Albufeira: Benagil Caves Boat Tour & Coastal Beaches

Summary

Benagil Cave boat tour from Albufeira with swim stop and coastal views

You’ll board a spacious catamaran in Albufeira Marina for a relaxed cruise along Algarve’s coast, passing dramatic beaches and entering Benagil Cave if weather allows. Listen to local stories from your guide, feel sea spray on your face, and dive in for a swim before heading back—these are moments that linger long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. The taxi dropped me at the wrong end of Albufeira Marina, so I jogged past pastel cafés and a guy selling inflatable dolphins, heart pounding. When I finally spotted our catamaran, the crew just grinned and waved me aboard like they’d seen this before. There was a salty tang in the air and that faint hum of engines under cheerful chatter—somehow it felt like summer already, even though it was barely spring.

Our guide, Miguel, had this habit of pointing out rock formations by their nicknames—“That’s Arco do Triunfo, see? Looks like Paris if you squint.” Everyone laughed, but honestly I could kind of see it. We drifted past São Rafael’s honey-colored cliffs, then Praia da Coelha tucked away behind wildflowers. The caves looked almost unreal from the water; shadows flickered inside Gruta do Capitão while sunlight bounced off Marinha’s steep walls. At Benagil Cave itself, Miguel cut the engine so we could hear the echo of waves slapping stone—he told us locals call it “the Cathedral” for that ceiling skylight. I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared up at the light pouring in.

After all those caves and beaches—Gale, Salgados, Albandeira—I didn’t expect to actually jump in. But when they said “swim stop,” a few of us dared each other into the water. It was colder than I thought (like an instant brain freeze), but floating on my back with cliffs overhead felt weirdly peaceful. Back on deck everyone wrapped up in towels and swapped stories about where they were from; someone passed around orange slices that tasted extra sweet after saltwater. I still think about that view through Benagil’s roof whenever I see sun streaming through a window—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Benagil Caves and Coastline Tour

• Depart from Albufeira Marina
• Enjoy views of rock formations and beaches
• Pass by São Rafael Beach
• Pass by Coelha Beach
• Pass by Praia do Castelo
• Pass by Galé Beach
• Pass by Salgados Beach
• Pass by Armação de Pêra beach
• Pass by Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel
• Pass by Albandeira Beach
• Pass by Marinha Beach
• Enter and view Benagil Cave
• Swim or dive in the sea
• Return to Albufeira Marina

Top questions

How long is the Benagil Caves boat tour from Albufeira?

The tour lasts between 2 hours to 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Does the tour include entering Benagil Cave?

You can enter Benagil (Cathedral) Cave by boat if weather and safety conditions allow.

Is swimming included during the boat tour?

Yes, there is a swim stop if conditions are safe.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Albufeira Marina.

Are there guides on board?

Yes, local guides share stories about the coastline during the trip.

Is this boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Which beaches will we see during the tour?

You’ll pass Praia dos Salgados, Praia Gale, Praia do Castelo, Praia da Coelha, Praia de São Rafael, among others.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Albufeira Marina on a comfortable catamaran with top deck seating; guidance from friendly local crew; stops to view coastal caves like Benagil (weather permitting); time for swimming; plus accessibility for wheelchairs and families with strollers or service animals—all wrapped up with easy access via public transport nearby.