5Emotions Benagil caves and dolphins

5Emotions runs boat trips from the marina at Portimão, and its best seller packs the two things most children want from an Algarve boat trip into one outing: dolphins and the Benagil cave. The boat seats 45, has a toilet on board and is driven by water jets instead of an open propeller, which the company says is to reduce its impact on the sea. With a toilet on board and a minimum age of one, it works for families with small children.

A marine biologist comes on the dolphin trips and explains what you see in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish. On the dolphin-only trip there’s also a hydrophone, an underwater microphone, that plays the sounds under the boat live to everyone on board.

The caves-and-dolphins trip lasts up to two and a half hours. It follows the coast east from Portimão past Torre da Lapa, Carvoeiro, Algar Seco, Vale de Centeanes and the Alfanzina lighthouse to the Benagil cave and Praia da Marinha, then back to the marina. Somewhere along the way the crew head out to look for dolphins and whales. The captain decides at the start whether to do the dolphins or the caves first, depending on conditions.

The Benagil cave is the famous sea cave with a round hole in its roof. Local rules mean boats can only stay inside for a few minutes, and nobody is allowed to get off the boat in any cave. The maritime police can also close the caves when the sea is rough, so there will be days when you see Benagil from outside only. If the sea allows, there’s a stop for a swim, so pack swimsuits and towels.

5Emotions holds a certificate for whale and dolphin watching and says its crew respect safe distances and ethical watching rules: no feeding and no touching. On the dolphin-only trip (“Golfinhos, Biólogo a Bordo”), you get the same 2.5 hours at sea with a stronger focus on the animals, the live hydrophone, a recording of the best sounds and photos and videos sent by email afterwards.

For an extra fee, paid at the kiosk when you check in, you can add a sighting guarantee. If no dolphins or whales are seen, you can rebook for free within 12 months at the same seasonal price.

When we checked, the prices were:

• Benagil caves and dolphins, up to 2.5 hours: €40.35 for ages 11 and up, €30.11 for ages 2 to 10.
• Dolphins with a marine biologist, 2.5 hours: €40.35 for ages 11 and up, €32.26 for ages 2 to 10.
• Benagil caves and the Algarve coast, up to 1.5 hours: €26.89 for ages 11 and up, €21.51 for ages 2 to 10.

Babies up to one year are listed without a price on all three, and all three trips are for ages one and up. The caves-only trip is the shortest and cheapest and suits toddlers who won’t sit for long; on it, the guide tells stories about how the caves and cliffs formed. For a child who is into animals, the longer trips are the ones to pick.

5Emotions also offers private boat trips for families who want the boat to themselves.

Check in at kiosk no. 6 in Portimão marina at least 30 minutes before departure. You don’t need a printed ticket, but bring the booking email and ID. If you arrive after the boat has left, 5Emotions will only rebook you if the next departure has space, and otherwise there’s no refund.

The trips are not recommended for pregnant women or people with back, neck or heart problems. Wheelchair users are welcome if you mention it when booking, and so are pets, again with notice.

Food and drink aren’t included. Bring water, a snack, sun cream and warm layers, because it can be cold at sea even in summer. Take seasickness tablets beforehand if anyone in the family needs them.

Portimão has another boat for the same stretch of coast: the Santa Bernarda pirate ship, which takes passengers into the caves in small boats but doesn’t advertise a dolphin search. On land, Sand City in Lagoa has huge sand sculptures, and Zoomarine is further east near Albufeira. After a morning on the water, Boneca Bar sits in the Algar Seco rocks at Carvoeiro, which you pass by boat.

Can babies go on the dolphin trip?

Yes. All three trips are listed for ages one and up. Babies up to one year are listed without a price, so confirm when you book.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a toilet and seats 45 passengers.

Can you go inside the Benagil cave?

The boat goes in, but only for a few minutes, and nobody can get off. The maritime police sometimes close the caves when the sea is rough.

How long is the trip?

Up to 2.5 hours for the dolphin trips and up to 1.5 hours for the caves-only trip.

What if we don’t see dolphins?

Buy the sighting guarantee at check-in. If no dolphins or whales are seen, you can rebook free within 12 months.