The Benagil Caves (Algar de Benagil) are one of many Algarve’s most iconic sights and a must-see for the entire household.
Solely accessible from the water, it’s straightforward to leap on a ship tour from Portimão to go to them – and an entire host of different much less well-known however equally eye-catching caves, plus the remainder of this beautiful stretch of shoreline.
We booked with Atlantis excursions (accessible by way of Tiqets,Viator and Get Your Information) for a incredible two-hour journey in a inflexible inflatable boat, recognizing rock formations, listening to extra concerning the coast and getting tips about the place else to go to in addition to exploring the caves.
You possibly can watch my video of our boat journey to the Benagil cave right here.
Whereas numerous boat excursions to Benagil depart from Portimao, round half-hour’ drive down the coast, it’s also possible to discover excursions leaving from Lagos.
To whisk you alongside the coast, this speedboat tour to Benagil is appropriate for aged 8+, or for a barely extra relaxed possibility in a RIB boat, Lagos Grotto Journeys has this two-hour Benagil and Carvoeiro cruise, for age 6+.
For a family-friendly possibility, when you’re travelling with youthful youngsters, this 2 1/2 hour catamaran cruise from Lagos visits Benagil, in addition to time to swim.
Or mix dolphin watching with a cruise to Benagil with this two and a half hour boat journey.
You’ll additionally discover boat journeys to the Benagil cave from Carvoeiro, or when you actually wish to get near the rock formations, this kayak tour from Benagil seashore enables you to go proper contained in the caves – not appropriate for under-fours although.
Ponta de Piedade
The rock formations and caves simply down the coast from Lagos are one of many largest points of interest within the western Algarve and also you gained’t be wanting alternative for a ship journey taking you right here.
Some journey in small boats from Lagos marina, whereas others take you down the coast in a bigger boat earlier than heading into the caves and coves in a smaller boat, similar to this two-hour cruise with Boat Journeys – the choice we selected, which had an incredible guided tour from the smaller boat.
By the way, numerous boat excursions – together with ours – embody time to swim and snorkel. It’s value realizing that there’s little or no to see underwater round this space, as the ocean is just too cloudy, and even in peak summer time, the water of the Atlantic are nonetheless on the chilly aspect!
For a shorter tour, you possibly can pace down the coast from Lagos in smaller boats to go straight into the caves – Days of Journey, Boat Journeys and Lagos Grotto Journeys are just a few of one of the best.
Or journey in type with a crusing boat tour to Ponta de Piedade – though there isn’t an enormous quantity of shade on board, you possibly can select and earlier or later departure to keep away from the warmth of the solar in summer time.
Should you actually wish to rise up near the rock formations, you possibly can kayak alongside the shoreline, though if that feels a bit extra effort than you need on vacation, there are kayaking boat excursions the place you cruise alongside the coast earlier than heading out in a kayak – Days of Journey and Precise Boat Journeys are two of the businesses providing this.
For extra issues to do in Lagos with youngsters, try my high picks
Cruise across the Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa lagoon is a nature lover’s paradise, consisting of a labyrinth of canals, islands, wetlands, and sandbanks – a world away from the busy resorts.
On a cruise across the Ria Formosa, youngsters can get pleasure from recognizing the realm’s wildlife, together with many protected chook species in addition to an opportunity of seeing dolphins.
There are numerous completely different journeys on supply however I’d positively advocate the full-day tour (approx 5-6 hours) with Odyssey excursions, which takes you to a few completely different islands in addition to a information across the waters – unspoiled Farol was my favorite, together with the sight of a sea eagle and tales of the endangered seahorses dwelling within the protected waters.
For a shorter cruise, this two-hour tour of the Ria Formosa from Fuseta, simply east of Olhao, makes one cease at Armona Island and offers you a style of the reserve’s pure magnificence.
Sail on a pirate ship
A pirate ship cruise is among the most enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, crusing alongside the shoreline searching for hidden bays and coves (with buried treasure? Who is aware of…)
Children will love changing into pirates for the day on board a standard ship, with loads of pirate ship cruises to select from. The Santa Bernarda might be the Algarve’s most well-known pirate ships, with half-day and full-day choices from Portimao.
The Leaozinho additionally departs from Albufeira, when you’re nearer to this a part of the Algarve than Albufeira, for one more devilishly good Algarve boat tour with youngsters.
Pace boat tour
If you wish to get your coronary heart racing in addition to seeing just a few views of the shoreline, there are additionally speedboat excursions within the Algarve.
This Jetboat tour from Lagos is for age 8+ and also you’ll spend 45 minutes hurtling alongside the shoreline. You’ll see the Ponta da Piedade alongside the way in which, however the focus right here is on adrenaline thrills, 360 diploma turns and abrupt stops slightly than absorbing the surroundings on a sightseeing tour!
Or this 30-minute Jetboat experience from Albufeira is equally quick paced – not appropriate for youths aged 5 and underneath – with the concentrate on stunts and thrills as you pace alongside the shoreline.
A variety of the excursions to the Benagil caves are in RIB boats – Inflexible Inflatable Boats – so that you’ll zip alongside the water at excessive pace anyway,
Easy methods to purchase – reserving your Algarve boat tour with youngsters
Usually, you possibly can simply ebook tickets upfront to your Algarve boat tour – some have restricted house so ebook up shortly, whereas well-liked choices just like the pirate ships additionally are likely to promote out.
Nevertheless, when you haven’t booked upfront, you possibly can typically attempt your luck on the day. In Lagos, there are kiosks across the marina the place you may be capable to negotiate a deal for the final seats, as the assorted firms attempt to promote their last locations.
For a lot of excursions, the boats and sights are fairly related so when you’re versatile, you may discover a last-minute deal. Nevertheless, when you’ve bought your coronary heart set on a selected date or journey, or when you’re visiting in peak season, it’s safer to ebook upfront.
If unhealthy climate (together with excessive winds in summer time) cancel the journey, you’re usually given a voucher or computerized reserving to a brand new date, which dolphin recognizing journeys which don’t spot dolphins normally have a free repeat tour to attempt your luck once more.
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