Full-day Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park, Azores

You may think the ocean is the only way to enjoy water on an island. However, the flowing streams in Ribeiro dos Caldeiroes Natural Park provide a canyoning excursion full of jumps, abseils, and slides. Spend the entire day exploring Sao Miguel’s lush park overflowing with green.

The 40-minute drive from the meeting point brings you to the north coast, where you begin to see high volcanic rocks and wide green fields. The park’s high position offers spectacular views over high cliffs and diverse trees. You can also see the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana, a grower of black and green teas since 1883. 

Once you receive your equipment and a safety briefing, you head off towards the starting point. The 20-minute walk through the park leads you through the park’s sloping hill of ferns, cedar trees, and laurissilva. You also pass one of the park’s five water mills, some dating back to the 16th century.

Once you arrive at the stream, the adventure begins. Zip down rock slides naturally carved out by flowing water, and jump from high rocks for an adrenaline kick. When you encounter greater heights, like flowing waterfalls, you abseil down the rock wall safely into the water. The highest waterfall along the way is 8 m (26 ft) and the highest jump is 5 m (17 ft). 

After a couple hours of canyoning, the group breaks for a small lunch among the thick forest. Take in the gorgeous surroundings and get ready for the rest of the journey. The second half brings more leaping, more swimming, and even a streaming 10 m (33 ft) waterfall.

Fill your day with the dynamic streams and waterfalls through bright green forests of Ribeiro dos Caldeiroes Natural Park. Jump into Sao Miguel’s untouched nature and leave with the fresh forest air in your lungs and a smile on your face.