If you’re an adventure enthusiast, then kayaking at Benagil Cave is an activity that should be on your bucket list when visiting the Algarve! The Benagil Cave is a geological masterpiece located in southern Portugal that has captivated tourists worldwide.
Kayaking at Benagil Cave is an experience that offers an up-close and personal view of this natural wonder, and it’s an adventure that you will remember. Visiting the cave by kayak is one of the best ways to see them up close.
If you aren’t an adventure lover, don’t worry. There are easier ways to head here but none are quite as much fun in my opinion.
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⏰ In a rush and haven’t booked your kayaking in Benagil caves trip yet? I highly recommend the Benagil Caves Tour that leaves from Benagil beach. It is highly rated and value for money! 🚢
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How To Go Kayaking In Benagil Caves
There two options when it comes to kayaking in Benagil caves. You can either rent a kayak and venture out to the cave yourself or enjoy a kayaking experience with a tour guide.
Rent A Kayak: You need to have some form of experience kayaking. Remember that there are lots of currents and you are kayaking in the sea. If you choose to rent a kayak and head out on your own, there will be no guide to help you should you run into trouble.
A Guided Kayaking Tour: A safer option when it comes to kayaking in Benagil caves. Aside from guiding you through the routes, your guide will highlight the different structures around you and tell you different tit bits of information about the area.
Why Is Kayaking In Benagil Caves Such A Good Idea?
Kayaking in Benagil Caves offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The surrounding caves are a geological marvel that has been sculpted over thousands of years by the relentless action of the sea.
The caves are home to diverse marine life, and kayaking through the crystal-clear waters offers a chance to get up close and personal with them. Kayaking at Benagil Cave is also a great way to escape the crowds and experience the region’s beauty more intimately.
While many tourists flock to the area by boat, kayaking allows you to get away from the hoards of people and experience the caves from a unique perspective. You’ll spend more time here and be able to explore the nooks and crannies of the caves and see things that most tourists never get to see. Most kayaking experiences take around 2 hours.
Tips For Kayaking In Benagil Caves
Before embarking on your kayaking adventure at Benagil Cave, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience
Choose the tour company: When kayaking at Benagil Caves, choosing the tour company is important. Choose a kayak appropriate for your skill level and experience, and ensure the tour company has trustworthy gear.
Wear the right clothes and gear: When kayaking at Benagil Cave, it’s essential to wear the right gear. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. You should also wear a life jacket and use a waterproof bag to keep your belongings safe and dry. A life jacket and waterproof bag will be provided. And bring plenty of sunscreen!
Please respect the Environment: When kayaking at Benagil Caves, respecting the environment is essential. Make sure to avoid touching or disturbing any marine life you encounter, and dispose of any trash or litter properly.
Follow the Rules: When kayaking at Benagil caves, please follow the rules. There are regulations to protect the caves and the marine life that inhabit them. Make sure to follow any posted signs or regulations and listen to any instructions provided by your guide.
Choose the right time: During the day, it can be extremely busy at Benagil Cave, especially in summer. Book a sunrise or sunset tour to avoid the crowd. We will talk about the sunrise and sunset tours in a bit. That will give you a better idea of what tours head to the caves at that time of the day.
What To Carry When Kayaking In Benagil Caves
If you’ve been kayaking before, you know that you need to be smart when it comes to packing for your trip. The idea is to pack light and to ensure that your valuables don’t get wet. Yeah… You also want to keep anything no essential at home because if by chance your kayak capsizes, its down and under. Lol.
So what should you carry when visiting the caves? Here are a few essentials that you really should pack.
Drinking Water Bottle
Kayaking can be hard work. Kayaking in Benagil caves is no exception. It is important to stay hydrated especially during summer when the weather is really hot.
I always suggest carrying a collapsible water bottle because it is so practical.
You can collapse it when not in use or just fill it up when you need water.
Remember that tap water in Portugal is portable so this really makes sense. It also means that you don’t use a lot plastic bottles!
⭐️ Rating: 3.9/5 (4,767 Reviews) Price: $12.99 Details: Read more on Amazon!
There are different types of collapsible water bottles available. I personally prefer the design above because it does not leak very easily. True, it does not collapse completely but with toddlers, this is just easier to handle.
Sunscreen
Remember how I said that it can get really hot here?
When you are kayaking in Benagil caves you will have shade but there are many parts where there is no shade at all. Sunburn is a big problem and it is easier to avoid it than deal with it later.
I recommend trying to find a sunscreen that is reef safe.
Not only is it devoid of harmful chemicals, it also is more environmentally friendly which is something that I think all travelers should consider.
The sunscreen will also come in handy through your trip in Portugal. It is one of the warmest countries in the European union and of late the summers have been stifling!
Dry Bag
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (23,552 Reviews) Price: $12.99 Details: Read more on Amazon!
You should not forget to carry a Dry bag when you travel. This will keep all your belongings dry when you are in the kayak. Mind you, water gets into the kayak especially when you get in and out.
There are loads of different types of waterproof bags in the market. Shawn and I bought ours from the Philippines.
The mouth of the bag is rolled to form a seal that water can’t get in. The trick to making sure that the seal works is not to stuff the bag too much.
Remove the extra air from the bag and then roll the mouth down tightly. Clamp the bag shut in the opposite direction that you rolled the mouth shut.
You can easily get these waterproof bags online. They are a lifesaver!
Benagil Caves Kayak Tours
There are loads of tours that take you kayaking in Benagil caves. A couple of things to keep in mind include the reviews of the tour operator (you want reliable guides and kayak equipment), the type of the tour and from where the kayak tour will leave.
I think that is one of the best parts about the Benagil caves kayak tours. You can catch them from many different places along the south coast. Here are some of the popular spots with links to the best tours from there.
Benagil Caves Kayak Tour From Algarve / Benagil Beach
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (493 Reviews) Price: $33 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Benagil Beach entrance Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
One of the top rated Benagil caves kayak tours leaves from Algarve.
This tour includes instructions on how to use your kayak and general guidance on getting comfortable in one which makes it such a great tour for people who are not confident or experienced kayakers.
Everyone gets a short talk on all the safety measures inside the caves before they head out.
Equipment Provided includes a double kayak, paddle, life jacket and a waterproof bag. So don’t worry if you head out on this tour and have left your dry bag at home.
“BEST TOUR EVER!!!! The whole Secret Algarve crew is so welcoming, caring and fun!!!! They made sure everyone is kayaking safely and at the same time having fun and getting the most out of the experience.
Listen to me and join this tour!! It’s not that difficult to kayak as well as the waters are calm, anyone can do it in my opinion.”
Angeline (read more reviews now!)
The tour takes you kayaking through the cathedrals of the sea, to some secluded beaches and into caves. It is a fun packed experience that is bound to a core memory.
Benagil Caves Kayak Tour From Albufeira
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (561 Reviews) Price: $50 per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Albufeira Marina. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
There are tours that take you kayaking in Benagil caves but leave from Albufeira. This means that you don’t have to worry about the transportation to Benagil which could worry some.
This particular tour has a particular advantage. You could choose to use a kayak or a stand up paddle board, which in my opinion is cool and a little different from the other tours.
“Very encouraging coach helping my friend to Kayak at her first time. The coach team are humorous and make sure everyone is safe.
The scenery along the coast line is out of this world… Highly recommended tour even if u can’t swim.”
Fan Chue (read more reviews now!)
You start off from the Albufeira marina on a specially built boat. This gives you a chance to chill and enjoy the coast and the scenery before you actually start kayaking in Benagil caves. The boat journey takes approximately 40 minutes before you transfer onto your kayak or paddle board.
A guide will take you around the area and introduce you to some stunning rock formation, hidden beaches and of course the amazing caves. It is a slow paced trip which means that you get to enjoy your surroundings!
Benagil Caves Kayak Tours From Portimão
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 (444 Reviews) Price: $44 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Marina of Portimão Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Another great tour leaves from Portimão. On this tour a catamaran will take you cruising along the southern coast of Portugal.
You get to see the amazing coastal landscape in a comfort. The crew will give you a brief on the safety precautions and everything else you need when it comes to kayaking in Benagil caves.
Once you reach, you will transfer to your kayaks and head out to see some really spectacular views which include the impressive Captain’s Cave, Barraquinho Beach, Baraço Cave and the world famous Marinha Beach.
“Fantastic trip! The best way to see Benagil cave, it’s the only way you can actually get onto the beach as no boats can stop there.
Our guide pointed out loads of other picturesque spots along the way and safety was always a priority! Really recommend doing this if you’re in the algarve area. Thanks so much!”
Emily (read more reviews now!)
In case kayaking tires you out, you can always take a break and head back to the catamaran to relax while the crew takes care of your every need. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal right?
Other Ways To See The Benagil Caves
Sure kayaking in the Benagil caves is a once in a lifetime experience. What do you do if you aren’t particularly adventurous? Luckily there are loads of options and like the kayaking tours they leave from all over the coast. Here are some of my top picks.
- Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
- From Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Boat Tour at Sunrise
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option
- From Lagos: Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure
- Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry
- From Carvoeiro: Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha Boat Trip
- From Armação de Pêra: Benagil Caves and Beaches Boat Tour
Unique Experiences In And Around Benagil Caves
If you are going to head to the caves and don’t want to go kayaking in Benagil caves, then why not make your trip interesting? Other than the multitude of boat trips that head to the caves, there are some with really unique experiences. Here are some that I really liked.
Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (686 Reviews) Price: $38.54 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Vasco da Gama pier Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
So this may look like average boat tour that leaves from Portimão but it is not! The cruising vessel is different. In fact, it is a medieval style discovery vessel that takes you all along the coast.
Now you have to admit that sailing down the Portuguese coast like this does have a certain allure to it, doesn’t it?
“Highlight of my holiday in the Algarve. Wonderful experience, amazing crew, they very kind when I got the wobbles going into little boat to see the caves, nothing was a bother. Super safe, fun and great for all ages – highly recommend :)”
Alexandra (read more reviews now!)
I mean, I would be imaging what Vasco da Gama felt like when he sailed across the seas. Sorry… That’s my Portuguese ancestry talking. Being a Goan, this part of my history fascinates me.
Once on board you will cruise east like a pirate. On the way you will pass Carvoeiro. It is a place which contains the famous rock formation of Algar Seco.
Once you arrive at the lighthouse of Alfanzina, the crew will then transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves which run from the lighthouse to Marinha Beach. These caves include the famous cathedral cave of Benagil.
From Albufeira: Catamaran BBQ Trip to Benagil Caves & Beach
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (270 Reviews) Price: $66 per person Duration: 6 hours 📍Meeting Point: Marina de Albufeira Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
So this is a rather cool trip to embark on. It is almost as cool as kayaking in Benagil caves. The catamaran will depart from the Albufeira and you will cruise along the Portuguese coast. While you take in the gorgeous coast side, the crew will be cooking up an amazing BBQ on board.
“This trip was fantastic. I recommend this strongly. Very nice crew, BBQ tasted fantastic and the beach was awesome.”
Tor Magne (read more reviews now!)
You know how fresh and tasty the seafood in Portugal is right? Well you will be served up some of that deliciousness onboard. Aside from fresh food expect your choice of fresh fish, meat, sausages, Algarvian salad, chips, bread, and seasonal fruit.
While the food is getting ready, you get to swim, explore some beaches, visit the caves and have a ball of a time. Once you dry up and rest onboard, you will be serve a glass of champagne along with you food. Now isn’t that an amazing way to see the caves?
⏰ In a rush and haven’t booked your kayaking in Benagil caves trip yet? I highly recommend the Benagil Caves Tour that leaves from Benagil beach. It is highly rated and value for money! 🚢
And there you have it! That’s all the information about kayaking in Benagil caves that I could possibly put together. There are so many options to choose from which is a good thing!
Remember to pause and enjoy your surroundings when you visit. The rock formations are pretty, the guides are competent and efficient and the experience is really worth it.
Lastly, have fun! Kayaking at Benagil cave is an adventure that you won’t soon forget. Are you looking for more stunning places in the Algarve? Take a look in Tavira and enjoy this hidden gem!
