When we added the Algarve to our trip, one of the main reasons was to see Benagil Cave. But choosing to stay in Lagos without a rental car made a trip to Benagil a little more complicated. There were plenty of boat tours that left from Lagos to Benagil but I read that it was a long, bone-jarring, sea-sickness-inducing trip. I posted a question about alternatives on the Travel Portugal FaceBook group and Antonio from South Explorers responded that he offered a Benagil by Boat and Algarseco tour that included ground transportation from Lagos to Carvoeiro. It was exactly what we were hoping for!
Antonio picked us up from our hotel in Lagos and then stopped to pick up another couple before we headed to Carvoeiro. Throughout the drive, he was extremely friendly and informative. When we arrived in Carvoeiro, he guided us through the process of getting our life jackets and boarding the boat. He did not join us on the boat ride but was waiting for us upon our return.
After returning our life jackets and putting our shoes back on, we walked up the street to begin our stroll along the Algar Seco boardwalk. Antonio was a great guide, pointing out different rock formations and beautiful views and leading us down to different areas where we could climb around on the rocks. He explained the history and geology of the area and was just a friendly, fun person to spend the afternoon with.
Antonio took some pictures for us – I always appreciate a tour guide who offers to take pictures of the whole family together! While we were on the boat he was thoughtful enough to drive his van to the end of the boardwalk, park and walk back into town to meet us. It was a nice surprise that we didn’t have to walk back to town or retrace our steps on the boardwalk when we were finished.
After the walk, Antonio drove us back to Lagos. We wanted to be dropped off in town so we could eat lunch and I could buy some more clothes since I still didn’t have my luggage. He dropped us off at a convenient spot, giving us some recommendations and directions to restaurants/stores and for the walk back to the hotel. We really loved our day with Antonio. He was friendly, fun and knowledgeable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for any of his tours.
