Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Armação de Pêra with Local Captain

Summary

Algarve’s wild sea caves, secret beaches & Benagil by boat

You’ll glide along Algarve’s dramatic coastline by boat from Armação de Pêra, passing wild beaches only reachable by sea and slipping into hidden caves with a local captain guiding every turn. Feel salty air on your face as you enter Benagil Cave itself — that hush when sunlight hits golden sand is something you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I booked the Benagil Caves boat tour from Armação de Pêra mostly because I’d seen those photos online — you know, that cave with the sunlight pouring through the ceiling. But standing on the sand at Armação de Pêra, hearing fishermen calling to each other and smelling grilled sardines drifting over from somewhere behind me, I realized this part of the Algarve has its own pace. The captain (Miguel — he grew up here, apparently) grinned as we climbed in and handed out life jackets. He made a joke about my flip flops flying off if I sat too close to the bow. I kept them on anyway.

The water was calmer than I expected, almost glassy, and we slipped past these cliffs that looked like someone had carved them out with a giant spoon. Miguel pointed out tiny coves and beaches — Praia da Marinha really is as clear as everyone says — but what stuck with me was how quiet it got between stops. Just the hum of the motor and sometimes a gull shouting overhead. At one point we passed a fisherman in a tiny boat who waved like he knew us; maybe he did? It felt like everyone on this stretch of coast knows each other.

When we finally reached Benagil Cave, Miguel slowed down so we could take it all in. Light poured through that big round hole in the roof and bounced off the sand inside — it looked unreal, honestly. There was this moment where nobody said anything (even the kids on board went silent), just watching the light shift around the cave walls. On our way back, someone asked if you could swim there from shore but Miguel shook his head — “Too far,” he said, “and currents.” Glad we had him steering us instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip exploring Algarve caves and beaches

• Start at Armação de Pêra Beach
• Visit Alporchinhos golden sand beach
• See Tremoços wild beach
• Pass rustic fishing boat refuge beach
• Explore Praia do Barranco beach
• Admire Praia da Marinha cliffs and water
• Visit Barranquinho Beach sand stretch
• Enjoy Malhada do Baraço crystal clear water
• Discover Praia da Albandeira and arch
• See Praia da Corredoura and sea caves
• Explore the famous Benagil Cave

Top questions

How long is the Benagil Caves boat tour from Armação de Pêra?

The guided tour lasts about 1 hour along the coast.

Is pickup included for this Benagil Caves boat trip?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Armação de Pêra Beach.

Are life jackets provided during the boat tour?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all passengers.

Is it possible to swim into Benagil Cave from shore?

No, swimming from shore isn’t recommended due to distance and currents.

Are children allowed on this boat trip?

Yes, children can join but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What should I bring for this Algarve caves tour?

Bring beach shoes like flip flops or sandals; jackets are provided in winter.

How many caves and beaches will we see?

You’ll pass more than 10 caves and around 15 wild beaches along the route.

Is there a live guide or commentary during the trip?

Yes, an experienced local guide provides commentary throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your experience includes all fees and taxes, life jackets for safety, warm waterproof jackets if it’s wintery out there, plus a knowledgeable local captain at the helm guiding you through every cove and cave before returning to Armação de Pêra Beach at the end of your hour-long adventure.