The 13 Best Algarve Sailing Trips

1.Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,077 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $35Our pick

Sail from Albufeira Marina toward Benagil on a spacious catamaran with multilingual guides such as Filipe and Tomas. Expect dramatic cliffs, beaches, cave views, music, onboard drinks, and a roughly 10-minute Atlantic swim stop when conditions allow.

“Was a great day out seeing the coastlines of Portugal. The tour guides were brilliant, very friendly and informative. If you are still deciding on whether to book or not, do it. And book with this company.”

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2.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Top rated

From Lagos Marina, a skipper takes you by catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, where you slide into a double kayak for a guided cave tour. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso keep beginners on track, then return you to the boat for swimming and the onboard slide.

“Our guide Bruno was very helpful and guided everyone throughout the tour. He took us to the caves, which were breathtaking. The boat who took us to the kayaking spot was always nearby, all the crew was kind and helpful. Amazing experience! Absolutely recommended.”

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3.Piedade Caves & Coastline – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,694 reviews · 2h 30m · from $34

Sail from Lagos Marina along the Algarve coast to Praia da Luz and back, passing Ponta da Piedade, Dona Ana, Camilo, and Porto de Mós. You get a swim stop, paddleboards, a sun deck, Wi-Fi, and a bar, with English or Portuguese commentary. The catamaran carries up to 80 people.

“So much fun!!! The views are beautiful and the crew gave us enough time to be in the water.”

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4.Dolphins & Caves – Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,512 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $58

From Marina de Lagos, you’ll cruise offshore with marine biologists such as Nadja or Diogo, looking for dolphins and other cetaceans. Afterward, the catamaran anchors near the cliffs for swimming, jumping, and its inflatable slide. Fruit and a cookie are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“This trip was enjoyable, firstly looking for dolphins which we luckily saw, they swam around the boat for about 20 minutes, and we had plenty of time to observe and take pictures. Afterwards were given the opportunity to dive off the boat and use the inflatable slide which my husband and son thoroughly enjoyed in a quiet bay. Guides were friendly with everyone and accommodating to everyone's needs. We were all given cookies and delicious fresh fruit skewers as a snack which were very welcome. Overall an enjoyable experience.”

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5.Caves and Coastline Catamaran Cruise to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,385 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

From Albufeira Marina, you cruise west along the Algarve coast past São Rafael, Praia da Marinha, Albandeira, and Benagil. The crew shares local details, stops for an ocean swim when conditions allow, and serves sparkling wine on the return. You see the caves from the boat, but do not enter them.

“Very nice atmosphere on the catamaran, beautiful cliffs and views, unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins, but it was worth it anyway.”

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6.4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,129 reviews · 5 hours · from $47

From Faro, cruise the Ria Formosa with guides such as João, Pedro, and Juan, stopping at Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, Hangares, and Culatra. Swim, see oyster farms, visit a fishing village, and choose a traditional fish lunch. Expect a small-group boat, multilingual commentary, and plenty of walking.

“Fantastic tour and terrific value for money. Pedro was an exceptional guide whose knowledge, humour and rapport with his clients was delightful. Highly recommended”

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7.Benagil Caves & Coastline Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 899 reviews · 3 hours · from $34

Cruise from Portimão toward Benagil on a roomy catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. See Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Marinha, and Benagil, then stop for swimming, paddleboarding, inflatables, and a light meal. The boat cannot enter the cave itself, but it offers a steadier, more relaxed ride than a speedboat.

“Really chilled relaxed very friendly and knowledgeable to about the area”

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8.Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 685 reviews · from $76

Spend six hours aboard a catamaran from Albufeira Marina, sailing past Benagil, Galé, and Carvoeiro. The crew takes you close to sea caves, then transfers you by dinghy to a beach for a BBQ, open bar, swimming, and sunbathing. Bring a towel and expect to get wet.

“The boat trip was just so wonderful that I had just booked the same tour again… only two days later. It was all perfectly organized, the catamaran was well equipped, clean and comfortable. The landscapes we passed by were amazing, the beach we stayed on for BBQ as well. The best thing was the crew! Such nice, funny and helpful guys! They created a cozy and safe environment all the time! I also liked the Reggae music when we returned! Just nice and relaxing! Update: We now did the second tour. There were two things that were just amazing: The crew was the same and they recognised me immediately. They…”

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9.Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 636 reviews · 45 min · from $11Best value

From Faro’s Porta Nova pier, take a smooth 45-minute catamaran through Ria Formosa Natural Park to Ilha Deserta. You get free time for the beach and 2-kilometer boardwalk, with several return boats available. Some departures include lively nature commentary, and guide João has been especially praised.

“The boat was on time and the staff were really friendly and extremely helpful. Would defo recommend”

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10.Benagil Caves Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 520 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47

Cruise from Lagos to Benagil Cave aboard a spacious, family-friendly catamaran with shade, toilets, stroller space, and a front viewing platform. Guides such as Antonio, Enrique, Laura, and Diogo have earned warm praise for friendly service. Swimming is possible near Benagil when sea conditions allow.

“This was a great afternoon with a really insightful local guide. As its an activity on the sea, be ready for adventure! We had a pretty rough return home given some changing winds that the captain navigated really well so was still lots of fun but got a little wet and saw some big waves! Thanks for a great experience!”

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11.Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves with BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 466 reviews · from $82

Spend six hours aboard Ophelia Catamaran from Portimão, passing Ferragudo and Carvoeiro before reaching Benagil. Small boats take you into the caves, then you relax on a beach with a BBQ, drinks, swimming, and paddleboards. Crew members may include Nuno, Rui, Ricardo, or Miguel.

“Excellent. Loved every minute of it. What a fabulous way to see the caves and also hang out in a private beach. Food and drink plentiful too. We had a great time.”

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12.2-Hour Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 443 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

From Portimão Marina, you’ll cruise east with guides such as Miguel or Elio, entering coastal caves and viewing Benagil from the water. The stable catamaran offers room for up to 35 people, followed by a short swim stop near Praia da Marinha. English, Portuguese, and Spanish are available.

“Amazing. The whole family loved it. Informative, beautiful and we were lucky enough to spot dolphins twice!”

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13.3-Hour Yacht Daytime/Sunset Cruise to Benagil

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 107 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Set sail from Albufeira Marina on a three-hour yacht cruise along the Algarve coast. Your crew explains the cliffs and caves, pauses for a swim if sea conditions allow, and serves sparkling wine on the return. The yacht views Benagil from outside, not inside.

“The crew was fantastic and very professional and friendly. Quite informative and enough time to enjoy the sights of the Algarve coastline as well as some time for a swim near Benagil Cave.”

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