Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Coastline by Catamaran
Highlights
- ✓Wide catamaran, with a top deck and sofa seating at the bow
- ✓Arco do Triunfo, Gruta do Capitão, Praia do Submarino and Praia da Marinha
- ✓Visit the iconic Benagil Cave
- ✓A swim stop before heading back
- ✓Wheelchair accessible
About this activity
Two hours on a roomy catamaran up to Benagil, with a top deck, a bar on board and a swim stop on the way back. Wheelchair accessible.
This catamaran has real room on it: a top deck for sun and views, sofa seating at the bow for those who would rather face the sea, and a bar on board. It is the right format for seeing the coast unhurried, instead of hunched on a bench.
The route leaves **Albufeira Marina** and hugs the cliffs for the first hour. It passes **Arco do Triunfo**, **Gruta do Capitão**, **Praia do Submarino** and **Praia da Marinha** — the run of rock formations that makes this coastline what it is. The furthest point is **Benagil Cave**, and the boat goes inside whenever the sea allows.
On the way back there is a stop for a swim, whenever the sea and safety allow. There is music, there is commentary from the crew on what you are looking at, and there is enough time not to feel rushed through it.
The boat is **wheelchair accessible** — not common along this coast, and worth saying. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, at the operator's office in the marina, near Gate 3.
Itinerary
- 1Check-in 30 minutes before departure, at the operator's office near Gate 3
- 2Departure from Albufeira Marina
- 3First hour along the cliffs — Arco do Triunfo, Gruta do Capitão, Praia do Submarino and Praia da Marinha
- 4Benagil Cave, with the boat going inside whenever the sea allows
- 5A swim stop before returning to the marina
What's included
- ✓A 2-hour catamaran trip, for up to 95 people
- ✓A top deck and sofa seating at the bow, your choice
- ✓The cliff coast for the first hour — Arco do Triunfo, Gruta do Capitão, Praia do Submarino and Praia da Marinha
- ✓The boat goes into the Benagil Cave, whenever conditions allow
- ✓A swim stop on the way back, if the sea and safety allow
- ✓Crew on board, with commentary on the coastline
- ✓Music on board
- ✓A wheelchair-accessible boat
- ✓Life jacket
Stops and access may be adjusted on the day, depending on sea or weather conditions.
Location
Where this activity starts
Marina de Albufeira (Beco da Orada)
Marina de Albufeira, Beco da Orada, Apartado 2422, 8201-918 Albufeira
Important information
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- A jacket — it gets cooler out at sea
- A waterproof cover for your phone
- Sunscreen
Cancellation policy
Cancellations are accepted up to 48 hours before, with a full refund. Within 48 hours there is no refund. If the operator cancels because of sea conditions or unforeseen circumstances, another date and time is offered; if that does not suit, the refund is full.
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
The boat goes inside Benagil Cave whenever the sea and the wind allow, and the skipper decides on the day. What is banned is LANDING — setting foot on the sand inside, whether you arrive by boat, by kayak or swimming. What caps entry is space: the Portimão Port Authority allows only three boats at once, and just one if it is over 12 metres. The swim stop always depends on sea conditions.
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 €30