Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao
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Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao
By Algarve Discovery
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About
With the sun streaming through its sandstone ceiling onto the beach below, Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil) is one of the Algarve’s most iconic sights—but you can only access the cave from the water. This short tour, with a range of departures throughout the day, uses a small boat so that (conditions permitting) you can enter the cave and take photos.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
More
Highlights
- Experience the sculptural sandstone Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil)
- Small boat allows cave access to see the natural arches at their best
- Choose between different departure times to suit your schedule
- Veteran driver/guide brings you in as close as possible
- Driver/guide
- Life Jacket
- Live guide
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- 4FH9+Q7, 8500 Portimão, PortugalMeet in front of the Ruins of the Convent of São Francisco, on the riverfront. When you arrive, you will have the Commercial Port of Portimão on your right. Go straight ahead on the dirt road. At the end of this road you will find the meeting point. Algarve Discovery Staff will be at the gate.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12562P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Dress code is smart casual
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12562P3
From $37.30
$29.83
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 4FH9+Q7, 8500 Portimão, PortugalMeet in front of the Ruins of the Convent of São Francisco, on the riverfront. When you arrive, you will have the Commercial Port of Portimão on your right. Go straight ahead on the dirt road. At the end of this road you will find the meeting point. Algarve Discovery Staff will be at the gate.
- Pass byCarvoeiroVale de Centeanes BeachPraia De BenagilAlgar de BenagilPraia da RochaAlgar SecoPraia da Marinha
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- G2619AKmichelleh0 contributionsOverall Good ExperienceHad fun on the Algarve Discovery Benagil Cave Tour. The only downside was we could not hear the guide as we were sitting at the front of the boat as he was a bit quiet and the sea was a bit loud. However, the caves were beautiful and catching the waves on the speed boat on the way back made up for it.Written August 22, 2024
- J6605NKkellyp0 contributionsprivate boat tourThe crew was very friendly and provided a lot of great information and history during our ride. it made the experience so much more interesting and entertaining. We loved the stops we made to swim as wellWritten August 12, 2024
- Discover3175870 contributionsGreat value tripLoved our trip. Great views and such value for 2 hours on the water. Would definitely recommend. Plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos. I loved the speed of our return journey but might not be ideal for anyone with back or neck trouble…Written August 8, 2024
- PatrickB73350 contributionsPrivate boat trip with the family towards the Benagil cavesWell organised private boattrip to the wonderful caves along the Algarve coast with our guide Diego and our shipper André. We were with our family of 6 persons and the shipper took into account our demand no to bump on the waves as one of us had some medical issues with the back. Well done and we recommend this organisation for your boat tour.Written July 25, 2024
- Ian B0 contributionsThrilling boat tour with excellent guides, highly recommended.I had an awesome experience on this boat tour! The guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and really made the trip enjoyable. The tour itself was a perfect blend of excitement and breathtaking views. I highly recommend this boat tour for anyone looking for an adventure. What a thrill!Written July 9, 2024
- josephk1610 contributionsDon't Miss This TourWhat an amazing private boat tour with Captain Pedro and guide Gabriele. The shore and caves are unbelievable. What made it extra special was the expert piloting of our craft by Pedro and knowledge of english and the land which Gabriele shared with us. I highly recommend this company and in particular Pedro and Gabriele.Written May 8, 2024
- Trek209129477180 contributionsAwesome Tour!Amazing! Definitely a highlight of our trip. Both Andre and Pedro were wonderful and we saw some amazing sights! All 8 of us loved the tour and the sights. Highly recommend this company!Written March 16, 2024
- 159diljitk0 contributionsAmazing visit for benagil caveAmazing experience. Andre and maru were excellent guides and skippers respectively. Good local knowledge and some great one liner jokes. Tour was reasonably priced.Written January 4, 2024
- jimllllllllll0 contributionsBenagilExcellent guides, very amusing and personable. Only concern was that there was a 5-minute walk from the meeting point to the actual dock, and there were other cruises leaving from the meeting point. A bit confusing.Written November 28, 2023
- CassHuang0 contributionsHighly recommend!The tour company is highly organized and communicates effectively through email and messages. The meeting location is conveniently located, only a 10-15 minute walk from our (NCL) cruise tender port. The guides are incredibly friendly and helpful, showcasing numerous caves and beaches while providing extensive information about the area. The renowned Bengali cave was absolutely stunning, and the guides ensured that everyone had ample time to capture the perfect photo. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested.Written November 12, 2023
- Rich3280 contributionsDiscover the Algarve coast with Algarve DiscoveryRide was on time; guides were very informative and gave safety instructions; easy to find; nice boat. Andre’s explanations and information was good. Mauro drove the boat well. Answered all questions from guests/travelers on the tour.Written November 10, 2023
- Laura P0 contributionsGreat way to see Benagil CaveI booked the 2 hour Benagil Caves tour online about 2 weeks before the day of the trip. This was very easy to do. I had a few questions before booking the tour which were quickly answered by Sara via WhatsApp. The main question being whether we could take our 5 month old baby on the trip, which we could. Note that the boat is a rib and therefore no shade so be prepared to create your own! Our guide and boat driver were fantastic. Really knowledgable, funny, and answered all questions amazingly. They took us to fantastic spots and allowed us to get great photos. I would highly recommend this tour operator!Written October 10, 2023
- Travelbuff820 contributionsBenagil AdventuresI’ve used this company twice and totally enjoyed our experience with them. André our Captain and Gabriel our guide were excellent! I’d use them again with the next group of family members coming over to see the Benagil caves.Written October 7, 2023
- art19630 contributionsAmazing tour of the most beautiful rock formations and caves!This tour was a highlight of our trip. Our captain Mauro and our guide Francisco were amazing. They were very knowledgeable and shared a lot of interesting information but gave us a terrific personal experience. Well worth it!Written October 6, 2023
- Brenda K0 contributionsExcellent tourGreat 2h trip from Portimao. Carlos and Pedro were a great guide and captain. The boat is a good size to get right into the caves. Highly recommend this company for your tour of the Algarve coastWritten October 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,097 reviews
Excellent
967
Very good
80
Average
28
Poor
7
Terrible
15
Franziska H
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
We (3 adults) thoroughly enjoyed our boat tour. The captian and our guide Andre were exceptionally kind and caring people. They went out of their way to pick up some guests that arrived 20 minutes late (we left the port on time) from another port, so they wont miss this tour. On our way back, the captian noticed some tourists that were stranded on the ocean on their paddle boards. Their SUP guide was trying to paddle them on their boards back to shore, but the current was quite strong and it would have taken him forever. So, the captian offered them help, loaded all of them into our boat, tied their boards to our boat and brought them to safe land again. On the tour itself, the guide spoke 3 languages (English, Portuguese and French) so everybody could understand. He made sure to always point out good photo opportunities ahead of time and they always turned the boat around, so everybody could take photos from all sides. Very considerate and professional! Our tour took place in the beginning of September in the afternoon (4 pm) and lasted 2.5 hours (bit longer because of the rescue operation). Make sure to wear proper comfortable clothing and a hat to protect you from the sun. There was an opportunity to take a quick swim, so make sure to have your swimwear on already. We highly recommend this tour with Algarve Discovery and will gladly book again whenever friends & family come to visit us. Thank you so much for the great experience!
Written September 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John F
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Before buying our tickets, we carefully assessed the projected swell sizes during the low tide periods of the day. This decision proved to be worthwhile as Maru, our skilled driver, navigated the boat into numerous caves. This was unlike some larger jet boats that only ventured into the primary cave, which wasn't particularly striking during low tide and was overrun by numerous kayakers.
Carlos served as our tour guide, offering commentary throughout the excursion. While his narration wasn't overly elaborate, it sufficed as participants didn't feel compelled to inquire further about the stops.
Prior to the trip, the tour operator provided a WhatsApp number to text in case we had any questions/difficulty finding the marina. We didn’t need to text, but it was nice to have that option.
Carlos served as our tour guide, offering commentary throughout the excursion. While his narration wasn't overly elaborate, it sufficed as participants didn't feel compelled to inquire further about the stops.
Prior to the trip, the tour operator provided a WhatsApp number to text in case we had any questions/difficulty finding the marina. We didn’t need to text, but it was nice to have that option.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Overall a good tour. Advertisement has "uses a small boat so that (conditions permitting) you can enter the cave and take photos." This was technically correct, however I expected that I would get to walk on the beach inside the cave to take the photo used in their advertisement. The weather was perfect and the BOAT entered the cave, but no tour company appeared to let anyone onto the beach. I understand this now because it was very busy and it would have been a mad house if everyone was on the beach at that time. There was also a motorized raft as one set of our group used while I was in a larger boat. I recommend the smaller boat as it went in/out places the larger boat could not go.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rafi
Manchester, UK16 contributions
Great guide and captain BUT be aware - you DO NOT get to get off the boat and walk inside the benagil cave!!
A group of us booked this trip just to enter and walk around in the benagil cave as we read you can only go by boat.
We ended up there with the speedboat - entered the cave but weren’t allowed to leave the boat.
If we had known, we would have just gone to the benagil beach and hire canoes.
So overall our trip was disappointing as the trip’s description is very misleading. They should mention you DON’T leave the boat for 2 hours.
If you want to have a tour just on the boat for 2 hours then I recommend this company as the communication was good and both the guide and captain were lovely. But the tour’s description should mention that you will NOT be exiting the boat at any time to walk around in the cave.
A group of us booked this trip just to enter and walk around in the benagil cave as we read you can only go by boat.
We ended up there with the speedboat - entered the cave but weren’t allowed to leave the boat.
If we had known, we would have just gone to the benagil beach and hire canoes.
So overall our trip was disappointing as the trip’s description is very misleading. They should mention you DON’T leave the boat for 2 hours.
If you want to have a tour just on the boat for 2 hours then I recommend this company as the communication was good and both the guide and captain were lovely. But the tour’s description should mention that you will NOT be exiting the boat at any time to walk around in the cave.
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lamentamos que não tenha superado as suas expectativas. Infelizmente o desambarque na gruta é proibido, qualquer lugar altamente procurado por razões de segurança tem as suas restrições! Se pretendia caminhar no interior da gruta, deve alugar um kayak, mas tenha em mente o perigo que representa. Infelizmente por existirem tantos kayaks e empresas no local assim como pessoas a nadar sem aptidão os acidentes sucedem!
A nossa empresa cumpre todas as normas e requisitos de segurança, o desembarque é proibido por lei. Trabalhamos com barcos pequenos que permitem visitar a gruta assim como outras mais, mas sempre em segurança. Em parte nenhuma pode ler que sairá do barco no interior da gruta, isso foi pura especulação sua. A segurança sempre em primeiro lugar!
Written April 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MJH58
Glasgow, UK34 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
It’s reasonable value for a two hour boat trip, but to call it a tour is stretching it a bit. The commentary was a guy going up and down the boat saying “beach” or “cave” - not especially informative. Not entirely sure why considering it was a dry day and it wasn’t that choppy, but the seats were absolutely soaking wet, so our lower halves were wet through when we got off.
The caves were amazing to see, though.
The caves were amazing to see, though.
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
Los Angeles, CA98 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Amazing boat tour of the spectacular caves along the hidden coast line. We chose the 1st tour of the day, figuring the best chance for calm seas, light winds, lower congestion and better lighting. I would guess the late day tour would have had similar photographic results. The boat provided only had two bench seats, accommodating 6 adults. The remaining 8 guests straddled these long pommel horses. Be the first on the boat: The best seating for pictures is the front two spots on the pommel benches or the port side. We passed A LOT of tour boats and kayakers on the water in this very congested area. You snooze, you loose. There is a brief option to take a dip in the off shore waters for the adventurist at the end of the cave tour before the return cruise.
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donskie M
4 contributions
To the Lady at Alvor booking office, Paul our driver and tour guide as well as Alphonso our Captain, a MASSIVE thank you for a breath taking experience. Your professional conduct and attention to your costumer needs is exemplary and will strongly recommend you and your company's service! Kudos to you all! We took the small boat that went in to all the majestic caves....will defo recommend to friends and families that will visit the area!
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn G
7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
These caves and this coastline are amazing and beautiful. Our tour was supposed to be later in the day but it seems due to high traffic and safety issues the star attraction - Benagil itself- can be closed to the public. Our tour operators gave us the option of going early to be able to still experience it. We are so thankful that they changed their schedule so we could get in there. Also at that time it was not overcrowded and we got to enter and appreciate the beauty. Our guides were entertaining and knowledgeable, the boat was not too big so we could get a good view without being blocked by other passengers (we sat up front and on the left) and there was even the option to have a swim. This tour was well worth it.
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration388474
6 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Views were amazing and the entire process (including being on the water) was smooth. Having a smaller boat meant we were able to go further into the caves, rather than some of the big boats and get around faster. Gabriel (our guide) and Pedro (our captain) had great commentary/explanations for the caves and let everyone get good pictures. It went by fast but was a great time, and worth the money. Highly recommend!
Written September 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeetaSkeeta
Stockport, UK3 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Fantastic tour with Andre and Mauro. A phenomenal 2 hour tour with our 8 year old from locals who love where they live.
We were staying at the Tivoli Marina Portimao and asked for help to book a tour (Feb 2022). Reception recommended algarve discovery and gave us the leaflet to decide which tour, they did not push it all. As the tour is so popular reception booked us onto the earliest slot which was 2pm the following day. Andre picked us up from the hotel on time, both Andre and Mauro were very reassuring and fluent in English and French. I’m sure other languages too. Throughout the tour they translated between the languages of those in the tour (including jokes), they waited at each location with enough time for questions, pictures and interaction. When children looked uncomfortable they asked if everything was ok and were attentive to the children. They took opportunity as they saw it to take us close to the other tours pirate ship, a fishing trawler surrounded by seagulls, and of course get us all sprayed by the Atlantic sea (highly recommend a hoodie and trousers at this time of year!). We were lucky enough to see dolphins at the end of our tour even though it wasn’t part of it, they didn’t rush and took the time to help us see them. They have a passion for the area they live in. When I asked Andre explained where an area of restaurants were without pushing any one particular place. They make an excellent team and gave us a tour we won’t forget.
Obrigaga Mauro and Andre, we can not thank you enough.
We were staying at the Tivoli Marina Portimao and asked for help to book a tour (Feb 2022). Reception recommended algarve discovery and gave us the leaflet to decide which tour, they did not push it all. As the tour is so popular reception booked us onto the earliest slot which was 2pm the following day. Andre picked us up from the hotel on time, both Andre and Mauro were very reassuring and fluent in English and French. I’m sure other languages too. Throughout the tour they translated between the languages of those in the tour (including jokes), they waited at each location with enough time for questions, pictures and interaction. When children looked uncomfortable they asked if everything was ok and were attentive to the children. They took opportunity as they saw it to take us close to the other tours pirate ship, a fishing trawler surrounded by seagulls, and of course get us all sprayed by the Atlantic sea (highly recommend a hoodie and trousers at this time of year!). We were lucky enough to see dolphins at the end of our tour even though it wasn’t part of it, they didn’t rush and took the time to help us see them. They have a passion for the area they live in. When I asked Andre explained where an area of restaurants were without pushing any one particular place. They make an excellent team and gave us a tour we won’t forget.
Obrigaga Mauro and Andre, we can not thank you enough.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! How do I get Benagil Sea Cave?
Written January 31, 2024
The only way to access the Benagil Sea Cave is to rent a kayak and boat over, or to book a tour boat that visits the cave.
Written February 1, 2024
¿Cómo puedo comprobar que se ha realizado la reserva correctamente?
Written July 3, 2023
¿Cómo puedo comprobar que se ha realizado la reserva correctamente?
Written July 3, 2023
Bonjour. Nous avons un petit chien un Cavalier King Charles de 11 kg. Est ce qu'il sera accepté sur le bateau pour cette excursion de 2h ?
Written July 28, 2022
Sorry, I only speak and read English, I have no idea what you are asking me
Written July 29, 2022
is there a reason this is not advised for pregnant women? can you go even if you are?
Written May 19, 2022
It's very bumpy and could potentially be dangerous. The water is choppy from all the boats. If you were to fall, or someone else fall into you at speed, it could cause serious problems.
Written May 20, 2022
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