Benagil Cave Tours from Portimão

Which cave tour suits whom?

The tours here differ less in where they go than in how you get there. The speedboat and RIB trips from Portimão Marina take around 1h 30m, are fast and a little bumpy, and spend their time at the cave and Marinha Beach. The larger boats – the pirate ship cruise, the two-deck catamaran, the electrosolar catamaran – run from 2h 30m to 4 hours, with more room to move around and, on several, a bar and toilets; some add a swim stop or a lunch.

Families with small children and anyone who gets seasick usually do better on a catamaran or the pirate ship, where the ride is steadier. For golden light on the cliffs, go for a sunrise or sunset departure; one guided kayak tour offers both, in small groups. If you like to be active, pick a guided kayak tour of about two hours, or the combination of speedboat and kayak.

When you book, check the departure point (a few tours leave from Carvoeiro or Alvor rather than Portimão), the duration, and whether a drink, swim stop or meal is included. For kayaking, ask the operator about fitness requirements. A private yacht, from €474 for a group of up to 10, makes sense if you want your own pace and timetable.