Canyoning in the Azores

Canyoning is an activity practiced in canyons or gorges that involves various sports techniques in a single experience. In this recreational activity, participants can marvel at stunning natural landscapes while descending canyons and overcoming various challenges along the way.

The Azores have shown great potential for the practice of canyoning and already have plenty of offerings and infrastructure prepared to welcome practitioners of this activity.

What is Canyoning?

Canyoning, also known as canyoneering, is a sport that basically consists of descending canyons and gorges.

This sport combines skills from different activities such as mountaineering, canoeing, and other so-called “white-water” sports.

The sportsman must ascend to the top of a specific canyon or gorge with the goal of reaching the end, using various techniques such as rappelling, jumps, slides, swimming, hiking, and everything necessary to complete the activity, depending on the obstacles presented by the explored canyon.

Canyoning originated in France and Spain and emerged in the late 1970s when “white-water” sports like rafting and canoeing also began to gain popularity.

This sport is highly dynamic and fosters a connection between humans and nature, and one of its main concepts is to minimize environmental impact while promoting a mutual and respectful exchange with nature.

Canyoning in the Azores

The fantastic nine islands of the Azores, located in the Atlantic Ocean, offer excellent conditions for canyoning, particularly on the islands of Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Santa Maria.

Each island features fabulous itineraries that are of great interest for tourism and sports, each with its own specific characteristics.

This sport arrived in the Azores in the early 1990s, and since then, it has attracted various enthusiasts and established locations ready to welcome it.

Currently, there are several open itineraries, many of which are already equipped. The offer for practicing this sport is significant across the islands, especially concerning the abundant natural beauty that adds a special touch to the descents.

Each island has its particularities for practicing canyoning; however, we can identify those with the best conditions:

Flores Island

Flores Island offers the most itineraries and diverse resources, providing more conditions and challenges for practitioners with its significant vertical drops.

São Jorge Island

São Jorge also has significant verticals for descents; however, it presents more complicated logistics, often requiring the use of boats for rescue.

São Miguel Island

On the other hand, São Miguel features more interior resources with fewer prominent canyons and gorges.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria has considerable verticality but shorter courses. In terms of Faial and Terceira, there isn’t much potential for canyoning, despite some interest.

Canyoning practitioners enjoy descending large mountains secured by a rope, navigating waterfalls, overcoming challenges, and relishing the spectacular landscapes of the islands.

Practicing canyoning is a way to gain a deeper understanding of the islands and enjoy everything that nature has to offer.

Necessary Equipment for Canyoning

Preparing for the sport requires prior knowledge of certain techniques, such as rappelling and swimming. The more knowledgeable you are about these techniques, the greater the success and lower the risks.

Having the appropriate equipment is essential for safely practicing canyoning. The equipment may vary depending on the specific characteristics of each location; some may require more gear than others, especially for safety reasons and in case a rescue is necessary. The companies that offer these services rent out the equipment needed for the sport.

Equipment List

The equipment ranges from individual to collective items, including:

• harness (a type of safety belt for climbing);
• whistle for communication;
• neoprene suit and jacket;
• boots;
• helmet;
• gloves;
• backpack;
• knife;
• ropes;
• hammers;
• first aid kit.

Other materials may also be necessary, such as:

• granola bars;
• isotonic drinks;
• sunscreen;
• sunglasses;
• camera (because it’s also worth capturing the beauty encountered along the way).

Care and Tips

The tourism activity of canyoning has grown and attracted many enthusiasts of nature and adventure sports. People drawn by the excitement and passion for exploring canyons are fueled by the adrenaline of the adventure and the new experience.

However, for practicing this sport, it is recommended to seek experienced, qualified companies/professionals with knowledge of the region and the canyons for guidance, rescue, and specific aspects of canyoning. Lack of familiarity with the region, inadequate equipment, and inexperience of the guide and the group can pose serious risks to practitioners, such as falling into the canyon, rockfalls, and even drowning.

During the sport, communication may become impaired due to the sounds caused by water and the surrounding nature; thus, alternative communication methods such as sign language and sound signals using a whistle can be utilized. It is also advisable to carry a mobile phone, although in some areas it may be challenging to find a signal, it can be very useful in specific situations, such as an accident.

Main Locations for Canyoning in the Azores

The Azores Archipelago generally presents excellent potential for canyoning. The islands of Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Santa Maria have the most potential for practicing this sport.

Places to Practice Canyoning on Flores Island

Flores Island offers a greater variety of itineraries and stunning landscapes, with over 40 prepared courses for canyoning, typically featuring breathtaking beauty and varying levels of difficulty.

There are routes suitable for more skilled technicians with more experience, as well as simpler courses for beginner and intermediate practitioners.

Places to Practice Canyoning on São Jorge Island

São Jorge Island is also ideal for nature and adventure tourism. Both on the northern and southern slopes of its eastern region, it has conditions for canyoning.

There is a wealth of waterways and waterfalls suitable for adventurous descents. Both Flores and São Jorge can be considered an ideal national and international destination for canyoning, given the number of canyons and waterfalls available.

On São Jorge Island, in 2014, there were already more than 25 equipped routes catering to all types of interests and practitioners, from the most independent to the most novice.

Places to Practice Canyoning on São Miguel Island

São Miguel Island also offers good conditions for canyoning, currently having around 18 equipped itineraries for the sport.

The difference is that this island does not have many prominent canyons, with more small to medium elevations.

Places to Practice Canyoning on Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria Island does not have many canyons, but those that exist have good verticality.

The ideal time for canyoning on this island is at the end of winter and spring, as during summer the water levels are significantly lower, and it may even encounter drought conditions.

Canyoning as a Leisure and Tourism Activity

The practice of adventure sports as leisure and tourism activities has been growing increasingly, and with that, there is also a growing concern for the environment. When using nature for leisure and tourism activities, it is essential to let go of selfishness and recognize the impact certain actions can have on the environment.

Canyoning seeks to create minimal impact on nature, always respecting and being aware that ecological and respectful activities ensure a conscious and healthy sport. Keeping the water clean, the forest intact, and all practices of environmental preservation are second nature to practitioners.

As an adventure activity practiced in often inhospitable locations, it is crucial to remain attentive and respect one’s own limits, as well as the limits of nature itself, taking precautions, for example, during heavy rainfall, as there is a risk of rivers flooding and rockfalls. Thus, the experience and qualifications of the guide, the use of appropriate equipment, and respect for nature and its limits are the main points for safely enjoying a pleasurable leisure activity.

Companies Offering Canyoning Activities in the Azores

Consult the directory of Canyoning companies in the Azores >