When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the very first thing we needed to see was Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was complicated, as we heard a number of conflicting reviews on learn 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 coloration.
The cave is situated in the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from standard cities equivalent to Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat excursions go away 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 for those who don’t hike your complete Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you’ll be able to 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 now 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 marvel, and with the growing variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats have been capsizing, and the seashore was consistently overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave could be preserved for years to come back.
Limited Access: To handle the movement of vacationers and cut back environmental impression, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to guide your tour in advance, particularly throughout peak season (June to September).
Guided Tours Only: Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are now 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, and so they have been very severe 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 charge has been launched, which is included in the tour worth. This charge helps conservation efforts and helps preserve the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Yes, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. However, attributable to 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 cut 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 getting into Benagil Cave was solely a brief 3 or 4-minute expertise.
However, we cherished our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The different sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it one of the vital spectacular coasts in the world. It places the Great Ocean Road in Australia to disgrace, and I assumed that was spectacular.
Can you swim in Benagil Cave?
Due to regulation modifications, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seashore have been now not allowed. But you’ll be able to guide 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 guide, they accepted our reserving, so this can be 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 now not in operation. So, this may very well 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 guide 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 succeed in the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I’m certain that the one solution to go to Benagil Cave can be by organized tour.
In 2024, some individuals have claimed that motor boats are now not allowed, whereas others declare that kayaks and SUPs are now not allowed. When we visited on the finish of the season final yr, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed attributable to 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 numerous time and looking out chaotic. So, the most effective recommendation we can provide is to guide an organized tour with a licensed operator to make sure that you’re following the regulation.
If companies have their say, I imagine that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from numerous close by areas, equivalent to Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it simple for vacationers to incorporate this pure marvel in their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are additionally very simple 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’ll be able to view it from land. Benagil Cave is situated alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You can’t enter the cave from above, however you’ll be able to take a look at it from above by its domed ceiling. There is a fence round it, so the view isn’t the most effective, however it’s a lovely hike.
Also, whereas we have been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some severe injury and trigger an enormous fantastic.
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 lodge, 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 lovely villages in the nation) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, often known as Castle of Ferragudo, constructed in the nineteenth century.
Our tour lined numerous 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 straight in entrance of our lodge, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If you’ll be able to, be sure that to sit down on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You can guide 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 excellent 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 properly in advance is essential. Online bookings are extremely advisable.
Choose a small boat – We booked a small zodiac velocity boat tour that held 18 individuals. There have been some very massive boats on the water that might not get into the caves like we did. If you’ll be able to, 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 most effective lighting for pictures. Sunset excursions are additionally magical, with the golden mild illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on getting 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-resistant digicam. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof luggage, 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 velocity 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 surroundings. Swimming close to the caves could be harmful attributable to sturdy currents and boat site visitors.
Explore Nearby: After your tour, take a while to discover the encircling 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 manner 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 one of the vital lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you’ll be able to get pleasure from this pure marvel 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, guide your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!