The Benagil Cave tour is arguably the most popular tour along the entire Algarve. The reason is simple: the cave is the iconic landmark of the Algarve and the most spectacular rock formation in the region.
We have visited the Benagil Cave multiple times in the past, using both the boat tour* and a kayak* for the experience. Once, we even swam to the cave from the beach, which we strongly advise against.
On this page, we’ll show you how to reach the Benagil Cave, which boat tours we recommend, and the best time to visit.
Benagil Cave, how do you get there?
To safely reach the cave, there are various options. You can choose one of the available boat tours*, or alternatively use a kayak* or SUP*. There are also riskier alternatives, such as swimming to the cave or paddling from the beach on an air mattress.
In our opinion, visiting the cave by boat is the best option. Compared to the other options, it offers several advantages. A boat visit is the safest and most comfortable way to see the cave. Additionally, with a boat tour, you get to see much more of the coastal landscape. Boat trips cover the greatest distance, allowing you to enjoy many other caves, grottos, arches, and rock formations along the way.
Boat Tour to Benagil Cave: The Most Popular Trips in the Algarve
Combined Benagil Boat Tours with Dolphin Watching
In our view, the boat trips that combine cave visits with dolphin watching are the most exciting tours. These boat rides are offered from Albufeira and Lagos. Both cities are located between 20 and 30 kilometers from the cave. This provides numerous opportunities to see dolphins as well as many other caves and grottos on the way to the Benagil Cave.
- Albufeira: Combination Speedboat Tour to Benagil Cave and Dolphin Watching* (Duration: 2 hours)
- Lagos: Combination Dolphin Watching and Cave Tour* (Duration: 2.5 hours)
Algarve Speedboat Tour to the Benagil Cave
We also did this tour during our trip. We chose the late afternoon and departed on the last boat at 5:30 p.m. from Benagil. However, you can start speedboat or RIB speedboat tours from most other locations along the Algarve. The farther away the starting points are, the longer the trip to the cave will take.
Speedboat tour | Duration |
|---|---|
1,25 hours | |
2 hours | |
2 hours | |
2 hours |
Special Algarve boat trips to the Benagil cave
If you like it a little slower and more stylish, you can also start the journey into the cave with larger ships.
Benagil with the pirate ship from Portimão
In the port of Portimão, there is actually a pirate ship, or more precisely, the caravel Santa Bernarda. Here, you have the unique opportunity to sail along the Algarve on a pirate ship. For the visit to the cave, you will then switch to a traditional dinghy. The entire tour lasts 3 hours and can be booked online here*.
Catamaran tour from Albufeira to the cave
The catamaran tour is the relaxed boat trip along the Algarve. You have more space here than on the speedboats. Music is played on board, and drinks are served. Stops for swimming in the sea are also included. This tour lasts 2.5 hours and can be reserved online. *
More boat tours from other places in the Algarve
Boat trips to the Benagil Cave are also available from Faro*, Armação de Pêra*, Vilamoura*, Carvoeiro*, and other locations. You can find excursions from other places here*.
Benagil Cave Best Time to Visit
We have visited the Benagil Cave in the morning, at midday, and in the late afternoon. In our opinion, the best time for the cave tour is the late afternoon between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Since the cave is the most popular attraction in the Algarve, it is always busy. However, the crowds decrease in the afternoon, so there are significantly fewer visitors at these times. This is, of course, advantageous for taking beautiful pictures. Additionally, the sunlight at this time creates a warmer glow, which looks great in photos.
If you choose the boat trip from Benagil*, the parking situation is also a bit more relaxed.
Our Experiences and Tips for the Benagil Boat Tour
We took the speedboat tour from Albufeira* and Benagil* as well as the combined dolphin watching and cave tour from Lagos*. For the tours from Lagos and Albufeira, you board the boat comfortably at the harbor. Afterwards, the journey takes you swiftly over the sea along the Algarve coast.
In contrast, for the boat trip from Benagil Beach, we had to walk through knee-deep water before boarding the speedboat. So, for this tour, you need to remove your shoes and socks.
The boat crews for all three trips were composed of young Portuguese guides who provided lots of information about the rock formations and the coastal landscape. Be prepared for the crew to give the rocks imaginative animal names and play guessing games related to them.
All of the trips included visits to numerous other caves, grottos, and rock arches in addition to the Benagil Cave. The boat crews were always very professional and aimed to give us an unforgettable adventure. By the way, we didn’t get wet on any of the boat tours!
Tips for Parking at Benagil Cave
If you, like us, are arriving by rental car, be prepared for the final part of the journey to be a bit challenging. The cave is the standout landmark of the entire Algarve and is, therefore, heavily visited.
As shown in the image above, the road Estr. de Benagil winds down to Praia de Benagil. However, parking at the beach is not allowed, so you have to drive back up on the opposite side.
The road is relatively narrow, and during peak season, it becomes increasingly congested. Everyone heading to the beach must use this road—not just vehicles, but pedestrians as well.
Some visitors choose to park their cars on the roadside. We strongly advise against this, as parking is strictly prohibited in these areas. Only local administration vehicles are permitted to park there.
Fortunately, there are several parking options in the upper section of Estr. de Benagil. We recommend parking on the right side of the road at the large parking lot, as indicated by the red markings on the map.
Into the cave by kayak
In addition to the boat trips, we also took a kayak tour into the cave. Compared to boat tours, the kayak tour* offers the advantage of reaching areas that are inaccessible to boats, including narrow rock formations, small caves, and shallow waters. It also allows you to experience nature up close. For us, kayaking was actually even more exciting than the boat tours.
However, we can only recommend the kayak tour in the summer. In summer, you also have the opportunity to get out of the kayak at shallow spots to cool off and enjoy the nature.
Our kayak tour started from the harbor in Albufeira* with a boat ride, where the kayaks were stacked on the boat. During the ride along the coast, we passed numerous grottos and rock formations.
After about 45 minutes, we switched to the kayaks and paddled along the coastal rock and grotto landscape. We passed through smaller caves and arches and enjoyed the impressive view of the massive rock formations from the kayak.
Benagil Cave on Your Own
We only ventured into the Benagil Cave on our own once. On a hot summer day, we were lying on Benagil Beach and decided to swim to the cave. Marie didn’t actually swim, though; she used an air mattress as an aid.
Swimming to the Benagil Cave
Like everyone else who wanted to swim to the cave, we prepared on the west side of the beach and set off with a small group.
The cave entrance is only about 200 meters from the beach. To get there, we had to swim around the massive cliff. The water in front of the cave was quite crowded. Alongside numerous other swimmers, there were plenty of boats and kayaks going in and out. For safety, there was also a rescue boat that occasionally kept swimmers from getting too close to the rock wall.
Even though the sea was very calm that day, it still rocked quite a bit. And if, as a swimmer, you get too close to the rock wall, it can become very dangerous. On our way to the cave, we also noticed that the water wasn’t very deep. We briefly dove down and were able to touch the seabed with our feet relatively quickly. We estimate the depth here to be about 3 meters.
When we finally arrived inside the cave, it was, of course, a very nice feeling. However, we quickly realized that we would have to swim back as well.
For safety reasons, we generally advise against swimming to the cave. Dangerous currents and strong waves can quickly become life-threatening here.
Benagil Cave Hike
As you can see in the photo “Swimming to the Benagil Cave,” the large hole in the cave ceiling is also clearly visible from the cliffs. There are hiking trails leading there, which are only about a 5-minute walk from the main parking lot. We found the view from above into the cave, as well as the coastal landscape of the Algarve, to be very beautiful and highly recommend taking those few steps to visit.
Conclusion on the Benagil Cave Tour by Boat
If you are at the Algarve, visiting the Benagil Cave is an absolute must. As you can see, there are different options for reaching the cave by boat.
If you prefer a fast and action-packed ride, choose the speedboat*. If you want to spend more time on the sea and take a relaxed trip along the coast to the cave, then go for the catamaran* or opt for the pirate ship*.
Algarve Road Trip Guide
Here, we have compiled the most exciting excursions and our favorite providers for booking trips. What’s important to us is that the booking platforms offer fair prices, are high-quality, and provide top customer service.
Our Top Excursions and Activities in the Algarve
Boat Tour of Ponta da Piedade along the Algarve Rock Formations*
Slide & Splash Water Park
Frequently Asked Questions About the Benagil Cave
The safest and most comfortable way to visit the Benagil Cave is through a boat tour. Compared to other options, the boat ride offers more comfort and safety.
The best time for a boat tour to the Benagil Cave is in the late afternoon, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. During this time, the cave is still busy but less crowded compared to the morning and midday. This not only allows for a more relaxed atmosphere but also better lighting conditions for impressive photos.
Yes, there are alternative ways to visit the Benagil Cave. Besides boat tours, visitors can also use kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUP). Swimming to the cave or paddling with an air mattress are riskier options, which we advise against.