Benagil (Algar de Benagil)
Benagil Cave · Algar de Benagil · Benagil Beach Anchorage
37°05.2'N 08°25.5'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 4–8m on sand/rock mix. Fair holding — trip line recommended on rocky patches. Open to S/SE swell which is common in afternoon. Day use only — do not leave boat unattended in this anchorage.
About This Anchorage
The Algar de Benagil is Portugal's most famous sea cave — a spectacular domed cavern with a skylight opening, accessed through a small sea arch. The anchorage in front of Benagil beach allows exploration of the cave by tender. As of 2024, access to the interior beach by swimming, kayak or paddleboard is prohibited; only authorised tour boats may enter the cave. The cove is a daytime anchorage only, exposed to S/SE and subject to dumping surf at the beach in any swell. The rock scenery between Benagil and Carvoeiro (3nm W) is outstanding and best explored by dinghy in the morning calm.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: DAY ANCHORAGE ONLY — not suitable for overnight due to S/SE exposure and tour boat traffic. 2024 RULES: Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding into Benagil cave is prohibited. Small motor boats and authorised tour boats may enter the cave. Do not land on the beach inside the cave. No anchoring inside or within 20m of the cave entrance.
Hazards
- !Dumping surf at Benagil beach in any S or SE swell — dinghy landing dangerous; do not attempt beach landing in swell above 0.5m
- !Tour boat traffic (motorboats, RIBs, kayak tours) is very heavy 09:00–17:00; anchor well clear of the cave approach
- !Rocky bottom near cliff bases — anchor on the sandy central area only and use a trip line
- !S/SE exposure — any deterioration in the SE direction must trigger immediate departure
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive by 08:00 to anchor before tour boats arrive — the cave is extraordinary in the early morning light with few visitors
- →Best viewed from the water by tender (small motor/dinghy) — approach the cave mouth from the S at low-to-mid tide when the arch is at its widest
- →Plan to leave by 11:00–12:00 before Nortada builds chop and tour boats peak; motor to Carvoeiro or Portimão for the afternoon
- →Snorkel the anchor before going ashore — the mixed sand/rock means holding can be marginal; do not leave the boat unattended here
Facilities
Small restaurant/café at Benagil village above the cliffs (steep access). Better facilities in Carvoeiro (3nm W) or Armação de Pêra (3nm E).
Nearest provisions: Carvoeiro village (3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–June and September are the best months — calm mornings, manageable swell, fewer crowds than peak season. July–August the cave is overwhelmed with tour boats and the cove becomes dangerously congested. Benagil is unsuitable in winter (October–March) due to S Atlantic swell.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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