When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the very first thing we needed to see was Benagil Cave. Reserving a tour was complicated, as we heard a number of conflicting reviews on methods to 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 seashore, layers of sandstone partitions, and turquoise waters, making a mesmerizing play of sunshine and coloration.
The cave is situated within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from standard cities akin to Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat excursions go away from Portimão, making it a handy and accessible vacation spot for guests exploring the Algarve’s shoreline. It is usually situated 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 situated in the course of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There’s a parking zone close by, so even for those who don’t hike your complete Seven Hanging Valleys Path, you may 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 seashore, however that’s not potential except 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 surprise, and with the rising variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats have been capsizing, and the seashore was continually overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave will be preserved for years to return.
Restricted Entry: To handle the stream of vacationers and cut back environmental impression, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to guide your tour upfront, 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 critical about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. Now we have heard that fines for swimming within the cave will be as excessive as €2500.
Environmental Charge: A small environmental payment has been launched, which is included within the tour worth. This payment helps conservation efforts and helps preserve the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Sure, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. Nevertheless, attributable to new rules 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 cut 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 getting into Benagil Cave was solely a brief 3 or 4-minute expertise.
Nevertheless, we beloved our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The opposite sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it probably the most spectacular coasts on the planet. It places the Nice Ocean Highway in Australia to disgrace, and I assumed that was spectacular.
Are you able to swim in Benagil Cave?
As a consequence of regulation adjustments, unbiased kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seashore have been not allowed. However you may guide organized kayaking excursions. When doing extra analysis, we discovered one tour that gives 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 Seaside, however issues do change shortly. They’re the one tour we may discover, and once we put in dates to guide, they accepted our reserving, so it is a chance. Should you discover out extra, please tell us. The tour is thru Viator, with Vagamundo Excursions as its operator. When searching for 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 perfect recommendation we can provide is to guide 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.
Easy methods 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 solution to go to Benagil Cave can 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. Once we visited on the finish of the season final 12 months, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed attributable to 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 a variety of time and searching chaotic. So, one of the best recommendation we can provide is to guide 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 varied close by areas, akin to Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it simple for vacationers to incorporate this pure surprise of their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are additionally very simple 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 is just accessible by sea. Nevertheless, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you may view it from land. Benagil Cave is situated alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You can’t enter the cave from above, however you may take a look at it from above by its domed ceiling. There’s a fence round it, so the view isn’t one of the best, however it’s a stunning hike.
Additionally, whereas we have been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some critical harm and trigger an enormous positive.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one solution to go to Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These excursions depart from varied factors alongside the Algarve coast, together with Benagil Seaside, 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 stunning villages within the nation) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, often known as Fort of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour lined a variety 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 situated straight in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. Should you can, ensure that to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You may guide an analogous 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 good because the sunbeams have been excessive sufficient to mild the cave.
Useful Tricks to Go to Benagil Cave
E book in Advance: Given the brand new restrictions and recognition of the Benagil Caves, reserving your tour effectively upfront is essential. On-line bookings are extremely beneficial.
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 would not get into the caves like we did. Should 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 one of the best lighting for images. Sundown excursions are additionally magical, with the golden mild illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on getting 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, however it’s greatest to test upfront.
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 protected and dry, however we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.
Keep Protected: Hearken to your guides, put on your life jacket, and respect the pure surroundings. Swimming close to the caves will be harmful attributable to 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 glorious seafood eating places.
Must you Go to Benagil Collapse 2024?
Completely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable expertise. Regardless of which means you see it, the Algarve Coast is price 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 probably the most stunning boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you may take pleasure in this pure surprise responsibly and sustainably. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a images buff, or just searching for an journey, the Benagil Caves are price visiting. So, guide your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!
