Things to do in
Albufeira

Immerse yourself in the beaches, nightlife, and traditional Portuguese culture of this old fishing village.

Our most recommended things to do in Albufeira

Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

1. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching

Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as the activity includes a stop for a swim. Marvel at the rock formations, and access areas that other vessels can’t reach. A marine biologist will be on board to provide all necessary information about these wonderful creatures. Be aware that as dolphins are wild animals, sightings can not be guaranteed.

Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

2. Lagoa: Slide & Splash Water Park Entrance Ticket

Enjoy a day at Slide and Splash in Lagoa with its more 25 attractions. Relax in the cabanas, unwind with a massage, visit the fish spa center, and more. Experience the newest area of the park, home to the "Big Fall" a full-speed shuttle, the "Boomerang" a float trip with light effects, and 6 lane "Race". Discover pools and water slides suitable for guests of all ages. For younger guests, enjoy the fantasy water world of Tropical Paradise and the children's Foam Slides. Thrill-seekers can ride the gravity-defying Big Wave or the new Big Fall, the fastest "trip-capsule" in the park – only for the bravest. Enjoy the Disco River, the Black Hole, the Banzai, the massage and fish spa, 6 dining locations, and more. Relax in the leisure area with its 15 cabanas. It's an extra charge to experience these new areas reserved for groups of 4, 6, or 10 people. Enjoy perks such as fridge use, safes, and discounts at the restaurant and shop.

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

3. Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave

Look for dolphins and other marine life off the coast of the Algarve on a 2.5-hour cruise by boat. Explore sea caves, including the Benagil Sea Cave, enjoy close ocean animal encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches. Depart from the Marina de Albufeira and head towards Carvoeiro Beach enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and crystal-clear waters of Portugal's southern shore along the way. Marvel at the contrast of colors between the rocky cliffs and caves, the blue of the sea and the indigenous flora and fauna. Get a safety briefing to ensure you are comfortable once on board the boat, and enjoy the services of an experienced captain throughout the journey. Benefit from life jackets and raincoats to keep you safe and dry on the trip. Explore a selection of sea caves along the coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and other animals on your adventure. Enter the caves for up-close encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches to make this an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

4. Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

Enjoy a guided boat trip between Albufeira and Benagil Caves on a tour that combines nature and adventure. Discover the Algarve coastline's most iconic landscapes and keep your eyes open for playful dolphins on the way. Start your journey at the meeting point, where you will be welcomed by the crew. Skip the line at the check-in kiosk and benefit from a special welcome package. Have a coffee or some water at the coffee lounge while you wait to board the boat. After priority boarding, start your tour by cruising along the beautiful, 18km-long Algarve coastline. Listen to your knowledgeable guide and learn all about the sights you pass by. Feel the relaxing sea breeze and be amazed by the coastal view. Head inside the famous Benagil caves to admire this rock formation. Take amazing pictures of the caves and capture the light entering them. Spot São Rafael and Marinha beaches, among the most emblematic beaches in Portugal, famous for their cliffs and fine golden sand. Make a short swimming stop and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Algarve coast. During the tour, look for the dolphins on the way. If they are spotted, see them playing in their natural environment and take photos of them jumping in and out of the water.

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

5. Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

Soak up the views of the Algarve coastline on a guided catamaran cruise from Albufeira. Enter the Benagil Sea Cave and take in secluded beaches, rugged rock formations, and hidden swim stops. Start your tour from Albufeira Marina, where you'll set off on the spacious and comfortable catamaran. From here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the beautiful rock formations and deserted beaches. The team will tell you more about our fantastic coastline and all its hidden secrets. Relax to some nice music and enjoy a cool drink. Visit the beautiful caves and rock formations as far as Benagil (Cathedral Cave). Head back east towards the marina before stopping off for a swim in the sea.

Algarve: Zoomarine Amusement Park Entry Ticket

6. Algarve: Zoomarine Amusement Park Entry Ticket

Treat yourself and your family to a full day of marine-themed learning, relaxation, and excitement at the Algarve Zoomarine Amusement Park. See a dolphin show, wonder at the aquarium, relax at the Zoomarine beach, and enjoy educational areas for the kids. See a spectacular dolphin presentation that is both educational and entertaining – get close to sea lions and seals, and walk among birds of prey and tropical birds in an enchanted forest. Learn about the oceans in the aquarium, an educational tour to the amazing underwater world. The pedagogical area has more than 20 ecosystems, distributed according to the central theme. Finish off by riding the Rapid River rafts, a fun and exciting ride. Relax at the Zoomarine Beach, a new aquatic fun area, where you will find a wave pool surrounded by white sand, water slides, swimming pools and an aquatic playground.

Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

7. Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Benagil Cave Boat Cruise

Climb aboard a small boat in Albufeira marina and journey along the coastline of the Algarve for 18 kilometers. Enjoy watching dolphins in their natural habitat with commentary from a guide and marine biologist. See the Alfanzina Lighthouse and the seaside Benagil Cave. Journey with a captain with expert knowledge of this part of the coastline. Sail to the Alfanzina Lighthouse and be amazed by the beaches and rock formations along the way. Marvel at the stunning sea caves, including the famous rock formations of Benagil Cave. Cool down with a swim in the sea, if conditions permit, and then look for the lovable dolphins as they frolic in the water. Feel the sea breeze on your face as you take in the scenic views. Learn about the surrounding marine life from the local marine biologist onboard. Please Note :As part of the review of the Algarve Coastal Program, access to the Benagil Caves may be subject to restrictions at any time, and Seacret-Tours will not be responsible if the Portuguese Maritime authorities decide within a short space of time to close access to them.

Albufeira: Off-Road Quad Tour 90-Minutes

8. Albufeira: Off-Road Quad Tour 90-Minutes

Choose from a 1-seater quad bike or 2-seater quad bike on this tour from Albufeira. This tour is suitable for beginners, families with teenagers, and keen novices. After the safety briefing, you will drive a 300cc quad atv in the countryside where you will be able to face various challenges and test your abilities. Our tour leader will show you the route and set the pace to guarantee your safety. The perfect choice for those who are wondering about something bold and different to do in the Algarve.

From Albufeira: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak

9. From Albufeira: Benagil Hidden Caves Tour by Kayak

From this moment 10/09/2023, we have been informed, by local authorities, that no one can entre the Benagil cave itself. This means that we are only allowed to show you the cave from the boat. We will show you other beautiful spots and caves a long the coastline while kayaking. Always with safety in mind and when sea conditions permits. Uncover the treasures of Benagil's coast on a kayak tour from Albufeira. Follow your guide to hidden caves and secluded beaches, and enjoy a drink on your boat ride back to the marina. Start your Benagil tour and depart from Albufeira Marina on a specially-built boat. Enjoy the stunning views of the coastline as you sail in the boat for 40 minutes, before stopping and transferring to the Kayak. Embrace the freedom to move around. Gain confidence even as a beginner with a water safety briefing from your guide before starting the tour. Take a dive in the ocean before returning to the marina by boat, where you can enjoy a cool drink on board.

Albufeira: Parasailing Boat Trip

10. Albufeira: Parasailing Boat Trip

Go for an exhilarating parasailing boat trip off the coast of Albufeira, taking in the panoramic sights of Portugal’s beautiful resort city and sandy beaches. For a thrilling 10 minutes, feel the wind in your face while flying over the water, and enjoy the scenery from a bird’s-eye view.   This activity starts from Albufeira Marina, where the crew will share a safety briefing, and you’ll be given a life jacket and a harness that will connect to your parachute. After boarding the boat, you'll head out onto the open waters. The skipper will strap you into the harness, open the parachute, and slowly release the cable to start the flight. Reach a height of up to 80 meters and feel the adrenaline rush as you fly above the ocean for an unforgettable experience.   The overall boat ride lasts up to 1. 5 hours depending on the number of guests. 2- or 3-person flights are subject to sea conditions and techniques. After everyone has a chance to fly, enjoy the boat ride back to the marina.

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Frequently asked questions about Albufeira

What top attractions are a must-see in Albufeira?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Albufeira?

The best day trips and excursions from Albufeira are:

Faro

Other Sightseeing Options in Albufeira

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What people are saying about Albufeira

Overall rating

4.6
(19,007 reviews)

Our guide Bruno was very friendly, energetic and informative during our trip and was even sharing some local restaurants with customers to improve their stay. He also gave the tour in Portuguese and English, with another crew member Kiki(?) doing so in English and French for some customers. Blankets and jackets were offered for those who were cold as it was windy. The tour itself consisted of a focus on dolphin watching, went very far out into the ocean to an area with some recent sightings and managed to see 2 different groups and varieties of dolphin, where Bruno gave some facts and info on them. Then went back to the coast to see the caves, started at Benagil and then worked way back along the coast back to harbour. Overall trip lasted about 2 and a half hours and was more than worth the money we paid, and we were also given discount vouchers for the café before and after the guide. Would fully recommend if you're looking for something enjoyable and also educational.

tour was amazing the venue at the end was great and the tour guide takes you to a smaller location during the journey to experience some individual drinks before the vineyard - would recommend for couples or groups. not for the elderly best to just book a visit to the vineyard itself if your over 70

We had a great day. The guide and all the crew were so friendly. The beach was sheltered from the wind and has paddle boards, beach and volley balls and bats to play with. The BBQ food was excellent and they accommodate vegetarians.

It was an incredibly nice, friendly and helpful guide! Very knowledgeable and gives you a great overview of his town and surrounding beaches … Thank you again!

Had a great time, didn't end up making it to the club and we were out until around 1:30-2am.