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 how one 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 colour.
The cave is situated within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from common cities corresponding 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. It’s also 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 in case you don’t hike the complete 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 attainable 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 growing variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats had been capsizing, and the seaside was consistently overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave will be preserved for years to come back.
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 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 had been very severe about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We have now 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 value. 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. Nonetheless, resulting from new laws and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed via 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 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 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 some of the spectacular coasts on the earth. It places the Nice Ocean Highway in Australia to disgrace, and I assumed that was spectacular.
Are you able to swim in Benagil Cave?
Attributable to regulation adjustments, unbiased kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seaside had 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 consider as a result of after we visited, no person was allowed to step foot on Benagil Seashore, however issues do change shortly. They’re the one tour we may discover, and after we put in dates to e book, they accepted our reserving, so this can be 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 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 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.
Methods to Go to Benagil Cave
We took a ship tour to achieve the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I’m positive that the one solution 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 yr, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed resulting from 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 searching chaotic. So, one of the 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 consider that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from varied close by areas, corresponding 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’ll 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 situated 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 via its domed ceiling. There’s a fence round it, so the view isn’t one of the best, however it’s a lovely hike.
Additionally, whereas we had been there, many individuals hopped over the obstacles for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t suggest this. That fall would do some severe injury and trigger an enormous superb.
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 Seashore, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.
Our Tour of Benagil Cave
We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour via our lodge, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Beginning on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean via 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 Fortress of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour lined 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 situated immediately in entrance of our lodge, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. Should you can, ensure to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You possibly can e book 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 good because the sunbeams had 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 upfront is essential. On-line bookings are extremely really useful.
Select a small boat – We booked a small zodiac pace 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. 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 provide one of the 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-proof digital camera. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof baggage, nevertheless it’s finest to examine upfront.
Pictures – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digital camera 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 atmosphere. Swimming close to the caves will be harmful resulting from 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, beautiful seashores, and glorious 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 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 some of the lovely boat journeys we’ve ever taken.
With the brand new guidelines in place, you’ll be able to take pleasure in this pure marvel responsibly and sustainably. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a pictures buff, or just searching 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!