Albufeira: Beach BBQ Cruise, Benagil Cave & Open Bar

Summary

Benagil caves by boat with beach barbecue and open bar

You’ll sail from Albufeira along dramatic cliffs to Benagil Cave before landing on a secluded beach for a real Portuguese barbecue with an open bar. Swim or just soak up the sun while your guide shares stories and local flavors fill the air. You’ll leave with sandy feet—and maybe a new favorite toast.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the “beach barbecue” part. I pictured something touristy — you know, plastic chairs and lukewarm burgers. But the second we left Albufeira Marina on this catamaran (ours was the Belize Segundo), all that faded. The sea air was sharp and salty, and there was this low hum of Portuguese chatter from the crew as we passed those wild rock shapes — someone pointed out the “Elephant,” which honestly does look like an elephant if you squint. Our guide Rui kept tossing in stories about shipwrecks and old fishermen’s tricks. I tried to repeat one of the cave names in Portuguese and got it so wrong he just grinned at me. It’s harder than it looks.

The Benagil Cave is even stranger in real life — light pouring through that round hole in the ceiling, echoing off the stone walls. There’s a hush when you float inside, broken only by cameras clicking or someone whispering “wow” (I know, but it really does make you whisper). After that, we anchored at this beach I’d never find on my own — no footprints except ours. The sand was warm underfoot; I kept brushing off bits of shell stuck to my toes. Lunch smelled like charcoal and garlic before I even saw it: grilled fish, chicken, salads, sangria poured into plastic cups. People drifted between eating and swimming; one kid tried to dig a tunnel to Spain.

It wasn’t fancy — just easygoing. The open bar meant cold beer or wine whenever you felt like it (I might’ve lost count after two). Someone started music on their phone but mostly it was just waves and laughter carrying up the cliffs. Rui showed us how to say “cheers” in Portuguese (“saúde!”) and laughed when we all butchered it together. On the way back to Albufeira Marina, sunburned but happy, I realized I’d barely looked at my phone all day. That doesn’t happen much anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastline cruise and beach barbecue

• Depart from Albufeira Marina
• Sail past Elephant and Submarine formations
• Tour along coastline to Benagil Caves
• Stop at secluded beach for barbecue
• Enjoy open bar during barbecue
• Return to Albufeira Marina

Top questions

How long is the Albufeira beach BBQ cruise?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Is lunch included on the Albufeira beach BBQ cruise?

Yes, a seaside barbecue lunch is included during the stop on a secluded beach.

Does the cruise visit Benagil Cave?

Yes, there is a stop at Benagil Cave along the coastline route.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes, there is an open bar with beer, wine, sangria, soft drinks and juice.

What happens if weather prevents a beach barbecue?

If weather doesn't allow landing on the beach, lunch becomes a buffet served onboard with open bar; duration reduces to 5 hours.

Is there commentary or a guide during the cruise?

Yes, there is live commentary from your professional guide throughout the tour.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Do I need to bring my ID or passport for this tour?

Yes, you'll need to provide your ID or passport number due to local regulations.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Albufeira Marina aboard a comfortable catamaran with lounge areas and Wi-Fi; live commentary from your local guide; stops at iconic spots like Benagil Cave; all food for your barbecue lunch plus an open bar of beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks; plus return transport back to port after soaking up sun on a quiet Algarve beach.