If you're considering a zipline for the first time, safety is probably your number one concern. The good news? Zipline is statistically one of the safest adventure activities in the world — and at Adrenaline Adventures in Porto Moniz, Madeira, we take safety even further.
Is zipline safe? What the statistics say
Let's start with the numbers. According to adventure tourism industry studies, the rate of serious incidents on certified commercial ziplines is less than 0.001%. To put this in perspective:
- Driving a car: 1 fatal accident per 10,000 drivers over a lifetime
- Certified commercial zipline: fewer than 1 serious incident per 1 million participants
- Cycling: significantly higher risk than zipline
This means you're statistically safer doing a zipline than driving to the location where you'll do it. The commercial zipline industry has a remarkable safety track record, and certified operations in Europe are among the most stringent in the world.
Certified commercial zipline has one of the lowest incident rates of any adventure activity — lower than driving, cycling, or even skiing.
European safety standards: EN 15567
In Europe, adventure activities like zipline are regulated under the EN 15567 standard (Sports and Recreational Facilities — Adventure Courses). This standard covers:
- Design and construction: technical specifications for cables, anchors, and structures
- Regular inspections: mandatory checks by certified bodies
- Operational requirements: safety procedures, staff training, and equipment
- Maintenance: inspection schedules and component replacement timelines
Adrenaline Adventures operates in full compliance with EN 15567, ensuring every component of our Porto Moniz zipline meets the highest European standards.
The equipment that keeps you safe
The equipment used on a modern zipline is engineered with multiple layers of protection. At Adrenaline Adventures, we use:
Full-body harness
Every participant wears a professional-grade full-body harness that distributes forces evenly across the body. This isn't a simple belt — it's the same type of equipment used by professional climbers and rescue teams.
Dual attachment system
Our system uses two independent attachment points to the cable. This means that even in the unlikely event of one point failing, the second keeps you completely safe. This redundancy principle is the same one used in aviation.
Certified steel cables
The cables supporting the zipline are made of high-tensile galvanised steel, tested to withstand loads far exceeding the maximum permitted weight. They are inspected daily before operations begin.
Braking system
The magnetic braking system ensures a smooth, controlled deceleration on arrival, eliminating harsh impacts.
Strict weather protocols
Safety isn't just about equipment. Weather conditions are monitored continuously:
- Wind: operations suspended when wind exceeds safety thresholds
- Lightning: immediate closure when electrical activity is detected within 10 km
- Rain: assessed case by case — light rain is acceptable, heavy rain is not
- Visibility: minimum visibility conditions must be maintained
If conditions aren't ideal, we reschedule your experience at no extra charge. Your safety always comes before any commercial consideration.
If your session is cancelled due to weather, Adrenaline Adventures reschedules for free. We never operate in conditions that aren't 100% safe.
Who can do zipline? Age and weight requirements
To ensure everyone's safety, we apply clear requirements:
- Minimum age: 6 years old (minors accompanied by an adult)
- Minimum weight: 25 kg
- Maximum weight: 120 kg
- Medical conditions: people with serious heart conditions, uncontrolled epilepsy, or pregnancy should consult their doctor before participating
These limits exist because the equipment is designed and tested to operate within these parameters. They're not arbitrary restrictions — they're based on engineering.
The Adrenaline Adventures team
The human factor is as important as the equipment. Our team:
- Receives certified training in zipline operations and first aid
- Practices emergency drills regularly
- Has accumulated experience from thousands of supervised flights
- Accompanies each participant individually, from briefing to arrival
Before you fly, you'll receive a full briefing on correct body position, what to expect, and how to communicate with the team during the ride.
Adrenaline Adventures' specific safety measures
At our Porto Moniz operation, we implement measures that go beyond minimum standards:
- Complete daily inspection of all equipment before the first session
- Double verification (check-check) of each harness before launch
- Continuous radio communication between platforms
- First aid kit and defibrillator on site
- Evacuation plan tested and regularly updated
- Full liability insurance coverage
What our participants say
The vast majority of participants who express safety concerns before the experience report feeling completely safe after the briefing and during the flight. We commonly hear: "I was nervous before, but once I saw the equipment and how thorough the team was, I felt totally at ease."
For more on managing nervousness, see our guide on overcoming fear of heights.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about zipline safety
Can the zipline cable break or snap?
The steel cables used on commercial ziplines are engineered to withstand loads far exceeding the maximum permitted weight. They are inspected daily and replaced according to strict schedules, well before reaching any wear limit. Structural failures on certified operations are virtually non-existent.
What happens if the braking system fails?
The braking system has built-in redundancy mechanisms. Backup systems engage automatically if the primary brake underperforms. Additionally, the cable geometry is designed so that speed naturally decreases during the final phase of the ride.
Is zipline safe for children?
Yes, provided they meet the minimum weight (25 kg) and age (6 years) requirements. Equipment is adjusted to each participant's size, and children use the same dual-attachment safety system as adults. Our team pays special attention to younger participants.
What if I have a medical issue during the ride?
Our operators are trained in first aid and we have emergency medical equipment on site. The zipline ride lasts only a few minutes, and there is constant radio communication. In case of need, we have tested evacuation protocols ready to deploy.
Is it safer to do zipline in Madeira than in other locations?
European safety standards (EN 15567) are among the strictest in the world. At Adrenaline Adventures, we meet and exceed these standards. Our location in Porto Moniz, with modern infrastructure and a qualified team, offers one of the safest zipline experiences in Europe. Visit our safety page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madeira safe for tourists?
Madeira is one of the safest destinations in Europe with very low crime rates and excellent healthcare facilities.
Do I need travel insurance?
While EU citizens are covered by EHIC, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers adventure activities.
What is the emergency number?
The European emergency number 112 works throughout Madeira for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Are adventure activities certified?
All activities operated by Adrenaline Adventures are certified to EN 15567 European safety standards.
