The Benagil coast, on a yacht that is yours alone
A Benagil boat trip on a private yacht is the most relaxed way to see the stretch of coast that made the Algarve famous. Between Carvoeiro and Praia da Marinha the limestone cliffs fold into arches, sea stacks and grottoes, and the water turns a clear, bright blue over sand. From the deck you see it all at your own pace.
Most guests start from Vilamoura Marina, where 22 of our yachts are berthed. The run west takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the yacht and sea conditions, and passes the red cliffs of Falésia, the coves of Albufeira and the chapel of Senhora da Rocha on the way. If you are staying further along the coast, our yachts also leave from Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos, which leaves more time at anchor.
One thing worth knowing before you book: the Benagil cave itself is protected. Yachts stay outside, and swimming into the cave or landing on its inner beach is not permitted. You still get a superb view of the entrance from the sea, with the yacht holding position just outside so everyone can take photographs. The rest of the coastline is open to you: Praia da Marinha, the arches near Carvoeiro and the rock formations of Algar Seco are all best appreciated from the water.
Every charter is private, priced per yacht with VAT included, and comes with a skipper and crew, fuel, drinks and snacks.
Yachts for a Benagil caves charter
From Vilamoura we recommend at least four hours. From Albufeira and Lagos a shorter charter works well. Prices are for the whole yacht.
4 hours from €1,650NOON
- Up to 11 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Our flagship, a Sunseeker San Remo
- Full day 7 hours €2,450
4 hours from €1,350São Lourenço
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Fairline with cockpit dining table
- Full day 7 hours €2,100
4 hours from €1,200Atlantis
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Spacious sun deck for 10
- Full day 7 hours €1,900
4 hours from €2,600A Mar
- Up to 16 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- 19.7 m flybridge yacht for up to 16
- Full day 7 hours €4,500
4 hours from €5,050Albatroz
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Azimut 80 superyacht for up to 18
- Full day 7 hours €8,325
3 hours from €1,260Infinity
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Shorter run from Albufeira Marina
- €1,400 from 1 May to 19 September
3 hours from €1,115Xclusive
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Private motor yacht from Albufeira
- 4 hours from €1,300
Morning Benagil 3 h 30 €1,150Pocahontas
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Lagos Marina
- Dedicated Benagil morning from Lagos
- Full day 7 hours €1,700
Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT. Skipper, crew, fuel, drinks and snacks are included. Yachts with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) save 10%.
What you see on the way
- Praia da Falésia: the long sweep of red and ochre cliffs just west of Vilamoura, especially striking in the morning light.
- Senhora da Rocha: a small white chapel on a headland between two beaches near Armação de Pêra.
- Praia da Marinha: golden cliffs, natural arches and some of the clearest water on the coast, a favourite anchorage for a swim when the sea is calm.
- Benagil: the famous cave with its skylight, seen from just outside the entrance, plus the village beach beside it.
- Carvoeiro and Algar Seco: a fishing town in a cove and, just beyond, a maze of wind-carved rock, pools and arches.
Your skipper builds the route around the light, the swell and what you most want to see, so tell them your priorities when you step aboard.
The Benagil cave: how access works
The cave is a protected natural site, and the rules exist to keep it that way. Yachts do not enter, and swimming into the cave or landing on the inner beach is not permitted. Your skipper will hold the yacht at a safe distance outside, so you can take photographs of the entrance and the cliffs around it.
The cave is viewed from the yacht, and the entrance, the arches beside it and the cliffs of Benagil village are all clearly visible from the deck. How close the skipper can hold depends on the swell and the local rules on the day. Mornings are usually the quietest time.
Swim stops are chosen where conditions and local rules allow, often in the shelter of the cliffs near Marinha or Carvoeiro.
Choosing your departure port
Vilamoura is our most central marina and the easiest choice if you are staying in Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago. The longer approach is part of the pleasure, with Falésia and the Albufeira coves on the way, and NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis can be booked online.
Albufeira cuts the journey roughly in half, so a three-hour charter has more time at the cliffs. Portimão approaches from the west, passing Ferragudo and Carvoeiro first. Lagos is the farthest, but one of our yachts there runs a dedicated morning Benagil route, which suits guests based in the west.
If you are unsure, send us where you are staying and how many of you there are, and we will suggest the yacht and port that make most sense.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
Can a yacht go inside the Benagil cave?
No. The cave is protected, so yachts stay outside, and swimming into the cave or landing on its beach is not permitted. You get a clear view of the entrance from the sea. The cave is viewed from the yacht, which holds position just outside.
How long does it take to reach Benagil from Vilamoura?
About 45 to 60 minutes each way, depending on the yacht and sea conditions. That is why we suggest at least four hours from Vilamoura, or a full-day yacht charter if you want a long lunch and several swim stops.
How much is a private Benagil boat trip?
From €1,115 for three hours from Albufeira, €1,150 for a 3 h 30 Benagil morning from Lagos and €1,200 for four hours from Vilamoura. Prices are per yacht, VAT included.
Can we swim during the trip?
Yes, where conditions and local rules allow, usually in a sheltered spot near Praia da Marinha or Carvoeiro.
What is the best time of day for Benagil?
Mornings are calmer and less busy around the cave. Afternoons bring warm light on the cliffs, or pair the trip with a sunset cruise another evening.
How do I book?
NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis in Vilamoura are booked online with a 50% deposit or full payment by card, and online booking saves 10%. For our other yachts we confirm availability first, then send a secure deposit link.
More private charters in the Algarve
Full-day yacht charter
Sunset & champagne cruises
Dolphins & coastline
Private boat hire
Ponta da Piedade
Ria Formosa islandsRead more: Benagil and Carvoeiro by private yacht
Your day on the Algarve coast
Choose from our fleet of luxury yachts along the whole Algarve coast, with an expert skipper and crew on hand to make every moment unforgettable.
Find your yachtContact us
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best boats available.
- Emailinfo@elitechartersalgarve.com
- Mobile / WhatsApp+351 965 656 675
- DeparturesGate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, Vilamoura Marina