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 stories on the way to go to Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Cave in October 2023. During our Benagil Caves go to, new guidelines had been put into place, however issues have already modified for 2024.
What is Benagil Cave?
Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most well-known cave due to its spectacular domed ceiling with a pure skylight. Inside, the cave boasts a golden sand seaside, layers of sandstone partitions, and turquoise waters, making a mesmerizing play of sunshine and colour.
The cave is situated in the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from in style cities resembling Carvoeiro and Portimão. Boat excursions go away from Portimão, making it a handy and accessible vacation spot for guests exploring the Algarve’s shoreline. It can 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 in case you don’t hike all the 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 seaside, however that’s not attainable 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 turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats had been capsizing, and the seaside was continually overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, this cave may be preserved for years to return.
Limited Access: To handle the stream of vacationers and cut back environmental influence, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to ebook 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 had been very severe about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We have heard that fines for swimming in the cave may 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 keep the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Yes, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. However, resulting from new rules and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed via organized boat excursions with licensed operators. These measures assist handle the variety of vacationers and cut back the environmental influence.
Trust me, even with measures in place throughout our go to to 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 was solely a brief 3—or 4-minute expertise.
However, we beloved 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 assumed that was spectacular.
Can you swim in Benagil Cave?
Due to regulation modifications, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seaside had been not allowed. But you possibly can ebook organized kayaking excursions. When doing extra analysis, we discovered one tour that provides 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 difficult to consider as a result of after we visited, no one was allowed to step foot on Benagil Beach, however issues do change rapidly. They are the one tour we might discover, and after we put in dates to ebook, 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 not in operation. So, this could possibly be an previous hyperlink.
At time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a gathering to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation guidelines. The greatest recommendation we may give is to ebook an organized tour. Swimming to the cave may 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 option to go to Benagil Cave could 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 yr, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed resulting from 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 lots of time and looking out chaotic. So, the most effective recommendation we may give is to ebook an organized tour with a licensed operator to make sure that you’re following the legislation.
If companies have their say, I consider that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from numerous close by areas, resembling 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’s only 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 have a look at it from above via 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 had been there, many individuals hopped over the boundaries for his or her Instagram images. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some severe harm and trigger an enormous high quality.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one option 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 via our resort, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Starting on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean via 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, also called Castle of Ferragudo, constructed in the nineteenth century.
Our tour lined lots 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 instantly in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If you possibly can, make certain to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You can ebook an identical tour right here.
We booked the primary tour of the morning that began at 10 am. We had been at Benagil at about 11 am, which was excellent because the sunbeams had been excessive sufficient to gentle 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 nicely 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 had been some very giant boats on the water that might 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 most effective lighting for pictures. Sunset excursions are additionally magical, with the golden gentle illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on coming into some caves however Benagil may be entered at any time.
What to Bring: Pack gentle, however don’t neglect necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a water-proof digital camera. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof baggage, nevertheless it’s greatest to test in advance.
Photography – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digital camera a Sony A1. Being on a pace boat, our gear was secure 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 may be harmful resulting from 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 glorious 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 lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you possibly can get pleasure from 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, ebook your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!