Armação de Pêra: Benagil Caves by Boat
Highlights
- ✓Departs straight from Armação de Pêra beach
- ✓Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach and Albandeira Arch
- ✓Dozens of sea caves and beaches reachable only by sea
- ✓It leaves from the sand, not a marina — the boat comes to the beach
- ✓About an hour, and suitable for all ages
About this activity
A boat trip departing from Armação de Pêra beach to the Benagil Cave, passing dozens of sea caves and wild beaches along the way.
Straight from Armação de Pêra beach, this boat trip takes you along the coast to the iconic Benagil Cave, passing dozens of sea caves, rock arches and wild beaches reachable only by sea — such as Marinha Beach and Albandeira Arch.
What's included
- ✓A boat trip of about 1 hour, leaving from Praia dos Pescadores
- ✓Skipper and guide on board
- ✓Around 10 sea caves and 15 wild beaches along the coast
- ✓Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha, Gruta do Capitão and Albandeira Arch
- ✓Life jacket
- ✓Insurance
Stops and access may be adjusted on the day, depending on sea or weather conditions.
Location
Where this activity starts
Praia dos Pescadores (Armação de Pêra)
Praia dos Pescadores, 8365-114 Armação de Pêra
Important information
What to bring
- Shoes that can get wet — you board from the sand
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A camera, or a charged phone
More information
The boat is pet-friendly — your dog comes along — and thermal, waterproof jackets are available. Boarding and landing are done on the sand, so expect to get your feet wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Will I get wet?
On small fast boats expect spray, especially in a choppier sea; on catamarans and sailing yachts, normally not. Bring quick-drying clothes and protect your camera or phone.
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 €25