The Benagil Cave (Portuguese: Algar de Benagil) is one of the most iconic natural sea caves in the Algarve, located along the southern coast of Portugal near the small fishing village of Benagil, close to Lagoa. Originally a traditional fishing community, Benagil has become a major tourist attraction thanks to its breathtaking coastal scenery.
What makes the cave so unique is its open dome with a circular skylight at the top, formed by erosion both from the sea and from above. Sunlight pours in through this opening, illuminating the golden sand and creating a dramatic, almost ethereal atmosphere inside the cave.
Discover the perfect boat trip for you and join us for an adventure like no other! Visit multiple caves and beaches accessible only by sea. A must-do experience in the Algarve, without a doubt one of the best-selling activities in the region! Contact us to choose the ideal tour for you.
However, access rules have recently changed due to safety and environmental concerns.
Official Access Regulations
Since 13 August 2024, specific navigation instructions and protective rules have been issued by the Portuguese National Maritime Authority (AMN) and the Harbour Master of Portimão, regulating the way visitors can enter and experience the cave.
Prohibited:
Landing or staying on the sand inside Benagil Cave, for both private visitors and commercial operators.
Accessing the cave by swimming or with flotation devices (e.g., bodyboards, inflatable devices, SUP without certified guide, etc.).
Renting kayaks without guides or entering with unguided kayak/SUP tours.
Entering or navigating inside the cave outside authorized tours, without complying with vessel limits and timing rules.
Allowed, with regulations:
Entering the cave with licensed boat tours or guided tours; landing on the sand remains prohibited.
Guided kayak/SUP tours operated by certified guides, following ratios (one guide per up to six kayaks), vessel limits, and maximum duration inside the cave.
Purpose of These Measures
These regulations were created in order to:
Improve visitor safety due to dense maritime traffic and natural sea hazards.
Organize tourism flows and reduce congestion inside the cave.
Protect the fragile geological structure and reduce environmental impact caused by overtourism.
Fines and Penalties
Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines and administrative penalties, including for commercial operators, according to environmental and maritime legislation.
Official Sources
The regulation and navigation rules can be consulted through official AMN documents, including:
Navigation Instruction for Benagil Caves (AMN) — covering full access rules, safety criteria, and interdictions.
Visit in several different ways
You can visit the caves by boat, stand up paddle, kayak and other water sports! See all the options!
Fantastic landscapes and shapes
You will enjoy a lot the fantastic landscapes that the caves provide along the Algarve coast ! Take your camera.
