Vilamoura: Dolphins & Benagil Caves by Catamaran

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light jacket for the wind at sea

For safety reasons, there is no landing and no swimming inside the caves. Dolphins are wild animals: you cannot touch them or swim with them, and sightings are not guaranteed. The operator does not recommend this trip for children under 3 or for pregnant women, for safety reasons.

Full refund up to 12 hours before for bookings of up to 9 people, and up to 24 hours before for bookings of 10 or more.

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.

The catamaran has a toilet on board. The activity is free for children under 2 years old. The species most often seen are the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

On a catamaran, normally not. You will get wet if you go in at the swim stop, where there is one.

The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.

Nobody can guarantee a wild animal — and be wary of anyone who does. What is guaranteed is the part that is on our side: these departures go looking for them, with crews who know this coast and who share sightings by radio between boats, so when one boat finds a pod the others know within minutes. And there is one sign worth more than any percentage: the operator offers, as a choice at booking, a version of the ticket that gives your money back if the trip ends with no sighting. Anyone offering that does so because dolphins usually turn up. It is optional, and the price of each version is shown in the calendar.

There is a specialist team on board that guides the watching and makes sure the approach and animal-welfare rules are followed. That is the difference between watching and chasing.

Bringing your own food or drink on board is not allowed, with the exception of food for small children. Boats with a bar sell drinks and snacks, and trips with a meal included bring everything you need.

No. They are wild animals in their natural habitat and boats follow approach rules — you watch from the boat, without interfering. Swimming with dolphins is only possible in a controlled setting, at Zoomarine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can, as long as it fits on your lap. Bring only the essentials.

Every operator follows safety protocols and has maritime support. If it happens, tell the crew straight away — that is what they are there for.