Benagil Catamaran Cruise + Water Activities, Portimão

4.6 (5 reviews)
Cruise along the Algarve coastline on this catamaran excursion that stops at Benagil Cave and includes water sports.

Overview

Explore some of Portugal's best beaches from a different perspective with this catamaran cruise that will take you from Portimão to the Benagil Caves. Along the way, you'll pass by some of the Algarve's most iconic sites, such as the whitewashed town of Carvoeiro, the rock formations of Algar Seco, and the golden cliffs of Praia da Marinha. Once you anchor near the coves of João de Arens, you'll get the chance to try your hand at water sports like snorkeling or standup paddleboarding, or you can just relax on the vessel's sunbathing nets.

Highlights

  • Visit the Benagil Sea Cave, one of Portugal's most memorable and surreal natural sites
  • Cruise alongside the Algarve to get an impressive view of Portugal's wild and dramatic coastline
  • Enjoy water activities like snorkeling and standup paddleboarding, or take a spin on the inflatable water park
  • Relax on a comfortable catamaran, which includes a paid bar and sunbathing nets

Know before you go

Duration
3.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

This half-day catamaran excursion departs from Marina de Portimão. The first part of the trip is a cruise along the Algarve coast, which you can take in from the shady comfort of this sailboat. You'll get the chance to see sites like the golden sands and whitewashed buildings of Carvoeiro, the prominent rock formations of Algar Seco, the 19th-century Alfanzina Lighthouse, and the golden arches of Praia da Marinha. The cruise will take you to the Benagil Caves, which you'll be able to see from the boat, as guided visits into the cave must be arranged separately.

After viewing these epic spots along the coastline, you'll drop anchor in the bay of João de Arens. There, you'll get to swim, snorkel, or standup paddleboard using the catamaran's complimentary equipment. Your guide will also set up an inflatable water park for a bit of playful fun. If you'd like to relax and catch some rays, you can lay out on the sunbathing nets that stretch between the boat's hulls. There's also a paid bar on board, so you can enjoy some refreshing beverages during these hours at sea.

After enjoying a little fun in the sea, your guide will cruise back along the coastline and return to Portimão.

What's included

  • Paddleboards
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Seats and shaded area

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Traveler reviews

5 total ratings, 5 with reviews
4.6
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.7
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.7
Transport
4.7
C
Calab B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Dec 19, 2024

This could not have been more perfect! The group was small and the guides were fun. We loved this experience.

P
Pamela D.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2023
This was another favorite part of our trip. The views from the Catamaran were amazing. Best way to see the beautiful landscape, cliffs and caves from a water view. Also it was very relaxing and comfortable. Read more

This was another favorite part of our trip. The views from the Catamaran were amazing. Best way to see the beautiful landscape, cliffs and caves from a water view. Also it was very relaxing and comfortable.

Tips for future travelers

We were slightly confused where to meet when we arrived at our location. There were so many tour companies that we had a hard time figuring out which one was ours. Luckily we did and the tour was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
C
christy h.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2022
We ended up missing the original cruise. I didn’t realize that the meeting point was 30-40 minutes from the hotel. We took a cruise the next day. It was nice Read more

We ended up missing the original cruise. I didn’t realize that the meeting point was 30-40 minutes from the hotel. We took a cruise the next day. It was nice

Tips for future travelers

Be sure to bring sunscreen- also be sure to plan in travel time from Algarve - the start point was not the Marina across the street from the hotel.

Quality of Experience
The boat was nice the crew was fun
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M
Merry C.
Mexico | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2022

Due to the wind and rough water, we didn’t get to Benagil. But the captain kept us safe and comfortable and took us to an alternate site to play in the water.

Russ
Russ K.
Santa Ana, CA | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2022
My only comment on this one is that it wasn't long enough! I loved it. Great crew, great boat and beautiful scenery! I could have spent an entire day doing this!! Read more

My only comment on this one is that it wasn't long enough! I loved it. Great crew, great boat and beautiful scenery! I could have spent an entire day doing this!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

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Get started