If you’re eyeing a boat tour to explore the famous Benagil Caves from Lagos, you’ll find plenty of options. We’ve looked into one popular choice—the Benagil Caves Cruise on a Catamaran—and here’s what you should know before booking. This experience offers a chance to see some of the Algarve’s most iconic caves and coastline, all from the comfort of a spacious boat.
What we really like about this tour is its scenic route along the coast, giving you excellent views that aren’t accessible by land. Plus, many travelers appreciate the guides who share insights about the region, making the trip both enjoyable and informative.
On the flip side, a consideration is that swimming and beach stops are limited, which might be a downer if you’re hoping for a long water-based adventure.
You spend 2 hours travelling a boat, however the caves, the reason you came, are seen in a hurry, possibly not even be able to make a photo in such a crowd of people on the boat. Anyway, the caves themself are not so interesting as the cliffs and beaches. Staff was friendly. I do not recommend to those who feel seasick.
Fun tour along the coast. António was a great tour guide. We saw dolphins, caves and some even a swim!
Love the trip ,nice boat and excelente crew . The caves are gorgeous and is absolutely worthy to do it.
This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors to the Algarve or those traveling with family who want a relaxed, straightforward boat ride with plenty of picture opportunities. If your goal is to see the main caves without too much hassle or expense, this could be a good pick.
Just keep in mind that if you’re after a more active or longer swim-focused experience, you might want to consider alternative options.
Key Points
- Comfortable, larger boat ideal for those with mobility issues or families.
- Affordable price point around $39.48 per person offers good value for the views and experience.
- Limited cave entry means you won’t get inside every cave but will visit the main highlight, Benagil.
- Swimming stops are available, but only briefly, and are scheduled at the discretion of the crew.
- Dolphin sightings are possible, adding an extra element of excitement.
- Weather dependency can affect the tour, and cancellations or rescheduling may occur for safety reasons.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
The tour begins in Lagos, where you’ll meet at the Days of Adventure office or designated meeting point. From there, the boat departs along the coast, giving you sweeping views of the Algarve’s rugged cliffs and hidden beaches.
The boat’s design, especially its elevated viewing platform, is a real plus, allowing unobstructed shots of the caves and coastline. This setup makes it easier to capture those postcard-perfect moments without fighting for a spot at the front.
Good experience getting to see the Cave! No boats get to go inside of the cave very deep but we still got to see it. We got to go inside other caves that were bigger. There was an opportunity to jump in the water for a few minutes. Overall nice experience.
Lagos is a town with hundreds of tourists, all trying to get the best spot on their tour. We were originally booked for the trip 2 days prior but the seas were rough, so they rescheduled us. The tour was fun, the team on the boat was great-but the engineering are so loud that its impossibile to hear the guide talk about the history of the area. We paused at several beaches along the way-then to the caves which are beautiful and interesting. There were several boats jockeying for a position to enter the caves, but we waited pur turn. After seeing the caves, we went out to a swimming spot and if was wonderful. The ride back to Lagos was nice, people were quiet but always hogging the prime spot…
I wish I could jump off on the sand and take some pictures of Benagil cave. They are so beautiful view.
The highlight is undoubtedly visiting the Benagil Cave, the star of the Algarve’s shoreline. The boat approaches the cave’s entrance, and many reviews mention how impressive this sight is. One traveler recalled, “Great trip to the Benagil cave. It was a short trip which allowed us the rest of the day for the beach,” highlighting how efficient the visit is, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Beyond Benagil, you’ll see other coastal caves which, while perhaps not as famous, add to the charm of the scenery. The crew often provides commentary, sharing details about the caves, the region, and local wildlife—something many visitors find enriching. As one guest put it, “The guide was good about pointing out the beaches and cities as we passed by.”
Following the cave visits, the boat stops for a swimming session, giving you a chance to cool off in the Atlantic waters. However, reviews note that these stops are brief and subject to weather conditions and safety considerations. While some wished for more time to jump in and explore, most appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the ocean.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Lagos
What to Expect on the Boat
The boat’s size and amenities are designed to keep passengers comfortable, with some reviews mentioning the crew as “very friendly” and “professional.” The boat can accommodate up to 50 travelers, so it tends to be a well-paced, social environment.
Great guides. Informative. A bit difficult to get a good picture or view as several people rushed to the front and did not step aside for others. The guides could suggest that people take turns.
Incredible unforgettable experience. Highly recommend to everyone visiting Algarve. It is a nice boat ride, visit to a few caves and the ride back. Very enjoyable
Very friendly crew! Guide professional. Provided the right information about the region et the caves. Helpful, good mud ! Really to do!
Since most reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, you’ll likely learn plenty about the region—whether it’s the caves’ formation or local marine life.
The duration of about 2 hours and 30 minutes is fairly typical for this type of tour. It’s long enough to enjoy the scenery without feeling like you’re on a boat all day. The tour starts in the morning or early afternoon, ideal for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
Group size can vary, but with a maximum of 50 travelers, the experience remains intimate enough for everyone to see and hear the guide. Some reviews mention that the boat can fill up, so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable.
The Price and Value
At around $39.48 per person, this tour is priced competitively, especially considering the Algarve’s popularity and the boat’s quality. When you factor in the scenic views, the potential for dolphin spotting, and the chance to see the caves up close, most travelers feel it’s a worthwhile expense.
Great trip to the Benagil cave. It was a short trip which allowed us the rest of the day for the beach.
Really nice boat trip, easy to book, to find and the tour guide was helpful and friendly. It was a relaxing boat ride across the coast to Benagil cave, with 2 mins in the cave to take pictures on the boat (this was a rule across all boat tours)
Our Tour was well organized, however the guide was not explaining enough. The boat had a short stop for who wanted jump in to water. Mostly we went to Benagil and came back.
While some reviews express disappointment about the limited cave exploration and swimming opportunities, many still call it good value for money. The fact that you get a comfortable boat ride with informative guides and stunning scenery makes it a popular choice for those wanting a straightforward, scenic trip.
In terms of what’s included, the tour covers the boat ride itself, but lunch isn’t provided, so plan ahead if you’re hungry. Drinks are available for purchase onboard, which can be a nice way to stay refreshed as you cruise along.
Dealing with the Downsides
A few reviews highlight some potential frustrations. For example, speeding through the waters despite rough conditions led to some guests feeling unwell. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer waters, it might be worth bringing medication or discussing your concerns with the crew beforehand.
Another common point is the crowding at the caves, especially during busy times. With about 50 travelers, it can be tricky to get the perfect photo or a clear view inside the caves, as some visitors noted. To improve the experience, the guides could suggest taking turns or spacing out the group more effectively, but that’s not always possible.
The trip was great. Especially for families with special seating for the kids. You get to go into several caves and lot of opportunities for pictures. They do have drinks both adult and not available for a reasonable price. Jumping in the water is recommended especially on a hot day!
Our afternoon cave tour on the catamaran was canceled due to poor weather related conditions. But the tour group contacted us the night before and asked if we were OK to reschedule to the morning or the next day. Luckily we were able to reschedule for the morning and enjoyed a nice tour of 3 caves, the last being the one that is the most famous stop with the opening at the top. The boat was clean and had ample seating for everyone. It was driven safely and we had gorgeous views of the surrounding coastal villages and landscape. The tour guide was friendly and gave a few informative facts about the area. We could not enter the caves completely but we were able to get a good enough view of the…
Great experience! The crew are very professional and took good care of us all. A lovely way to see the Algarve 💕
Also, keep in mind that swimming stops are short and only at the crew’s discretion. If swimming is your main goal, you might want to look for tours specifically designed for longer water activities.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?
If you’re after a relaxing, scenic boat trip with plenty of great photo opportunities and a knowledgeable crew, this cruise fits the bill. It’s especially good for first-timers and those traveling with family or friends who want to see the coast comfortably. The price point makes it accessible without sacrificing much in terms of experience.
However, if your priority is getting inside every cave or spending a lot of time swimming, you might find this tour somewhat limited. The short stops and limited cave access might leave some wanting more adventure.
This tour offers a solid, well-organized way to enjoy the beauty of the Algarve’s coastline, with enough highlights and comfort to justify the expense. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a straightforward, scenic experience with a friendly, informed guide.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Lagos
From Lagos: Benagil Caves Cruise on a Catamaran
"You spend 2 hours travelling a boat, however the caves, the reason you came, are seen in a hurry, possibly not even be able to make a photo in such..."
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the larger boat and relaxed pace generally make it suitable for families, especially if you’re looking for a gentle sightseeing ride. Just keep in mind that swimming stops are brief.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you a good chunk of time to enjoy the scenery and caves without feeling rushed.
Can I see dolphins on this cruise?
Dolphin sightings are mentioned as a possibility, so there’s a chance you might spot some playful marine mammals during the trip.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat tour itself. Food isn’t included, but drinks are available for purchase onboard.
How crowded does it get?
With a maximum of 50 travelers, the boat can be busy during peak times, which might make it harder to get perfect photos inside the caves.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you’re planning to stay in Lagos and want a relaxed way to see some of the Algarve’s most iconic sights without breaking the bank, this catamaran cruise is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for some short stops, a lively group environment, and the possibility of choppy waters if the weather turns.
Enjoy your trip, and happy exploring!
