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Azores: Ribeira da Salga Canyoning Adventure offers a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of São Miguel, Portugal. Priced at $108 per person, this tour provides both half-day and full-day options, lasting 4 to 5.5 hours. Located on the north coast of São Miguel, in Lomba de São Pedro and Ribeira das Coelhas, the adventure immerses participants in the island’s lush streams, waterfalls, and rugged terrain.
With a rating of 5 out of 5 from 35 reviews, this canyoning experience is highly praised for its friendly guides, well-maintained equipment, and stunning scenery. It suits a variety of skill levels, including beginners and those eager for a challenge. The tour is especially appealing to those who want adrenaline, nature, and safety wrapped into one memorable outdoor activity.
Key Points
- Two tour options: a half-day Salga Explorer and a full-day Ribeira das Coelhas Adventure.
- Activities include: jumps up to 6 meters, rappels up to 20 meters, zipline, and a scenic hike.
- All necessary equipment: harnesses, wetsuits, helmets, and boots are provided.
- Guides are licensed and attentive, with a focus on safety and fun.
- Free photos and videos are included, so you don’t need to bring your own camera.
- Suitable for all ages and good physical condition, but not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or heart problems.
Starting Points and Duration of the Canyoning Tours
The half-day Salga Explorer begins in Lomba de São Pedro, about 45 minutes from Ponta Delgada. It involves a short 10-minute hike to the safety briefing and the start of the canyoning route. This tour typically lasts around 4 hours and ends with a 30-minute hike back to the starting point.
The full-day Ribeira das Coelhas Adventure takes place in Salga’s Ribeira das Coelhas, roughly 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada. It features a 20-minute hike into the stream, followed by more extensive canyoning with optional jumps from 2 to 6 meters and rappels from 4 to 20 meters. The full-day tour also ends with a 30-minute ascent back to the starting point.
Both options include pick-up and drop-off in the full-day tour, but the exact meeting points depend on the booked option.
Planning more time in Sao Miguel Island? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What the Canyoning Itinerary Looks Like in São Miguel
At the start, participants receive all necessary equipment, which includes harnesses, wetsuits, helmets, and boots. The safety briefing occurs shortly after arriving at the site, ensuring everyone understands the activities and safety procedures.
The Salga Explorer route features several optional jumps, ranging from 2 to 4 meters, with some jumping from heights of up to 8-9 meters in the full-day adventure. Participants also get to try a zipline and experience two rappels of 10 and 14 meters.
The Ribeira das Coelhas route allows for more jumps, from 2 to 6 meters, and more challenging rappels between 4 and 20 meters. The guides demonstrate each rappel practically, so everyone can feel confident before proceeding.
After the canyoning, a scenic hike through the lush forests or riverside trails provides a beautiful ending to the day, leaving participants with a sense of connection to São Miguel’s wild side.
Locations: Lomba de São Pedro and Ribeira das Coelhas
The Lomba de São Pedro area, hosting the half-day tour, offers a short walk to the canyon’s entrance, surrounded by verdant forests and flowing streams. This location is ideal for those seeking a compact, intense experience with plenty of jumps and rappels.
Ribeira das Coelhas, the site for the full-day tour, provides a more expansive canyoning experience, with a broader variety of jumps and rappels, and more time to enjoy the stunning scenery. It is a bit more remote, but easily reached within 50 minutes from Ponta Delgada.
Both locations showcase the untouched beauty of São Miguel, with lush greenery, waterfalls, and clear streams making every moment visually striking.
Physical Requirements and Suitability
Participants should be in good health and physical shape. The tour involves walking on uneven terrain, muddy slopes, and small uphill and downhill scrambles. While swimming is not required, participants must be comfortable with high, unstable terrain.
It is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or heart problems. The tour caters well to beginners, with guides providing support and demonstrating techniques to ensure safety and confidence.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat Makes This Tour Stand Out
The friendly, licensed guides play a crucial role in making this adventure enjoyable and safe. Based on positive reviews, the guides are knowledgeable, attentive, and engaging, ensuring that everyone feels confident during jumps, rappels, and ziplining.
The equipment is described as safe and well-maintained, and the photos and videos included allow participants to relive their adrenaline-filled moments without concern about bringing their own camera.
The stunning natural scenery—from lush forests to flowing waterfalls—creates a memorable backdrop for this canyoning adventure. The tour is also flexible, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later.
Final Highlights and Recommendations
This canyoning experience is a solid choice for those looking for an exciting outdoor activity that combines adventure, nature, and safety. The full-day tour offers a more extensive exploration of São Miguel’s streams and waterfalls, while the half-day is perfect for a quick, adrenaline-packed outing.
While the tour is accessible to beginners, a good level of physical fitness helps make the most of the experience. The inclusion of free photos and videos adds extra value, and the small group size ensures personalized attention from guides.
Overall, the Azores Ribeira da Salga Canyoning Adventure provides a unique, active way to experience the island’s wild side, with excellent reviews backing its quality and safety.
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Azores: Ribeira da Salga Canyoning Adventure
“A fantastic day (and a lovely way to spend a birthday). I have gone canyoneering before, and this trip was quite different. There is far less rappe…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
The activity is ideal for all ages and beginners, but participants should be in good physical condition. Very young children may not meet the physical requirements.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No, swimming skills are not required as life jackets are not used; instead, participants wear wet suits.
What equipment is included?
All canyoning gear—including harnesses, wetsuits, helmets, socks, and boots—is provided and maintained for safety.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later.
How long does the tour last?
The half-day version lasts about 4 hours, while the full-day tour extends to around 5.5 hours including hiking.
Where does the tour begin?
The meeting points vary depending on the chosen option but generally start at the respective canyoning sites in São Miguel.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is included in the full-day tour if the pick-up and drop-off option is selected, but not necessarily in the half-day tour.
What should I bring?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a hair tie, and a reusable water bottle.
Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues or heart problems. Participants should not weigh more than 265 lbs (120 kg).
Is this activity available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English and Portuguese.
Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely—based on reviews, guides are knowledgeable, the scenery is breathtaking, and the adventure offers great value for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
