Portimão: Benagil Caves & Golden Coast Eco Catamaran Tour

Overview

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!

Itinerary

1. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Ponta do Altar Lighthouse

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

3. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

4. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

5. One of the deepest caves in this area. Entering it is amazing! Only possible when weather conditions are favourable.

   · 3 min

6. Algar de Benagil

   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!

   · 3 min

How to use your ticket

Thank you so much for booking with us! We'll be very happy to welcome you aboard. Please go to the meeting point at Pier M from Portimão Marina 15 minutes before the start of your tour. Press this link to get directions to the boarding point at Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/KUBJ1ijkSLkC1o1NA or use the GPS: 37.121961, -8.528116

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• 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

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 64488P9

Activity offered by Algarve SUN BOAT Trips via Viator.