Well, I'm less then a week away from my Portugal adventure and one thing I booked was an early morning kayak trip to the Benagil Cave. Recently on a Portugal Facebook site, someone mentioned that kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are now banned from entering the cave (motor boats are okay apparently). I'm just wondering if anyone can confirm this? The company I booked with hasn't responded back to me, and I haven't been able to find any official ruling on line. I realize that it's become a chaotic place over the years, but I've been really looking forward to seeing the cave in the early hours before the hordes of boats arrive.
Posted by
1 posts
Hi @glennwoolford65.
Unfortunately access to the caves have been blocked until further notice by the Captain of Portimao's port that has jurisdiction on the cave, to all wishing to enter the cave.
This includes:
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- SUPs
- Bodyboards
- Even Swimmers.
Technically boats and other engine powered watercrafts can navigate close to the cave but these still have the ban to be able to beach inside.
This was confirmed by multiple tour operators who went to voice their concerns on Monday 11/09 to the Port Captain in Portimao.
The local Maritime police will of course not always be present to police the cave but fines will be distributed.
More information here
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks for the update. It's a little disappointing but I'm still really excited about visiting the area.
Posted by
4 posts
Can anyone suggest a boat company that is still touring in Benigal cave? My Algarve adventure company will not process my payments or answer my emails so I'm having a sinking feeling they won't be going there.
Posted by
68 posts
Hello, is this ban still in effect?
If so, then it seems there's no point in visiting the caves anymore if its not possible to enter?
Posted by
MD
639 posts
Hello, is this ban still in effect?
I'm wondering the same. I think I read somewhere that they'd lifted the ban, but haven't seen anything since, so I'd love to hear from someone who knows for sure.
From what I understand, you can still see the cave from the top via the hiking trail, but that's not the same as being inside looking up. I'll be there in a few weeks, so I'm not even sure it will be warm enough to kayak anyway. I'm also going to look into one of the companies that leaves from Lagos and goes to the Ponta da Piedade in addition to the Benagil Caves.