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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.

Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure Tour

2. Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure Tour

Travel along the Algarve coastline and explore its beautiful caves on this speedboat adventure. Discover the beauty of the coast on a high-speed boat tour. Meet next to the ruins of the San Francisco Convent. Feel confident and prepared after a quick safety briefing with the crew members and grab your life jacket. Step onboard the brand new speedboat and get ready to explore the Algarve coastline. Admire breathtaking cliffs and discover the secret sandy beaches only accessible by boat as you zip across the water. Admire the natural beauty of the Benagil Sea Caves. This essential Algarve site was formed by natural erosion creating a huge sunlit cavern.

From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

3. 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

4. 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.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

5. 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.

Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

6. Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

Explore the famous Benagil Caves from Vilamoura on a customized boat tour. Discover the stunning rock formations, beaches, and other sights with a chance to spot dolphins during the journey. You will depart from the Vilamoura Marina and your skipper will welcome you on board one of the 4 custom-built boats. Your skipper will travel along the stretch of the coast leading toward the Benagil Cave, where you will have the opportunity to view all the other stunning rock formations and secluded beaches along the way. Once at the Benagil Cave the boat will enter the caves safely and securely, so you can sit back, enjoy, and take in the beautiful views. This location is simply breathtaking and will make for many perfect photo opportunities. This cave tour will visit many other beautiful locations en route, and your guide will aim to locate wild dolphins whenever possible.

Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

7. Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

Feel like a pirate sailing the Atlantic on this unique cruise from Portimão that combines adventure and relaxation. Visit famous sites like the lighthouse of Alfanzina and the Benagil Cave. Swim in crystalline water, and walk the plank like a real pirate.  After boarding, begin by receiving a full briefing on your safety and comfort for your cruise. From there, hit the open water and navigate the coast off of Rio Arade, the village of Ferragudo, medieval castles, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cruising east, pass Carvoeiro, which contains the famous rock formation of Algar Seco. Arriving to the lighthouse of Alfanzina, transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves which run from the lighthouse to Marinha Beach. These caves include the famous cathedral cave of Benagil. Returning to the boat, take a dip to swim in the enticing crystal clear water which surrounds you. On your return journey, be on the lookout for dolphins, which are regularly spotted in this area.

From Lagos: Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure

8. From Lagos: Benagil Caves Speedboat Adventure

Climb aboard a boat in the marina at Lagos, and then cruise along the beautiful coastline of the Algarve. You will visit the famous Benagil Caves while hearing a live commentary about the iconic rock formations.  Benefit from comfortable seats and the best safety facilities for a truly relaxed experience out on the water. Listen to the live onboard commentary from your local guide and get a better appreciation of the rock formations and the history of the area. Discover hideouts for pirates and sea stacks of incredible beauty. Every adventure is different, depending upon the tide and sea conditions, which will determine which caves and areas you can visit.

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

9. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

Look for dolphins and other marine life off the coast of the Algarve on a 2.5-hour cruise by boat. Explore sea caves, including the Benagil Sea Cave, enjoy close ocean animal encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches. Depart from the Marina de Albufeira and head towards Carvoeiro Beach enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and crystal-clear waters of Portugal's southern shore along the way. Marvel at the contrast of colors between the rocky cliffs and caves, the blue of the sea and the indigenous flora and fauna. Get a safety briefing to ensure you are comfortable once on board the boat, and enjoy the services of an experienced captain throughout the journey. Benefit from life jackets and raincoats to keep you safe and dry on the trip. Explore a selection of sea caves along the coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and other animals on your adventure. Enter the caves for up-close encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches to make this an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Algarve

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 45,442 reviews

We took the tour with Jorge and Sebastian this afternoon-absolutely amazing! We learned so much about the fascinating history of the area and were lucky enough that the sea cooperated and allowed us to enter many of the caves and grottoes. The views were stunning - and both Jorge and Sebastian were wonderful - providing great stories and interesting information, plus an excellent recommendation for dinner after the tour. If there is one thing that you are going to do while visiting Lagos, this should be it!

The tour guide Raf was very funvy and told interesting stories and the capitain of the boat knows his job very well, because the waves were very difficult to handle. We saw different caves beside the one of Benagil.

You need to book this tour!! If you get Marco then your even more lucky! What a fun day we all had, what a great guide. Informative and exciting day, with some amazing views and spots.

We were lucky. The other guests did not show up. We had a private tour. We saw a lot in one day. It was fun. The driver was very friendly and knew a lot about the area.

Very well organized. Pedro was a great guide - fun and informative. Would highly recommend.