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 stories on how you can 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 seaside, layers of sandstone partitions, and turquoise waters, making a mesmerizing play of sunshine and coloration.
The cave is positioned within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from widespread cities equivalent 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. 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 course of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There’s a car parking zone close by, so even should you don’t hike the complete Seven Hanging Valleys Path, you possibly can 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 now not attainable until on a guided tour.
New Guidelines and Rules for Benagil Cave
Native authorities have launched new measures to protect Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected pure marvel, and with the growing variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats had been capsizing, and the seaside was always overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave will be preserved for years to return.
Restricted Entry: To handle the movement of vacationers and scale back environmental affect, 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 now 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, they usually had 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 Price: A small environmental payment has been launched, which is included within the tour worth. This payment 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, on account of 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 scale back the environmental affect.
Belief me, even with measures in place once 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 beloved our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The opposite sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it one of the crucial spectacular coasts on the earth. It places the Nice Ocean Street in Australia to disgrace, and I believed that was spectacular.
Are you able to swim in Benagil Cave?
As a result of regulation adjustments, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seaside had been now not allowed. However you possibly can 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 tough to imagine as a result of once we visited, no one was allowed to step foot on Benagil Seaside, however issues do change rapidly. 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 the event you discover out extra, please tell us. The tour is thru Viator, with Vagamundo Excursions as its operator. When on the lookout for the Vagumndo Excursions web site, I discovered that it was now not in operation. So, this might 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 may give 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.
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 option to go to Benagil Cave can be by organized tour.
In 2024, some individuals have claimed that motor boats are now not allowed, whereas others declare that kayaks and SUPs are now not allowed. After we visited on the finish of the season final yr, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed on account 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 a number of time and looking out chaotic. So, the most effective recommendation we may give is to e book an organized tour with a licensed operator to make sure that you’re following the legislation.
If companies have their say, I imagine that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from varied close by areas, equivalent 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 not go to Benagil Cave by land; it’s only accessible by sea. Nevertheless, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you possibly can view it from land. Benagil Cave is positioned alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You can not enter the cave from above, however you possibly can have a look at it from above by its domed ceiling. There’s a fence round it, so the view isn’t the most effective, however it’s a lovely hike.
Additionally, whereas we had been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram images. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some critical injury and trigger an enormous wonderful.
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 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 lovely villages within the nation) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, often known as Citadel of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour lined a number 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 the event you can, ensure that to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You may e book the same 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 mild the cave.
Useful Tricks to Go to Benagil Cave
Guide in Advance: Given the brand new restrictions and recognition of the Benagil Caves, reserving your tour properly prematurely is essential. On-line bookings are extremely beneficial.
Select a small boat – We booked a small zodiac pace boat tour that held 18 individuals. There have been some very massive boats on the water that would not get into the caves like we did. In the event 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 most effective lighting for pictures. 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 digicam. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof luggage, however it’s finest to verify prematurely.
Pictures – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digicam a Sony A1. Being on a pace 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 atmosphere. Swimming close to the caves will be harmful on account of robust 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, beautiful seashores, and wonderful seafood eating places.
Do you have to Go to Benagil Collapse 2024?
Completely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable expertise. Irrespective 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 one of the crucial lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you possibly can take pleasure in this pure marvel responsibly and sustainably. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a pictures buff, or just on the lookout for an journey, the Benagil Caves are price visiting. So, e book your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!