Albufeira: Dolphin Watching & Benagil Cave Cruise

Summary

Algarve coast cruise with dolphins sea caves and swimming

You’ll set out from Albufeira marina for a coastal cruise with dolphin watching and live commentary from your local guide. See dramatic cliffs and enter Benagil Cave if sea conditions allow. There’s time for swimming near hidden beaches too. Expect laughter, salt spray, maybe even a dolphin sighting—and moments you’ll remember long after you’re dry.

What’s the experience like?

It’s funny, I didn’t expect to feel nervous before a dolphin watching tour in Albufeira — but there I was, clutching my coffee at the marina, half-awake and grinning like a kid. The boat crew were already joking with us about Portuguese weather (apparently “sunny” means three different things here), and our guide Tiago handed out life jackets with a wink. The salt in the air stuck to my lips as we pulled away from the dock, and someone behind me kept humming quietly — maybe just happy to be out on the water.

The Algarve coast looks different from a boat. You get these orange cliffs that look soft but are actually sharp as coral if you touch them (don’t ask how I know). We cruised west toward Carvoeiro Beach, passing little coves where fishermen waved from their boats. When Tiago pointed out the Benagil Cave, it almost didn’t seem real — sunlight pouring through that hole in the roof, water glowing green underneath. He told us stories about smugglers hiding there ages ago; I tried to imagine it but mostly just stared at how the light moved along the walls. We weren’t always allowed inside because of sea conditions, but just drifting at the entrance was enough for me.

I kept scanning for dolphins — everyone did — and then suddenly someone shouted “Ali!” (I think that’s dolphin in Portuguese? Or maybe they were calling their friend.) Anyway, two of them popped up right next to us, sleek and fast. They didn’t stick around long but left this feeling behind, like we’d been let in on some local secret. Later we stopped for a swim; I hesitated because Atlantic water is cold even when locals say it’s “fresh,” but ended up jumping in anyway. My skin tingled all over from the salt and shock.

On the way back to Albufeira marina, people were quieter — tired or just thinking about what they’d seen. Tiago cracked jokes about tourists who try to pronounce “Benagil” (I gave it a shot; he laughed). The sun was low by then and everything felt sort of golden and slow. I still think about that cave sometimes when I smell saltwater or see sunlight bouncing off stone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and cave exploration

• Depart from Albufeira marina
• Travel along Algarve coast
• Observe dolphins and marine life
• Visit Benagil Cave
• Swim near the beach
• Return to marina

Top questions

How long is the dolphin watching & Benagil cave cruise?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes along the Algarve coast.

Does the tour include swimming stops?

Yes, there is usually a brief stop for swimming if sea conditions allow.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this tour?

No, dolphins are wild animals so sightings cannot be guaranteed by XRide.

Is entry into Benagil Cave always included?

No, entering Benagil Cave depends on maritime conditions regulated by port authorities.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and boats are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The tour departs from Marina de Albufeira in Portugal's Algarve region.

Is live commentary provided during the tour?

Yes, there is live commentary on board throughout the trip.

Are children allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Albufeira marina with guaranteed skip-the-line boarding, live commentary from your local guide throughout the cruise, opportunities to spot dolphins along Portugal’s southern coast, time exploring sea caves like Benagil (if conditions allow), plus a chance to swim near beautiful beaches before returning to port.