benagil cave tour sup

Best Benagil cave tours and tips: How to visit in 2024

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

The Benagil cave is probably the top tourist attraction along the impressive Algarve coast.

The coast is known for its rocky coastline with dramatic gold-colored cliffs.  The ocean has pounded these rock walls for decades and in doing so nature has created some unique sights. 

Without a doubt, the Benagil cave is the pinnacle of that.

Until recently, as an experienced swimmer you could swim to the cave, but to manage the influx of tourists, the government has recently introduced some new measures. These measures are temporary and will be reevaluated at a later time.

We’ll provide more details on what’s changed later in this post. In any case, the bottom line is that you can currently only visit the cave with a guided tour . 

That’s why we wrote this post to give you an overview of the best Benagil cave tours. 

There are many different tours that take you to the Benagil caves ( The Grotte de Benagil as the Portuguese say ).

We have always opted for a regular boat tour.  If you visit the Algarve in summer you will find that the range of tours is much larger,  you can then also join a kayak tour or paddle to the cave on a SUP .

Which leads to the question: what is the best way to see the Benagil caves?

Below we share everything you need to know about the Benagil sea cave.

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In a hurry? Here you will find the most important information about visiting the Benagil cave

• The Benagil cave is not closed, you can still visit the Benagil cave all year round.
• The easiest way to visit the Benagil is by boat.
• There are both smaller and larger boats. 
• Zodiac boat trip departing from Vilamoura.
• Zodiac Benagil cave tour departing from Portimão.
• Zodiac Benagil sea cave tour from Lagos
• Large boat Benagil sea cave tour from Vilamoura.
• Algarve large boat tour to Benagil Cave from Portimão
• An alternative is a cruise with this pirate ship You can enjoy the Algarve coastline from the pirate ship and then transfer on a smaller boat to see the Benagil cave.
• To combine the Benagil Cave with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, check out this tour.
• You can also visit the Benagil cave with a catamaran.
• You can also kayak or paddle to the cave on a SUP. These tours are still going but follow a different itinerary now that it is no longer allowed to enter the cave.
• The 7 Hanging Valleys Trail passes past the Benagil Cave but you will be disappointed if you hike this trail to see the cave. You can stand at the top of the cave, and try to see inside the hole at the top, but fences stop you from getting too close to the edge so that you can’t really see anything. (except a big hole)

Table of Contents

The Best Benagil Cave Tours

This is our hand-picked selection of tours based on the tours we did and thousands of reviews from other travelers.

Since September it is no longer allowed to go into the cave by swimming, kayaking, or SUPs. The kayak and SUP tours below are still being conducted, but you will not get close to the Benagil cave. Currently, the best way to see the cave is with a boat trip.

The Top Benagil Cave Tours

How to Choose The Best Benagil Cave Tour

Above are our top picks but there are much more tours you can choose from. Here is a more extensive selection of tours including catamaran and pirate cruises.

We start with the boat tours and end with alternative tours such as kayak and SUPtours.

Benagil boat tour s

A Benagil boat tour remains the most popular way to visit the Benagil cave. 

The main reason why boat tours are so popular is that they’re accessible to everyone, young and old. You will see a continuous stream of boats going to the cave during the high season.

Fortunately, it is all regulated. This way, there will never be several boats in the cave at the same time.

Tours leave from various locations and we have decided to group them by point of departure so that you can easily find one that leaves near your location.

Small boat tours vs a catamaran

• Small boats usually offer shorter tours of 2 to 2.5 hours
• On a small boat you have a better chance of entering the cave (but it is not guaranteed)
• Smaller boats offer more of a thrill ride, catamarans offer a more relaxed/romantic experience but the ride can also be impetuous when it is windy.
• See the FAQ below for a more detailed comparison.

Boat tours from Benagil beach

Benagil beach is located right next to the Benagil cave. This tour is the shortest tour available.

You may be tempted to go for the closest and cheapest option but other tours are preferred in our opinion.

If you leave from the beach of Benagil you only make a small trip where you really only visit the Benegal cave itself. Despite the fact that this is, of course, the highlight, you will miss the many other beautiful cliffs and caves.

The entire coast of the Algarve is a feast for the eyes.

There are a number of other reasons why we would advise against a trip from Benagil:

In high season this is by far the most popular option. As a result, there are long queues. Therefore, if you want to make the Benagil cave tour from Benagil beach, we advise you to get to the beach early.

These tours cannot be booked online.  You will have to join a possibly long queue for a short boat trip.

While other tours might be slightly cheaper they are really a better deal as you see more of the beautiful Algarve coast.

Read on to see some alternative tours leaving from other ports.

Portimão and Albufeira are by far the most popular cities in the Algarve to leave from.

Portimão Benagil Cave tour

Benagil caves speed boat tour (with sunset option).

Rating: 4.9/5 (2500+ reviews) / Duration: 2 hours

We already did this zodiac boat trip with a departure from Portimão.

We sailed the amazing coastline between Portimão and Benagil Beach and saw a lot of caves.   We don’t remember exactly how many caves we passed but I still remember that we were surprised by the number.

In addition to the caves, we enjoyed the impressive view of the cliffs.

We took the tour around sunset, an hour that we absolutely recommend, as the setting sun then embraces everything with a beautiful golden glow.  The golden glow makes the steep cliffs even more beautiful.

The skipper also acted as a guide and he explained in an entertaining way what there was to see.

He pushed the pedal to the metal when we returned.  We flew over the water and we even did some donuts when he showed his steering skills, this to the great delight of all present.

We did this tour in January so we did not stop to swim.  The idea of swimming in water of 14 degrees Celcius does not really appeal to us…

It was a super nice trip.  We took loads of pictures of the impressive coastline and spend quite some time at the Benagil cave, which we saw from both entrances.

The return trip was fast. Provide a warm coat, gloves, and a hat during winter.

Read reviews and book: Benagil cave tour from Portimão

Catamaran Boat tour with BBQ from Portimão

Rating: 4.7/5 (200+ reviews) / Duration: 6 hours

This full-day cave tour departs from Portimão and passes by the charming fishing village of Ferragudo.

Admire the amazing coastline on the way to the cave.

After your visit to the Benagil cave, you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach.

You can even borrow some paddleboards.

• Wi-Fi on board
• Open bar with water, orange drink, white and red wine
• Use of paddleboards

• Not suitable if you are pregnant.
• Less suitable if you have back problems

This tour gets excellent reviews, some travelers have even done the tour several times.

Thanks to the captain’s excellent sailing skills, you can still see the caves up close, even though this is a relatively large boat. Afterwards it is pleasant to relax on the beach with the barbecue.

Check prices and availability: Catamaran Cruise with BBQ from Portimão

Albufeira Benagil Cave tour

Benagil cave tour with a catamaran from albufeira.

Rating: 4.6/5 (950+ reviews) / Duration: 3 hours

A third alternative is to make this Benagil cave trip with a catamaran.

You then exchange the adrenaline that you experience with the speedboat for the comfort and peace of a slow-moving boat. 

This tour lasts for 3 hours. From the Albufeira marina, you set sail westwards to the Benagil cave.

The boat is moving slowly so you have plenty of time to enjoy the picturesque scenery and you can take heaps of pictures.

If you’re lucky you might even see some dolphins. 

You will stop for a swim if the weather allows it and the sea conditions are safe.    

At the end of this beautiful tour, you’re offered a glass of champagne to toast this wonderful experience.

• Very friendly crew.
• You will get information in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• You are offered a glass of champagne on the way back. Extra drinks can be bought with cash.
• There is WiFi onboard.
• Less suitable if you are pregnant.
• Less suitable for people with back problems.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

This Benagil trip is a completely different experience than the other boat tours we described above. 

Romantics will almost certainly prefer this tour but if you are more adventurous, the aforementioned boat tours are more for you.

This catamaran tour might be better for you if you’re prone to seasickness.  A catamaran is usually less subject to the swells of the sea.  Speaking from experience, however, if you get seasick quickly, I would always take precautions and take something against seasickness.

This way you are sure that you will be able to enjoy this tour and the beautiful landscape.

The crew is very friendly and try their best to answer every question. 

The catamaran will go inside the Benagil cave if it is safe to do so but it’s too big to enter the other caves.

More information and booking: Benagil cave catamaran tour from Albufeira

Vilamoura Benagil Cave tour

Benagil cave boat tour from vilamoura.

Rating: 4.3/5 (500+ reviews) / Duration: 2.5 hours

This tour uses custom-built boats specifically designed to enter the Benagil cave.

The tour leaves from Vilamoura and you can enjoy a long stretch of the beautiful Algarve coast as you make your way to the Benagil cave.

If you’re lucky you will be joined by some playful dolphins along the way. Your guide will certainly point them out if he sees them.

• Very friendly and informative guide.
• A comfortable boat with individual seats
• The trip from Vilamoura to Benagil takes about 1 hour so you don’t have that much time to spent at Benagil and other places along the way

This is a good option for a short and fun trip to Benagil from Vilamoura. You will get to see a long stretch of the beautiful coastline and the Benagil cave is the icing on the cake.

More information and booking: Benagil cave boat tour from Vilamoura

Catamaran Boat tour with BBQ from Vilamoura

Rating: 5/5 (30 reviews) / Duration: 7 hours

This boat tour leaves from the Marina at Vilamoura.

You will first set sail for the Benagil cave. On the way there you will pass many beautiful stretches of coastline.

While you’re enjoying the cave part of the team is preparing a delicious BBQ at Praia da Galé. After you’ve seen

Once you have seen the cave the boat will depart for the beach for lunch. After lunch you have free time on the beach. There are paddle boards, snorkels, and kayaks that you can use to explore the area.

• Excellent Lunch included
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the trip.
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible

A BBQ on a beach is not something that you do every day and some reviewers say that this meal was the best they had their entire vacation.

The staff also get high grades for their superb service and helpfulness.

Read reviews and book: Benagil Cave tour with BBQ from Vilamoura

Benagil cave kayak tour s

Since September it is no longer allowed to go into the cave by swimming, kayaking, or SUPs. The kayak tours below are still being conducted, but you will not get close to the Benagil cave. Currently, the best way to see the cave is with a boat trip .

You can also choose to visit the Benagil caves with a kayak. 

It’s possible to rent a kayak and go independently but if you’re not an experienced kayaker we advise you to join a guided tour instead.

Benagil Cave Kayak Tour from Benagil Beach

Rating: 4.8/5 (1500+ reviews) / Duration: 2 hours

The Benagil cave kayak tour takes about 2 hours and starts from Benagil beach. 

After a brief explanation of the kayaks and safety regulations, you get your own kayak, life jacket, and paddles and can start your kayak adventure along the Algarve coast.

The highlight of your kayak expedition is, of course, the visit to the Benagil cave, but you will also visit some other interesting caves along the way.

Once you are in the Benagil cave, you will have time to go ashore, spend some time on the beach, and take pictures. 

If you want to have the caves almost to yourself, you can choose to make the tour at sunrise or sunset. Keep in mind that during these times there is slightly less light in the cave.

• The guide speaks English, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the kayak trip.
• For an extra supplement, you can choose to be picked up from your hotel.
• To join this tour you must be able to swim.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users.

Most people are very enthusiastic about this kayak tour. With a kayak, you can get to places where you don’t come with a boat, but the biggest advantage of this kayak trip is that you can get out in the Benagil cave to take your photos.

Read reviews and book: Benagil caves kayak tour

Benagil Cave Kayak/SUP tour from Albufeira

Rating: 4.7/5 (850+ reviews) / Duration: 3.5 hours

This trip starts from the Albufeira Marina with a 40-minute boat ride along the impressive Algarve coast.

Then you will transfer to the SUPs or kayaks. Both single and double kayaks are available. You can mention your preference when you board the boat so that it can be reserved.

Previous experience is not necessary and the guide will start with a short safety briefing before he starts the tour.

He will show different caves where boats cannot enter and you have plenty of time to take pictures of the magnificent rock formations.

• The guide speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
• Drinks/Snacks available for purchase
• WiFi on board

A great combination of a boat + kayak/SUP trip. You get to see a stretch of the coastline from the boat before you transfer to the kayak or SUP and are able to get really close to the caves.

You can get to private secluded beaches and get right into the caves.

Definitely a unique experience.

Check reviews, prices and book: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak or SUP

Benagil Cave SUP tour

Since September it is no longer allowed to go into the cave by swimming, kayaking, or SUPs. The SUP tour below is still being conducted, but you will not get close to the Benagil cave. Currently, the best way to see the cave is with a boat trip .

Rating: 4.9/5 (150+ reviews) / Duration: 2 hours

If you’re slightly more sportive or adventurous and want to discover the Benagil cave in a different way, this guided SUP paddle tour is for you.

You do not need any experience to participate in this tour.

At the start of the tour, the guide will explain to you the basic techniques of supping. He will also tell you the safety requirements and other things you have to pay attention to.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. You enter different caves along the way to the Benagil cave and you will receive the necessary explanation from the guide.

Board, paddle, life jacket, wet suit, and insurance are included. You also get a dry bag for your phone so that you can take it with you to take pictures.

Lockers are available to store all your other belongings. 

Be sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, swimming gear,  your ID card, and a set of dry clothes.

• This is an original way to discover the Algarve coastline and the Benagil cave.
• A friendly guide who speaks English, French, Spanish, Germen, and Portuguese.
• The guide will take pictures of you.
• Small group tour of max 10 people
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.
• To participate in this SUP tour you must be at least 12 years old.
• Less suitable if you have back or heart problems.
• Less suitable if you suffer from claustrophobia.
• If you can’t swim, you can’t participate.

The SUP paddle tour gets positive reviews. People say they enjoyed the ride. They are also very satisfied with the guide. Not only does he know a lot about the history of the caves, but apparently he is also really good at taking pictures.

Read reviews and book: SUP tour

Swimming to Benagil cave

Since September it is no longer allowed to go into the cave by swimming, kayaking, or SUPs. Currently, the best way to see the cave is with a boat trip .

The Benagil cave lies only about 150-200 meters from the beach of Benagil.

So, in theory, it is easy to swim to it.

What makes it more difficult are the currents that can sometimes be treacherous.

You also have to take into account the water temperature. 20 degrees is not cold but a lot colder than the average pool where the temperature is usually around 26 degrees.

Those who count on warming up inside the cave will be disappointed.  Inside the cave, it is rather chilly, if you come out of the water hypothermic you will not be able to warm up there.

Good swimmers will be able to swim to the cave but don’t make this decision light-minded, it is not something we would recommend doing.

In July and August, the many boats create extra danger.

If you want to swim to the cave during these months it is best to do so early or late before the boats arrive.  Better yet is to do so in June or September when there are fewer tourist boats. 

The water is still somewhere between 19 and 21 degrees in this period.

Be sure to check the tides in advance . When the tide is out, the beach in the cave is at its largest. When the tides rise, it is very difficult to get out of the cave swimming.

A life jacket, wetsuit, flippers, and goggles are really recommended if you absolutely want to do this adventure.

Unless you are really an experienced swimmer, we would definitely not recommend swimming to the cave.

Swim group tour with Lunch (from Lagos)

Since September it is no longer allowed to go into the cave by swimming, kayaking, or SUPs. The below tour can still be booked but will probably be cancelled by the activity provider. Currently, the best way to see the cave is with a boat trip .

Rating: 4.5/5 (94 reviews) / Duration: 4.5 hours

If you want to swim to the cave but prefer doing so in the presence of an experienced swimmer, and with the necessary safety equipment, then this group swim tour is for you.

This is a fun tour where lunch, alcoholic drinks including beer and Sangria, and a good atmosphere are all included.

You meet the group in Lagos and drive in a party van to Benagil where you will head into the ocean for a 60-minute swim to the cave. Life jackets as well as boards and inflatables are provided to ensure that everybody is safe.

Afterward you have lunch at the beach and right before you head back you do a quick hike to see the cave from above.

• A unique way to get to the Benagil Cave
• Transfer from Lagos is includeded
• Towels, beach gear and even sun screen is all included
• Lunch is included
• This is a private tour
• To participate in this tour a moderate physical fitness level is required
• Not for people with heart problems, back problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not wheelchair accessible

This is a cool experience if you want to experience the cave in a different way. The advantage of this group tour is that you don’t need to take care of anything, the guide takes care of all your belongings and you can change into your gear at the meeting point.

All participants mention that they felt safe in the water, even when there were some heavier waves.

Check prices and availability: Swim and Chill at Benagil

Benagil Cave – all you need to know

What’s the benagil cave .

The Benagil cave , also known as Algar de Benagil in Portuguese is one of the most famous and beautiful caves in the Algarve, Portugal.

The origin of this cave dates back to more than 20 million years ago.

Erosion has created a huge natural cavity in the limestone.  The cave is so big that it even houses a small sandy beach. 

Part of the cave has collapsed, resulting in a wide-open hole in the center known as ‘the eye’.  Natural light enters the cave through this hole, it creates an almost otherworldly spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Seeing the cave from the inside is definitely impressive and easily one of the highlights of a visit to the Algarve in Portugal. 

You can only get inside the cave by sea. 

This can be with a boat, a kayak, a SUP, or if you are brave and adventurous you can swim to the cave.

It’s also possible to hike to the top of the cave.  The hike takes you to the hole from where you can try to peek inside.  It’s just a short hike and it’s free but it is not nearly as impressive as getting inside the cave. 

But let’s start by explaining where you can find this beautiful cave. 

What’s the Benagil sea cave location ?

The Benagil cave sometimes referred to as Grutas de Benagil by the locals, is located near the small fishing village of Benagil.

You will find the cave about 150 meters east of Benagil beach (Praia de Benagil in Portuguese). 

This pleasant sandy beach attracts many visitors on summer days. If you are looking for more beautiful beaches in the Algarve, click here. 

Fishermen also still use the beach to land their catch.

With a bit of luck, you can see them unload the fish from their boats and transfer it to the trucks which will take it to restaurants where you can taste these delicacies in the evening. Now that’s what I call a catch-of-the-day! 😀

The closest cities to the Benagil cave are Lagoa, Albufeira, Portimao one of the best towns in the Algarve , and Carvoeiro. 

From Lagoa and Carvoeiro you drive in about 15 minutes to the village of Benagil. From Albufeira and Portimão it is a 30-minute drive to Benagil.

Daily many boat tours depart from the above-mentioned cities to the Benagil cave. We will share more information about these Benagil cave boat trips further in this post.

How far is Benagil Cave from Lisbon? 

The Benagil cave lies 191 km from Lisbon. It’s a 2h30 minute drive by car. 

If you don’t have a car, you could take one of the buses that connect Lisbon with the Algarve or ride the train.

If you are looking for a Lisbon itinerary, click here. 

Both the bus as well as the train takes between 3-4 hours. Buses cost around € 6 – € 25, depending on the time of the day, the train is slightly more expensive. 

TAP also offers domestic flights between Lisbon Airport and Faro Airport.

Here’s the train and bus schedule .

What has changed in September 2023?

The local government found that the crowds of boats, kayakers, SUPs, and swimmers led to dangerous situations at the Benagil cave. It has therefore been decided to develop guidelines to ensure that everybody can visit the cave safely and responsibly.

Pending these final guidelines, it has been decided to no longer allow kayakers, SUPs, and swimmers into the cave.

Boat tours can still visit the cave and can still get very close to the cave, like they’ve always done. (depending on the weather conditions)

Here you can read the official publication .

Is Benagil cave closed?

Benagil cave is not closed and can still be visited with a boat tour .

The boats are also still allowed to get close to the cave so that you can look inside.

What has changed is that it is currently no longer allowed to use the beach inside the cave. You may also no longer kayak, SUP, or swim to the cave. Regardless of whether you do this independently or with a tour.

All this is pending final regulations. (which we expect at the end of 2023 if the proposed timing is adhered to)

Best time to visit the Benagil cave

Here we share the best month and time of the day to visit Benagil cave.

What’s the best month to visit the Benagil cave ?

There are tours going to the Benagil cave all year round but the choices are limited in the colder winter months.

Summer months

During summer Algarve’s impressive beaches attract many tourists who want to work on their tan. The climate makes it an ideal beach destination.

In summer the temperatures rise to 30 degrees and the ocean water warms up to around 20 degrees.  This allows those who are not afraid of a little cold water to even take an occasional dip to cool down.

July and August are high season. 

The beaches can become crowded, the parking lots quickly fill up and all the tourist sights are usually packed.

If you plan on visiting the Benagil cave during these months it’s best to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment.  By booking in advance you are sure, you can go on your preferred date and time.

I would argue that the best seasons to visit the Benagil Cave are spring or fall.

The temperature is slightly cooler but there will be fewer crowds and you still can enjoy nice weather. 

Spring and Fall

We recommend visiting the Benagil cave during spring or fall if you can.

You will be able to enjoy this beautiful area more because there are fewer people.  

The Algarve is one of the sunniest regions in Europe.

Starting in May there will be 10 hours of sunshine every day and rainfall will be only a slight inconvenience.  Temperatures easily surpass 20 degrees Celsius.

It might not exactly be ideal to spend entire days at the beach and the ocean water is still cold at around 16 degrees.  It is though an ideal period for activity holidays.

The climate in Autumn is comparable.  The temperatures don’t drop below 20 degrees Celcius until December.  Nights are considerably chiller though with nighttime temperatures around 14 degrees Celcius. 

The ocean water temperature gradually decreases, October still knows temperatures around 19 degrees Celcius, by the end of November, this has decreased to 17 degrees Celcius.

Spring and Summer offer the best of both worlds.  The weather is pleasant, the huge crowds are gone but there is still a lot going on.

We visited the Algarve in winter , winter is the low season along Portugal’s south coast, and many places are closed and only a fraction of the tours are going. 

The ocean is a bit rougher and less predictable during these months.  This increases the chances that your trip will get canceled due to the weather.

Therefore we recommend booking your trip online in advance for one of the first days of your vacation so that you can push your plans forward by a day in case the tour is canceled due to weather.

We often book through  GetYourGuide.  This way, you can secure your spot, but, might your plans suddenly change, you can usually cancel for free up to 24 hours before the trip.

Now that you know the best season to visit the Benagil caves, we are happy to give you the best time of day for your Benagil tour.

What’s the best time of the day to visit the caves of Benagil?

The best time of the day to visit the Benagil cave depends on your interests. 

If you want to feel the sand of the cave’s beach between your toes you’re best to pick a time slot around noon.  The cave is relatively dark early in the morning and late in the afternoon, midday will allow you to take some good pictures as a memory of your excursion to the cave.

Most light enters the cave through the hole on the top, the so-called ‘eye of the cave’.  The sun is best between noon and 2 pm when it is vertically above the cave at its highest point.  

If you plan to take Instagram-worthy pictures from the beach in the cave we would advise you to avoid any time before 10 am or after 2 pm.

Tours to the cave are limited to ensure that it never becomes over-crowded but this doesn’t mean that you will have the cave to yourself if you go there around noon.  There’s a constant flow of tours arriving at the cave from 10 in the morning till sunset.

If you want to quietly swim or paddle to the cave, it is best to do this as early as possible before the continuous flow of tourist boats starts.

To avoid the crowds, it is best that you make sure that you are ready to leave the beach at sunrise.

We did our boat trip during the golden hour, the last hour before sunset. The sun then casts really beautiful warm golden colors on the majestic cliffs.

This makes for an unforgettable experience.

As said before, tours leave for the cave all day long, but especially during the high season, we would advise you not to wait too long before booking.

Which boat is best for a Benagil Cave Boat Tour?

Some tours use small zodiac-like boats while others use catamarans. Not sure which one to choose. Here’s what to expect from both.

Small Benagil Cave Boat Tours

The boat trips with small boats usually last 2 to 2.30 hours and cover a relatively large part of the beautiful Algarve coastline. Along the way,  you will see no less than 20 caves, including of course the famous Benagil cave.

Small boats are of the zodiac type. They are fast and very navigable, but they cannot always enter all caves.  The skippers are very experienced but don’t take any risks. If they think the sea is wild they do not enter the caves, including  Benagil cave.

When we did our tour the sea was relatively calm.  Our skipper did his utmost to bring us as close as possible to all the caves and we safely entered the Benagil cave and one other large cave.

Along the way, you should also keep your eyes open for dolphins that are swimming along with your boat.

If the weather and conditions allow, the boats also stop so you can have a swim. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and sun cream.

Also, don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes. It is always colder on the water than on land and when the boats speed up it makes it feel even colder.

Life jackets are included with all tours.

• A small boat allows you to see the caves up close.
• Smaller groups.
• More opportunities than with a large boat to enter the caves.
• English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the boat trip.
• The tour that departs from Albufeira is wheelchair accessible.
• Less suitable for small children. Tours from certain ports do not allow children under 5 years old. Read the terms and conditions carefully before you book.
• Since the boat is going quite fast the ride can be bumpy, this makes the tour less suitable for you if you have back problems.
• Not wheelchair accessible ( except for the departure from Albufeira).

Small boat Benagil Cave trips are offered from different places in the Algarve and although the tours are organized by different companies, the tour itself is, except for a few minor differences, largely the same.

As all tours are similar our advice would be to pick the port most convenient for you . 

Catamaran Benagil boat tours

The “bigger” boats take at least two to three times as many people compared to the ones on zodiacs.     Depending on which company you go with it can be a catamaran for about 25 people or a bigger one that can take up to 40 people.

Catamaran tours are also available from various ports but there are fewer options than the small boat tours. The tours also last longer, so there are fewer departures in a day (often only 1)

Despite being bigger, these boats are still not really big. 

Just like the smaller boats, they will try to enter the Benagil cave. The larger the boat, the more difficult this becomes of course.    This means that with these boats you are less likely to enter the caves, especially when the sea conditions are rough. 

These boats feel a little less adventurous than the smaller ones and offer a more blissful experience. It is recommended for couples looking for a romantic experience.

Just know that if the see is rough, you will also feel it on a catamaran.

• Catamarans offer a more relaxed, romantic experience
• Some of the larger boats are wheelchair accessible.
• Less opportunities than with a small boat to enter the caves.
• Even though the ride will normally be smoother than on a zodiac there can be unexpected bumps and it may not be suitable if you are pregnant or have back problems

Visiting the Benagil cave will be truly one of the highlights of your Algarve holiday.

On foot, you can only see the top of the cave which is not nearly as spectacular as the inside.  The inside can only be reached over water.  It’s theoretically possible to swim to the cave but that is something that we only recommend for really experienced swimmers. (and it is currently not allowed)

Therefore our advice is to join an organized tour.

The most popular tour is a boat trip.  There’re daily boat tours to the cave, you can choose from small and fast boats, or slightly larger boats, and romantics should definitely opt for the catamaran.

The small boats are fast, agile, and adventurous. The catamaran sails stately through the water and is a blissful and peaceful experience.

Kayak and SUP tours used to be alternatives to a boat trip but have unfortunately been suspended for the time being. While the tours are still going you don’t get as close to the cave as with a boat tour.

The boat trips are available all year round, the other tours only in high season.

Here you will find more beautiful places in Portugal. For an overview of the best spots in the Algarve, click here.  If you are looking for a complete Algarve itinerary, click here. Wondering where to stay in the Algarve, click here. 

THE 10 BEST Benagil Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding in benagil.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Boat Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Algar de Benagil
• Praia da Marinha
• Carvalho Beach
• Praia de Benagil
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 2-Hour Kayak through the Sea Caves of Benagil

2. Ilovesup Benagil Kayak

3. Ilovesup Benagil SUP

4. Benagil Cave & Beach BBQ

5. Benagil Cave eco-Tour

6. BENAGIL CAVE PRIVATE kayak tour from Carvalho beach w/ 4KPhotos

7. Benagil Caves Private Paddleboard experience

8. Full-Day Exclusive Boat Cruise with Drinks and Nibbles

9. SUP Rental (Stand up Paddle board),Explore the Caves of Lagos

10. Benagil private yacht from lagos with drinks, tapas, paddle boards and kayak

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Kayak Adventure to go inside Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the Beaches

Albufeira Kayak Tours

Kayak Experience in Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve

Kayak 2H30 Grottos Ponta da Piedade - Lagos

Fast Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Speedboat - Starting at Lagos

Kayak tour in Lagos to visit the caves and snorkel.

Explore Caves and Beaches of Alvor - Boat & Kayak Tour

SURF in Albufeira surf school - beginner and intermediate lesson

Sunrise Benagil Full Caves Tour

Kayak Tour to Ponta da Piedade Caves in Lagos

KAYAK Caves tour into magical spots in the Algarve

Try Dives - Discover Scuba Diving in Albufeira

Group Surf Lessons

2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches

Tour to inside the Caves /Grottos the Ponta da Piedade -Lagos

Dolphin-Watching in Marina de Lagos

Afternoon yacht charter in lagos with drinks, tapas, paddle boards and kayak

Full day private yacht from lagos with drinks, tapas, paddle boards and kayak

Albufeira Surf Lesson

What travelers are saying.

• 2-Hour Kayak through the Sea Caves of Benagil
• Benagil Cave eco-Tour
• Benagil Cave & Beach BBQ
• BENAGIL CAVE PRIVATE kayak tour from Carvalho beach w/ 4KPhotos
• Full-Day Exclusive Boat Cruise with Drinks and Nibbles
• Blue Xperiences Benagil
• Benagil Kayaks
• Xplore Benagil Kayak&Sup
• Star Tours Algarve
• Clear Emotions Benagil
• Kayak & SUP Benagil