Our Honest Review of the Benagil Cave Boat Tour with a Toddler
- minna
- Jun 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 2
If I had to pick one activity from our week in the Algarve to recommend to another family without hesitation, it would be this Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise. We booked the boat tour for day five of our week in the Algarve and spent the two hours before it worrying that we might not see any. But we were in luck because the dolphins appeared within minutes of reaching the open waters!
The Benagil Cave and dolphin watching boat tour from Albufeira is probably the most popular activity in the whole Algarve. The coastline between Albufeira and Benagil is full of unique rock formations and the locals have given the rocks nicknames like "Yellow Submarine". Then there is the famous Benagil Cave which can only be reached by sea but the highlight is the dolphin populations which are quite reliable for sightings (though of course can never be guaranteed).
Booking Tip: You must book in advance because this tour sells out constantly, particularly in July and August. We booked a week ahead in off season in April and there were already limited spaces, so please do not leave it until the day before! Here is the tour we did: Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise (Download the GetYourGuide app then apply the code TODDLERTRAVELDIARIES5 for 5% off)
Here is our honest breakdown of the experience and what you actually need to know before you book.
The Tour: What to Expect
Departure from Albufeira Marina
The tour departs from Albufeira Marina, which is well signposted from the town centre and has paid parking nearby if you're driving. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in. Morning tours are much better than afternoon ones for families because the winds pick up through the day and afternoon seas can get choppy on the open water sections.
The tour we did was a two-hour speedboat trip taking up to 47 people, which sits between the smaller RIB boats (fast, exposed, up to 12-18 people) and the larger, slower catamarans. This is the one I would recommend for families with young children. It's big enough to be stable and comfortable, and the seating means children are not constantly being splashed.
The coastline itself is beautiful and the captain will point out various hidden caves and unusual rock formations on the way, each with their own unique nicknames. For example, we loved spotting the rock shaped exactly like a "Yellow Submarine"!
Meeting the Dolphins
The Algarve coast has large resident populations of both bottlenose and common dolphins and sightings on morning tours are frequent. We spotted some bottlenose dolphins relatively quickly and when we saw ours, they came up alongside the boat and played next to us for several minutes. My daughter loved watching them and spotting them jump up from out of the water!
Benegil Cave
Benagil Cave sits in the cliffs between Carvoeiro and Lagoa, roughly halfway between Albufeira and Lagos. It's a sea cave carved by centuries of Atlantic swell, and what makes it different from any other cave on the coast is the circular opening at the top of the domed ceiling that floods the interior with light. Fun fact, it might look familiar because it was used as a Windows 10 desktop wallpaper!
Because the cave can only be entered from the sea, the best way to see it is from a boat. All the different boat tour operators will line up and take turns briefly navigating into the cave to let passengers admire the interior before carefully backing out. Note that there is no opportunity to get out of the boat and stand on the beach inside the cave.
Access inside the cave depends on sea conditions and is ultimately subject to restrictions from the Portuguese Maritime Authority, which can close entry without notice. This is worth knowing in advance so you're not disappointed if conditions on the day don't allow entry. Most tours substitute additional cave stops along the coast if Benagil is inaccessible
After the Tour: Albufeira Marina for Lunch
After the tour we walked directly from the marina to one of the waterfront restaurants for lunch, which is perfect for hungry kids. The marina area has several decent options and the seafood is local, fresh and of course really tasty!
Practical Tips for the Tour with a Toddler
Book in advance online. Tours fill up incredibly fast in peak season. Make sure to reserve in advance to secure your spot and it is usually cheaper than the on the day prices at the marina booths.
Choose a morning tour. The sea is calmer, the light is better for spotting dolphins, and you have the afternoon free for the beach or Albufeira town. Afternoon wind and chop makes for a less comfortable ride with young children.
Bring snacks. There is nothing on the boat and it's a few hours long so make sure you bring some snacks to tie the kids over between boarding and lunchtime when you'll all be starving!
Use the toilet before boarding. It's unlikely that the boat will have a toilet so make sure you use it before you go and bring extra clothes in case they get wet.
Bring a warm layer for everyone. The open water sections are genuinely cooler than the shore, even in summer. A light windproof or fleece for the children, and something you don't mind getting slightly damp for yourself.
Confirm the age policy before booking. Most tours are not suitable for babies under one year old. Some tours restrict under-3s or under-5s depending on the boat type. The tour we did accepted children aged 3 but make sure to check the specific operator's age policy and pricing when booking.
Benagil Cave access can change. Entry is subject to sea conditions and Portuguese Maritime Authority rules. If the cave is inaccessible on your day, operators typically run the rest of the coastal route with alternative stops.
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. They are wild animals. The Algarve coast has a high success rate but if seeing dolphins is the entire point for your child, manage expectations in advance. If it happens, it's magical but if it doesn't, the caves and coastline are still well worth the trip.
Where to Stay Near Albufeira
If you are planning to do this tour, the best base is anywhere in or near Albufeira or Carvoeiro. This puts you just a short distance from the marina and the caves. Here are two highly recommended family friendly options:
Hotel | Location | Best For | Price |
Albufeira | Fantastic kids pools and water parks | (from around £150/night) | |
Carvoeiro | Quieter stay with easy beach access | (from around £130/night) |
For a full breakdown of where to stay across the entire region at budget, mid range and splurge price points, read our comprehensive guide: Best Family-Friendly Places to Stay in the Algarve
Final Thoughts
The Benagil Cave and dolphin tour is the one activity from our Algarve week that I would put on any family's must-do list regardless of the age of their children, the weather forecast, or how tired everyone is. Book in advance so you don't miss out, go in the morning and bring a warm layer.
For the full week itinerary and everything else we did in the Algarve, read our A Week in the Algarve with a Toddler: Day-by-Day Itinerary. And for more on the Albufeira area specifically, our Best Beaches in the Algarve with a Toddler covers the beaches within easy reach of the marina.
Book the tour: Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise
(Download the GetYourGuide app then apply the code TODDLERTRAVELDIARIES5 for 5% off)
