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Algarve Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Algarve Dolphin & whale watching

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

1. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as the activity includes a stop for a swim. Marvel at the rock formations, and access areas that other vessels can’t reach. A marine biologist will be on board to provide all necessary information about these wonderful creatures. Be aware that as dolphins are wild animals, sightings can not be guaranteed.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

2. Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

Meet your guide at the pier in Portimao and listen to a short safety briefing. Then, board the RIB speed boat to start the journey out to sea. On your way, the guide will tell you stories about the Arade River and the Algarve region. Admire views of the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo castle, as well as a quaint fishing village along the coast. See many dramatic caves and cliffs as you travel along the coast. Keep a lookout, as dolphins can often be seen navigating the waters here. If they are spotted and are less than 3 miles away, the boat will head in their direction so you can get a closer look at these playful mammals. Then, head inside the famous Benagil Caves, which are only reachable by boat. Marvel at the naturally-formed holes at the top, which let the sunlight filter down to the sandy beach below in a beautiful display. Listen to the echoes and the sound of the wind and let yourself be moved by these impressive natural surroundings. On the way back to the marina, the boat will make a brief swimming stop with views of the beautiful beach at Corredoura. If you choose the sunset option, watch a spectacular sunset on the return journey. Finish off the day by admiring the vibrant colors on the horizon as the sun goes down.

Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

3. Vilamoura: Benagil Cave Boat Tour with Entry

Explore the famous Benagil Caves from Vilamoura on a customized boat tour. Discover the stunning rock formations, beaches, and other sights with a chance to spot dolphins during the journey. You will depart from the Vilamoura Marina and your skipper will welcome you on board one of the 4 custom-built boats. Your skipper will travel along the stretch of the coast leading toward the Benagil Cave, where you will have the opportunity to view all the other stunning rock formations and secluded beaches along the way. Once at the Benagil Cave the boat will enter the caves safely and securely, so you can sit back, enjoy, and take in the beautiful views. This location is simply breathtaking and will make for many perfect photo opportunities. This cave tour will visit many other beautiful locations en route, and your guide will aim to locate wild dolphins whenever possible.

Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

4. Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

Feel like a pirate sailing the Atlantic on this unique cruise from Portimão that combines adventure and relaxation. Visit famous sites like the lighthouse of Alfanzina and the Benagil Cave. Swim in crystalline water, and walk the plank like a real pirate.  After boarding, begin by receiving a full briefing on your safety and comfort for your cruise. From there, hit the open water and navigate the coast off of Rio Arade, the village of Ferragudo, medieval castles, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cruising east, pass Carvoeiro, which contains the famous rock formation of Algar Seco. Arriving to the lighthouse of Alfanzina, transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves which run from the lighthouse to Marinha Beach. These caves include the famous cathedral cave of Benagil. Returning to the boat, take a dip to swim in the enticing crystal clear water which surrounds you. On your return journey, be on the lookout for dolphins, which are regularly spotted in this area.

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

5. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

Look for dolphins and other marine life off the coast of the Algarve on a 2.5-hour cruise by boat. Explore sea caves, including the Benagil Sea Cave, enjoy close ocean animal encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches. Depart from the Marina de Albufeira and head towards Carvoeiro Beach enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and crystal-clear waters of Portugal's southern shore along the way. Marvel at the contrast of colors between the rocky cliffs and caves, the blue of the sea and the indigenous flora and fauna. Get a safety briefing to ensure you are comfortable once on board the boat, and enjoy the services of an experienced captain throughout the journey. Benefit from life jackets and raincoats to keep you safe and dry on the trip. Explore a selection of sea caves along the coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and other animals on your adventure. Enter the caves for up-close encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches to make this an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

6. Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

Join a marine biologist on a guided cruise of the Benagil Caves. Cruise in search of dolphins, visit the stunning coves of the Algarve coast, and cruise into the iconic Algar de Benagil cave. Set sail from Portimão and head to the Marinha beach. As you sail, hear live commentary about the area's geology and marine life from a marine biologist. Stop at the famous cave Algar de Benagil to take an Instagram-perfect picture. Cruise down the Algarve coast and stop to visit hidden caves and secluded coves. At one of the beaches, dive off the boat and swim in the clear water. Next, leave the coast behind and sail off into the Atlantic in search of dolphins. Get videos of these playful creatures jumping and swimming around the boat before returning to the mainland.

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

7. Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

Enjoy a guided boat trip between Albufeira and Benagil Caves on a tour that combines nature and adventure. Discover the Algarve coastline's most iconic landscapes and keep your eyes open for playful dolphins on the way. Start your journey at the meeting point, where you will be welcomed by the crew. Skip the line at the check-in kiosk and benefit from a special welcome package. Have a coffee or some water at the coffee lounge while you wait to board the boat. After priority boarding, start your tour by cruising along the beautiful, 18km-long Algarve coastline. Listen to your knowledgeable guide and learn all about the sights you pass by. Feel the relaxing sea breeze and be amazed by the coastal view. Head inside the famous Benagil caves to admire this rock formation. Take amazing pictures of the caves and capture the light entering them. Spot São Rafael and Marinha beaches, among the most emblematic beaches in Portugal, famous for their cliffs and fine golden sand. Make a short swimming stop and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Algarve coast. During the tour, look for the dolphins on the way. If they are spotted, see them playing in their natural environment and take photos of them jumping in and out of the water.

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

8. Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

Climb aboard a small boat in Albufeira marina and journey along the coastline of the Algarve for 18 kilometers. Enjoy watching dolphins in their natural habitat with commentary from a guide and marine biologist. See the Alfanzina Lighthouse and the seaside Benagil Cave. Journey with a captain with expert knowledge of this part of the coastline. Sail to the Alfanzina Lighthouse and be amazed by the beaches and rock formations along the way. Marvel at the stunning sea caves, including the famous rock formations of Benagil Cave. Cool down with a swim in the sea, if conditions permit, and then look for the lovable dolphins as they frolic in the water. Feel the sea breeze on your face as you take in the scenic views. Learn about the surrounding marine life from the local marine biologist onboard.

Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

9. Dolphin Safari and Cave Tour in Vilamoura

Depart from Vilamoura Marina and sail out to sea in search of beautiful dolphins in their natural habitat. Bottlenose and common dolphins are 2 species that visit this stretch of the southern Algarve and they can often be viewed along the coast. No creature touches the hearts of more people than intelligent, friendly and playful dolphins. Their delightful personality is sure to make you smile like a child.  This is an eco tour that aims to protect the beautiful species and their natural environment for future generations. This trip is purpose-built for dolphin watching and will get you as close as possible to the amazing creatures. Then, head to some caves and rock formations for a look at the Algarve's geological landscape, before cruising back along the coast. 

Lagos: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists

10. Lagos: Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists

Leaving from the Marine de Lagos, you’ll be taken on a thrilling 1.5-hour ride into the Atlantic Ocean in search of wild dolphins. The high success rate and professional crew make this a must-do tour while in Lagos.   Hop on board the boat and then relax on the bench seating. Take advantage of the extra viewing room, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The marine biologist on board will help identify the dolphins and interpret their behavior. They’ll be collecting data while on board for the purpose of preservation and conservation of these beautiful animals, as well as passing their knowledge on to you. Every trip is a meaningful excursion that provides great memories and education, as well as supplying scientific data to help future conservation projects.

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What people are saying about Algarve

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 47 reviews

I found the staff absolutely lovely, kind, and friendly. was really good with my toddeler was only two and run out of patience on the way back.

The cave tours were so worthwhile. It was beautiful and our guide, Rafa, was fabulous

A really fun trip! We did not see any dolphins, but the caves were impressive!

It was great, very friendly staff, very informative guide, good value

Amazing! The crew made us feel safe and we’re really welcoming