Updated: September 18, 2023
In a bid to ensure the safety of all visitors and protect human life at sea, authorities have announced the temporary closure of access to the renowned Benagil Cave, effective September 10, 2023.
This decision comes as a response to the increasing number of incidents involving canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards in the area.
In a statement released earlier today, for all to see at Benagil Beach, local authorities highlighted the need to guarantee the safety of both visitors and marine life in the region, as well as the preservation of the stunning natural beauty of Benagil Cave.
The closure affects not only departure from Benagil Beach but also the nearby Marinha Beach and Albandeira Beach.
The official statement reads as follows:
“Atento à necessidade de garantir e salvaguardar a vida humana no mar, a prestação de socorro e a manutenção da segurança destes visitantes, das embarcações que visitam a gruta, e da navegação em geral na área, interdita-se a partir de 10 de setembro a entrada e saída de canoas, kayaks e pranchas de stand up paddle da praia de Benagil, da praia da Marinha e da praia de Albandeira, até que sejam criados mecanismos que permitam controlar o fluxo destas embarcações na coluna de água contígua a essas praias. A entrada e saída destas embarcações apenas está autorizada por motivos de socorro e emergência.”
While this decision may inconvenience tourists and adventure seekers, it underscores the importance of prioritising safety and preserving the unique marine ecosystem surrounding the cave.
At Algarve Beauties we have always tried to follow this principle while making your Benagil Cave Tour experience a fun one.
Visitors who have planned to explore Benagil Cave are encouraged to seek alternative activities and enjoy the breathtaking Algarve coastline while this (hopefully) temporary closure is in effect.
The watercrafts that are not allowed to enter Benagil Cave, during the closure period are:
Canoes: small, narrow boats typically paddled by one or more people, will not be permitted to access the cave or the specified beaches during the closure.
Kayaks: small, narrow watercraft typically paddled with a double-bladed paddle, will also be restricted from entering the cave and the mentioned beaches.
Stand-up Paddleboards (SUPs): which are long, narrow boards that users stand on and paddle with a single-bladed paddle, will not be allowed into Benagil Cave or the affected beach areas.
If you're based in Faro and seeking a truly immersive experience, visiting Benagil, Marinha Beach and Algar Seco all in one tour, we've got something just for you
Based on the news curently available it would seem that boats and other engine powered watercrafts that can carry multiple passengers are not banned from navigating near the Benagil cave area.
However the longstanding ban to beach inside the cave is still in effect.
You can see those who provide these Benagil Cave boat tours here.
As part of their statement, authorities are actively working on implementing measures to regulate the flow of these vessels in the waters adjacent to the beaches.
However, until these mechanisms are in place, access to the cave will remain closed.
Stay tuned for further updates on the situation and the reopening of this iconic natural wonder, which promises to continue captivating visitors with its beauty and wonder once safe access can be assured.
