Swim and Chill at Benagil

If you’re considering a visit to Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast and want something a little different from the usual boat rides, the Swim and Chill at Benagil tour is worth your attention. This experience promises to get you right inside one of the Algarve’s most iconic caves—not just peering from afar but actually swimming into it with a guided crew. We’ve collected plenty of honest impressions and details to help you decide if this is your kind of day in Lagos.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines active fun with relaxed vibe—you get a workout, but also the chance to unwind with lunch, drinks, and good company. The guides, notably Brodie, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day feel personal rather than just another group excursion. Plus, the fact that you swim into the cave rather than just view it from a boat offers a more authentic and memorable experience.

One thing to consider is that the water can be a little challenging, and the swim is best suited for those with moderate swimming ability. The group size tends to be small, which enhances safety and camaraderie, but it also means you need to book in advance—on average, about a month ahead. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a lively, genuine encounter with the coast, rather than a passive sightseeing cruise.

If you’re comfortable in the water, enjoy a bit of exercise, and like the idea of a flexible, friendly guide leading the way, this trip might just be your perfect day out. It’s especially well-suited for those who value good value for their money and aren’t worried about a little physical effort.

Key Points

• Active and authentic: Swim into the Benagil Cave rather than just view it from a boat.
• Small group experience: Typically praised for its friendly guides and personal vibe.
• Great value: Includes lunch, drinks, towels, sunscreen, and some beach gear, all at a reasonable price.
• Suitable for moderate swimmers: The tour is designed with safety and fun in mind but requires some swimming ability.
• Fun guides and vibe: Brodie and the team are frequently highlighted for their relaxed, friendly attitude.
• Flexible options: You can hire paddleboards or kayaks on the day if preferred.

What the Tour Is All About

This isn’t your average coastal boat trip. Instead of sitting passively on a boat, you’ll start with a quick van ride from Lagos—about 40 minutes—that’s made enjoyable by good music, cold drinks, and a lively atmosphere. When you arrive at Praia de Benagil, the real fun begins. The highlight? A 60-meter swim from the beach into the iconic cave. Yes, you read that right—you actually swim into the cave, feeling the sand between your toes and the cool water around you.

The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, and guides provide life jackets, inflatables, and boards to support your swim. Several reviews mention that the group size is kept small, fostering a comfortable environment where everyone gets enough attention and safety oversight. One reviewer, for example, said, “Brody is such a great guide and it was a very chill and cool group. We think this is the best way to see the cave and additionally have a great time with new people you meet.”

The Journey to the Cave

The trip kicks off at JAH SHAKA SURF SHOP in Lagos, where you meet your guide and fellow adventurers. From there, it’s a scenic ride along the coast, with music, beer, and sangria making the journey even more enjoyable. It’s a good way to relax and get into the holiday spirit before the real activity begins.

Once at Praia de Benagil, the team sets up for the day, offering towels, shade, sunscreen, beach games, and music to set the mood. The swim itself is about an hour of active effort—some find it invigorating, others a bit challenging, especially if the sea isn’t perfectly calm. As one traveler put it, “The water was rough but we felt pretty safe and not like we were going to get slammed on the rocks.” The guide’s role is crucial here—he’s there to support, instruct, and ensure everyone’s safety.

Inside the Cave

Arriving at the cave is the highlight for many. Unlike typical boat tours that merely sail by or stop outside, this experience gets you inside the famous shell-shaped cavern. The water here is clear, and the sensation of swimming into such a natural wonder is hard to beat. Many reviews mention that it’s a unique, authentic way to enjoy the cave—not just a quick glance but an actual swim.

After the swim, you’ll have time to relax on the beach, explore the area, or even hire a paddleboard or kayak if you want to extend the fun. The guides are flexible and laid-back, making it easy to customize your experience.

Lunch and Relaxation

Post-swim, the tour includes a delicious deli-style lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and meat options—think hummus, chourico, ham, bread, veggies, and condiments. Several reviewers rave about the quality of the lunch and drinks, especially the homemade hummus and the sangria, which many say are better than expected for a tour meal.

While you’re chilling on the beach, you can enjoy Portuguese beer and sangria, complementing the relaxing vibe. Towels, shade, and beach games are all provided, creating a comfortable environment to unwind after the active swim.

The Return and Additional Activities

Later in the afternoon, the group heads back to Lagos, arriving around 6:30 or 7 pm, with plenty of daylight left to enjoy your evening. If you’re feeling energetic, you can hire a paddleboard or kayak on the day, which some reviews recommend for adding more fun or a different perspective of the coast.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating for this tour is a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 112 reviews, with 94% recommending it to others. Travelers consistently mention Brody as a standout guide, calling him friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to be around. Several reviews highlight the small-group vibe, making the day feel like a trip with friends rather than a crowd.

Many say the swim into the cave is a highlight—a more authentic and exciting alternative to boat tours or kayaking. One reviewer described it as “the best way to see Benagil,” and others mention how the experience felt safe and well-organized, even if the water was choppy at times.

Some minor drawbacks include the challenge of swimming in rougher conditions and the fact that the van/bus is a bit rundown—though these are minor quibbles compared to the overall positive vibe.

Pricing and Value

At about $58.14 per person, this tour offers solid value considering everything included—lunch, drinks, beach gear, and the unique experience of swimming into the cave. It’s more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s a day of active fun, social connection, and memorable scenery.

Compared to boat trips that often cost more and only skim the surface, this experience provides a closer, more personal encounter. Many reviewers emphasize that the experience surpasses typical kayak or boat tours because it’s more immersive and engaging.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re comfortable swimming and looking for a more adventurous, authentic way to experience the famous caves, this is a great choice. It’s perfect if you enjoy a small-group vibe, good guides, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. That said, it’s not ideal for those who aren’t confident in their swimming abilities or who prefer a less physically demanding outing.

It also appeals to travelers who like a mix of activity and relaxation—swimming, exploring, then kicking back with lunch and drinks. If you’re traveling with active friends or a family who enjoys watersports, this could be a highlight of your Algarve trip.

This Swim and Chill at Benagil tour offers a genuinely different way to see one of Portugal’s most celebrated natural sights. It’s a mix of effort, fun, and scenic beauty, guided by friendly professionals who know how to keep everyone safe and happy. The small-group setup, inclusive lunch, and flexible options like paddleboarding make it feel personal and value-packed.

While it demands a moderate level of swimming ability and some physical effort, the feeling of swimming into such a stunning cave makes it all worthwhile. If you’re after a memorable, active day with a lively guide, this tour is certainly worth considering—especially if you like to add a little adventure to your travel stories.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for travelers with moderate swimming skills. Children who are confident swimmers and comfortable in open water might enjoy it, but those who aren’t strong swimmers should consider safety and possibly bring additional flotation aids.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a wetsuit vest if you’re sensitive to cold. The tour provides towels, sunscreen, beach gear, and inflatables, so you don’t need to bring much.

How long is the entire trip?
From start to finish, it lasts about 4.5 hours, including the van ride, swimming, lunch, and the return to Lagos.

Is there any additional cost for paddleboarding or kayaking?
You can hire paddleboards or kayaks on the day if you want to extend your day in the water, but this isn’t included in the base price.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the group size large?
No, it’s a small-group tour, which many reviews find more personal and enjoyable.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 34 days ahead, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.

If you love the idea of combining a bit of exercise, great guides, and a genuine adventure into the Benagil Cave, this tour might just be the highlight of your Algarve trip. It’s a chance to get close to nature, meet new friends, and create memories that go beyond the typical sightseeing photo.