3 Ways to Visit the Benagil Caves by Kayak

If there’s one place to visit and go on an adventure along the Algarve Coast it’s Benagil. The Benagil cave kayak tours are one of the only ways you can actually get inside and see the caves with your own two eyes. 

This specific sea cave is hands down the most famous sea cave in the Algarve due to its sheer size and beauty. The fact you can actually go on a Benagil cave kayak tour and get out and explore all the different caves up close is incredible. 

Benagil is a stunning place with awesome coastal trails, beaches, boat tours, and of course kayak tours. Even if you’re in Benagil just for the day you can easily still experience most of the things but a kayak tour of the sea caves should be on the top of your list when it comes to Benagil. 

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3 Fun Benagil kayak tours to explore the famous sea caves

#1 Benagil Caves kayaking experience

This kayak tour in Benagil is full on and for two hours you’re going to experience and see the best sea caves in the area including the famous Benagil Cave. The awesome thing about this specific tour is that you will actually have the chance to get out of your kayak and hang out in the cave. 

The cave itself is quite big and there is a good amount of room for boats and kayaks. However, this tour company plans it so you actually have time to explore the caves when it’s not too busy which we love. 

There’s a nice little beach inside the main Benagil Cave where you’ll get out of your kayak and get a chance to take pictures and hang out inside this natural beauty made by Mother Nature.

The rest of the trip you’ll explore other smaller caves along the Algarve and see some other beaches near Benagil. Once you see all this firsthand you’ll see why this is one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal.

Book your Benagil Caves kayaking experience here.

#2 Benagil Beach Double Kayak Rental

If you want the freedom of going at your own pace and explore on your own around Benagil by kayak then this is the trip for you. You can rent kayaks and go on your own for a minimum of 2 hours. You can easily book it for longer though and kayak to some private beaches near Benagil and hang out there. 

The nice thing about going on your own is that you can pick and choose how long you want to stay at each spot. Feel like hanging inside the Benagil Cave for an hour? Then do it! 

This Benagil Kayak trip is also slightly cheaper since there is no guide. It’s a really fun way to explore the Algarve Coast on a budget if you don’t mind cruising on a kayak without a guide nearby.

This kayak tour is awesome because you have the freedom to do what you want to do. So if that’s something you like then maybe just book this kayak rental and go at your own pace around Benagil

Book your Benagil Beach double kayak rental here.

#3 Benagil Cave Kayak and SUP tour

Yes, you can see the Benagil cave by stand up paddleboard! One of the reasons we recommend this tour is because the company has both kayaks and stand up paddleboards. This way if you’re a big group of people not everyone may want a kayak or a SUP. Everyone’s happy and can decide what they want. 

The kayak and SUP tour of Benagil Cave is similar to the other tours where you’ll cruise along the Algarve Coast and explore the beaches where most people don’t get a chance to visit if they go on a boat tour of the Benagil Caves. Also, you get to check out all the caves that you can only get to by boat tour, kayak, or SUP! 

It’s really nice that in 2 hours you can actually see so much and have a solid workout while doing it. The kayaking isn’t too challenging since there’s two of you in a kayak and there are a few breaks. The SUP is a different story though since it’ll be on your own paddling!

At the end of the day, this tour is nice because you have the option between the kayak and the SUP and the rest is very similar to the other tours or rentals mentioned above. 

Book your Benagil Caves kayak/sup tour here.

Other related questions about Benagil Caves

How do you get to Benagil Cave?

The best way to get to Benagil cave is by kayak tour from Benagil Beach. There’s parking nearby, all the tour companies are there, and there’s a nice big beach to depart on your kayak trip. 

There are plenty of other ways to get to the Benagil Cave like a boat tour from Lagos or a kayak trip from Portimão but a kayak trip from Benagil Beach is the best way to get to the cave.

Can you walk to Benagil Cave?

Yes, you can walk and see Benagil Cave from above. The viewpoint of the cave is near the parking lot and you can see directly into the cave from the eroded hole at the top. 

To actually go inside the Benagil Cave and get to the beach spot, though, you need to go by kayak or SUP to actually stop and hang out inside the cave. 

You can’t actually walk from the beach inside the Benagil Cave because there is no direct access.

Can I swim to Benagil Cave?

Yes, you can totally swim to Benagil Cave if you’re a good swimmer. If you start at Praia de Benagil and go east (left looking out at the ocean) you will have roughly 300 meters of swimming until you reach the sand section inside Benagil Cave.

If you’re a good swimmer, 300 meters shouldn’t be too challenging for you. The only thing you have to remember is that you also have to swim 300 meters back to Praia de Benagil once you’re ready to leave the cave.

Don’t go if you feel like you aren’t fit for this. We recommend swimming next to the kayakers or SUPs if you absolutely want to swim. Please also check the tide before you go. At high-tide it can be more risky.

You may also like…

• 5 Awesome Boat Tours to Do in Lagos, Portugal
• Top 20 Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
• Hiking The Lagos Coastal Walk to Ponta da Piedade
• 8 Beautiful Beaches in Lagos You Need to Visit
• 5 Epic Portimao Boat Tours to Do

There ya have it! 3 kayak trips to the Benagil Caves. We absolutely love this part of the Algarve and it’s totally worth a visit. Even if you’re in Portimão or Lagos there are boat and kayak trips that go from there too.

This is one of the highlight destinations in the Algarve so make sure to take the time and go. The beaches in Benagil are incredible too so make sure to make a full day out of it.

Experience a kayak tour to Benagil Caves in the morning, hike a coastal trail, hang out by the beach, and then try some yummy local food and you have the recipe for a perfect day in the Algarve.

We hope you have the best time in Benagil and get to explore the awesome sea caves in the area. If you have any questions about getting to Benagil or booking a trip then please reach out on Instagram or leave a comment below. 

Have an awesome trip and hopefully hear back from you on your experience and travels in the Algarve!

Have fun!

Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures

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