Boat trips from Vilamoura Marina
Cave Tour AlgarveBenagil Cave boat trips from Vilamoura
See the Algarve the way it’s meant to be seen: from the water. Our boats leave Vilamoura Marina every day for the Benagil Cave, the cliffs of Praia da Marinha and the hidden coves in between.
- 2.5-hour Benagil trip
- Adults €42 · children €30
- Dolphin tours from €40
- Private boats available
Book online
Choose your trip and date
Pick a tour in the form, see live availability and get your confirmation by email straight away. Shared trips leave in the morning and early afternoon; private boats can start when suits you.
- Licensed skipper on every boat
- Life jackets in all sizes
- Babies under 2 go free
- Free changes if the sea is too rough
Why go by boat
The Algarve coast is best seen from the sea
The Benagil Cave sits about 25 km west of Vilamoura, under the cliffs between Praia da Marinha and Carvoeiro. There’s no path down to it, so the only way to see the famous dome and its round skylight is from the water.
Our cave tours leave from Vilamoura Marina and follow the coast past Albufeira, the arches at Albandeira and the beach at Praia da Marinha. Your skipper points out the caves and rock stacks on the way and, when the sea allows, takes the boat right into the Benagil Cave.
It’s a relaxed trip that works for families with young children as well as couples and groups of friends. If you’d rather have the boat to yourselves, every tour can also be booked privately.
Our tours
Choose your Algarve cave tour
Most popular
Benagil Cave Boat Tour
Shared trip along the coast to the Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha.
- 2.5 hours
- €42 adult · €30 child
Wildlife
Dolphin & Cave Tour
Head offshore to look for dolphins, then back along the caves at São Rafael and Galé.
- 2 hours
- €40 adult · €30 child
Private
Private Benagil Boat Tour
Your own boat and skipper, or hire a speed boat by the hour.
- 2.5 hours or by the hour
- from €585 per boat
Luxury
Luxury Yacht to Benagil
A private yacht with crew, drinks on board and a slow cruise to the caves.
- 3 or 7 hours
- from €1,000 per yacht
What to expect
Your Benagil Cave tour, step by step
The shared Benagil trip takes about 2.5 hours from check-in to return. The exact route and stops depend on the sea on the day.
- 1Check in at the marina
Come to Cais Q at Vilamoura Marina 15 minutes before departure. Your confirmation email shows exactly where to go.
- 2Safety briefing
Your skipper hands out life jackets, explains the route and answers any questions before you set off.
- 3West along the cliffs
The boat runs along the coast past Albufeira, Galé and the rock arches near Albandeira.
- 4Praia da Marinha
One of the best-known beaches in Portugal, framed by golden cliffs and sea stacks.
- 5The Benagil Cave
The highlight: the huge dome with its open roof. Boats go inside when the sea and maritime rules allow.
- 6Back to Vilamoura
A smoother ride home with time for photos. On some days dolphins join the boat.
Why book with us
Local skippers who know this coast
We have been taking guests from Vilamoura to the caves for more than 25 years. Our skippers grew up on this coast, so they know which caves are worth slowing down for, where the light is best and when the sea is too lively to go inside.
- ⚓Departures from Vilamoura Marina, with parking and cafés right by the pontoon.
- 👨👩👧Good for families: all ages welcome and babies under 2 travel free.
- 🚤Small boats that can get close to the cliffs and into the caves.
- 🔒Licensed and insured operator, RNAAT 191/2010.
Private luxury yachts
Prefer a private yacht?
For celebrations or a slower day on the water, charter one of our partner yachts from Vilamoura Marina for your group only. Yachts are too big to go inside the Benagil Cave, so they anchor off the beaches and you see the cliffs and caves from the deck.
- NOON, MAJESTIC or São Lourenço
- Skipper and crew included
- Drinks and light snacks on board
- Exact price for your date in the form
Plan your trip
More from Algarve Cave Tours
We also run algarvecavetours.com, our main website, with full tour details and free guides to Vilamoura and the Benagil Cave.
Questions
Cave tours in the Algarve: your questions
Anything else? Call or WhatsApp +351 965 656 675 or email bookings@algarvecavetours.com.
Which is the best cave tour in the Algarve?
For most people it’s a boat trip to the Benagil Cave, because it combines the cave itself with Praia da Marinha, the arches near Albandeira and plenty of smaller caves on the way. From Vilamoura the shared trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs €42 for adults and €30 for children aged 3 to 12.
Can boats go inside the Benagil Cave?
Yes. When the sea, tide and maritime rules allow, our skippers take the boat inside so you can see the dome and the skylight from the water. Safety always comes first, so on rough days the boat may stay at the entrance. Landing on the beach inside the cave isn’t allowed.
Where do the tours leave from?
Every tour leaves from Vilamoura Marina, Cais Q. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Your booking confirmation tells you exactly where to check in.
How long is the trip from Vilamoura to Benagil?
About 2.5 hours there and back on the shared tour. The Dolphin & Cave Tour takes around 2 hours and private boats can be booked for longer.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. Children under 16 must be with an adult, life jackets are provided in all sizes and babies under 2 travel free. Pregnant guests and anyone with back problems should tell us before booking.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a light jacket. Spray comes over the side on the way back, so a waterproof layer is a good idea, and bring a phone or camera for the caves.
What happens if the sea is too rough?
If conditions aren’t safe we’ll move you to another day or give you a refund. Cave entries and any stops always depend on the sea on the day.
Can I book a private cave tour?
Yes. You can book a private boat for the Benagil trip (up to 12 guests), hire a speed boat by the hour or charter a luxury yacht. See our private Benagil boat tours.
Ready to see the Benagil Cave?
Book online in a couple of minutes and get your confirmation straight away.