Lagoa is a fantastic place for boat tours and cruises. Its rugged coastline, famous for dramatic sea caves and hidden beaches, makes exploring by boat a must-do activity. You’ll find options ranging from quick, affordable sunset excursions to private boat charters with swimming and personalized attention. We especially like the Sunset Benagil Caves Boat Tour for its breathtaking views and the chance to enjoy the Algarve coast as the sun dips below the horizon. For history lovers, the Visit Silves Medieval Town by Boat with Hop-Off Hop-On offers a relaxing journey along the Arade River with a charming exploration of Silves. And if you’re after a private experience, the Benagil: Exclusive Private Boat Tour to the Caves with Swim provides a personalized, quiet adventure in a stunning setting.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of boat experiences: from sunset cruises and guided tours to private charters and boat trips crossing into Spain. Whether you want to see the iconic Benagil Caves, explore historic towns, or enjoy a custom private outing, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Check out the full options below.
1. Sunset Benagil Caves Boat Tour

For about $34 per person, this 1-hour sunset cruise offers a magical way to see the Algarve coastline. Departing from Tridente Boat Trips, the tour takes you past beaches only accessible by sea and into the stunning Benagil Cave. This tour is especially popular because it combines the natural beauty of the caves with the evening light, creating a surreal scenery that’s hard to beat. The tour visits several other secret beaches and sea caves along the coast, with stops at Praia dos Beijinhos, Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, and Praia da Marinha, among others. Passengers love the informative commentary and the relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for families or couples seeking a short, memorable experience. The reviews mention the fun and educational ride over big waves, with an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 8 reviews.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a quick, affordable, and visually stunning sunset experience. It’s especially suited for those with limited time but still eager to see the Algarve’s most iconic caves.
2. Visit Silves Medieval Town by Boat with Hop-Off Hop-On

Costing around $54 per person for approximately 4 hours, this cruise along the Arade River gives a relaxing way to combine scenery with local history. The boat departs from Portimão, sailing upstream towards the charming town of Silves. Once there, you disembark for about 90 minutes, giving you time to explore medieval sights like the Silves Castle, cathedral, or browse local shops and cafes. The boat’s quiet engine during the approach ensures a peaceful trip, and the guide shares insights into the town’s past as a Moorish capital. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in culture, history, and birdwatching. The reviews highlight the tranquility and the informative narration, making it a great way to escape busy beaches and learn about small-town charm.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts and those wanting a slow-paced, scenic river cruise combined with cultural exploration. Ideal for a half-day outing that’s both relaxing and educational.
3. East Algarve and Spain. Ferry Boat Included Tavira – Castro Marin

At $330 for a group of up to 8 people, this full-day trip offers a combination of sightseeing and cross-border adventures. Starting from Tavira, the boat takes you across the Guadiana River into Ayamonte, Spain. Along the way, you visit Castro Marin, a small Spanish village with cobbled streets and lively markets. The tour includes stops at Tavira Castle and Fortaleza de Cacela, allowing you to explore historical sites and enjoy scenic views of the coast. The cross-border element, with a ferry crossing into Spain, gives this tour a broader cultural flavor. It’s a great choice for those interested in regional history, shopping, and culinary delights. The reviews praise the seamless boat ride, the variety of stops, and the friendly guides.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for travelers who want a full-day, comfortable adventure that combines cultural sightseeing with the thrill of crossing into neighboring Spain.
4. Benagil: Exclusive Private Boat Tour to the Caves with Swim

For up to 10 people at $470, this private tour offers an intimate way to explore the Benagil Caves with personalized attention. Departing from Taruga Benagil Tours, your skipper takes you to the caves, hidden beaches, and sea grottos that larger groups can’t access easily. The highlight is swimming in the clear waters near the caves and snapping photos of the stunning rock formations. The skippers are knowledgeable locals who share stories and facts about the coastline, making this a more educational and relaxed experience. The tour lasts about an hour, but it’s enough time to see the main caves without feeling rushed.
Guests appreciate the personalized service, the quiet and smooth ride, and the chance to swim in pristine waters. This tour is ideal for small groups or families seeking an exclusive experience and perfect photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: If privacy and personalized service are important, this private tour offers a memorable, stress-free way to explore the iconic caves.
5. From Portimão: Private Boat Tour to Benagil Caves Speed Boat

At $284 for a group up to 6 people, this speedboat tour is a quick, energetic way to see the famous Benagil Caves. Departing from Portimão, the tour includes a safety briefing and a fast-paced boat ride along the coast. The itinerary features a 20-minute cruise around Carvoeiro, a 35-minute visit to the Benagil Sea Cave, and additional time exploring the coastline. The speedboat makes it easy to cover more ground and get up close to the cave formations, with plenty of opportunities to swim in the calm waters. Reviewers love the thrilling ride and the chance to see the caves from a different perspective. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time but wanting an adrenaline rush.
Bottom Line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and small groups who want a fast-paced, exciting exploration of the famous caves with impressive photo ops.
How to Choose
Picking the right boat tour in Lagoa depends on your interests, budget, and time availability. For a quick, stunning sunset experience, the Sunset Benagil Caves Boat Tour offers great value. If you love history and scenic river rides, the Silves boat trip provides a relaxed cultural outing. For travelers wanting personalized attention, the private Benagil tour or the speedboat option will deliver a more exclusive experience. Consider also if crossing into Spain on the Tavira to Castro Marin appeals to you.
Booking early is a good idea, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up. Think about what you most want from your trip—whether it’s quick scenic views, a cultural day, or private adventure—and choose accordingly.
Final thoughts
Lagoa offers a range of fantastic boat experiences that showcase the Algarve’s stunning coastline from different angles. If you’re after a quick sunset cruise, the Sunset Benagil Caves Boat Tour is hard to beat. For a leisurely cultural outing, the Silves river trip provides history and tranquility. And for those looking to splash into the caves privately or with a splash of speed, options like the private Benagil tour and the speedboat adventure are excellent choices. Whatever your style, Lagoa’s boat tours promise unforgettable views, fun rides, and plenty of opportunity to explore this stunning coast.
If you’re eager to make the most of your trip, book your preferred tour early. Each offers a different way to experience the Algarve’s coastline—so pick what excites you most and enjoy the ride.