Benagil Cave – Algar de Benagil is absolute must if you are planning a trip to Algarve region of Portugal. It is a place closer to Faro than Lagos. Benagil cave beach is unique as one can only stay on the beach inside the cave if one swims or kayaks till the cave.

This naturally made sea cave has entrances where the tour boats just visit (people are not allowed to get down). It has an open dome from where sunlight pours in. It is beautiful to say the least. Picture opportunities are plenty.

We had booked two beds in a hostel in Faro. We reached Faro late afternoon, we drove back to Praia de Benagil beach. We were told that it was high tide and last tours were over. Hence all the boat rides and kayak rides were closed for the day. We were late. We couldn’t book a kayak for the next day, as they don’t do bookings for the next day. It’s first come first serve basis on the day of your tours.

Next day, we tried to reach early on the Praia de Benagil beach from where you get the kayaks. They had only one kayak 🛶 left when we reached. There is only one booth for booking kayaks and boat tours. Reach early to avoid the crowd and how lines.

My better half went on a solo kayaking trip and I took a front seat on a 15 people tour boat! Our boat showed us all the grottos and dramatic caves around Benagil cave. Eventually we would also visit the Benagil cave. These tour boats are taken inside low and dark caves. It is a thrilling experience. It is a must-do to all those who don’t want to kayak or swim.

My boat trip was for about an hour, hence I had no idea if he has safely made to the cave in his single seater kayak or will he be there by the time our boat reaches the cave. Lucklily, he was still there clicking pictures. I was screaming his name out from my boat to get his attention. He was far away on the beach. Finally, he heard me and we clicked some very funny pictures of each other. It is one of those ‘and we met’ moment.

It was memorable experience of 2017.