benagil cave tour kayak

Benagil Cave Kayak Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hrs
• User Ages: 11+ y.o.

Check Bubble Equipment Included

Have Fun While Exploring Benagil’s Caves Up Close!

Get to know the caves from a unique perspective while you get some exercise. Take stunning photos and take a break to cool off in the clear waters of Benagil. This tour is a must when visiting the Algarve!

A professional guide ensures that you enjoy your kayak tour in a safe and relaxing environment.

Related Activities

• User 11+ y.o.
• Hour Glass 2 hrs

Private Quadricycle tour in Benagil through the seven valleys

Enjoy an adventure as a couple or alone on one of the most famous tourist routes in the Algarve. An exciting quad bike ride through the seven valleys suspended in Benagil.

• User 6+ y.o.
• Hour Glass 1 hrs

Kayak Rental with a Guide (Mandatory)

With its famous cave, Benagil beach is one of the most idyllic places in the Algarve. Visit the most beautiful cave in Benagil by kayak.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hrs

We provide the individual board, paddle and life jacket.

Benagil Kayaking

Experience the stunning beaches, caves and cliffs from the water.

Benagil Kayaking & Boat Tours

We have two types of kayak, single and family friendly kayaks that can hold 2 adults and 1 child age 4 years and up.

Daily Tours

Sunrise tours, private group tours, sunset tours, get the most of benagil kayaking & boat tours.

At Benagil Kayaking & Boat Tours, we specialize in providing unforgettable experiences along the stunning coastline of Benagil, Portugal. Embark on an adventure with us and discover the natural beauty of the region from a unique perspective.

Expert Guides

• Quality Equipment

Environmental Awareness

Amazing places, benagil kayaking is pet friendly, kayak with pups in paradise (byop) bring your own pup.

Take Your Dog on a Kayak Adventure! Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours • Kid and beginner friendly!

Explore the Algarve coast and stunning sea caves, hidden beaches and scenic landscapes, on a guided kayak tour with your best friend.

Kayak with your sweet pup on one of the most amazing kayak tours in Portugal. If you are traveling with your dog, we would love for you to come paddle with us. We will help you with getting your pup on the kayak and provide instruction and assistance throughout your tour. There is more than one way to walk your furry friends and our kayaking with dog’s tour is one of the best!

Why Choose Us

Our experienced guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Quality Tours

 We believe in providing personalized attention, so we keep our tour groups happy to enhance your experience.

As stewards of the ocean, we prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices on all our tours.

You will find amazing places and beaches you never tought its was possible.

What People Say

Maddalena Gambato

“Wonderful experience. The entire team at Benagil Kayaking was extremely attentive and provided all the equipment for the practice and safety of the tour, all in excellent condition. A special thanks to André, who accompanied us, for his great vibes and guidance. I highly recommend it!”

Raquel Mendonça

“Booking a kayak tour with Benagil Kayaking & Boat Tours was the highlight of our trip to Portugal! The experience of paddling through the stunning sea caves and coastline was absolutely breathtaking. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we felt safe throughout the entire journey. ” 

Sarah and John

Frequently asked questions.

The meeting location is praia de albandeira beach. Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins.

Please see google map link:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/C4dFPHKGKCxUbHSv7

Our crew are in turquoise t-shirts with our logo Benagil Kayaking on them. Our kayaks are turquoise with our logo on them as well. Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts.

If you can’t find us, please call us on Whatsapp

Tel.: +351 912 822 499

If you need transportation please call Marcio at ML Transfer they can be reached on WhatsApp:

+351 939 209 320

Minimum age is 4 years and must be seated with the parents or an authorized adult.

Tours last between 2 to 2.5 hours, with the exception of private tours

Maximum weight is 100kg. If you are over this weight, the kayak is not stable.

Our maximum capacity is 20 adults and 10 children. For group tours please send us a request by email.

Yes, you will always get wet from the waist down.

Currently the marine authorities have closed the main Benagil cave to Kayaking until further notice but there are other very special caves and hidden beaches to explore.

No experience is necessary. Before the tour, our guides will explain how to handle the kayak and safely enter the caves.

With our 2-hour tours, there isn’t sufficient time for snorkeling. We do provide private tours with extended hours. Please send us a request by email.

It’s not necessary to know how to swim. We provide you with lifejackets and all of our staff have lifeguard skills.

We provide water resistant bags for wallets, mobiles and cameras. Please refrain from bringing too many items with you on the tour.

Yes, we provide all the necessary equipment needed for your tour. Paddles, lifejacket and a water resistant bag will be provided.

Benagil Kayaking Location

You will find us at Praia de Albandeira and our crew are in turquoise t-shirts with our logo Benagil Kayaking, our kayaks are turquoise as well. Please arrive 30 minutes before the experience is scheduled to begin to allow our guides a water safety briefing before your adventure starts. Our expert guides are always available to lend a hand and show you some key pointers to improve your kayaking skills.

Red White Adventures

3 ways to visit the benagil caves by kayak.

If there’s one place to visit and go on an adventure along the Algarve Coast it’s Benagil. The Benagil cave kayak tours are one of the only ways you can actually get inside and see the caves with your own two eyes. 

This specific sea cave is hands down the most famous sea cave in the Algarve due to its sheer size and beauty. The fact you can actually go on a Benagil cave kayak tour and get out and explore all the different caves up close is incredible. 

Benagil is a stunning place with awesome coastal trails, beaches, boat tours, and of course kayak tours. Even if you’re in Benagil just for the day you can easily still experience most of the things but a kayak tour of the sea caves should be on the top of your list when it comes to Benagil. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Table of Contents

3 Fun Benagil kayak tours to explore the famous sea caves

Know before you go:

• 🛶 Book your Benagil kayak tour on GetYourGuide or Viator
• 👩🏼‍⚕️ Insurance: Make sure your adventures are insured with SafetyWing
• ☀️ Wear waterproof & eco-friendly sunscreen
• 📸 Bring your camera and get Insta ready
• 💦 Stay hydrated with a LifeStraw water bottle

⚠️ Note: Most kayak tours book out during the summer months so we recommend booking your tour in advance!

#1 Benagil Caves kayaking experience

⛵️ Book: your Benagil Caves kayaking experience here ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours 💸 Cost: €35

This kayak tour in Benagil is full on and for two hours you’re going to experience and see the best sea caves in the area including the famous Benagil Cave. The awesome thing about this specific tour is that you will actually have the chance to get out of your kayak and hang out in the cave. 

The cave itself is quite big and there is a good amount of room for boats and kayaks. However, this tour company plans it so you actually have time to explore the caves when it’s not too busy which we love. 

There’s a nice little beach inside the main Benagil Cave where you’ll get out of your kayak and get a chance to take pictures and hang out inside this natural beauty made by Mother Nature.

The rest of the trip you’ll explore other smaller caves along the Algarve and see some other beaches near Benagil. Once you see all this firsthand you’ll see why this is one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal.

Book your Benagil Caves kayaking experience here.

#2 Benagil Beach Double Kayak Rental

⛵️ Book: your Benagil beach double kayak rental here ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours 💸 Cost: €25

If you want the freedom of going at your own pace and explore on your own around Benagil by kayak then this is the trip for you. You can rent kayaks and go on your own for a minimum of 2 hours. You can easily book it for longer though and kayak to some private beaches near Benagil and hang out there. 

The nice thing about going on your own is that you can pick and choose how long you want to stay at each spot. Feel like hanging inside the Benagil Cave for an hour? Then do it! 

This Benagil Kayak trip is also slightly cheaper since there is no guide. It’s a really fun way to explore the Algarve Coast on a budget if you don’t mind cruising on a kayak without a guide nearby.

This kayak tour is awesome because you have the freedom to do what you want to do. So if that’s something you like then maybe just book this kayak rental and go at your own pace around Benagil

Book your Benagil Beach double kayak rental here.

#3 Benagil Cave Kayak and SUP tour

⛵️ Book: your Benagil Caves Kayak/SUP tour here ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours 💸 Cost: €35

Yes, you can see the Benagil cave by stand up paddleboard! One of the reasons we recommend this tour is because the company has both kayaks and stand up paddleboards. This way if you’re a big group of people not everyone may want a kayak or a SUP. Everyone’s happy and can decide what they want. 

The kayak and SUP tour of Benagil Cave is similar to the other tours where you’ll cruise along the Algarve Coast and explore the beaches where most people don’t get a chance to visit if they go on a boat tour of the Benagil Caves. Also, you get to check out all the caves that you can only get to by boat tour, kayak, or SUP! 

It’s really nice that in 2 hours you can actually see so much and have a solid workout while doing it. The kayaking isn’t too challenging since there’s two of you in a kayak and there are a few breaks. The SUP is a different story though since it’ll be on your own paddling!

At the end of the day, this tour is nice because you have the option between the kayak and the SUP and the rest is very similar to the other tours or rentals mentioned above. 

Book your Benagil Caves kayak/sup tour here.

Other related questions about Benagil Caves

How do you get to Benagil Cave?

The best way to get to Benagil cave is by kayak tour from Benagil Beach. There’s parking nearby, all the tour companies are there, and there’s a nice big beach to depart on your kayak trip. 

There are plenty of other ways to get to the Benagil Cave like a boat tour from Lagos or a kayak trip from Portimão but a kayak trip from Benagil Beach is the best way to get to the cave.

Can you walk to Benagil Cave?

Yes, you can walk and see Benagil Cave from above. The viewpoint of the cave is near the parking lot and you can see directly into the cave from the eroded hole at the top. 

To actually go inside the Benagil Cave and get to the beach spot, though, you need to go by kayak or SUP to actually stop and hang out inside the cave. 

You can’t actually walk from the beach inside the Benagil Cave because there is no direct access.

Can I swim to Benagil Cave?

Yes, you can totally swim to Benagil Cave if you’re a good swimmer. If you start at Praia de Benagil and go east (left looking out at the ocean) you will have roughly 300 meters of swimming until you reach the sand section inside Benagil Cave.

If you’re a good swimmer, 300 meters shouldn’t be too challenging for you. The only thing you have to remember is that you also have to swim 300 meters back to Praia de Benagil once you’re ready to leave the cave.

Don’t go if you feel like you aren’t fit for this. We recommend swimming next to the kayakers or SUPs if you absolutely want to swim. Please also check the tide before you go. At high-tide it can be more risky.

You may also like…

• 5 Awesome Boat Tours to Do in Lagos, Portugal
• Top 20 Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
• Hiking The Lagos Coastal Walk to Ponta da Piedade
• 8 Beautiful Beaches in Lagos You Need to Visit
• 5 Epic Portimao Boat Tours to Do

Recap of 3 kayak tours that visit the Benagil Caves

There ya have it! 3 kayak trips to the Benagil Caves. We absolutely love this part of the Algarve and it’s totally worth a visit. Even if you’re in Portimão or Lagos there are boat and kayak trips that go from there too.

This is one of the highlight destinations in the Algarve so make sure to take the time and go. The beaches in Benagil are incredible too so make sure to make a full day out of it.

Experience a kayak tour to Benagil Caves in the morning, hike a coastal trail, hang out by the beach, and then try some yummy local food and you have the recipe for a perfect day in the Algarve.

We hope you have the best time in Benagil and get to explore the awesome sea caves in the area. If you have any questions about getting to Benagil or booking a trip then please reach out on Instagram or leave a comment below. 

Have an awesome trip and hopefully hear back from you on your experience and travels in the Algarve!

Dom & Jo Red White Adventures

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Wow this looks like so much fun! I think I would definitely want to get double kayaks and visit there with Dylan. I definitely need to go back to Portugal, what a gorgeous country!

Yeah the Benagil Caves are awesome and by kayak is probably the best way to see them! If you get a chance to go back to Portugal make sure to check out the Algarve!

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THE 10 BEST Benagil Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking & canoeing 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
• Praia de Benagil
• Carvalho Beach
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• 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.

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What travelers are saying.

• Deanna E 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing guide, amazing tour. Egos was a great guide. He kept us away from the huge crowds when possible and made sure we got lots of photos. The kayaks were super comfortable. The beach we launched from was a nice quiet beach away from the huge crowds. Read more Review of: Sunrise BENAGIL Cave Kayak Tour from Carvalho Beach w/ 4KPhotos Written June 12, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

3.5 Hour Benagil Cave And Marinha Kayak + Boat Tour From Albufeira

From: € 45

Our Benagil & Marinha Kayak Tour from Albufeira gets you inside of the Benagil cave and actually step on the sand of the epic cave.

About this activity

Benagil Cave & Marinha Kayak Tour From Albufeira

• Duration: 3.5 Hour
• Schedule: 9:30 am
• FREE cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours before the start of the activity
• Get inside of Banagil cave :)
• Small Group - Max 18 people in the group
• Live tour guide: English, Portuguese

Select available date:

Adult €45/person:: (13+ y.o.)

Children €40/person:: (5-12 y.o.)

**Choose your departure time**

Adult €45/person:: € 45

Children €40/person:: € 0

Optional activities: € 0

Subtotal: € 0

Kayaking is the best way to get inside of the Benagil cave!

• This Benagil Kayak tour from Albufeira is the only way and the best way to land inside of the Benagil cave in the Algarve
• The kayak tour includes a pleasant Boat trip as well from Albufeira
• Best Price Guarantee
• You can enjoy the unique ocean view from a small Benagil beach inside of Benagil cave
• You will also see the most beautiful beach in Europe – Marinha beach by the kayak and other sea caves as well
• Professional guides and safety briefing are included

• Double kayaks and paddles
• Professional guides
• Life jacket
• Liability insurance
• Stop for a walk at the beach inside of the Benagil Cave 🙂

Know Before You Go

• Please arrive at the meeting point 30 min before  
• We will refund you 100%, if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather
• We will charge  FULL amount if no shows or cancel the tour  within 24 hour
• In case of need to return to port early due to weather conditions, no refund is possible. It is up to the captain to decide whether to return to port
• We are not responsible for any personal belongings lost or damaged during the trip
• * Please don’t auto-translate this page.   Contact us if you have problems booking the tour
• Bring sunscreen, water and of course your camera
• It is not recommended for children under 5 years of age or pregnant women
• We recommend to book in advance in order to avoid fully booked
• Detailed operator information, including local phone number and address, are included on your confirmation email (please check your junk box as well)

Full Description

Visiting Benagil Cave by a kayak is the best option to step on sand of the beautiful Benagil Cave . Our Benagil Kayak Tour departs from Albufeira , you can simply enjoy the unique coastline view in between Albufeira and Benagil on our Catamaran . You will also see the most beautiful beach in Europe – Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha)

Our Kayak Tour  combines a pleasant boat trip and a kayak trip from Albufeira . You have the opportunity to discover the Benagil caves in a different way with our professional guides.

Our Catamaran with a maximum capacity of 18 people only . From the Albufeira marina , travel towards the most famous spot in the Algarve , spend time at the Benagil Caves and enjoy the best that nature has to offer.

On the Benagil Kayak Tour, we will take you to discover the secret spots that only our team will be able to show you.

Book your Benagil kayak tour in advance to avoid fully-booked.

Meeting Point

Marina de Albufeira, Passeio dos Oceanos, Lote 4, Loja 4 8200-394 Albufeira

Seacret Tours | The Ocean and You, Albufeira, Portugal

25 reviews for 3.5 Hour Benagil Cave And Marinha Kayak + Boat Tour From Albufeira

See what other people say

We had a blast! Highly recommend booking with them!

The experience was great, it was easier than we thought, our guide guided us very well.

Amazing time with the kayaking, was happy that we could see the Marinha Beach as well.

was nice and I can recommend it!

We had an incredible time, beautiful scenery, the staff are quite helpful as well, it was our 1st time kayaking in the open sea, and it went well with the instruction from out guide.

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€ 45 /person

Free Cancellation

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from € 35

2.5 Hour Benagil Caves And Dolphin Watching From Albufeira

2 Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching from Albufeira

Benagil Cruise From Albufeira | Caves And Coastline Catamaran Boat Tour

Cancellation policy

Ask a question.

Visit the most beautiful cave in the world

Join this adventure, where you can visit the most beautiful cave in the world. Also visit Praia da Marinha, which has been awarded the most beautiful beach in Europe.

Trail of the seven hanging valleys

Guided tour on a walk along the best coast in the algarve, discover secret spots guided kayak.

Benagil: Caves, Beaches, and Secret Spots Guided Kayak Tour

Come and visit the best region of the Algarve with us.

Join this adventure where you can visit the most beautiful cave in the world.

Also visit Praia da Marinha, awarded as the most beautiful in Europe.

The experience will start in the village of Benagil with our team of SUP and Kayak instructors, in the Algarve, where the meeting will take place on Benagil beach.

We will provide 2 hours of fun and knowledge of local generations, where we will take you to the most secret places formed by the sea.

There you will visit the most beautiful corners of the Algarve coast in the Benagil-Marinha region, where you can dive and float in the most beautiful waters of the Algarve. It will allow you to enter the most stunning and unique caves in the region, such as “Algar de Benagil”, which is the best known natural monument in the Algarve, considered the most beautiful cave in the world.

During the tour, we will also pass by the most beautiful wild beaches and caves in the region, feeling the size of the cliffs and visualizing the figures that were sculpted by the waves of the sea.

If you want a private tour, the minimum requirement is 4 people.

Always arrive 30 minutes before the start of the tour.

The day, time and duration of the tour may change depending on sea and weather conditions.

Visit the most beautiful cave in the world with Kayak Tours

Kayak Tour 2 hours

Price from 35,00 € (per adult)

Material included in the activity

– Double kayak and triple kayak – Life jackets – Kayaks – oars – 5L to 10L waterproof bag – activity insurance – diving suits (optional) – Qualified instructor and guide

About this activity

– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – Book now and pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible – book your spot and pay nothing today. – Duration 2 hours – Check availability to see start times. – Skip the ticket line – live tour guide

Price from 30 euros – 3 hours tour (per adult)

Trail recently elected as the best hiking destination in Europe.

– Municipality: Lagoa – Location: coastal strip between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes – Type: pedestrian – Circular route: no – Distance: 6 km – Average duration: 3 hours – Route: starting at Praia da Marinha and ending at Praia de Vale Centeanes – Type of path: dirt and somewhat rocky paths

– Water and energy bars included in the price

What to bring for the hike

Get off the beaten track with a guided kayak tour of the Benagil Caves with an instructor. Sail along high cliffs and around impressive rock formations in a turquoise sea. Stop for a refreshing swim in a breathtaking location.

Meet your guide at an easy-to-locate restaurant, and get kitted out with your high-quality paddle, kayak, dry bag, and life jacket. Get some instruction on how to use your kayak most efficiently from your guide before embarking on your coastal adventure.

Cycle through stretches of golden coastline and crystal clear waters teeming with glistening fish. Capture images of the Benagil caves as light streams in from above, illuminating the cave and blue water.

Learn how these geological formations were created by wind and waves over time. Cool off with a dip in the water and admire this otherworldly landscape as you swim along the beach. Return to the meeting point at the end of the tour.

Information

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve now & pay later

Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.

Duration 2 hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Skip the ticket line

Live tour guide.

English, Spanish, Portuguese

Discover the beauty of the Benagil Caves from the water on this guided kayak tour.

Paddle along wild beaches and admire the fantastic limestone formations carved by the sea.

→ Marvel at the fantastic rock formations of the famous Benagil caves

→ Get up close to the caves and fully experience them with a kayak tour

→ Hear how these cliffs and caves were formed over thousands of years

→ Take photos inside the cave to share with your friends and family

→ Dive into the refreshing waters and admire the views while taking a dip

What our customers say

[email protected]

(+351) 933997698 ( Call to national mobile network )

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.

T his post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

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. 

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• 8 Tips on How to Kayak to Benagil Cave in Algarve, Portugal

by Nichole | Last updated May 8, 2024 | Outdoor , Portugal

Going to the Algarve? It won’t take you long to see everyone recommends a visit to one of Portugal’s most stunning natural wonders, Benagil Cave. Its massive limestone walls will envelop you as you stand on the golden sands looking up at the light coming from the “eye” of the dome-shaped cave. Planning goes a long way to maximize your experience. Here are our top 8 tips on how to kayak to Benagil Cave and have it all to yourself.

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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01- Rent a Kayak from Ocean4Fun

02- benagil cave map, 03- enter and exit from the 2nd cave entrance, 04- know where to park, 05- go early to avoid the crowds, 06- prepare to get wet, water shoes, waterproof phone case, 07- bring a change of clothes, 08- bring a wide-angle camera, alternate ways to access benagil cave , guided kayak tour, stand-up paddleboard (sup), final thoughts on benagil cave , related content .

How to kayak to Benagil Cave before the crowds

We rented our 2-person kayak from Ocean4Fun for 7 am. The reason we chose to kayak without a tour guide at 7 am is we wanted to beat all the tour groups into the Benagil Cave and have it to ourselves.

Booking online was easy and we had instant rental confirmation prior to our arrival. We met Eduardo, the owner of the shop, promptly at 7 am.

Ocean4Fun shop at Benagil Beach

My husband and I love the outdoors. We hike, bike, snorkel, kayak, and canoe (but only in a river). Kayaking in the ocean by ourselves? No problem. We’ve got this.

Oh, no. Kayaking in an ocean is MUCH different than kayaking in a river.

The kayaking part itself is not difficult. What is difficult is getting the kayak out into the ocean from the beach and then maneuvering it back onto the beach by yourself without the crashing waves flipping you over.

Eduardo was super nice. Our kayaks were already waiting for us at Benagil Beach. We made the short walk down to the launching point. 

Walking down to Benagil Beach (* By the way, those were NOT our kayaks in this photo. Our kayaks were already on the beach)

We grabbed our life vests and paddles and walked to the edge of Benagil Beach. After several attempts trying to steady the kayak against the crashing waves, we were off!

Benagil Beach: launching point for taking a kayak to Benagil Cave

There was a tour group getting ready to head out shortly behind us. We paddled away quickly.

The ocean was a little choppy but manageable. It didn’t take us long to get from Benagil Beach to Benagil Cave. Maybe 10 minutes if that.

See the map below for orientation.

As we rounded the corner, we saw two large arched openings in the cave.

Take the second entrance for smoother access. As we paddled towards the beach, we had our kayaks perfectly positioned and let the waves bring us in.

Coming in for a landing via kayak to Benagil Cave

Before we knew it though, the front of our kayak abruptly hit the beach. Then the waves swung the kayak to the side and dumped us out.

In mere seconds the kayak flew up over my head almost knocking me out.

We stumbled onto the beach inside the cave looking like drowned rats. The water was freezing when we were there at the end of May. I was so thankful no one else was around to see our rather ungraceful dismount.

Luckily, my Ugo bag kept all my valuables dry. 

Alright, now to the good part. We arrived at 7:19 am and had the place all to ourselves for an amazing 8 minutes before the group kayak tour arrived!

Our self guided kayak to Benagil Cave in Algarve, Portugal

It was incredible spinning around in the soft sand and staring up at this light-filled dome. We have done a few sea cave kayak experiences like Phang Nga Bay in Thailand.

This was quite different though since you are actually able to land inside the sea cave and walk around.

A very unique experience!

Alone in Benagil Cave

We stayed for about 40 minutes. The group kayak tour group came and went. Once they left, it was just my husband and I and two other tourists who had a private guide with them.

I was freezing from our tumble into the ocean and dreading getting the kayak back into the water, but it was time to move on.

As we struggled to steady the 2-person kayak against the crashing waves, the private guide ran over to help. He steadied the kayak, which made jumping in a breeze. We took off effortlessly.  

Our exit from the cave was much different than our entrance!

I was super thankful for this stranger’s kindness.

I really love the Portuguese. My husband and I have traveled extensively, and I must say the Portuguese are some of the kindest, friendliest people we have ever encountered.

Benagil Cave map

Courtesy of Shutterstock: Enter into the second cave entrance

If you are kayaking or doing stand-up paddle boarding on your own, this little nugget of information is so important.

Enter the second arched entrance to Benagil Cave.

The first entrance is much more rough compared to the second. I was thankful the owner of the shop told us this before we embarked on our adventure.

Free parking on top of the hill from Benagil Beach 

Benagil Beach is tight and does not really offer any parking right near the beach. However, there is a huge parking lot on top of the hill near O’Pescador restaurant with plenty of spaces.

We parked there, walked to the kayaking shop to retrieve our life jackets and paddles, and made the short walk downhill on the road to the beach.

Refer back to the map for orientation.

No one else was out on the water when we left Benagil Beach at 7 am to head over to the cave.

When we got back around 8:30 am, crowds were starting to pick up. By mid-day, it was packed. We went at the end of May, so I’m sure the time of the year plays a role as well.

The ONE downside of visiting Benagil Cave that early in the morning is the lighting inside the cave is not great.

I have read the best lighting for photography is between 12-2 pm when the sun is over the dome of the cave and shines through the top like a spotlight.

However, if you go in the summer mid-day, prepare to share this special moment with many other tourists.

Courtesy of Shutterstock: Benagil Cave during mid-day

Make sure whatever you take with you can get wet. I left my sunglasses and hat in the car, which I’m glad I did because I would have lost them after my ungraceful tumble into the ocean.

What I did bring:

Fast drying. Protects your feet against any rocks. I wear my trusty Speedo water shoes for all my water activities. 

Takes great footage, and it can get wet. Love my GoPro ! I use it for all of my water activities, especially snorkeling.

Don’t risk damaging your phone. LOVE my  Ugo .

I don’t do any water activity without my Coolibar sun shirt . Keep that beautiful skin protected.

I was FREEZING since I took an unexpected swim. The water is cold.

Hopefully, you don’t fall into the water as I did. But if you do, you will be thankful if you think ahead and bring a change of dry clothes to leave in the car just in case.

Benagil Cave is much bigger than you think. I strongly suggest you bring your phone if it has a wide-angle camera or a GoPro with its wide-angle lens to capture all of its beauty.

Photo was taken from my wide-angle camera on my iPhone

Unless you are a master of ocean kayaking, I would STRONGLY suggest joining a guided kayak tour. Having someone who will steady your kayak as you enter and exit the beach against the crashing waves is invaluable.

There is a highly-rated company that leaves BEFORE the other tour groups and AFTER the other tour groups have left.

The company is called Secret Algarve , and they offer a tour called “Alone in Benagil Caves.” The tour leaves at 7 am and 4:30 pm daily to beat the crowds. They are located right next to Benagil Beach adjacent to the shop we used, Ocean4Fun.

Alternatively, we found out later you can book a guided kayak tour through Airbnb Experiences .

Remember that extremely kind private guide that came to our rescue to help us out of the cave?

He runs a guided kayak tour of up to 12 people. Now, when we were there he only had 2 people, so I’m guessing you can make the tour private for an extra cost.

If we could do it again, I would have booked a private tour with him.

You can also explore Benagil Cave via SUP. I have only done stand-up paddle boarding twice. Once on a lake and once in the lagoon in Bora Bora, so always in calm water.

I can’t imagine doing it on a wavy ocean. This option would be another great choice to explore Benagil Cave if you are experienced in ocean conditions.

The highly-rated company Blue Xperiences offers SUP tours and is located right on Benagil Beach. 

Boat Tour into Benagil Cave in Portugal

You can also access Benagil Cave by boat tour. However, if you choose this option you cannot actually get off the boat to stand inside the cave due to local restrictions.

If you have mobility issues or small kids, the boat tour is the best option for exploring Benagil Caves. Otherwise, go by guided kayak.

Boat tours leave from Albufeira, Portimao, and Lagos. Or leave right from Benagil Beach. Taruga Benagil Tours is located right on Benagil Beach and is rated a 5/5 on TripAdvisor with over 4,000+ reviews.

Can you swim to it? Yes.

Would I suggest it? Heck, no.

Those waves are no joke and can easily crash you into the sides of the rock as you enter the cave. Plus, boats and kayaks are constantly flowing in and out. Not a good idea.

Eye or Hole of Benagil Cave as viewed from the top

We hiked the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail . You walk past the hole or “eye” on top of Benagil Cave on this trail. They have a fence around the hole for extra safety, so it’s difficult to peer down inside.

Not too impressive from the designated viewpoint from the top.

You MUST visit Benagil Caves especially if you are a first-timer to the Algarve. It is a stunning and incredibly unique experience. A little planning though will make your experience exceptional. Get up early (it will be worth it!) and get out by 7 am.

Learn from our mistakes and choose a private guided kayak tour if you want the place to yourself. It will make your trip so much more enjoyable to have that extra set of hands to get you going.

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How To Visit Benagil Cave – Everything You Need To Know! (Best Tours, How To Get There, Top Tips & More!)

Posted on Last updated: April 21, 2024

Benagil Cave is possibly one of the most famous places in Portugal, and for good reason.

It was made famous from a photo that went viral on social media, and it quickly became one of the most visited natural attractions of the Algarve.

We incorporated our Benagil Cave tour from Lagos with exploring other beaches in the area, and it was easily the best day of our Algarve itinerary.

I was afraid Benagil Cave would be an Instagram vs reality moment, where it looks stunning in photos but it wouldn’t be in person. I’m glad that I was proved wrong.

Benagil Caves in the Algarve is a huge sea cave with a hole in the ceiling and doors that open up directly in the sea. It’s a gorgeous natural formation, which deserves a place in your Portugal bucket list.

In this guide I put together everything you need to know about visiting Benagil Cave. Including how to get to Benagil Cave, the best Benagil Cave tours, the best time to visit, tips from my experience and more!

We visited Benagil Cave on a sunrise kayak tour, and it was the best decision we could have made. If you want to know everything about visiting Benagil Cave, read on!

• 1 What is Benagil Cave?
• 2 How to get to Benagil sea cave
• 3 Best time to visit Benagil Cave
• 4.1 Benagil Cave Kayak Tour
• 4.2 Benagil Cave Boat Trips
• 4.3 SUP tour to Benagil Cave
• 5 How much does a Benagil Cave tour cost?
• 6 Our experience visiting Benagil Cave
• 7 Where to stay to visit Benagil Cave
• 8 Visiting Benagil Cave FAQs

Me in Benagil Cave at 7:30AM

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours to Benagil Cave

Benagil Caves 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Tour

Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

Benagil Caves Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour

Best hotels around Benagil Cave

Budget:  Topcity Hostel & Suites

Mid-range: Casa dos Arcos

Luxury: Jupiter Marina Hotel

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

What is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is a huge sea cave located on the southern coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. It’s often described also as Benagil Cathedral, because of its huge size and imposing natural formation.

Benagil sea cave is characterised by two entrances facing the sea and a giant hole on its ceiling. Inside the cave there is also a small beach where you can walk around, dip your feet in the sea and enjoy this stunning sea cave.

From inside the cave you can see all the different shades of gold and amber rock that line the cave walls, telling the history of thousands of years of sea and wind erosion. It’s a sight of incredible natural beauty.

Kayaking into Benagil Cave from one of the grotto entrances on the sea

How to get to Benagil sea cave

You can only reach Benagil Cave by the sea. Despite being located along the Algarve coast on mainland Portugal, the entrances of Benagil Cave face directly into the sea.

If you walk along the coast you will be able to look into the distinctive hole of Benagil Cave, but you won’t be able to access the cave from there.

When I visited in summer 2021 they had placed a security fence around the hole, meaning you could look into Benagil Cave but without getting too close.

Our kayaks inside Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is just 200 metres from Benagil Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve .

You can only get to the Benagil Cave location by sea with a kayak, SUP or boat. Some people also swim to Benagil sea caves, as the distance is fairly short.

However this isn’t recommended unless you know the location and tides really well, and unless you’re a confident and strong swimmer. Joining a kayak , SUP or boat tour is the easiest and safest way to get to Benagil Cave.

The tours to Benagil Cave usually start directly in Benagil Beach, unless you book one specifically with a transfer. Since the town around it is fairly small, most people usually stay in either Lagos , Albufeira or Portimao to then visit Benagil.

These popular Algarve destinations are all within a 25 to 40 minute drive from Benagil. If you’re driving your own car to Benagil Cave, you can find a big free parking area here .

Click here to see prices and availability for your Benagil Cave tour, or check out the most popular Benagil Cave tours below!

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve, Portugal

Best time to visit Benagil Cave

The best time to visit Benagil Cave is as early as possible in the morning. I’m not joking when I say that the time of visit could make or break your Benagil Cave tour.

We did a 7AM kayak tour to Benagil Cave and our group was the only one there. We spent half an hour wandering around the cave and taking photos, sharing this gorgeous natural rock formation with only 10 other people.

When we walked past the cave entrance later in the afternoon and peaked in, we were shocked by the amount of people and kayaks stacked inside the cave, to say nothing of the chaos that was Benagil Beach.

You should also check the tide times. We visited during low tide so there was a lot of sandy beach to sit and walk on. In the afternoon the tide had gone up, so besides there being more people, it also felt more crowded as the beach was smaller.

Me and my friend Martina on our Benagil Cave sunrise kayak tour

The best Benagil Cave tours

Being one of the most popular attractions in Portugal, it’s only natural that there would be hundreds of tours dedicated to visiting this one sea cave in the Algarve.

I always recommend booking your tour online beforehand, especially if you’re travelling in high season, as it will ensure you can do the tour you want and on your preferred date and time.

One of the cool things about doing a Benagil Cave tour is that there are loads of options to choose from. I have listed below some of the most popular tours to Benagil Cave.

Kayaking to Praia da Marinha during our Benagil Cave kayak tour

Benagil Cave Kayak Tour

We visited Benagil Cave on a kayak tour and loved it. The tour lasted 1.5 hours, of which around 30 minutes were spent inside Benagil Cave, taking photos and generally just admiring this gorgeous natural formation.

Besides Benagil Cave, we loved exploring this part of the Algarve coast by kayak, as it allows you to get really close to the huge staggering cliffs while also being close to the crystal clear sea.

There are lots of Benagil Cave kayak tours, so I have listed below some of the ones with the best reviews online.

Algarve: Benagil Caves 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Tour – The classic Benagil Cave kayak tour, starting in Benagil Beach for those who want to drive there alone and then explore the surroundings once the tour ends 

Click here to book your Benagil Cave kayak tour!

Kayaks ready for a sunrise tour to Benagil Cave

Algarve: Benagil Sea Cave Sunrise or Sunset Kayak Experience – As I already mentioned the best time to visit Benagil Cave is as early as possible in the morning. Join this sunrise kayak tour for the opportunity to see Benagil Cave without the crowds!

Portimao: Kayak Tour of Benagil Caves – If you’re staying in Portimao and don’t have a car, this tour is a great way to visit Benagil, as it includes also the boat cruise there.

From Albufeira: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak or SUP – Same thing for those who are staying in Albufeira, join this tour if you want both the boat cruise and kayak experience!

Check out prices & availability for your Benagil Cave kayak tour in the calendar below!

Getting ready for our kayak sunrise tour to Benagil Cave from Benagil Beach

One of the other sea caves we explored during our Benagil Cave kayak tour

Benagil Cave Boat Trips

If kayaking isn’t your thing, worry not! As there are also plenty of boat tours that can take you to Benagil Cave. I have listed below some of the most popular ones.

Portimao: Benagil Caves 2-Hour Speed Boat Tour – If you’re looking for a Benagil Cave tour from Portimao, this speed boat tour is a great choice! Besides Benagil Cave you will be able to explore also a large part of Portugese coast. 

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour – For those who want a Benagil Cave tour from Albufeira, this boat tour also includes a dolphin watching experience! It’s like getting a 2-for-1 tour! 

Lagos: Benagil Sea Cave Tour – Last but not least, if you want to visit Benagil Cave from Lagos, this scenic cruise will allow you to do just that. 

Click here to book your boat tour to Benagil Cave,   or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Join a Benagil Cave boat tour

SUP tour to Benagil Cave

If you don’t fancy kayaking and you don’t want to be on a boat, you can also join a Benagil Caves SUP tour!

Algarve: Benagil Caves Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour – Discover the gorgeous Benagil sea cave, and the gorgeous coastline of the Algarve, by paddling out on your very own SUP! 

Click here to book your Benagil Cave SUP tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Exploring the Algarve coast by SUP

How much does a Benagil Cave tour cost?

Generally speaking, the tours to Benagil Caves range from 20 EUR to 50 EUR depending on what transport mode you choose and whether they include other services or attractions.

You should visit the page of the exact Benagil Cave tour you want to do to see their latest prices and availability.

If you want to save money you could try renting a kayak or SUP at Benagil Beach and making your own way to Benagil Cave, as it’s fairly close. However you would then miss out on the other sea caves the tours take you to visit.

Check out prices and availability for your Benagil sea cave tour here!

Benagil Beach – where most of the Benagil Cave tours start from

Our experience visiting Benagil Cave

I’ll be honest and say that before visiting Benagil Cave, I was convinced it would be one of those overhyped locations that became famous on social media but which is actually disappointing in real life.

I was very happy to be proved wrong. Benagil Cave in Portugal is a place of truly stunning natural beauty, which I believe should feature on everyone’s Europe bucket list .

Walking on the small beach inside the cave, looking up at the hole in the cave ceiling and admiring the layers of rock and erosion that brought it to look like that over millions of years, really has a way of making you feel small.

I also really enjoyed kayaking along the rest of the coast, exploring other sea caves and admiring the golden cliffs of Praia da Marinha. I thought it would be a lot of hype just for one cave, but there was actually more to it.

We did the 7AM sunrise kayak tour and were not disappointed. I heard from others who visited during the day that they hated it because huge number of kayaks, boats and people crowded into the cave.

Benagil Cave is a truly unique natural rock formation, which deserves its place on every Portugal itinerary . If you want to fully enjoy it, make the effort to wake up early and give it the attention it deserves.

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve

Where to stay to visit Benagil Cave

The town surrounding Benagil Cave and Benagil Beach is fairly small and quiet. This is the reason why most travellers visiting Benagil Cave stay in other towns of the Algarve .

We stayed in Lagos and loved it, although it is the town furthest away. The drive from Lagos to Benagil Cave is around 40 minutes, but the town itself is very cute, as well as being close to Ponta da Piedade and other awesome Algarve beaches.

Albufeira is closer, only a 30-minute drive to Benagil, and a great place to stay for young travellers looking to party. The town has a beautiful beach right in front of it, and a reputation for being a party destination.

Portimao is also around a 30-minute drive from Benagil. It’s a great starting point for many of the boat and kayak tours to Benagil that I’ve listed above.

Some people try to visit Benagil Cave on a day trip from Lisbon but that’s not worth it in my opinion. You would spend longer driving back and forth than enjoying Benagil.

You should plan your Portugal itinerary to visit cities like Lisbon , Sintra and Porto on separate days from Benagil. 

Exploring the old town centre of Lagos in Portugal

Praia dos Pescadores in front of Albufeira city centre, with Albufeira old town behind it

Here are some great accommodation options for every budget in each of these towns.

Budget in Lagos – Topcity Hostel & Suites :  This is the hostel we stayed at for two nights and a great choice for budget travellers. They have a rooftop pool, spacious terraces for every dorm and a fun sociable atmosphere.

Click here to see prices and availability at Topcity Hostel & Suites!

Mid-range in Albufeira – Casa dos Arcos :  This charming guest house is the perfect place to stay for those who want to treat themselves without breaking the bank. You can relax in their lovely courtyard after a long day of exploring the Algarve.

Check out prices and availability at Casa dos Arcos here!

Luxury in Portimao – Jupiter Marina Hotel : With its infinity pool with sea views, spacious rooms and spa, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself after an early morning kayaking to Benagil Cave!

Click here to book your stay at Jupiter Marina Hotel in Portimao here!

The rooftop pool at Topcity Hostel & Suites in Lagos

Visiting Benagil Cave FAQs

Conscious this article has become quite long, so I wanted to summarise the key points here!

How do I get to Benagil Cave? Benagil Cave is located 200 metres away from Benagil Beach, on the coast of mainland Portugal. You can only access the cave from the sea with a kayak, SUP or boat tour.

What is the best time to visit Benagil Cave? If you’re visiting in summer, the best time to see Benagil is at 7AM before the huge tourist crowds arrive. If you’re in Portugal in winter you can go also later during the day, although many tours won’t be running in low season so make sure to plan accordingly and book online beforehand.

Can you go to Benagil Cave without a tour? Technically yes. You could swim to Benagil Cave but it’s not recommended. You could also rent a kayak, SUP or boat and make your own way there, but you would miss on the explanation of how Benagil Cave was formed and the tour to the other nearby sea caves.

Is visiting Benagil Cave worth it? In my opinion yes. There is a reason this stunning natural cave became so famous in the first place, just make sure to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a pleasant experience at Benagil.

Where do I book a Benagil Cave tour?  I always recommend GetYourGuide as an online platform for tours. They offers loads of tours where you can read reviews, plus they have a very flexible cancellation policy.

Click here to book your Benagil Cave kayak tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

One of the entrances and the famous roof on the ceiling of Benagil Cave

Final thoughts on the best Benagil sea caves tours

There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting Benagil Cave in the Algarve! I hope my article answers all the questions you might have about Benagil sea caves, and it will help plan your time there.

Whether you were wondering how to get to Benagil, whether it’s actually worth visiting or paying for a Benagil Cave tour, I tried to answer all your Benagil questions here.

While the enthusiasm around Benagil Cave is without a doubt a bit overhyped, this sea cave is truly beautiful and worth a visit. It was one of the highlights of our time in the Algarve.

We visited other seaside towns during our Portugal trip, such as Ericeira and Nazaré , but Benagil was special.

The Algarve is also a popular European winter destination . If you’re looking for a bit of winter sun , you can strike two birds with one stone and also get to enjoy Benagil Cave without the summer crowds.

If you have any questions about visiting Benagil Cave let me know in the comments below! Have you already been to Benagil Caves in Portugal? How did you find it? Tell me about your experiences in the comments below!

Looking for more Portugal travel tips? Check out my other Portugal travel guides!

• The perfect Azores 10-day itinerary
• Hiking in the Azores – Best trails, top tips & more!
• Sao Miguel, Azores – 10 best things to do
• Terceira Island, Azores – 11 amazing things to do
• How to see whales in the Azores

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How to Reach Benagil Cave in Algarve, Portugal (Tours + Kayaking + tips)

by Drifter Planet | Jul 14, 2022 | Portugal , Most Popular Blog Posts

Information about how to reach Benagil Cave, Tips, and Practical Travel Info. I have visited the Benagil Cave twice and had a different experience each time.

Imagine a beach that’s hidden from the rest of the world because it is in a cave. A perfect beach with soft golden sand that’s partially lit because of the hole on the top of the cave. That’s Benagil Cave in the Algarve .

Beaches are special but hidden beaches are more than just extra special. I am happy to say that I have visited quite a few because I always try to find one such beach when I visit a beach destination. When I do, I feel like a character out of The Beach movie.

Algarve’s Benagil Cave beach is one of those extra special ones. The only way in is by kayaking or paddle boating, which obviously adds a more elusive touch to this already amazing place.

If you didn’t know already, the Algarve region is in the South of Portugal and is a lovely coastal area. The thing that makes the Algarve coastline unique is the stunning rock formations.

There rock formations are everywhere in the Algarve and are mindblowing. I spent a week in Lagos and then a week in Carvoeiro – both these places are in the Algarve and are stunning.

In Portuguese, the Benagil Cave is called Algar de Benagil. The holes in the rock formations are called  algares  (or holes) and there are many of them. I did mention in my Seven Hanging Valleys post that there’s a hike that goes on top of the cliff inside which this cave is situated. You can see the holes in these cliffs from the top.

This post is about the best way of getting inside the cave from the water. Actually, there are many caves in this short stretch and they are collectively called the Benagil Caves, but in this post, we will mostly talk about the most famous Benagil Cave one with a hidden sandy beach. This one (below).

Benagil Cave has a hidden beach, where a little light falls dramatically because it has a hole on the top. Most of the cave is dark but gets lit up as the sun rises.

The shape and the direction of the light that falls from above keep changing as the day passes. It is like a natural skylight within a natural wonder adding to the wow effect of this already beautiful cave.

Where is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is near Carvoeiro , which is a cute little resort town in Portugal’s Algarve region . It is between Portimão & Albufeira. It is 55 km away from Faro , which is the Algarve’s entry point because of the airport.

As mentioned before, Benagil Beach is a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail of the Algarve , which is a famous hiking trail that ends at Marinha Beach .

Benagil Beach comes just about in the middle of this hiking trail. Benagil Beach is the main beach of the Benagil village, and shouldn’t be confused with the Benagil Cave Beach. The cave beach is obviously the one that’s inside the cave!

Where to Stay to Visit the Benagil Cave

If you visit Algarve, then most likely you will set up your base in Albufeira, Lagos , Tavira, Sagres, or Portimão.

In order to visit the Benagil Cave, the best nearby destination to stay is Carvoeiro , where I stayed in June 2023. Another option would be the Benagil village. It is a small fishing village but I found it to be very boring because the main Benagil Beach is tiny and was full of seaweed.

Whereas Carvoeiro has amazing beaches, rock formations, and Algar Seco caves and it isn’t as touristy as other destinations of the Algarve.

So that’s why I suggest Carvoeiro because it is next to Benagil village and you can easily move between the two using Uber. From Carvoeiro to Benagil was EUR 7 on Uber for us, and it was just a 10-15 minute drive.

My first time in the Algarve was in 2022 and I picked Lagos because it is seriously stunning, has a low-key vibe, and historical old town. These three should be included in every Algarve itinerary .

If you want to be close to the Benagil cave, then you should pick Carvoeiro for your base. It is a little upscale in terms of hotels but I did find an amazing resort with an affordable apartment, it was at Rocha Brava Village Resort .

I did not want to stay in Carvoeiro in 2022 because I wasn’t looking for a resort destination but a place that had a bit of everything – beaches, hiking, viewpoints, restaurants, history, and a certain vibe, and Lagos is a bit solo traveler friendly.

In 2023 I visited the Algarve with a friend so for us Carvoeiro made total sense. Carvoiero is pretty and also has the stunning Algar Seco caves, which reminded me of Cappadocia .

If you don’t want to stay in Carvoeiro too, then you can easily make a day trip to see the Benagil Cave with a rental car or a tour.

Starting Point for Reaching Benagil Caves

Drive to Benagil Beach, or arrive here on a bus. Car rental is cheaper in Portugal as compared to the other nearby European countries as I mentioned already in my Portugal road trip post .

Based on my experience with how busy it gets here, arrive on Benagil Beach by 8:45 am to start the next step mentioned in the point below.

How to Get into Benagil Cave?

Let’s finally talk about how you get into Benagil Cave. As mentioned before, there are only two ways:

• Kayaking (I did this in 2022)
• Paddleboarding (I did this in 2023)

Do not swim to the Benagil Cave or the nearby caves that are collectively called Benagil Caves.

The swim looks easy but it is surprisingly difficult so there are often accidents. Each year at least two tourists die while attempting to swim to Benagil Caves. Please visit with a kayak instead.

Kayaking to the Benagil Caves is not only the most popular way to reach inside but also the easiest way. Stand-up paddleboarding is fun but it isn’t the easiest. I kept on falling from my SUP because of the waves but kayaking was a breeze.

Boats bigger than paddle boats and kayaks aren’t allowed to offload people near the cave anymore, so if you visit these caves on a big tour boat, then you won’t be able to swim to the cave and walk on the beach.

In order to reach the Benagil Cave beach, you will either need to pick a tour or drive to Benagil Beach and try to find a way to rent a kayak from there. I will talk about these options in detail below.

Can you reach the Benagil Cave with a Boat Tour?

Yes and no. Yes, you can reach the Benagil Cave on a boat but no you won’t be able to walk on the beach. The boats are not allowed to bring people on the beach – this is something a tour operator in Lagos told me. She mentioned that the only way to go inside is by getting on a kayaking or a SUP trip.

That’s true for even tours on small boats – they aren’t allowed to let people out of the boat to walk on the small beach inside the Benagil cave.

How to Pick Your Benagil Cave Tour?

Depending on where you will stay in the Algarve, you should pick a tour based on the departure point.

When you arrive in any part of the Algarve – be it Albufeira or Lagos or Portimão, you will see lots of shops in the main center or near the train or bus stations or in the Marina where they try to sell you a tour to see the Benagil cave.

The thing is, 95% of those tours will take you on a big boat, and big boats can only see the Benagil cave from outside. So, you will technically not visit the beach. You can’t leave the big boat so you won’t get to walk on the beach.

The only way you can go on the beach is if you pick a tour with kayaks, paddle boats, or SUP. After a lot of research and reading reviews on hundreds of sites that we found on the internet, we found this perfect tour for us . It wasn’t from Lagos but from Portimão. During my second visit, I did Benagil Cave Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) tour instead.

We were staying in Lagos but we reached Portimão in just 20 minutes with our bus. Portimão is easy to reach from anywhere in Algarve by bus or train.

This tour was excellent. Not only did we visit the Benagil cave, but we also visited some of the other caves around and they were all good. We also saw the famous Praia da Marinha , which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

We had a very comfortable catamaran with a toilet. We had a staff of four people with us on the board who were our guides and kayaking lifeguards.

Other Benagil Cave Kayak tour options

If the above tour is booked out or if you’re not going to be in Portimao, then I have handpicked a few more tours for you:

• Benagil Cave Guided tour:  It is a 2-hour kayaking tour that leaves from Benagil Beach.
• Benagil Kayak Rental : If you have enough kayaking experience, then you can rent the kayak and do it yourself. But be careful of the rocks at the entry of the cave.
• Benagil Cave Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) : For me entering the Benagil Cave on a paddleboard was a lot of fun. Try it.
• Benagil Cave Sunrise or Sunset Kayaking : It is different from the others because it has super early or late start times so that you can avoid crowds. This also costs EUR 35 per person and starts from Benagil Beach.
• Algarve: Benagil Caves Guided Kayaking Tour: This is pretty similar to the first one on this list and costs the same – EUR 35. But they have 5 different time slots so that you can start super early or late to avoid crowds. It also leaves Benagil Beach.

Is it difficult to kayak to Benagil Cave?

Kayaking isn’t difficult because it is intuitive. You don’t need to know if from before to do it. I normally hate watersports but for me, kayaking is actually fun.

During my first visit in 2022, I did a kayaking tour with a bigger number. There were many kayaking newbies on the tour and they did pretty well when they kayaked the first time. And some of them didn’t even know how to swim! Yes, they all had life jackets on – whether you are a pro or a newbie, a life jacket is a must.

But I understand if you are nervous about it, I can sometimes be too. In 2023, my friend took a kayak and I took a paddleboard. She isn’t very experienced with kayaks but she did a good job.

If you do a tour then they will already give you instructions for kayaking. They will help you arrive on the beach by kayak, which in my experience is the moment when most people fall. Falling in the water isn’t something you should be scared of by the way.

The entry area of the Benagil cave is rocky (of course), so the only thing you should be scared of is falling out of your kayak and hurting yourself with the rocks. But, don’t let fear mess up your experience. A little bit of fear is okay for awareness so that you can keep yourself safe.

Kayaking vs Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Honestly, I prefer SUP over kayak because I find it much more fun to balance while standing. Kayaking is easier and is something I have done many times.

The only reason I booked a kayaking tour and not SUP is that I didn’t find a tour that started from Lagos or Portimão. Also, SUP tours are more expensive. But if I didn’t have any money or commute restrictions, I would have picked up this below tour.

If you’d like to do stand-up paddleboarding to visit the Benagil cave, then check out this tour . This is a 2-hour tour that starts from Benagil beach and you can find one as early as 7:30 am, which is way before most people start to arrive here.

Not into Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding? Try a Boat Tour

Ok, I get it. You don’t want to kayak or go on a SUP or even swim to the cave. You would rather experience the beauty of the cave from the water and the comfort of your boat.

No worries, I get you and I can help you with a few boat trips where you can do just that:

• Benagil Cave on a boat from Portimão : This costs EUR 26 and starts from Portimão on a boat.
• Benagil Cave on a boat from Carvoeir o: This costs EUR 30 and starts from Carvoeiro. It also includes the famous Praia da Marinha.
• Benagil Cave Boat Tour & Dolphin Watching on a Speed Boat from Albufeira : This tour starts from Albufeira and costs EUR 34.

Please note: that you won’t be able to leave the boat, make swimming stops or enter the beach inside the Benagil cave. If you want to go to the beach or swim, then book a kayaking or SUP tour.

The Best time to do the Benagil Cave Tour

As a person who has done a morning tour and an afternoon tour, I’d say do the morning one. We started at 9 am from Benagil Beach and we were inside the cave pretty early before anyone else was there. And it was the high season – June.

Most of the tours leave in the morning at 10 am and 2 pm in the evening. Of course, most people opt for the 2 p.m. one. I did too the first time because I was all the way away in Lagos . The 2 p.m. tour that I did was also in the month of June.

Now that I have done both a morning tour and an afternoon tour, I’d say that the experience is completely different and a hundred times better when it is early.

The month of August is even busier so you should definitely pick a morning tour if you are visiting during the high season. Personally, I’d say that early summer is the best time to visit the Algarve .

Can You Visit the Benagil Cave without a Tour?

This is something that isn’t advertised but is definitely possible. Why should it be? After all, if you are an experienced kayaker or SUPer, you can enter the cave on a kayak or a paddle boat without a guide. Just arrive at Benagil Beach and rent a kayak or a paddleboard.

When in doubt, carry your own inflatable paddleboard – they aren’t expensive anymore and are around EUR 100 – 150.

Actually, I didn’t want to do it because I wanted a guide to be around me in case there was a danger of me smashing my head against the rocks.

This option may make sense if you are already going to rent a car to travel within Portugal. So get a rental car , drive to Benagil Beach super early, and rent a few kayaks or a stand-up paddleboard.

But if you rent a car just to visit the Benagil Cave, then do check the weather conditions in advance and the timings of high tide and low tide.

Pro tip: If you are doing this without a guide, then notice the people on a tour and which cave entrance they are taking. There are two cave entrances. The tour guides do this every day and know which entrance to take.

The cost of our tour from Portimao was 40 euros but the cost of the tour from Benagil Beach was 35 euros. So the difference is just 5 euros and if you rent a car just for this, then you will probably pay a minimum of EUR 30 per day and add EUR 35 for a kayak tour from Benagil Beach per person.

If you are driving to Benagil Beach and doing this tour on your own, then the advantage is that you get to spend a longer time inside the Benagil Cave and can also explore the other nearby beaches at your own pace. There’s of course the famous Marinha Beach nearby which is worth all the hype but also Carvalho Beach which is also on the Seven Hanging Valleys hiking trail.

Can You Swim to Benagil Cave?

Even if you are a strong swimmer, please don’t swim to Benagil Cave. As mentioned above, the swim is surprisingly difficult even though it appears to be easy.

Each year minimum of two travelers die while they attempt to swim to Benagil Cave. That’s why I feel it is my duty to inform you about the risks and discourage you from risking your life.

Where to Rent a Kayak for Benagil Cave?

I did a tour but you can rent a kayak from Praia de Benagil to reach Benagil Cave. The rental stand is right there on the beach and it opens up at 8:30 am during the peak season. They will give you life jackets too and some also have an optional add-on rental “dry bag”, which comes in handy while kayaking or SUPing.

If you aren’t confident about kayaking to Benagil Caves on your own, then here’s one of the tours that you can look at . For more tour options, look at the section above that’s named “Benagil Cave tour options”.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Benagil Cave in Algarve Portugal

Visiting Benagil Cave may sound complicated but it isn’t. If you want to visit it then you shouldn’t let anything stop you. After all, there aren’t so many such places in the world. If you visit Portugal’s Algarve region then you should definitely do everything you can to visit the Benagil cave for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

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Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Drifter Planet

Benagil Cave in 2024 – New Rules, Helpful Tips & The Best Tours

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: May 22, 2024

When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the first thing we wanted to see was Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was confusing, as we heard several conflicting reports on how to visit Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Cave in October 2023. During our Benagil Caves visit, new rules were put into place, but things have already changed for 2024.

Table of Contents

What is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most famous sea cave because of its impressive domed ceiling with a natural skylight. Inside, the sea cave boasts a golden sand beach, layers of sandstone walls, and turquoise waters, creating a mesmerizing play of light and color.

The cave is located in the small village of Benagil, a short distance from popular towns such as Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat tours leave from Portimão, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors exploring the Algarve’s coastline. It is also located on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a famous hike in the Algarve.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 5.7km hike that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. Benagil Cave is located in the middle of the hike at the small village of Benagil. There is a parking lot nearby, so even if you don’t hike the entire Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you can visit Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.

Visitors used to be able to swim or kayak from the village of Benagil to Benagil beach, but that is no longer possible unless on a guided tour.

New Rules and Regulations for Benagil Cave

Local authorities have introduced new measures to preserve Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected natural wonder, and with the increasing number of visitors, it was becoming dangerous and unmanageable. Boats were capsizing, and the beach was constantly overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping access, Benagil Cave can be preserved for years to come.

Limited Access : To manage the flow of tourists and reduce environmental impact, access to the caves is now limited. It’s essential to book your tour in advance , especially during peak season (June to September).

Guided Tours Only : Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are no longer allowed for safety reasons. All visits must be part of an organized boat tour with licensed operators.

This ensures that the caves are visited sustainably and safely. We saw police boats patrolling the coast, and they were very serious about conservation. We also saw kayakers capsizing. We have heard that fines for swimming in the cave can be as high as €2500.

Environmental Fee : A small environmental fee has been introduced, which is included in the tour price. This fee supports conservation efforts and helps maintain the caves’ natural beauty.

Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?

Yes, the Benagil Cave will open to visitors in 2024. However, due to new regulations and to ensure visitors’ safety, access to the cave is now only allowed through organized boat tours with licensed operators. These measures help manage the number of tourists and reduce the environmental impact.

Trust me, even with measures in place when we were visiting Benagil Cave, it was a zoo out there on the water. Kayaks capsized, boats lined up to enter the caves, and entering Benagil Cave was only a short 3 or 4-minute experience.

However, we loved our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The other sea caves, sea arches, and high limestone cliffs make it one of the most spectacular coasts in the world. It puts the Great Ocean Road in Australia to shame, and I thought that was spectacular.

Can you swim in Benagil Cave?

Due to regulation changes, independent kayakers, swimming, and landing on the beach were no longer allowed. But you can book organized kayaking tours. When doing more research, we found one tour that offers a swim in Benagil Cave.

This tour claims to be the only one that swims to Benagil Cave and takes you right inside the cave. We find this hard to believe because when we visited, nobody was allowed to step foot on Benagil Beach, but things do change quickly. They are the only tour we could find, and when we put in dates to book, they accepted our booking, so this is a possibility. If you find out more, please let us know. The tour is through Viator, with Vagamundo Tours as its operator. When looking for the Vagumndo Tours website, I found that it was no longer in operation. So, this could be an old link.

At the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a meeting to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation rules. The best advice we can give is to book an organized tour. Swimming to the cave can be dangerous regardless, and the businesses along the Algarve Coast will know what the new rules are.

How to Visit Benagil Cave

We took a boat tour to reach the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I am sure that the only way to visit Benagil Cave would be by organized tour.

In 2024, some people have claimed that motor boats are no longer allowed, while others claim that kayaks and SUPs are no longer allowed. When we visited at the end of the season last year, Kayaking and SUPs were not allowed due to overcrowding and safety reasons.

As we mentioned above, we saw kayakers capsize in other sea caves and watched as groups of kayakers went into the caves, taking a lot of time and looking chaotic. So, the best advice we can give is to book an organized tour with a licensed operator to ensure that you are following the law.

If businesses have their say, I believe that motorboat tours will win out. These tours depart from various nearby locations, such as Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it easy for travelers to include this natural wonder in their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are also very easy to navigate and police. We will update you as soon as we hear more.

Can you Visit Benagil Cave by Land?

You cannot visit Benagil Cave by land; it is only accessible by sea. However, if you want to see Benagil Cave from above, you can view it from land. Benagil Cave is located along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You cannot enter the cave from above, but you can look at it from above through its domed ceiling. There is a fence around it, so the view isn’t the best, but it is a beautiful hike.

Also, while we were there, many people hopped over the barriers for their Instagram photographs. We do not recommend this. That fall would do some serious damage and cause a huge fine.

Getting To Benagil Cave

By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the only way to visit Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These tours depart from various points along the Algarve coast, including Benagil Beach, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.

Our Tour of Benagil Cave

We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour through our hotel, The Tivoli Carvoiero . Starting on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean through Portimão, where we saw the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (among the 20 most beautiful villages in the country) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, also known as Castle of Ferragudo, built in the 19th century.

Our tour covered a lot of ground, taking us to see the famous beaches of the Algarve, including Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was located directly in front of our hotel, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If you can, make sure to sit at the front of the boat for optimal viewing. You can book a similar tour here.

We booked the first tour of the morning that started at 10 am. We were at Benagil at about 11 am, which was perfect as the sunbeams were high enough to light the cave.

Helpful Tips to Visit Benagil Cave

Book in Advance : Given the new restrictions and popularity of the Benagil Caves, booking your tour well in advance is crucial. Online bookings are highly recommended.

Choose a small boat – We booked a small zodiac speed boat tour that held 18 people. There were some very large boats on the water that could not get into the caves like we did. If you can, get on the boat first and go right to the front. Dave and I saw way more at the front than the rest of the passengers.

Choose the Right Time : Early morning tours are less crowded and offer the best lighting for photography. Sunset tours are also magical, with the golden light illuminating the cave’s interior. Tides also have an impact on entering some caves but Benagil can be entered at any time.

What to Bring : Pack light, but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera. Some tours provide life jackets and waterproof bags, but it’s best to check in advance.

Photography – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves but Dave also had his camera a Sony A1. Being on a speed boat, our equipment was safe and dry, but we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.

Stay Safe : Listen to your guides, wear your life jacket, and respect the natural environment. Swimming near the caves can be dangerous due to strong currents and boat traffic.

Explore Nearby : After your tour, take some time to explore the surrounding area. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, stunning beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants.

Should you Visit Benagil Cave in 2024?

Absolutely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable experience. No matter which way you see it, the Algarve Coast is worth it alone. The sea cliffs, other sea caves, and arches are a spectacular sight, and going along the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was one of the most beautiful boat trips we’ve ever taken.

With the new rules in place, you can enjoy this natural wonder responsibly and sustainably. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for an adventure, the Benagil Caves are worth visiting. So, book your tour, pack your essentials, and get ready to explore the magical Benagil Caves!

Plan more of your trip to the Algarve and Portugal

• Where to Stay in Algarve: 5 Best Areas To Stay
• 3 Days in the Algarve Itinerary
• 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
• Is Portugal Expensive To Visit? Travel Costs And Budgets
• 30 Best Things To Do in Portugal

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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Where to Stay in Algarve: 5 Best Areas To Stay In 2024

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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