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 easy methods to go to Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Collapse October 2023. Throughout our Benagil Caves go to, new guidelines had 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 colour.
The cave is situated within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from common cities comparable 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 midst of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There’s a parking zone close by, so even in the event you don’t hike the whole 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 marvel, and with the rising variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats had been capsizing, and the seashore was continuously overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave will be preserved for years to come back.
Restricted Entry: To handle the move of vacationers and scale back environmental impression, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to guide 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 have to 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, they usually had been very critical about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We now have heard that fines for swimming within the cave will be as excessive as €2500.
Environmental Payment: 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. Nevertheless, as a result of new rules and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed by means of 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 after we had 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 cherished our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The opposite sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it some of the spectacular coasts on the earth. It places the Nice Ocean Highway 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 seashore had been not allowed. However you may guide 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 consider as a result of after we visited, no person was allowed to step foot on Benagil Seashore, however issues do change rapidly. They’re the one tour we might discover, and after we put in dates to guide, they accepted our reserving, so this can be a chance. When 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 outdated hyperlink.
On the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a gathering to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation guidelines. The very best recommendation we may give 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.
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 certain that the one method to go to Benagil Cave could be by organized tour.
In 2024, some folks 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 loads of time and looking out chaotic. So, the very best recommendation we may give 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 consider that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from varied close by places, comparable to Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it simple for vacationers to incorporate this pure marvel 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 means of 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 had been there, many individuals hopped over the boundaries for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some critical injury and trigger an enormous positive.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one method to go to Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These excursions depart from varied 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 means of our resort, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Beginning on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean by means of 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 Citadel of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour coated loads 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 immediately in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. When you can, ensure to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You may guide an identical tour right here.
We booked the primary tour of the morning that began at 10 am. We had been at Benagil at about 11 am, which was excellent because the sunbeams had been excessive sufficient to gentle 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 helpful.
Select a small boat – We booked a small zodiac pace boat tour that held 18 folks. There have been some very massive boats on the water that would not get into the caves like we did. When 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 gentle 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 Convey: Pack gentle, however don’t neglect necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a water-proof digicam. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof luggage, however it’s finest to examine prematurely.
Images – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digicam a Sony A1. Being on a pace boat, our gear 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. Irrespective of which approach 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 some of the lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you may take pleasure in 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, guide your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!