Calhetas Waterfall Rappelling: 96 Meters (315 ft) of Adrenaline in São Sebastião
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
Calhetas Waterfall Rappelling, in São Sebastião, is a 96-meter (315 ft) descent and doesn't require experience, since certified guides teach the technique beforehand. It lasts about 3 hours, departs from the agency in Maresias, and includes equipment and individual insurance.
If Lookout Rappelling is the entry point, Calhetas Waterfall Rappelling is the big challenge. It's a 96-meter (315 ft) descent beside the waterfall, with certified adventure tourism guides and all the safety equipment. It's the kind of experience travelers talk about for years.
The activity lasts about 3 hours, with departures at 9 am and 2 pm every day, from the MaresiasTur agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, in Maresias. The technique is easy to learn, and it's recommended for anyone who isn't afraid of heights.
What is Calhetas Waterfall rappelling like?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 96 meters (315 ft) |
| Duration | About 3 hours, including prep and transfer |
| Times | 9 am and 2 pm, every day |
| Departure | MaresiasTur agency, Av. Francisco Loup, 500, Maresias |
| Group | Up to 10 people per departure; bookings from 1 person |
| Transportation to the location | Not included |
The guides train participants before the descent and accompany each one. What weighs most here is the height, and that's exactly what makes reaching the bottom so worth celebrating. During the tour, travelers descend along the wet rock beside the waterfall, with forest all around and the ocean on the horizon.
Do you need experience?
You don't need to have rappelled before. The technique is easy to learn, and it's recommended for anyone who isn't afraid of heights, or who wants to overcome that fear with professional guidance. Anyone who'd rather try a shorter descent first can start with Lookout Rappelling, at 10 meters (33 ft), and read the guide to rappelling for the first time, which explains the technique and the most common questions.
| Lookout Rappelling | Calhetas Rappelling | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10 meters (33 ft), up to 2 descents | 96 meters (315 ft) |
| Setting | Trilha dos Mirantes, with ocean views between Paúba and Maresias | Beside the Calhetas Waterfall |
| Duration | About 3 hours | About 3 hours |
| Minimum booking | 2 people | 1 person |
| Reference price (Sep/2026) | R$ 120 per person | R$ 300 per person |
Both include individual insurance and all equipment, and both depart at 9 am and 2 pm.
What's included and how much does it cost?
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Certified adventure tourism guides | Drinks |
| 96-meter (315 ft) rappel | Food |
| All equipment | Transportation to the location |
| Individual insurance | Personal expenses |
The price is R$ 300 per person (reference price for September 2026). The current price and open time slots are on the Calhetas Rappelling page. Ecotourism activities are paid in advance, and the cancellation policy explains refunds and rescheduling.
How to prepare for the 96-meter (315 ft) rappel?
- Sleep well the night before and eat a light meal beforehand.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, and leave loose accessories at home.
- Bring water and sunscreen, since drinks and food aren't included.
- Tell the team about any health condition, such as heart problems, back issues, or vertigo.
- Arrive at the agency 30 minutes early.
Since transportation to the location isn't included, it's worth arranging transfers with the team when your booking is confirmed. Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião, and the guide to getting to and around Maresias helps with planning. The full checklist is in what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling.
What if it rains?
Waterfall rappelling depends on safe conditions. If a departure is canceled due to weather, safety, or operational reasons, travelers can choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund. Cancellations made by the traveler follow set deadlines: 100% refund up to 72 hours before the activity, 50% up to 24 hours before, and no refund with less than 24 hours' notice or in case of a no-show. For other ideas on those days, see what to do in Maresias when it rains.
Who is Calhetas rappelling for?
For anyone looking for real adrenaline on the North Coast and a story to tell. In vertical activities, the difference lies in technique and staff, so it's always worth checking whether the agency works with certified guides and insurance. Learn how to evaluate that in the guide to ecotourism safety.
Anyone who wants to see Calhetas at a calmer pace can do the Calhetas Beach EcoTour. And the region's other waterfalls are gathered in the guide to waterfalls in Maresias.
Frequently asked questions
- How high is the Calhetas Waterfall rappel?
- The descent is 96 meters (315 ft) high, beside the waterfall.
- Do I need experience to do Calhetas rappelling?
- No experience is needed: the technique is easy to learn and is taught by the guides before the descent. But the height means participants should be comfortable with heights.
- How much does Calhetas Waterfall rappelling cost?
- R$ 300 per person (reference price for September 2026; the tour page shows the current price).
- Where does Calhetas rappelling depart from and at what time?
- From the MaresiasTur agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, in Maresias, at 9 am or 2 pm. Transportation to the location isn't included.
- Does Calhetas rappelling include insurance?
- Yes. Individual insurance, all equipment, and certified adventure tourism guides are included.
