New Access Regulations for Benagil Caves

Starting this Tuesday, new access rules are now in effect for the Benagil Caves located in Lagoa, Algarve. These regulations aim to manage the traffic of tourist boats and ensure the safety of visitors.

Key Changes

• Prohibition of Landing: Individuals and companies are now prohibited from landing or using the beach area inside the Benagil cave.
• Swimming Restrictions: Access to the caves by swimming or other flotation devices is no longer allowed.
• Kayak Rentals: Renting kayaks without a guide in the cave area has been banned.

Visitor Limits and Guidelines

New limits have been established regarding the number of boats and kayaks allowed inside the cave, including:

• Maximum Visit Duration: There are specified time limits for visits to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.
• Guided Kayaking Ratio: For every six visitor kayaks, there must be one guided kayak.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operators of tourist boats who fail to comply with these new regulations may face fines, which can reach up to €216,000 in serious cases.

Importance of the Caves

The Benagil caves, located off the Benagil beach, are recognized as a significant natural heritage site and are one of the main tourist attractions in the Algarve, especially during the summer months when visitor interest is at its peak.