Benagil Cave 2024 – New Rules & Tips, The Best Tours

Benagil Cave is the first place we wanted to visit when we visited the Algarve Coast. Booking a trip was confusing because we heard different reports on how to see Benagil Cave. Benagil cave was visited in October 2023. New rules were implemented during our visit to Benagil Caves, but they have already been changed for 2024.

What is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most famous sea cave because of its impressive domed ceiling with a natural skylight. The sea cave is characterized by a golden sand shore, sandstone layers, and turquoise waters. This creates an amazing play of color and light.

The cave is located in the small village of Benagil, a short distance from popular towns such as Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat tours leave from Portimão, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors exploring the Algarve’s coastline. The cave is also on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve, a popular hike.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a 5.7km walk that connects Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, is a 5.7km trail. Benagil Cave can be found in the middle of this hike, at the small village Benagil. There is a parking lot nearby, so even if you don’t hike the entire Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you can visit Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.

Visitors used be able swim or kayak from Benagil village to Benagil beach. This is no longer an option unless they are on a tour.

Benagil Cave: New Rules and Regulations

Local authorities have introduced measures to preserve Benagil Cave. The cave was a protected natural marvel, and the increased number of visitors made it dangerous and unmanageable. The beach was always crowded and boats were capsized. Benagil Cave will be preserved for many years by limiting access and limiting boats.

Limited AccessTo reduce environmental impact and manage the flow, the caves are now restricted. It’s essential to Book your tour earlyEspecially during peak season (June – September).

Guided Tours OnlySafety reasons do not allow solo kayaking to the caves or swimming there. All visits are required to be part of a group.Organised boat tourYou can only use licensed operators.

This will ensure that the caves can be visited safely and sustainably. We saw police boats patrolling along the coast. They were serious about conservation. We also saw kayakers capsize. We have heard that fines for swimming in the cave can be as high as €2500.

Environmental FeeA small environmental charge is included in tour prices. This fee supports conservation efforts and helps maintain the caves’ natural beauty.

Benagil Cave to Open in 2024

The Benagil Cave is scheduled to open in 2024. However, due to new regulations and to ensure visitors’ safety, access to the cave is now only allowed through Organised boat toursLicensed operators are the best choice. These measures reduce the environmental impact and help manage the number tourists.

It was a zoo in the water, even though we had measures in place. Kayaks capsized. Boats lined up to enter caves. And entering Benagil Cave only took 3 or 4 minutes.

We loved our boat trip along the Algarve coastline. It is one of the most beautiful coasts in the entire world. It is spectacular and puts the Great Ocean Road, in Australia, to shame.

Can you swim in Benagil Cave?

A change in regulations has made it illegal to kayak independently, swim, or land on the beach. But you can book organized tours. After doing more research, one tour included a swim in Benagil Cave.

This tour is for you Claims to be the only person who swims to Benagil Cave. Takes you right into the cave. This is hard to believe, because at the time we visited, no one was allowed to enter Benagil Beach. However, things have changed quickly. This is the only tour that we could find and they accepted us when we booked dates. Please let us know if you find out anything else. Vagamundo Tours is the tour operator. The tour is booked through Viator. When I searched for Vagumndo Tours’ website, I found this It was no more in operation. So,This could be a dated link.

Portugal Tourism was holding a meeting at the time of this writing to discuss the Benagil Cave Navigation regulations. We recommend booking a guided tour. The cave is dangerous to swim to, but the Algarve Coast businesses will be aware of the new rules.

Benagil Cave: How to Visit it

We took a boat trip to get to the Benagil Cave. Even after the meeting of the authorities this week, I’m sure that the only possible way to see the cave is by organized tour.

In 2024 some people say that motor boats will no long be allowed, while other people claim that SUPs, kayaks, and kayaks won’t be allowed. When we visited the end of last season, kayaking and SUPs were prohibited due to overcrowding.

As we mentioned, we watched kayakers capsize and groups of kayakers go into the caves looking chaotic and taking a long time. We can only recommend that you be cautious.Book a tour organized You should always use a licensed operator in order to follow the law.

I think motorboat tours are going to win out if the businesses have their say. These tours depart from various nearby locations, such as Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it easy for travelers to include this natural wonder in their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats can be easily navigated and regulated. We will let you know as soon we have more information.

Can you visit Benagil Cave from the Land?

Benagil Cave can only be accessed by sea. Benagil Cave is visible from the surface of the earth. Benagil Cave lies along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The cave is not accessible from above but you can see it through the domed ceiling. There is a fence around it, so the view isn’t the best, but it is a beautiful hike.

Many people also hopped over the fences to take Instagram pictures while we were there. This is not something we recommend. This fall would cause serious damage and a large fine.

Getting To Benagil Cave

Benagil Caves can only be visited by boat tour as of October 2023. These tours depart from various points along the Algarve coast, including Benagil Beach, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.

Benagil Cave Tour

Our hotel booked our Benagil Cave Boat Tour. The Tivoli Carvoiero. Starting on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean through Portimão, where we saw the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (among the 20 most beautiful villages in the country) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, also known as Castle of Ferragudo, built in the 19th century.

Our tour covered a large area, taking us to the famous beaches of Algarve including Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was directly in front of our Hotel, and Carvalho. Algar de Benagil was the grand finale. For best viewing, sit at the front. You can book similar tours here.

We booked the 10 am tour, which was the first of the morning. We arrived at Benagil around 11 am. The sunbeams were bright enough to illuminate the cave.

Benagil Cave: Tips for a Visit

Book in AdvanceBooking your tour in advance is essential, especially with the new restrictions on the Benagil Caves and their popularity. Online bookings are highly recommendable.

Choose a small boat –We booked a small, 18-person speed boat. Some very large boats were on the water, but they couldn’t get into the caves as we could. If you are able, get on board the boat first. Go to the front. Dave and I saw more at the front of the boat than the rest.

Select the Right TimeEarly morning tours offer better lighting and are less crowded. Sunset tours are also magical, with the golden light illuminating the cave’s interior. Some caves are also affected by the tides, but Benagil is open at all times.

What to bring: Pack light, but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera. Some tours provide life jackets and waterproof bags, but it’s best to check in advance.

Photographs – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves but Dave also had his camera a Sony A1. Our equipment was dry and safe on the speed boat. However, we packed a waterproof bag just in case.

Stay SafeListen to your guides. Wear your life jacket. Respect the natural environment. Swimming near the caves may be dangerous because of strong currents or boat traffic.

Explore NearbyAfter your tour take some time to explore around. The Algarve coast has a number of charming villages, beautiful beaches, and excellent seafood eateries.

Why visit Benagil Cave before 2024?

Absolutely! Benagil Caves offer an unforgettable experience. The Algarve Coast, no matter how you look at it, is worth the trip. The sea cliffs, other sea caves, and arches are a spectacular sight, and going along the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was one of the most beautiful boat trips we’ve ever taken.

The new rules will allow you to enjoy this natural wonder in a responsible and sustainable manner. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for an adventure, the Benagil Caves are worth visiting. Book your tour, grab your essentials and get ready to explore Benagil Caves.