Benagil Cave Boat Tour Algarve & Secret Beaches

Summary

Inside Benagil’s Sea Caves with a Local Boat Crew

Experience Algarve’s wild coastline on a Benagil cave boat tour with local guides who know every twist of rock. You’ll explore over 20 sea caves, pause to swim in clear Atlantic water, and maybe spot dolphins along the way — all with stories and laughter you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first cave to echo like that — you could actually hear our laughter bouncing off the stone, mixing with the slap of water against the hull. We’d left from a little harbor (I forget the name, but it smelled like sunscreen and grilled fish), and within minutes, those cliffs started rising up around us. Our captain, João, pointed out shapes in the rocks — “elephant,” “cathedral,” “pirate’s face” — some I saw, some I just nodded along. The main keyword here is Benagil cave tour, but honestly, it felt more like drifting through someone’s old storybook than ticking off a tourist list.

We ducked into over twenty caves — João steered right inside most of them, so close you could almost touch the walls (don’t; they’re rough and kind of cold). The light inside Benagil itself was unreal: gold and green at once, with this weird hush except for distant gulls. There were other boats but not too crowded; maybe we got lucky? At one point he cut the engine so we could just float. I remember salt on my lips and that seaweed smell — not unpleasant, just real. Someone asked if these caves ever collapse; João shrugged and said “sometimes,” which made us all laugh nervously.

After all those caves and secret beaches (one was empty except for a couple napping under an umbrella), we stopped for a swim. The water was colder than I thought — took my breath away for a second. My friend tried to take photos but her phone fogged up from the spray. On the way back, João spotted dolphins in the distance; we didn’t get close but everyone cheered anyway. I still think about that light inside Benagil cave — it’s stuck in my head for some reason.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Benagil Caves Boat Trip

• Visit Benagil sea caves and rock formations, swim in ocean

Top questions

How many caves do you visit on the Benagil boat trip?

You visit more than 20 caves during the tour.

Is swimming included on this Benagil cave tour?

Yes, there is a stop to swim in the ocean during the trip.

Are service animals allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Do I need to be very fit to join this Benagil cave trip?

No, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is public transportation available near the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I take photos inside Benagil cave?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to take photos inside and outside the caves.

What’s included

Your day includes all required safety equipment provided by the crew before boarding, plus time to swim in the ocean during your Benagil cave boat tour. Local guides share stories as you visit over twenty sea caves and beaches before returning to port together at the end of your adventure.