Algarve: Benagil Cave Kayak Tour & Marinha Arches Stop

Summary

Kayak through Benagil Cave, pause at wild beaches and arches

You’ll kayak along Algarve’s coast with a local guide, gliding beneath Marinha’s arches before entering Benagil Cave itself—where you can step onto its sandy floor and look up through that famous skylight. There are stops at hidden beaches and time to listen to stories or just breathe in the salty air. It feels slower than you expect—in a good way.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that crack up there? My grandfather used to say pirates hid gold in these caves,” our guide João grinned as he steadied my kayak near the mouth of Benagil Cave. I think I laughed out loud — partly nerves, partly because I could smell the salt and something like wet limestone, which clings to your skin when you’re this close to the rock. We’d started at Praia da Marinha just after sunrise, so the water was still glassy and a little cold on my fingers. João kept pointing out shapes in the cliffs — “That one looks like a sleeping dog!” — and honestly, I sort of saw it.

Paddling into Benagil Cave felt stranger than I expected. The light comes down in this huge circle from above, catching dust in the air. It’s quieter inside than outside — except for someone’s kid giggling when their paddle splashed too hard. João let us beach the kayaks right on the sand so we could walk around (I nearly slipped on a patch of pebbles; he just shrugged and said it happens). The cave walls are rough under your hand, almost warm from the sun already. We took photos but mostly just stared up at that ceiling hole. It’s bigger than it looks in pictures.

Afterwards we drifted past Lovers Beach (João called it “Praia do Amor” but I probably pronounced it wrong — he laughed anyway) and then paused near what he said was Wild Dog Beach. There was nobody else around except a fisherman waving from his tiny boat. The ocean smells different here, less sharp, more like seaweed and sunblock mixed together. My arms were tired but I didn’t really mind — there’s something about floating there, just listening to João tell stories about old smugglers or how storms change the coastline every winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour of Benagil and nearby caves

• Pass Praia da Marinha arches and caves
• Stop inside Benagil Cave for photos
• Pause on water at Lovers Beach
• Visit Wild Dog Beach by kayak
• Explore Pirate Cave by kayak

Top questions

Is this Benagil Cave kayak tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 4 years old for this tour.

Are life vests provided during the kayak tour?

Yes, vests are included for all participants.

Does the tour include entering Benagil Cave?

Yes, you’ll stop inside Benagil Cave and can walk around inside.

Where does the kayak tour start in Algarve?

The tour starts at Praia da Marinha beach.

Can I bring my phone on the kayak?

A waterproof cylinder for your mobile phone is included.

Is lunch or food included on this trip?

No meals are included; only kayaking equipment is provided.

What physical condition do I need for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, people over 100 kg (220 lbs) are not allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a kayak with vests provided for safety, plus a waterproof cylinder so you can keep your mobile dry while exploring caves and beaches with your guide before paddling back along Algarve’s coast.