Benagil Cave in 2024 – New Rules, Useful Tips and the Best Tours

When we visited the Algarve coast in Portugal, the first thing we wanted to see was the Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was confusing as we heard several conflicting messages about how to visit Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Cave in October 2023. During our visit to Benagil Caves, new rules were introduced, but things have already changed for 2024.

What is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is Alagarve’s most famous cave due to its impressive domed ceiling with a natural skylight. Inside, the cave features a golden sandy beach, layers of sandstone walls and turquoise water, creating an enchanting play of light and color.

The cave is located in the small village of Benagil, a short distance from popular towns such as Carvoeiro and Portimão. Boat trips depart from Portimão, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors exploring the Algarve coastline. It is also on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a famous walk in the Algarve.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 5.7 km walk that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. Benagil Cave is located in the middle of the hike in the small village of Benagil. There is a car park nearby, so even if you don’t hike the entire Seven Sitting Valleys Trail, you can visit Benagil Cave and view it from the skylight above.

Visitors used to be able to swim or kayak from Benagil village to Benagil beach, but this is no longer possible unless on a guided tour.

New rules and regulations for Benagil Cave

Local authorities have introduced new measures to preserve Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected natural wonder and with the increasing number of visitors it became dangerous and out of control. Boats capsized and the beach was constantly overcrowded. By restricting boats and stopping access, this cave can be preserved for years to come.

Restricted access: To manage the flow of tourists and reduce the impact on the environment, access to the caves is now limited. It is essential to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season (June to September).

Guided tours only: Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are no longer allowed for safety reasons. All visits must be part of an organized boat trip with licensed operators.

This ensures that the caves are visited sustainably and safely. We saw police boats patrolling the coast, and they were very serious about preserving it. We also saw kayakers capsize. We heard that the fines for swimming in the cave can be up to €2500.

Environmental allowance: A small environmental fee has been introduced and is included in the tour price. This fee supports conservation efforts and helps preserve the natural beauty of the caves.

Is Benagil Cave open in 2024?

Yes, Benagil Cave will open to visitors in 2024. However, due to new regulations and to ensure the safety of visitors, access to the cave is now only permitted via organized boat trips with licensed operators. These measures help control the number of tourists and reduce the impact on the environment.

Believe me, despite the measures during our visit to Benagil Cave, it was a zoo on the water. Kayaks capsized, boats lined up to enter the caves, and entering Benagil was just a short 3 or 4 minute experience.

However, we loved our boat trip along the Algarve coast. The other sea caves, sea arches and high limestone cliffs make it one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. It puts Australia’s Great Ocean Road to shame, and I thought that was spectacular.

Can you swim in Benagil Cave?

Due to changes in regulations, independent kayakers, swimming and beach landings were no longer allowed. But you can book organized kayaking tours. When we did more research, we found a tour that offers a dive into Benagil Cave.

This tour claims to be the only one that swims to Benagil Cave and takes you straight into the cave. We find this hard to believe as no one was allowed to set foot on Benagil Beach during our visit, but things are changing quickly. They are the only tour we could find, and when we entered dates to book they accepted our booking, so this is a possibility. If you know more, please let us know. The tour runs through Viator, with Vagamundo Tours as operator. When I looked for the Vagumndo Tours website, that’s what I found it was no longer in operation. So, this may be an old link.

At the time of writing this article, Portugal Tourism is having a meeting to solidify the rules for the navigation of Benagil Cave. The best advice we can give is to book an organized tour. Swimming to the cave can be dangerous anyway, and businesses along the Algarve coast will know what the new rules are.

How to visit Benagil Cave

We took a boat trip to reach Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I am sure the only way to visit Benagil Cave would be on an organized tour.

In 2024, some people have claimed that motorboats will no longer be allowed, while others claim that kayaks and SUPs will no longer be allowed. When we were there at the end of the season last year, kayaking and SUPs were not allowed due to overcrowding and safety reasons.

As we mentioned above, we saw kayakers capsize in other sea caves and watched groups of kayakers go into the caves, which took a lot of time and looked chaotic. So the best advice we can give is to book an organized tour with a licensed tour operator, to ensure you are following the law.

If companies have their say, I believe powerboat tours will win. These tours depart from several nearby locations, such as Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it easy for travelers to incorporate this natural wonder into their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are also very easy to navigate and control. We will keep you updated as soon as we hear more.

Can you visit Benagil Cave by land?

You cannot visit Benagil Cave by land; it is only accessible by sea. However, if you want to see Benagil Cave from above, you can view it from land. Benagil Cave is located along the Seven Standing Valleys Trail. You cannot enter the cave from above, but you can look at it from above through the domed ceiling. There is a fence around it, so the view is not optimal, but it is a beautiful walk.

While we were there, many people were jumping over the barriers for their Instagram photos. We do not recommend this. That fall would cause serious damage and result in a huge fine.

Transportation to Benagil Cave

By boat trip: As of October 2023, the only way to visit the Benagil Caves was by boat trip. These tours depart from various points along the Algarve coast, including Benagil Beach, Carvoeiro and Portimão.

Our guided tour of Benagil Cave

We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour through our hotel, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Starting at the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean via Portimão, where we saw the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (one of the 20 most beautiful villages in the country) and the fortress of S. João do Arade, also called known as Ferragudo Castle, built in the 19th century.

Our tour covered a lot of ground and took us to the Algarve’s famous beaches, including Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was directly in front of our hotel, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If possible, make sure you sit at the front of the boat for optimal visibility. You can book a similar tour here.

We booked the first tour of the morning which started at 10am. We got to Benagil around 11am which was perfect as the sun’s rays were high enough to illuminate the cave.

Useful tips to visit Benagil Cave

Book in advance: Given the new restrictions and popularity of the Benagil Caves, it is crucial to book your tour well in advance. Online bookings are highly recommended.

Choose a small boat – We booked a small zodiac speedboat tour that seats 18 people. There were some very large boats on the water that couldn’t get into the caves like we did. If you can, get on the boat first and head forward to the right. Dave and I saw a lot more in the front than the rest of the passengers.

Choose the right moment: Early morning tours are less crowded and provide the best lighting for photography. Sunset tours are also magical, with golden light illuminating the interior of the cave. Tides also influence entry into some caves, but Benagil can be entered at any time.

What to bring: Bring light, but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof camera. Some tours provide life jackets and waterproof bags, but it’s best to check in advance.

Photography – We used a GoPro when we visited the Benagil caves, but Dave also had a Sony A1 for his camera. Since we were on a speedboat, our gear was safe and dry, but we packed a dry bag in case of splashes.

Pay attention to your safety: Listen to your guides, wear your life jacket and respect the natural environment. Swimming near the caves can be dangerous due to strong currents and boat traffic.

Discover nearby: After your tour, take some time to explore the area. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, beautiful beaches and excellent seafood restaurants.

Should You Visit Benagil Cave in 2024?

Absolute! A visit to the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable experience. Whichever way you look at it, the Algarve coast is worth it alone. The sea cliffs, other sea caves and arches are a spectacular sight, and going along the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was one of the most beautiful boat trips we have ever taken.

With the new rules you can enjoy this natural wonder responsibly and sustainably. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast or simply looking for adventure, the Benagil Caves are worth a visit. So book your tour, pack your essentials and prepare to explore the magical Benagil Caves!