Kayaking to the Benagil Cave

Nature always wins

I recently traveled to Portugal. This was my first international trip since the pandemic. One of my bucket list items was kayaking into the Benagil Cave in the Algarve. When I become fixated on something, watch out. Nothing is going to curb my appetite. Not even a dangerous, untamed ocean.

When we arrived at our hotel in Vilamoura, I immediately inquired about kayaking to this wondrous cave. We were advised to be at the spot around 10:00 a.m., where we would find several kayak rentals.

Once we located the area where one can rent kayaks, we parked. Several vendors immediately approached us. We chose the friendliest one and decided to go with a guide instead of on our own.

The guys convinced us not to go solo by informing us the water was a little rocky. If we went with them, they would be sure to bring us back safely. If our kayak capsized while we were on our own, there would be no one to help us. For an extra 5 euros, per person, we bought ourselves a tour guide. And thank God we did. Mother Nature is all-powerful.

Down the hill to the ocean’s edge, we went, fascinated by the beautiful cliffs surrounding us. We patiently waited for our guide to bring us into the deep blue sea. Butterflies flitted around my stomach. I felt alive.

Our first stop was the Benagil Cave. Instead of one guide, we noticed we gained a fella. The ocean waves danced a little forcefully, but they were still rideable. We entered the cave, parked our kayaks, and marveled at the majestic formation around us.

Benagil Cave has three distinctive holes. Two allow entry for kayaks, paddleboarders, and swimmers. The other is located at the top of the cave. Pictures could not adequately capture the kaleidoscope of beauty around us.

We marveled at our surroundings and snapped a few pictures before venturing back to our kayaks. Out of the cave we kayaked into the wide-open sea of blue.

We continued along, past beautiful formations of rock. Finally, we stopped at a deserted beach. Usually, the beach is packed with people. However, it had been rented out for a music video shoot.

Before we were kicked out, our guides brought us through a cave. We climbed over the rocks until we once again saw water.

After our little excursion, we were led back to our kayaks. This time, the water was ferocious. Kayaking back to our starting point was sprinkled with danger. I swear the waves were about 10 feet high. Or at least it felt like that. Paddling was much more challenging this time around. We were ready to hit the shore.

When we finally made it to the beach, three 6-foot men waited to bring our kayak in. They grabbed onto our kayak but did not pull us in. By this time, the waves were larger and stronger.

We were about 2-feet above those men hanging in the air on one ginormous wave. A second later, a second wave followed. This one capsized our kayak. I was thankful we were at the shore and not in the middle of the ocean.

Hands were upon us, dragging us out of the water. Yes, it was scary, but an exhilarating feeling danced throughout my body. Shoes and sunglasses were lost to the sea, but my God was it fun.

“I love the ocean. I’ve always liked the blue, so tranquil and peaceful and gliding. And the fear of it.” — Siouxsie Sioux

Reflecting back on this experience creates a flood of emotions and thoughts within. The ocean has the power to soothe and frighten me, simultaneously.

One of my biggest fears is sharks. They hide below the ocean and you never know if one is below you, ready to attack. Maybe sharks symbolize fear of the unknown, with their massive teeth, ready to bite. At the same time, the salty water and swell of the waves can calm the soul. The ocean is a paradox, bringing peace and danger, all at once.

I also thought about how the world has been turned upside down within the last few years. But no matter how much humans try to control the earth, nature is more powerful.

Those waves were stronger than us and our guides. Even three, big men could not control the forcefulness of the water. The waves were symbolic. If we, as a human race do not become aligned for the greater good, the earth will fight back. And if Mother Nature casts her wrath upon us, she will win.

Although those waves thrust us onto shore, we were delivered safely. She is warning us to do better. I hope we find the balance we have lost.

“Dear Ocean, Thank you for making us feel tiny, humble, inspired, and salty… all at once.” — Unknown

Thank you, Anne, for this monthly challenge.