Algarve Caves By Boat with Bom Dia

The Southern Coast of Portugal, also known as the Algarve, has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  With clear water and so many different shades of blue, I felt like I was visiting the Caribbean when I was actually on the beautiful Algarve beaches. The cliffs and different rock formations along the coastline are breathtaking.

The best way to appreciate the Algarve caves in Portugal is by boat because you can reach areas that are not accessible from the beaches.  We decided to try one of the Bom Dia boat trips from Lagos.

Read my detailed review to help you decide if it’s a boat tour that you would like to do when you visit the Algarve.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

Algarve Boat Tours with Bom Dia

Bom Dia offers several different Algarve boat trips that will show you the grottos near Lagos, so you will be able to find one that fits your schedule and budget.  We took the two-hour tour and had a great time.  They also have fishing and dolphin watching tours in the Algarve.

Their Algarve cave tours leave from the Lagos marina.  We found the Bom Dia sales booth by the marina and were directed across the bridge to where we would catch the boat.  At first, I was worried we were in the wrong place because I did not see a Bom Dia boat, but then I saw a gentleman wearing a red shirt with a Bom Dia logo.

A few minutes later we saw a Bom Dia boat arrive.  It was a large sailboat that was pulling a smaller motorboat behind it.  The passengers quickly disembarked and they were ready for us.  We boarded the boat and had plenty of space to spread out.

Bom Dia Boat Tour Video

Before I get into the details, check out our Algarve video to get an idea of what you can expect when you take a boat tour with Bom Dia.

Setting Sail for the Algarve Caves

Pretty soon, we were ready to set sail on our Algarve tour.  We left the Algarve marina and moved into open water, which was surprisingly calm.  The crew raised the sails and we relaxed and enjoyed the ride.  

They had beverages available for sale for those that were interested. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, the sun was shining and it was probably about 75 degrees – not bad for the Algarve in April.

 The water was calm, so the sailing was relaxing.  As expected, it was a bit windy, so I was glad I wore my hair up.  One passenger had his hat blow off his head, so if you bring one, you need to hold onto it! When we got close to the Algarve sea caves, the crew pulled in the small boat. 

Half of the passengers got in the small boat and headed to the grottos.

They asked if we wanted to get in the water.  I did have my swimsuit on, but I hadn’t brought a towel.  The water is clear so I was tempted but then decided it was probably too cold.  Looking back now, I wish I would have gone in. 

Our Lagos Cave Boat Tour

Then it was our turn to see the Algarve caves.  We climbed from the big boat to the smaller one, a pretty easy transition since the water was so calm.  We were told to sit in the back because the ride would be smoother.  On this boat, we had to put on life jackets, and then we were off.

The rock formations were even more impressive close-up.  Depending on how you looked at the Portugal caves you could see different images.  Our captain pointed out King Kong, an alligator, and even Michael Jackson.  You could also see shells in the rock and in some places the rock looked like it was coral.

We went in and out of several Lagos caves and admired the impressive cliffs.  We also saw some beaches but the stairs to get to these beaches looked a little intimidating.  If you want to see the Algarve cliffs, a boat ride is definitely the way to go.

Then it was time to head back to the sailboat.  As we approached it, we saw there was a police boat moored alongside.  I was a little worried at first, but then I was told it was just a routine inspection.  We got back on the sailboat, and I saw one of the ladies was relaxing in the water.  I asked her how it was and she said it was a bit cold but she was enjoying it.  I wish I had taken the opportunity to swim!

Heading Back to the Lagos Marina

She got back on the boat and then we headed back to the marina.  It was an afternoon well spent.  I enjoyed our Algarve cruise experience.  The caves in the Algarve were beautiful and we had a great time exploring them.  The staff was very professional with a good sense of humor.  I would love to do one of the longer Lagos boat trips next time I am in the area.

If you are looking for a place to eat, check out this list of the best restaurants in Lagos.

What to Bring on Your Algarve Boat Tour

We didn’t bring anything with us besides our camera gear since it’s only a two-hour boat trip.  I wish I would have been more prepared!  I would have loved to be able to spend some time in the water.  The next time I do a boat cruise in the Algarve, I will bring:

• Sunscreen (and make sure I apply it in advance)
• Bathing Suit (I would wear it under my clothes)
• Towel
• Camera (The GoPro is perfect since it’s waterproof.)

If you like to wear a hat, make sure it is one that can handle the wind.  A fellow passenger on our tour lost his in a gust of wind.

Is an Algarve Boat Tour suitable for children?

While our boat tour did not have any kids on board, it would have been fine for kids.  It was a smooth ride.

More Algarve Caves

The Algarve coastline is about 100 miles long, so Lagos is not the only place to see Algarve Caves.  Benagil might be the most famous cave, however, our Bom Dia tour did not go there. 

While pictures of the Benagil Cave look amazing, I have read that it gets very crowded with boats and they only stay inside for a few minutes.  The boat tours are not allowed to let people out inside the cave. 

If you do have your heart set on visiting this cave ask to make sure the tour you choose includes it.  You can find several boats that will take you there from Benagil beach.

Note: The Benagil Cave is only accessible from the water.  The Seven Hanging Valleys hike is nearby but does not take you inside the cave.

Is a Algarve Boat tour worth it?

Yes.  Some of the beauty of the Algarve coast can only be seen from the water.  Our boat tour to see the Algarve caves was one of the highlights of our road trip in Portugal.  It’s a relaxing experience that I would love to do again.

Have you ever done a boat tour to see grottos? If you haven’t I would definitely recommend doing one of the Algarve boat tours from Lagos Portugal!

-Anisa

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Disclosure: We were guests of Bom Dia Lagos on their Algarve boat tour so that we could share the experience with our readers.  As always, all opinions are mine.  

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Last Updated on March 6, 2023