Lagos Cruise Review: Benagil & Carvoeiro Caves – Is It Worth It?
The Algarve region of Portugal, that striking area noted for its dramatic cliffs, those golden beaches, and those oh-so-stunning sea caves, has something for almost everyone, really. If you’re like your’s truly, always scouting for that next special experience, that amazing excursion that’ll stick with you for years after, then chances are, you’ve heard tell of boat trips that showcase the beauty around Lagos, especially those cruises that take you to the famed Benagil and Carvoeiro Caves.
What’s the Allure of the Lagos Scenic Cruise, really?
So, you are probably asking what makes this particular cruise stand apart. Well, this portion of the Algarve coastline, that stretch reaching between Lagos and those well-known Benagil caves, is jam-packed with striking geological formations. Picture this: rugged limestone cliffs shaped over millennia by that pounding Atlantic, hidden grottoes just begging to be explored, plus secret beaches that are only reachable by boat. The cruise, that is, generally aims to offer you a view from the water that is just spectacular, that feeling when you peek inside those mysterious caves and marvel at that handiwork of mother nature, a completely different, and perhaps better, perspective than simply observing the shore from above.
What kind of Options do you have available, really?
You see, many tour operators offer rides out of Lagos. These commonly differ in length, that size of the boat, or that additional touch, if you will. Tours, those shorter options, they will generally give you like an overview of the nearby coastline, almost, but those longer cruises they’ll tend to reach farther afield, giving you, too, the possibility of seeing a number of locations, that is, that includes those legendary Benagil Caves. A handful even tack on extras like swimming breaks, opportunities that might let you, or allow you if you would prefer, take a dip in that refreshingly cool Atlantic Ocean, that may or may not leave you breathless. Some cruises use smaller boats that, is that the kicker, can maneuver way into those smaller caves. You’re very often offered cruises on larger catamarans too; and those could provide a much smoother, steadier ride, specially if you are concerned, maybe only just slightly, about seasickness.
The highlights along the Route, alright?
That cruise usually includes various hotspots. Ponta da Piedade is almost always first, this headland featuring a few stacks of dramatic rock and some hidden grottos. So, as your boat is going from cove to cove, I promise that each one presents photo chances. You will, usually, see some natural sculptures made from rock, those like the Camel, plus the Sphinx, along with several other, almost unbelievable, formations. After that, maybe depending on that trip you book, your tour could head in the direction of that east to Benagil Cave; that cave’s recognizable dome, complete with those sunlight-filled natural openings at its top, makes the views breathtaking. If that tides cooperate, your boat might be able to actually sail on straight into the cave so you can gaze up at all those striped rock formations, that almost golden-colored light.
Does timing influence your adventure a bit?
Oh, this definitely does. Summertime, you know, those warmer months such as July and August, these are popular. Yet, with this, unfortunately that means it’s commonly much more crowded and those prices tend to be higher, slightly. If you need or want the experience but desire just a little quieter atmosphere and possibly that great value, that is something you need, then think on scheduling during that shoulder season, that is, from about April through June or about September into October. You might locate those boat tours running based on those demand and on weather conditions so that weather really ought to be looked into while you plan.
Things to think of just before booking.
Okay, let’s get just a little practical, nearly. The type of cruise and that tour company is going to affect how rewarding that trip actually ends up being. It’s a solid idea to find companies which can have excellent scores on safety and even their environmental initiatives. That duration of the boat tour, that boat’s dimensions, the inclusion of extras are each bits and pieces to bear in mind as you are browsing for, searching out, that cruise which you think just might meet the mark. Reading recent reviews coming from those recent customers often offer helpful viewpoints about the quality of some tours that might allow you to shape your own final choice. So, too, it’s worth clarifying what is supplied; for instance, many operators may have a tendency to provide some life jackets plus that quick run through just to make clear all those safety protocol. It might also be better if that boat, maybe the specific one in some tours, possesses shade.