Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao

Summary

Algarve caves boat ride from Portimao to Marinha with Benagil stop

You’ll ride a small boat from Portimao along the Algarve coast, enter Benagil Cave with its wild light and echoing silence, pass Carvoeiro village by sea, and see Marinha Beach’s famous arches. Local guides share stories as you watch fishermen at Ferragudo — it’s more about feeling the place than just ticking off sights.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing a little on the water before I realized how salty the air tasted — not sure why that surprised me, but it did. Our guide, Joana, had this way of pointing out the coastline like she was showing us her own backyard. The cliffs between Portimao and Praia da Marinha looked almost unreal up close, all orange and white layers stacked like cake (not a good cake metaphor but you get it). I kept trying to snap photos but honestly, they never really matched what I was seeing right there in front of me.

The boat slowed as we got near Benagil Cave — you could hear everyone go quiet for a second. Sunlight dropped through that big hole in the roof and hit the sand inside. Joana told us locals call it “Algar de Benagil” but I probably pronounced it wrong (she smiled anyway). It smelled damp and cool, almost earthy after all that sea breeze. We drifted inside for a few minutes; I just sat there listening to water slap against the rocks. Didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

Afterwards we cruised past Carvoeiro village — white houses clinging to the cliffs — and then out toward Marinha Beach. The colors changed every few minutes: blue-green water, yellow stone, bits of green where plants somehow grow out of rock. There was a quick wave from some fishermen near Ferragudo; one guy held up his catch and grinned at us like he knew something we didn’t. The whole thing felt kind of loose and unscripted, which I liked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Algarve caves and coastline

• Board boat in Portimao
• Enter Benagil Cave
• View Algarve coastline
• See Carvoeiro village from sea
• Pass beautiful Algarve beach
• Pass Ferragudo fishermen village

Top questions

How long is the Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach boat tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but most tours along this route last about 2 hours.

Does the tour go inside Benagil Cave?

Yes, the boat enters Benagil Cave so you can see inside.

Where does the tour start?

The boat tour starts in Portimao.

Are guides included on this boat trip?

Yes, local guides are included on board to share information during the tour.

Is lunch or food provided on this tour?

No meals are included; it’s just the boat tour itself.

Can infants join this Algarve caves boat trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap for safety reasons.

Is this suitable for travelers with back problems?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Does the boat stop at Ferragudo village?

The boat passes by Ferragudo so you can see it from the water but does not stop there.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride along the Algarve coast from Portimao with stops inside Benagil Cave and views of Marinha Beach, Carvoeiro village, and Ferragudo fishermen’s village before returning to port — all led by local staff who share stories along the way.