Albufeira: MARA Catamaran — Benagil Caves & Coastline
Highlights
- ✓A 16-metre catamaran: wide deck, sun and shade, and barely any roll
- ✓The Benagil caves and the Galé cliffs, seen from the water
- ✓A swim stop in open water, watched over by the crew
- ✓A glass of sparkling wine on the way back, and a bar open throughout
- ✓The classic trip, and the most booked of the ones they run
About this activity
The Benagil caves and the Albufeira coastline aboard a 16-metre catamaran, with a swim stop and sparkling wine on the way back — in three hours, with a swim stop and a glass of sparkling wine on the way back.
The **MARA** is a 16-metre catamaran, and it is the twin hulls that change the trip: the deck is wide, the boat barely rolls, and there is shade for those who want it and sun for those chasing it. She leaves Albufeira Marina and heads west, hugging the coast.
The route runs past the cliffs and rock formations around **Galé** and reaches the **Benagil caves area** — the beaches you can only see from the water, the arches cut into the rock, the water changing colour with the seabed. **Going into the caves depends on the sea**, and the crew decides on the day; when it isn't possible, the boat gets as close as safety allows.
Halfway through there is a **swim stop** in open water, watched over by the crew. On the way back a **glass of sparkling wine** is served, and the bar stays open throughout.
It runs for **three hours**, and it is the classic trip — the most booked of the ones leaving Albufeira Marina. Anyone who wants more time in the water and a meal served on board has the four-and-a-half-hour version, which is a separate departure.
Itinerary
- 1Meet at Cais H, Albufeira Marina
- 2Head west along the Albufeira coastline
- 3Cliffs and rock formations around Galé
- 4The Benagil caves area
- 5Swim stop in open water
- 6Back to the marina, with sparkling wine served on board
What's included
- ✓Catamaran cruise with crew
- ✓Sailing along the coastline, cliffs and rock formations
- ✓The Benagil caves area (subject to sea conditions)
- ✓Swim stop (subject to sea conditions)
- ✓A glass of sparkling wine on the way back
- ✓Bar service on board
- ✓Toilet on board
Stops and access may be adjusted on the day, depending on sea or weather conditions.
Important information
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Shoes that come off easily
Not recommended for
Boarding is not adapted for reduced mobility.
Cancellation policy
Cancel more than 10 days ahead: 100% refund. Between 2 and 10 days before departure: 80% refund. Less than 2 days before departure: no refund.
This deadline is the operator’s and applies to bookings made online. If you book with us on request, our own booking conditions apply. Booking conditions for direct requests.
More information
These trips have a minimum number of participants: if it is not reached, the operator lets you know in advance. The meeting point is Cais H, Escritório 3, at Albufeira Marina, and we ask you to be there 30 minutes before departure. The catamaran carries up to 66 people. Children aged 3 to 9 pay the child fare; babies up to 2 travel free. Entering the caves area and the swim stop both depend on the sea and wind, and the crew decides on the day. The price varies with the date you pick — the booking calendar shows the value for each day.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get wet?
On a catamaran, normally not. You will get wet if you go in at the swim stop, where there is one.
What languages is the activity in?
The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.
Does the boat go inside the Benagil Cave?
It does whenever the sea and the wind allow, and the skipper decides on the day. When going in is not possible, the boat gets as close as safety allows and the cave is seen from the water, along with the rock formations around it.
Will we see dolphins?
This is not a dolphin-watching trip: the route follows the coast and the caves. Dolphins do turn up now and then, and when they do the boat slows down — but that is not what the trip goes looking for. For that we have dedicated dolphin trips, with their own route.
Are there life jackets on board?
Yes, for adults and children, and the crew shows you where they are before departure. Wearing one at all times is only mandatory on the boats and routes where the law requires it — you are told at boarding.
Pregnancy, back trouble, a wheelchair or a pushchair — is it possible?
Nearly always, and the right answer is given before you book, not on the quay. As a rule a pregnant passenger can go, with the final word resting with the skipper depending on the sea that day. Anyone with a sensitive back will feel the impact far more on a small fast boat than on a catamaran, which is stable and has proper seating. For a wheelchair or a pushchair, some boats have a boarding ramp and on others boarding requires you to be steady on your feet, and the toilets on board may not be adapted. Tell us the specifics and the date you want: we confirm with the operator which departure works, and only then do you pay.
What happens in bad weather?
The decision to sail is always the skipper’s, for safety. If a departure is cancelled because of the sea or the weather, you choose: a new date or a full refund — the booking is not lost.
Can I bring my pet on board?
As a rule no, with the exception of guide dogs with proper documentation. Some operators will consider it case by case — if you want to bring yours, tell us before booking and we will check with the boat operator.
Can I bring a backpack?
You can, as long as it fits on your lap. Bring only the essentials.
What if someone feels unwell on board?
Every operator follows safety protocols and has maritime support. If it happens, tell the crew straight away — that is what they are there for.
From €37