When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the very first thing we wished to see was Benagil Cave. Reserving a tour was complicated, as we heard a number of conflicting reviews on how one can go to Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Collapse October 2023. Throughout our Benagil Caves go to, new guidelines have been put into place, however issues have already modified for 2024.
What’s Benagil Cave?
Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most well-known sea cave due to its spectacular domed ceiling with a pure skylight. Inside, the ocean cave boasts a golden sand seaside, layers of sandstone partitions, and turquoise waters, making a mesmerizing play of sunshine and shade.
The cave is positioned within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from well-liked cities comparable to Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat excursions depart from Portimão, making it a handy and accessible vacation spot for guests exploring the Algarve’s shoreline. Additionally it is positioned on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, a well-known hike within the Algarve.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path is a 5.7km hike that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. Benagil Cave is positioned in the midst of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There’s a parking zone close by, so even in case you don’t hike all the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, you’ll be able to go to Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.
Guests used to have the ability to swim or kayak from the village of Benagil to Benagil seaside, however that’s not doable until on a guided tour.
New Guidelines and Laws for Benagil Cave
Native authorities have launched new measures to protect Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected pure marvel, and with the rising variety of guests, it was changing into harmful and unmanageable. Boats have been capsizing, and the seaside was continuously overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave will be preserved for years to return.
Restricted Entry: To handle the circulate of vacationers and scale back environmental impression, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to e-book your tour prematurely, particularly throughout peak season (June to September).
Guided Excursions Solely: Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are not allowed for security causes. All visits should be a part of an organized boat tour with licensed operators.
This ensures that the caves are visited sustainably and safely. We noticed police boats patrolling the coast, and so they have been very severe about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We’ve got heard that fines for swimming within the cave will be as excessive as €2500.
Environmental Charge: A small environmental price has been launched, which is included within the tour worth. This price helps conservation efforts and helps keep the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Sure, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. Nonetheless, as a result of new laws and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed by organized boat excursions with licensed operators. These measures assist handle the variety of vacationers and scale back the environmental impression.
Belief me, even with measures in place once we have been visiting Benagil Cave, it was a zoo on the market on the water. Kayaks capsized, boats lined as much as enter the caves, and coming into Benagil Cave was solely a brief 3 or 4-minute expertise.
Nonetheless, we liked our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The opposite sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it one of the vital spectacular coasts on this planet. It places the Nice Ocean Street in Australia to disgrace, and I believed that was spectacular.
Are you able to swim in Benagil Cave?
Resulting from regulation adjustments, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seaside have been not allowed. However you’ll be able to e-book organized kayaking excursions. When doing extra analysis, we discovered one tour that provides a swim in Benagil Cave.
This tour claims to be the one one which swims to Benagil Cave and takes you proper contained in the cave. We discover this difficult to imagine as a result of once we visited, no person was allowed to step foot on Benagil Seashore, however issues do change shortly. They’re the one tour we might discover, and once we put in dates to e-book, they accepted our reserving, so it is a chance. In case you discover out extra, please tell us. The tour is thru Viator, with Vagamundo Excursions as its operator. When in search of the Vagumndo Excursions web site, I discovered that it was not in operation. So, this may very well be an previous hyperlink.
On the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a gathering to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation guidelines. The very best recommendation we can provide is to e-book an organized tour. Swimming to the cave will be harmful regardless, and the companies alongside the Algarve Coast will know what the brand new guidelines are.
Find out how to Go to Benagil Cave
We took a ship tour to succeed in the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I’m positive that the one option to go to Benagil Cave could be by organized tour.
In 2024, some individuals have claimed that motor boats are not allowed, whereas others declare that kayaks and SUPs are not allowed. After we visited on the finish of the season final 12 months, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed as a result of overcrowding and security causes.
As we talked about above, we noticed kayakers capsize in different sea caves and watched as teams of kayakers went into the caves, taking quite a lot of time and looking out chaotic. So, the very best recommendation we can provide is to e-book an organized tour with a licensed operator to make sure that you’re following the regulation.
If companies have their say, I imagine that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from numerous close by places, comparable to Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it straightforward for vacationers to incorporate this pure marvel of their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are additionally very straightforward to navigate and police. We are going to replace you as quickly as we hear extra.
Are you able to Go to Benagil Cave by Land?
You can’t go to Benagil Cave by land; it’s only accessible by sea. Nonetheless, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you’ll be able to view it from land. Benagil Cave is positioned alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You can’t enter the cave from above, however you’ll be able to have a look at it from above by its domed ceiling. There’s a fence round it, so the view isn’t the very best, however it’s a lovely hike.
Additionally, whereas we have been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram images. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some severe harm and trigger an enormous high-quality.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one option to go to Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These excursions depart from numerous factors alongside the Algarve coast, together with Benagil Seashore, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.
Our Tour of Benagil Cave
We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour by our resort, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Beginning on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean by Portimão, the place we noticed the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (among the many 20 most lovely villages within the nation) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, also referred to as Fortress of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour coated quite a lot of floor, taking us to see the well-known seashores of the Algarve, together with Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was positioned straight in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. In case you can, make sure that to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You’ll be able to e-book an identical tour right here.
We booked the primary tour of the morning that began at 10 am. We have been at Benagil at about 11 am, which was excellent because the sunbeams have been excessive sufficient to mild the cave.
Useful Tricks to Go to Benagil Cave
Ebook in Advance: Given the brand new restrictions and recognition of the Benagil Caves, reserving your tour effectively prematurely is essential. On-line bookings are extremely really useful.
Select a small boat – We booked a small zodiac velocity boat tour that held 18 individuals. There have been some very giant boats on the water that might not get into the caves like we did. In case you can, get on the boat first and go proper to the entrance. Dave and I noticed far more on the entrance than the remainder of the passengers.
Select the Proper Time: Early morning excursions are much less crowded and supply the very best lighting for pictures. Sundown excursions are additionally magical, with the golden mild illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on coming into some caves however Benagil will be entered at any time.
What to Deliver: Pack mild, however don’t overlook necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a water-resistant digital camera. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof luggage, but it surely’s greatest to examine prematurely.
Pictures – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digital camera a Sony A1. Being on a velocity boat, our tools was secure and dry, however we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.
Keep Protected: Take heed to your guides, put on your life jacket, and respect the pure setting. Swimming close to the caves will be harmful as a result of sturdy currents and boat site visitors.
Discover Close by: After your tour, take a while to discover the encompassing space. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, gorgeous seashores, and wonderful seafood eating places.
Must you Go to Benagil Collapse 2024?
Completely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable expertise. Regardless of which method you see it, the Algarve Coast is value it alone. The ocean cliffs, different sea caves, and arches are a spectacular sight, and going alongside the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was one of the vital lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you’ll be able to get pleasure from this pure marvel responsibly and sustainably. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a pictures buff, or just in search of an journey, the Benagil Caves are value visiting. So, e-book your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!
