When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the very first thing we needed to see was Benagil Cave. Reserving a tour was complicated, as we heard a number of conflicting studies on the way to go to Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Collapse October 2023. Throughout our Benagil Caves go to, new guidelines have 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 coloration.
The cave is situated within the small village of Benagil, a brief distance from common cities similar to Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat excursions depart from Portimão, making it a handy and accessible vacation spot for guests exploring the Algarve’s shoreline. It is usually situated 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 situated in the midst of the hike on the small village of Benagil. There’s a parking zone close by, so even when you don’t hike your entire 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 not doable except 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 changing into harmful and unmanageable. Boats have been capsizing, and the seashore was consistently overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping entry, Benagil Cave could be preserved for years to come back.
Restricted Entry: To handle the stream of vacationers and scale back environmental affect, entry to the caves is now restricted. It’s important to ebook your tour prematurely, particularly throughout peak season (June to September).
Guided Excursions Solely: Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are 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, they usually have been very severe about conservation. We additionally noticed kayakers capsizing. We now have heard that fines for swimming within the cave could be as excessive as €2500.
Environmental Payment: A small environmental price has been launched, which is included within the tour worth. This price helps conservation efforts and helps keep the caves’ pure magnificence.
Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?
Sure, the Benagil Cave will open to guests in 2024. Nevertheless, attributable to new laws and to make sure guests’ security, entry to the cave is now solely allowed via organized boat excursions with licensed operators. These measures assist handle the variety of vacationers and scale back the environmental affect.
Belief me, even with measures in place after we have 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.
Nevertheless, we beloved our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The opposite sea caves, sea arches, and excessive limestone cliffs make it some of the spectacular coasts on this planet. It places the Nice Ocean Highway in Australia to disgrace, and I assumed that was spectacular.
Are you able to swim in Benagil Cave?
As a result of regulation adjustments, impartial kayakers, swimming, and touchdown on the seashore have been not allowed. However you may ebook organized kayaking excursions. When doing extra analysis, we discovered one tour that provides 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 difficult to consider as a result of after we visited, no person 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 ebook, they accepted our reserving, so it is a chance. For those who discover out extra, please tell us. The tour is thru Viator, with Vagamundo Excursions as its operator. When on the lookout for the Vagumndo Excursions web site, I discovered that it was not in operation. So, this may very well be an outdated hyperlink.
On the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a gathering to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation guidelines. The very best recommendation we can provide is to ebook an organized tour. Swimming to the cave could 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 positive that the one approach to go to Benagil Cave can be by organized tour.
In 2024, some folks have claimed that motor boats are not allowed, whereas others declare that kayaks and SUPs are not allowed. After we visited on the finish of the season final 12 months, Kayaking and SUPs weren’t allowed attributable to 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 numerous time and looking out chaotic. So, one of the best recommendation we can provide is to ebook 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 numerous close by areas, similar 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. Nevertheless, if you wish to see Benagil Cave from above, you may view it from land. Benagil Cave is situated alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You can not enter the cave from above, however you may have a look at it from above via 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 have been there, many individuals hopped over the boundaries for his or her Instagram pictures. We don’t advocate this. That fall would do some severe harm and trigger an enormous fantastic.
Getting To Benagil Cave
By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the one approach to go to Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These excursions depart from numerous factors alongside the Algarve coast, together with Benagil Seaside, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.
Our Tour of Benagil Cave
We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour via our resort, The Tivoli Carvoiero. Beginning on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean via 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, also referred to as Citadel of Ferragudo, constructed within the nineteenth century.
Our tour coated numerous 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 situated immediately in entrance of our resort, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. For those who can, be sure that to take a seat on the entrance of the boat for optimum viewing. You may ebook the same tour right here.
We booked the primary tour of the morning that began at 10 am. We have been at Benagil at about 11 am, which was good because the sunbeams have been excessive sufficient to mild the cave.
Useful Tricks to Go to Benagil Cave
E book in Advance: Given the brand new restrictions and recognition of the Benagil Caves, reserving your tour nicely prematurely is essential. On-line bookings are extremely advisable.
Select a small boat – We booked a small zodiac pace boat tour that held 18 folks. There have been some very giant boats on the water that might not get into the caves like we did. For those who 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 provide one of the best lighting for images. Sundown excursions are additionally magical, with the golden mild illuminating the cave’s inside. Tides additionally have an effect on coming into some caves however Benagil could be entered at any time.
What to Carry: Pack mild, however don’t neglect necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a water-resistant digicam. Some excursions present life jackets and waterproof luggage, nevertheless it’s finest to examine prematurely.
Images – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves however Dave additionally had his digicam a Sony A1. Being on a pace boat, our gear was protected and dry, however we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.
Keep Secure: Take heed to your guides, put on your life jacket, and respect the pure atmosphere. Swimming close to the caves could be harmful attributable to robust currents and boat visitors.
Discover Close by: After your tour, take a while to discover the encompassing space. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, beautiful seashores, and wonderful seafood eating places.
Do you have to Go to Benagil Collapse 2024?
Completely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable expertise. Regardless of which manner 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 some of the 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 images buff, or just on the lookout for an journey, the Benagil Caves are value visiting. So, ebook your tour, pack your necessities, and prepare to discover the magical Benagil Caves!