Portimão: Benagil Caves & Golden Coast Eco Catamaran Tour
Description
Come aboard for an incredible journey to discover the secrets of the stunning Benagil Caves and the beautiful Golden Coast of the Algarve, all from the comfortable cushions of our elegant eco-friendly solar-powered catamaran! Sail in style with zero emissions and enjoy a serene atmosphere, free from harmful pollutants. Our boat offers first-class amenities—from a bar to lounge seating, deck, and even a restroom—ensuring your comfort and fun. Start a tour of approximately 3 hours from Portimão Marina, taking in the views of the Golden Coast, passing by Carvoeiro, and exploring the famous Benagil Caves. On warm days with calm seas, there’s always time for a refreshing swim (except on sunset trips). Just bring your swimsuit and a towel! Join us for an unforgettable, fun, and eco-conscious nautical getaway!
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Fort of São João do Arade, sometimes referred to as the Castle of Arade, is a medieval fortification. The first fortification on the site consisted of a watch tower erected in the reign of King John II of Portugal. Later, following the settlement of Ferragudo (around 1520), it is believed that the castle was encircled by a defensive wall (built on the rudimentary walls of the older walls). The origins of the Fort of Arade date back to the Philippine Dynasty, to defend the coast of the peninsula from attacks by pirates and privateers in service to the Crowns of northern Europe.
The lighthouse, of unusual design, consists of a small square turret attached to a one-story caretaker's house. It supports a red lantern on its terrace. The house, often compared with the appearance of a small schoolhouse, is painted white, with exposed stones and a red tiled roof. It is located on a promontory, used since prehistory for pagan rituals, on the eastern side of the entrance to the port of Portimão. The Ponta do Altar Lighthouse was first proposed by Ricardo Peyroteu on June 21, 1884. It started operations of 1 January 1893. The tower is 10 meters high and 2.7 meters wide. The original light was white and used oil as the fuel source. It combined with two smaller lights at the ends of the two moles at the entrance to Portimão harbour.
This small islet, with an area of just 0.16 ha, is classified as IBA (Important Bird Area), due to its importance as nesting site for ardeids (herons). This place is especially interesting during spring, due to the existence of a colony of Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets - at this time of year the top of the islet is full of white dots, which are the herons in their nests.
Torre da Lapa was perhaps built in the 16th century as part of the watchtower system that helped defend the Algarve coast. For hundreds of years, up there, the men from the neighborhood took turns watching the coast, always keeping an eye on the boats of corsairs, mostly from North Africa. In case of danger, it was also up there that a bell was rung, smoke signals were made or, at night, a fire was lit, so that people had time to put their possessions and lives in a safe place.
One of the deepest caves in this area. Entering it is amazing! Only possible when weather conditions are favourable.
Algar de Benagil is one of the most widespread places when the subject is the Algarve beaches, including the international press. No surprises, this beach / cave is incredibly beautiful. Whenever the conditions are favourable, we will enter it. Prepare your camera!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Dogs or other pets are not allowed
- Access to our boats is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Baby Stollers and Wheelchairs are not allowed
- Suitable for pregnant women
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please check in 15 minutes before departure time
- Only water and food intended for young children are allowed on board
- Smoking only allowed on the back of the boat with permition from the crew
- ATTENTION: Our kiosk is not the check-in or boarding point. The Boarding Pier M is on the North Side of Portimão Marina, with car access via Rua Simão Correia.
- Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pregnancy
Reviews(317)
The history lessons learned about San Portimão was fantastic. Captain Marco and his colleague Pedro are amazing. Highly recommend.
Thank you! 😊 We’re glad Marco and Pedro made the history of Portimão as memorable as the coastline itself. Thanks for recommending us! ☀️
Great trip! Can definitely be recommended. There were two guides/captains aboard, who had plenty of humor - and at the same time had control of safety, sailing etc. The sailing was calm - and when the boat sailed on solar energy there was no air of diesel us. The boat was nice and clean. It was fully booked, but the guides made sure that everyone had the opportunity to come up and get taken the good photos on the best spots on the trip. All worth the money!
Tradução: Passeio fantástico e totalmente recomendável. Destaca o humor dos dois tripulantes, mas também o profissionalismo na segurança e navegação, a viagem tranquila sem cheiro a diesel, o barco limpo e o cuidado em garantir que todos conseguiam tirar boas fotografias, mesmo com lotação completa. Considerou que valeu totalmente o preço. Mange tak! 🌟 We’re glad you enjoyed the best of both worlds — plenty of laughs, but safety and good seamanship always first! And no diesel fumes is a pretty nice bonus. 😊☀️
Superb excursion with Marcello and Marco. Thank you for all your explanations and the atmosphere on board. Full of memories in my head
Merci beaucoup ! 😊 Ravies que Marco et Marcelo aient rendu cette excursion aussi agréable que mémorable ! ☀️
absolutely brilliant! from the boat to the staff! they went above and beyond to make our trip a memorable one thank you pedro and marco
Thank you! 😊 So glad you loved our boat, and that Pedro and Marco made the experience one to remember! ☀️
friendly tour guides and calm environment! a great trip to go on if you’ve got a few hours spare!
Thank you! 😊 Friendly crew, a relaxed atmosphere and a few hours at sea — a pretty good Algarve plan! ☀️
It was confortable, interesting and fun!
Thank you! 😊 Three hours seem to fly by when you’re having a good time. 🌊☀️
We had an excellent time on board the boat, comfortable, clean, and a strong point, the shade is appreciated, the welcome was very warm, thanks to Marchello and Marco, we had many explanations and comments throughout the trip from Marchello who speaks French quite well 😉 we highly recommend this company.
Merci beaucoup ! 😊 Confort, ombre et français à bord… Marcelo essaie vraiment de penser à tout ! 😄🇫🇷🌊
Very professionell and pleasant.crew, chilled atmosphere on the boat, enough time at every spot, well done!
Thank you! 😊 Some memories take a little longer to create. We’re glad you shared yours with us. 🌊☀️
Super beautiful, and if you want, you can swim in the sea after visiting the caves before being driven back for sunset.
Vielen Dank! 😊 No diesel smells, a swim in the sea and a sunset on the way back — that’s exactly how we like to end a day on the Algarve coast. 🌊☀️⚡
Simply the best option for cruising the Caves on the Coast ! The guys are super knowledgeable with a large stable boat and a must have washroom and Roof cover , you will burn up without a roof over your head Troy from Canada
Thank you, Troy! 😊 Sun deck when you want the Algarve sunshine, shaded seating when you don’t — plus the comfort of a stable catamaran and onboard washroom. Seems like home?. ☀️🌊
