Benagil Cave, nestled along the stunning Algarve coastline in Portugal, is a breathtaking sea cave that’s a must-visit for families looking for a memorable adventure! Known for its dramatic rock formations, multiple entrances, and a natural skylight that bathes the cave in golden light, this natural wonder feels like a secret pirate hideout that kids will absolutely love. Due to its popularity, new restrictions mean you can only access the cave via boat or guided kayak tours—swimming into the cave is no longer allowed, which keeps the experience safer for families. A boat tour is the best option for families with young kids, offering a relaxed 1-2 hour ride along the Algarve’s beautiful coastline, with stops to peek inside the cave and explore other nearby grottos. Kids will be thrilled to spot dolphins or fish in the clear waters, and the cave’s sandy beach inside (viewable from the boat) makes for amazing photos! This is a low-to-moderate activity experience, mostly sitting on the boat, though kayak tours are more active if your older kids are up for it. Boat tours typically cost around €25-€35 per adult, with kids aged 4-12 often at €15-€20 and under 4 free (as of my last update in 2023); kayak tours are slightly cheaper but less suited for little ones.

For parents planning the visit, Benagil Cave tours usually depart from nearby towns like Carvoeiro or Portimão—book a morning tour (around 9 AM) to avoid crowds and choppy afternoon waves, which can make the boat ride bumpy for kids. Most operators provide life jackets for all passengers, but double-check when booking, especially for young children, to ensure safety on the water. There are no restrooms on the boats, so make sure everyone uses the facilities at the departure point (most marinas have clean restrooms), and pack a small snack and water for the kids, as tours don’t include food. To make it educational, tell your kids the cave was carved by the ocean over thousands of years—point out the rock layers and let them imagine ancient explorers hiding inside for a fun history lesson! The Algarve sun can be strong, so bring a hat or sunscreen for everyone, and a light jacket as it can get breezy on the water. After the tour, head to the nearby Benagil Beach (a 5-minute walk from the boat drop-off), where kids can play in the sand and you can grab a meal at a local café like O Pescador, which has kid-friendly options like fish and chips. Benagil Cave is a magical experience that combines nature, adventure, and family fun, giving your kids a story to tell about their “pirate cave” adventure in Portugal!