perfect mix of technical difficulty and scenic beauty. It’s especially ideal if you’re seeking an active day that combines physical challenge with the chance to explore remote, pristine environments.

However, if you’re new to canyoning or prefer a more relaxed adventure, this might be too demanding. The tour’s emphasis on safety and technical support makes it unsuitable for complete beginners without prior experience.

In brief, this canyoning expedition delivers excitement, safety, and breathtaking scenery, making it a highlight for those ready to push their limits and explore the Azores in a truly adventurous way.

FAQ

Do I need prior canyoning experience?
Yes, some canyoning experience or good physical condition is recommended, as this tour features challenging terrain and technical descents.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers all technical gear, insurance, a safety briefing, and photos. Guides are certified, and support is personalized.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 4 to 5 hours in total, with around 3 hours spent in the canyon itself.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, all technical gear such as wetsuits, harnesses, helmets, and canyoning boots are provided. You should bring a swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes for after.

Is transportation included?
Not unless arranged separately. You may need to organize your own transport to the canyon.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, the High Canyoning tour in the Azores offers a superb combination of technical challenge, scenic beauty, and expert guidance. It’s perfect for seasoned adventure seekers who want to experience some of the most demanding and rewarding canyoning in Portugal. Expect waterfalls over 40 meters, steep slides, and exhilarating jumps—all in a pristine natural setting. If you’re ready for a day that tests your limits and fills your camera with unforgettable moments, this tour will not disappoint.

You can check availability for your dates here: