When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the very first thing we wished to see was Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was complicated, as we heard a number of conflicting reviews on tips on how to go to Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Cave in October 2023. During our Benagil Caves go to, new guidelines have been put into place, however issues have already modified for 2024.
What is Benagil Cave?
Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most well-known sea cave due to its spectacular domed ceiling with a pure skylight. Inside, the ocean cave boasts a golden sand seashore, layers of sandstone partitions, and turquoise waters, making a mesmerizing play of sunshine and shade.
The cave is situated in the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from common cities reminiscent of Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat excursions depart from Portimão, making it a handy and accessible vacation spot for guests exploring the Algarve’s shoreline. It can also be situated on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a well-known hike in the Algarve.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 5.7km hike that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. Benagil Cave is situated in the center of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There is a car parking zone close by, so even when you don’t hike the complete Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you possibly can go to Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.
Visitors used to have the ability to swim or kayak from the village of Benagil to Benagil seashore, however that’s not doable until on a guided tour.
New Rules and Regulations for Benagil Cave
Local authorities have launched new measures to protect Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected pure surprise, and with the rising variety of guests, it was changing into harmful and unmanageable. Boats have been capsizing, and the seashore was continuously overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave could be preserved for years to come back.
Limited Access: To handle the circulate of vacationers and scale back environmental impression, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to e book your tour in advance, particularly throughout peak season (June to September).
Guided Tours Only: Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are not allowed for security causes. All visits have to be a part of an organized boat tour with licensed operators.
This ensures that the caves are visited sustainably and safely. We noticed police boats patrolling the coast, they usually have been very critical about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We have heard that fines for swimming in the cave could be as excessive as €2500.
Environmental Fee: A small environmental payment has been launched, which is included in the tour value. This payment helps conservation efforts and helps keep the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Yes, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. However, because of new rules and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed by organized boat excursions with licensed operators. These measures assist handle the variety of vacationers and scale back the environmental impression.
Trust me, even with measures in place once we have been visiting Benagil Cave, it was a zoo on the market on the water. Kayaks capsized, boats lined as much as enter the caves, and coming into Benagil Cave was solely a brief 3 or 4-minute expertise.
However, we liked our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The different sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it some of the spectacular coasts in the world. It places the Great Ocean Road in Australia to disgrace, and I believed that was spectacular.
Can you swim in Benagil Cave?
Due to regulation modifications, unbiased kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seashore have been not allowed. But you possibly can e book organized kayaking excursions. When doing extra analysis, we discovered one tour that gives a swim in Benagil Cave.
This tour claims to be the one one which swims to Benagil Cave and takes you proper contained in the cave. We discover this tough to imagine as a result of once we visited, no one was allowed to step foot on Benagil Beach, however issues do change shortly. They are the one tour we may discover, and once we put in dates to e book, they accepted our reserving, so it is a chance. If you discover out extra, please tell us. The tour is thru Viator, with Vagamundo Tours as its operator. When in search of the Vagumndo Tours web site, I discovered that it was not in operation. So, this might be an outdated hyperlink.
At the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a gathering to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation guidelines. The greatest recommendation we can provide is to e book an organized tour. Swimming to the cave could be harmful regardless, and the companies alongside the Algarve Coast will know what the brand new guidelines are.
How to Visit Benagil Cave
We took a ship tour to achieve the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I’m positive that the one solution to go to Benagil Cave can be by organized tour.
In 2024, some individuals have claimed that motor boats are not allowed, whereas others declare that kayaks and SUPs are not allowed. When we visited on the finish of the season final 12 months, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed because of overcrowding and security causes.
As we talked about above, we noticed kayakers capsize in different sea caves and watched as teams of kayakers went into the caves, taking plenty of time and looking out chaotic. So, the very best recommendation we can provide is to e book an organized tour with a licensed operator to make sure that you’re following the legislation.
If companies have their say, I imagine that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from numerous close by places, reminiscent of Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it straightforward for vacationers to incorporate this pure surprise in their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are additionally very straightforward to navigate and police. We will replace you as quickly as we hear extra.
Can you Visit Benagil Cave by Land?
You can’t go to Benagil Cave by land; it is just accessible by sea. However, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you possibly can view it from land. Benagil Cave is situated alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You can’t enter the cave from above, however you possibly can take a look at it from above by its domed ceiling. There is a fence round it, so the view isn’t the very best, however it’s a stunning hike.
Also, whereas we have been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t advocate this. That fall would do some critical harm and trigger an enormous high-quality.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one solution to go to Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These excursions depart from numerous factors alongside the Algarve coast, together with Benagil Beach, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.
Our Tour of Benagil Cave
We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour by our resort, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Starting on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean by Portimão, the place we noticed the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (among the many 20 most stunning villages in the nation) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, also called Castle of Ferragudo, constructed in the nineteenth century.
Our tour coated plenty of floor, taking us to see the well-known seashores of the Algarve, together with Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was situated immediately in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If you possibly can, be sure to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You can e book an identical tour right here.
We booked the primary tour of the morning that began at 10 am. We have been at Benagil at about 11 am, which was good because the sunbeams have been excessive sufficient to mild the cave.
Helpful Tips to Visit Benagil Cave
Book in Advance: Given the brand new restrictions and recognition of the Benagil Caves, reserving your tour effectively in advance is essential. Online bookings are extremely really helpful.
Choose a small boat – We booked a small zodiac pace boat tour that held 18 individuals. There have been some very giant boats on the water that would not get into the caves like we did. If you possibly can, get on the boat first and go proper to the entrance. Dave and I noticed far more on the entrance than the remainder of the passengers.
Choose the Right Time: Early morning excursions are much less crowded and provide the very best lighting for pictures. Sunset excursions are additionally magical, with the golden mild illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on coming into some caves however Benagil could be entered at any time.
What to Bring: Pack mild, however don’t overlook necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a water-proof digicam. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof baggage, however it’s greatest to examine in advance.
Photography – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digicam a Sony A1. Being on a pace boat, our tools was protected and dry, however we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.
Stay Safe: Listen to your guides, put on your life jacket, and respect the pure setting. Swimming close to the caves could be harmful because of sturdy currents and boat visitors.
Explore Nearby: After your tour, take a while to discover the encompassing space. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, beautiful seashores, and wonderful seafood eating places.
Should you Visit Benagil Cave in 2024?
Absolutely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable expertise. No matter which approach you see it, the Algarve Coast is price it alone. The sea cliffs, different sea caves, and arches are a spectacular sight, and going alongside the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was some of the stunning boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you possibly can take pleasure in this pure surprise responsibly and sustainably. Whether you’re a nature fanatic, a pictures buff, or just in search of an journey, the Benagil Caves are price visiting. So, e book your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!