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Things to do in Algarve

This picturesque Portuguese coastal town offers up watersports, stunning caves, and a buzzing marina.

Our most recommended things to do in Algarve

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

1. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as the activity includes a stop for a swim. Marvel at the rock formations, and access areas that other vessels can’t reach. A marine biologist will be on board to provide all necessary information about these wonderful creatures. Be aware that as dolphins are wild animals, sightings can not be guaranteed.

From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

2. From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

Witness the dramatic beauty of the Algarve on a cruise from Lagos. Hear coastal secrets from your guide, admire the towering rocks of Ponta da Piedade, and see idyllic beaches, including Camilo Beach. Choose between a small-group experience or a private experience. Set sail in comfort with cushioned seats as you depart Marina de Lagos. Make your way along the coast, passing pristine beaches, such as D. Ana Beach and Camilo Beach. Listen to insightful explanations about the sights from your guide. Take in the breathtaking views of the Barlavento region as you sail across the turquoise waters. Pass the beaches of Batata, Pinhão, and a nudist beach as you draw closer to the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Marvel at the towering arches and golden cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and discover the interesting meanings behind their given names, such as the "Kitchen" and "Living Room" from your guide. Then, head towards the small semi-circular beach of Barranco Martinho, between Canavial Beach and the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, characterized by a tall rock near the waterline. Finally, enjoy the scenic ride back to Marina de Lagos, where you will disembark at the end of the tour.

Benagil: Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience

3. Benagil: Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience

Be at one with nature with this environmentally-friendly kayaking experience, and explore along the coast and inside several caves of Benagil.   Begin at Benagil beach, from where you will be run through an introduction on kayaking, and the safe management of your kayak once inside the caves. Afterward, kayak to the Golden Beach of Marinha. On the way, you will enter several small and big caves. On the return journey, take a 20-minute stop at the beach inside the Benagil Cave for some unforgettable pictures. Go inside several big and small caves near the Benagil Cave and learn from your guide about the formation, surrounding nature and natural life.

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

4. Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

Soak up the views of the Algarve coastline on a guided catamaran cruise from Albufeira. Enter the Benagil Sea Cave and take in secluded beaches, rugged rock formations, and hidden swim stops. Start your tour from Albufeira Marina, where you'll set off on the spacious and comfortable catamaran. From here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the beautiful rock formations and deserted beaches. The team will tell you more about our fantastic coastline and all its hidden secrets. Relax to some nice music and enjoy a cool drink. Visit the beautiful caves and rock formations as far as Benagil (Cathedral Cave). Head back east towards the marina before stopping off for a swim in the sea.

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

5. Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

Enjoy a guided boat trip between Albufeira and Benagil Caves on a tour that combines nature and adventure. Discover the Algarve coastline's most iconic landscapes and keep your eyes open for playful dolphins on the way. Start your journey at the meeting point, where you will be welcomed by the crew. Skip the line at the check-in kiosk and benefit from a special welcome package. Have a coffee or some water at the coffee lounge while you wait to board the boat. After priority boarding, start your tour by cruising along the beautiful, 18km-long Algarve coastline. Listen to your knowledgeable guide and learn all about the sights you pass by. Feel the relaxing sea breeze and be amazed by the coastal view. Head inside the famous Benagil caves to admire this rock formation. Take amazing pictures of the caves and capture the light entering them. Spot São Rafael and Marinha beaches, among the most emblematic beaches in Portugal, famous for their cliffs and fine golden sand. Make a short swimming stop and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Algarve coast. During the tour, look for the dolphins on the way. If they are spotted, see them playing in their natural environment and take photos of them jumping in and out of the water.

Algarve: Zoomarine Amusement Park Entry Ticket

6. Algarve: Zoomarine Amusement Park Entry Ticket

Treat yourself and your family to a full day of marine-themed learning, relaxation, and excitement at the Algarve Zoomarine Amusement Park. See a dolphin show, wonder at the aquarium, relax at the Zoomarine beach, and enjoy educational areas for the kids. See a spectacular dolphin presentation that is both educational and entertaining – get close to sea lions and seals, and walk among birds of prey and tropical birds in an enchanted forest. Learn about the oceans in the aquarium, an educational tour to the amazing underwater world. The pedagogical area has more than 20 ecosystems, distributed according to the central theme. Finish off by riding the Rapid River rafts, a fun and exciting ride. Relax at the Zoomarine Beach, a new aquatic fun area, where you will find a wave pool surrounded by white sand, water slides, swimming pools and an aquatic playground.

From Vilamoura: 2.5-Hour Benagil Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour

7. From Vilamoura: 2.5-Hour Benagil Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour

Meet your friendly crew at Vilamoura Marina and be welcomed aboard for your 2.5-hour tour to the Benagil Caves. Listen to your guide as they explain the highlights of your tour.  As you cruise along, see natural rock formations of the Algarve coastline. Pass by gorgeous beaches and impressive caves. If you're lucky you might even have the chance to see some wild dolphins. Once you arrive at the Benagil Caves, be amazed by their natural beauty. Don’t forget to bring your cameras, as the famous caves and grottos along the Algarve coast are the perfect motifs to take some amazing photos.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

8. Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

Join a marine biologist on a guided cruise of the Benagil Caves. Cruise in search of dolphins, visit the stunning coves of the Algarve coast, and cruise into the iconic Algar de Benagil cave. Set sail from Portimão and head to the Marinha beach. As you sail, hear live commentary about the area's geology and marine life from a marine biologist. Stop at the famous cave Algar de Benagil to take an Instagram-perfect picture. Cruise down the Algarve coast and stop to visit hidden caves and secluded coves. At one of the beaches, dive off the boat and swim in the clear water. Next, leave the coast behind and sail off into the Atlantic in search of dolphins. Get videos of these playful creatures jumping and swimming around the boat before returning to the mainland.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

9. Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

Meet your guide at the pier in Portimao and listen to a short safety briefing. Then, board the RIB speed boat to start the journey out to sea. On your way, the guide will tell you stories about the Arade River and the Algarve region. Admire views of the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo castle, as well as a quaint fishing village along the coast. See many dramatic caves and cliffs as you travel along the coast. Keep a lookout, as dolphins can often be seen navigating the waters here. If they are spotted and are less than 3 miles away, the boat will head in their direction so you can get a closer look at these playful mammals. Then, head inside the famous Benagil Caves, which are only reachable by boat. Marvel at the naturally-formed holes at the top, which let the sunlight filter down to the sandy beach below in a beautiful display. Listen to the echoes and the sound of the wind and let yourself be moved by these impressive natural surroundings. On the way back to the marina, the boat will make a brief swimming stop with views of the beautiful beach at Corredoura. If you choose the sunset option, watch a spectacular sunset on the return journey. Finish off the day by admiring the vibrant colors on the horizon as the sun goes down.

Lagos: Guided Kayak Tour

10. Lagos: Guided Kayak Tour

See Lagos from a different angle on this guided kayaking tour. Take off from Praia de Batata, paddle into dark caves, and relax on a sunny beach. Begin your tour at Batata Beach. Meet your guide and get into your safety gear before hopping into one of the double kayaks. Start paddling through the clear waters with your kayak partner and head towards Ponta de Piedade. As you paddle, enjoy the peace of mind brought to you by the support boat, which cruises alongside. Follow your guide's kayak into several caves, discovering fascinating rock formations. Take a rest halfway through your 2.5-hour tour on a sunny beach to sunbathe or enjoy a refreshing swim.

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What people are saying about Algarve

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 45,442 reviews

The trip was really nice. Our guide Raphael was super cool, telling us jokes and interesting fun facts during the entire trip. The only negative part about this tour is that you can't get off at the Benagil caves, but it does make sense because of the strong waves at time. If you desire to do so, renting a kayak there might be a better idea for you. However, the boat tour takes you to a lot of things from Portimao to the Benagil caves, things fhat you probably won't have time to see by kayak. Also, for me the guide itself made the tour directly worth it. I would recommend for sure!

This trip is truly a once in a lifetime experience. If you are in the area, please take the time to experience the Benagil caves. This your company is fantastic. They share so much information with you ahead of the tour that you come fully prepared to enjoy your adventure. The tour guides, the boat staff and captain are all super friendly and nice. Highly recommend it.

Our Market tour was changed to jeep Safari into Algarve Mountains. Our driver was George And he was excellent. Knowledgeable, humorous, entertaining and a careful driver. The half day trip covered a lot of territory and everyone in the group was well satisfied. We give the tour and the driver 5 stars!

We had a great time on the tour, our guide Carlos was fantastic, very friendly, very knowledgeable, everything was great.

Amazing! The crew made us feel safe and we’re really welcoming