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 learn how 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 positioned within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from standard cities corresponding 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 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 parking zone close by, so even when you don’t hike all the 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 now not doable 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 surprise, and with the growing variety of guests, it was turning into harmful and unmanageable. Boats had been capsizing, and the seashore was consistently 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 influence, 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, and so they had 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 Price: A small environmental payment has been launched, which is included within the tour value. 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. Nonetheless, resulting from 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 influence.
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 cherished 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?
Because of regulation modifications, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seashore had been now not allowed. However you may e book 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 tough to consider as a result of after we visited, no one was allowed to step foot on Benagil Seaside, however issues do change shortly. They’re the one tour we might discover, and after we put in dates to e book, they accepted our reserving, so it is 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 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 most effective 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.
Tips on 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 solution to go to Benagil Cave could 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 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 a number of time and searching chaotic. So, one of the best 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 consider that motorboat excursions will win out. These excursions depart from varied close by places, corresponding 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’ll 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 is just accessible by sea. Nonetheless, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you may view it from land. Benagil Cave is positioned alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You can not enter the cave from above, however you may have a look at it from above by means of 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 had been there, many individuals hopped over the limitations for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t advocate this. That fall would do some severe injury and trigger an enormous nice.
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 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 stunning 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 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 instantly in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. When you can, ensure to sit down 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 excellent because the sunbeams had been excessive sufficient to gentle 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 effectively prematurely is essential. On-line bookings are extremely advisable.
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. 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 one of the best lighting for pictures. Sundown excursions are additionally magical, with the golden gentle 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 Carry: 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 verify prematurely.
Images – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digicam 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 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 encircling 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. Irrespective 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 crucial 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 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!