Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour from Portimão: Sea Caves & Swim

Summary

Boat ride from Portimão past Ferragudo to Benagil Cave and Marinha with chance to swim

You’ll cruise from Portimão along dramatic Algarve cliffs to explore Benagil Cave and up to a dozen other sea caves with a local guide who knows every story. See Ferragudo’s fishing village charm, get close to Praia da Marinha’s arches, and maybe take a chilly dip if conditions allow. It’s not always perfect — but that’s what makes it stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start smooth — I realized halfway to the dock in Portimão that I’d forgotten my sunglasses. Too late, so I squinted at the river as we boarded this little boat with a handful of others, everyone shuffling around awkwardly with their hats and sunscreen. Our guide, Tiago, grinned and said something about “Algarve sun being stronger than it looks.” He was right. The salt in the air stuck to my skin almost instantly, but honestly, I kind of liked it.

We set off past Ferragudo — all those white houses stacked like sugar cubes above the water. Someone pointed at the castle (São João do Arade) and Tiago gave us a quick story about pirates. I only caught half of it because a fishing boat went by and the diesel smell mixed with seaweed for a second. The cliffs started getting wilder as we followed the coastline; orange and gold layers with tiny green plants clinging on like they knew storms were coming. At Boneca and Algar Seco, Tiago slowed down so we could duck into these caves — some big enough for our boat, others just dark cracks where you could hear water echoing back at you.

I’d seen photos of Benagil Cave before but being inside it is something else — sunlight pouring through that round hole overhead, lighting up the sand in this weird golden way. Everyone went quiet for a second except one kid who kept asking if there were bats (there weren’t). We squeezed into maybe ten or twelve caves along the way (Tiago joked he sometimes loses count when the sea’s playful). By Praia da Marinha, he offered a swim stop. The water looked inviting but also freezing — two brave souls jumped in while I just dangled my feet over the side. Cold enough to make me gasp but worth it for that shock of turquoise below.

On the way back someone asked Tiago how many times he’s done this tour. He shrugged — “Too many? But never boring.” That stuck with me more than I expected. There’s something about seeing these wild shapes carved by wind and tide that makes you feel small in a good way. Even now, days later, I still think about that light inside Benagil Cave and how salty my skin felt after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal boat tour and cave visits

• Depart from Portimão harbor
• Pass Ferragudo fishing village
• See Castle of São João de Arade
• Pass Praia Grande beach
• View Praia do Carvoeiro beach
• Pass rock formations at Boneca and Algar Seco
• Pass beaches of Centeanes and Carvalho
• Enter Benagil cave if sea allows
• Surround arches at Praia da Marinha
• Stop for swim if sea conditions allow

Top questions

How long is the Benagil & Marinha boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from departure in Portimão.

Does the tour include entering Benagil Cave?

If sea conditions allow, you’ll enter Benagil Cave by boat during the tour.

Is swimming included on this boat tour?

A swim stop near Praia da Marinha is offered if sea conditions are safe.

Where does the Benagil Express Gold Tour depart from?

The boat departs from Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast.

Are life jackets provided on this tour?

Yes, new generation life jackets are provided for all passengers.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

What should I bring for the Benagil boat trip?

You should bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, season-appropriate clothing, and your camera.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes a shared boat ride from Portimão with all taxes and fees covered, guidance from a friendly local skipper (sometimes multi-lingual), comfortable seating with modern life jackets provided for everyone onboard—and if you’re lucky with weather and tides—a chance to swim near Praia da Marinha before heading back along those wild Algarve cliffs.