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 simple 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 gorgeous stretch of shoreline.
We booked with Atlantis excursions (obtainable through Tiqets,Viator and Get Your Information) for a implausible two-hour journey in a inflexible inflatable boat, recognizing rock formations, listening to extra concerning the coast and getting recommendations on 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 plenty of boat excursions to Benagil go away from Portimao, round half-hour’ drive down the coast, you may also 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 choice in a RIB boat, Lagos Grotto Journeys has this two-hour Benagil and Carvoeiro cruise, for age 6+.
For a family-friendly choice, in the event 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 in the event you actually need to get near the rock formations, this kayak tour from Benagil seashore permits 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 selection 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, akin to this two-hour cruise with Boat Journeys – the choice we selected, which had a fantastic guided tour from the smaller boat.
By the way, plenty of boat excursions – together with ours – embrace time to swim and snorkel. It’s price understanding that there’s little or no to see underwater round this space, as the ocean is just too cloudy, and even in peak summer season, the water of the Atlantic are nonetheless on the chilly aspect!
For a shorter tour, you possibly can velocity down the coast from Lagos in smaller boats to go straight into the caves – Days of Journey, Boat Journeys and Lagos Grotto Journeys are a number of of the perfect.
Or journey in model 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 season.
In case you actually need 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, take a look at 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 take pleasure in recognizing the realm’s wildlife, together with many protected chicken species in addition to an opportunity of seeing dolphins.
There are numerous totally different journeys on supply however I’d undoubtedly advocate the full-day tour (approx 5-6 hours) with Odyssey excursions, which takes you to 3 totally 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do within the Algarve with youngsters, crusing alongside the shoreline in the hunt 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, in the event you’re nearer to this a part of the Algarve than Albufeira, for an additional devilishly good Algarve boat tour with youngsters.
Pace boat tour
If you wish to get your coronary heart racing in addition to seeing a number of 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 best way, however the focus right here is on adrenaline thrills, 360 diploma turns and abrupt stops reasonably than absorbing the surroundings on a sightseeing tour!
Or this 30-minute Jetboat journey from Albufeira is equally quick paced – not appropriate for youths aged 5 and below – with the give attention to stunts and thrills as you velocity alongside the shoreline.
Numerous the excursions to the Benagil caves are in RIB boats – Inflexible Inflatable Boats – so that you’ll zip alongside the water at excessive velocity anyway,
Learn how to purchase – reserving your Algarve boat tour with youngsters
Most often, you possibly can simply guide tickets upfront to your Algarve boat tour – some have restricted house so guide up shortly, whereas standard choices just like the pirate ships additionally are inclined to promote out.
Nonetheless, in the event you haven’t booked upfront, you possibly can typically strive 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 ultimate locations.
For a lot of excursions, the boats and sights are fairly comparable so in the event you’re versatile, you may discover a last-minute deal. Nonetheless, in the event you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on a specific date or journey, or in the event you’re visiting in peak season, it’s safer to guide upfront.
If unhealthy climate (together with excessive winds in summer season) cancel the journey, you’re usually given a voucher or automated reserving to a brand new date, which dolphin recognizing journeys which don’t spot dolphins normally have a free repeat tour to strive your luck once more.
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