Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this Valencia day trip is the change of scene. In about an hour and a half, you leave the city behind for a 60-meter waterfall, warm spring water, steep river canyons, and a huge dam. The main event is swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, where the water stays around 25°C throughout the year.

I like two things right away: the vehicle parks close to each stop, so this is not a hard hiking day, and water shoes are included. I also like the personal feel. Mike and guides such as Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Sofia, and Thomas keep the day social, take photos, and help less confident swimmers.

The catch is the price, $101 per person, with lunch and drinks extra. That is fair for transport, entry fees, a guide, equipment, and a full eight-hour outing, but it is more than a simple bus transfer. The swim is also the focus, so bring a swimsuit even if the day begins with sightseeing.

Key points to know before booking

• A 25°C swim in Montanejos: The Blue Lagoon thermal springs are the center of the day and remain suitable for swimming year-round.
• A 60-meter waterfall: Bridal Veil Falls offers mist, mountain views, and the chance to stand beneath the falling water if conditions allow.
• Four natural sights in one day: You visit the waterfall, thermal springs, Mijares River canyons, and Montanejos dam and reservoir.
• Easy access for many fitness levels: The tour involves short walks rather than a demanding hike, with the minibus stopping near each site.
• Small-group atmosphere: Guides encourage conversation, help with swimming, and take photos so you can leave your phone safely behind.
• Lunch is not included: You can buy food at the Blue Lagoon snack bar, eat in Montanejos, or bring your own.

From Valencia’s Estació del Nord to the mountains

The day begins at 9:30 AM in front of Valencia’s Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may affect the exact pickup spot, so the meeting point is just outside the gated area rather than inside the station entrance.

You ride in a newer, air-conditioned minibus. The first drive takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to settle in and watch Valencia give way to smaller towns and mountain country. With a full day ahead, the air conditioning matters, especially in the hotter months.

The advertised return is about 5:30 PM, and the activity finishes back at the same station. That makes this a practical choice if you are staying in central Valencia and do not have a car. Montanejos is difficult to reach by public transport, so the included ride is a large part of the tour’s value.

The group is usually kept fairly small, with one account describing about a dozen people. That is enough for a friendly mood without the feel of a large coach excursion. You may have Mike leading the group, or meet one of his guides. English is available, with French and Spanish offered, and Dutch available on request.

Bridal Veil Falls and the first taste of wild Valencia

The first major stop is Bridal Veil, a 60-meter waterfall reached after the initial drive. It is a strong opening because you see the area before changing into swim clothes or settling into the spring water.

Expect about an hour at this stop for sightseeing, photos, and a closer look at the waterfall. The mist makes the air feel cooler, and you may spot mountain goats moving along the ridge. If conditions and your nerve allow, you can stand beneath the falling water for a memorable shower.

This is not presented as a long walk. The guide parks near the viewpoints, then leads the group along manageable paths. One person with bad knees found the routes comfortable, while another described a small uphill walk near the swimming area. That points to the right expectation: easy access, but not perfectly flat ground.

Wear comfortable shoes with some grip. Water shoes are supplied for the wet sections, but they are not a replacement for ordinary footwear during the rest of the day. If you want the waterfall to be the photographic highlight, bring a towel and protect your phone from spray.

Swimming at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon

After the waterfall, the minibus continues toward Montanejos. The Blue Lagoon is the tour’s main attraction, and you get time to swim in clear thermal spring water held at about 25°C year-round.

The temperature is pleasant rather than hot. Do not picture a steaming spa pool. This is an outdoor river setting, so the water feels refreshing, especially outside the warmest part of summer. One useful point from the day’s feedback is that some people found the water cooler than expected, even while enjoying the setting. If you are sensitive to cold water, a quick towel-off and warm clothing for afterward will help.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but the swimming area can challenge anyone who is uncomfortable in open water. Guides carry extra equipment and can offer help. Thomas was specifically praised for helping people feel at ease in the water, and other guides have supported first-time jumpers and less confident swimmers.

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. You should also pack sunscreen, drinking water, and comfortable clothes for the ride home. The tour supplies water shoes, and guides take photos and videos around the water, which means you can leave your phone in a safe place instead of risking it beside the pool.

The Nomad Soul Retreat and a useful break

Near the springs is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, set among olive trees. It gives the group a base for changing clothes, using clean bathrooms, storing belongings safely, and sitting in the sun after swimming.

This is a small detail, but it changes the day. Without a changing area, a spring swim can leave you wet, cold, and juggling bags. Here you have somewhere to regroup before lunch and the afternoon stops. It also adds to the informal, hosted feel of the trip.

The retreat is not a hotel or a full resort. Think of it as a private resting place connected to the day’s swimming stop. If you prefer a completely independent outing, this organized setup may feel more structured than necessary. If you value clean facilities and help with your gear, it is a welcome part of the price.

Lunch in Montanejos, with costs kept separate

Lunch is not included, which keeps the basic price clear but means you need to budget extra. The guide can point you toward affordable local food at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos town.

You can also bring your own meal. The group may eat together, and the tour can arrange a stop at a local restaurant in the village. A simple Spanish meal there has been singled out as good value, but you should not assume a restaurant meal is part of the booking.

I like having this choice. You are not locked into a fixed menu, and you can spend little at the snack bar or choose a longer meal in town. Pack a sandwich if you want maximum control over time and cost. Bring some cash or a payment card for food and drinks, since neither is included.

Mijares River canyons and the afternoon views

After lunch, the group stops for views over the Mijares River canyons. This is a shorter photo stop, around 15 minutes, but it adds scale to the day. You see how the river has cut through the surrounding rock and get a different view from the spring area.

The guide chooses places that work well for group photographs. Morgane and several other guides have been praised for taking clear, fun pictures and videos, including photos of people swimming. That service is especially useful here because you can enjoy the viewpoint without constantly holding a phone.

Do not expect a long canyon walk. The strength of this tour is seeing several sites without spending the whole day on one trail. If you want a serious trek through the Mijares valley, this is not the right product. If you want an accessible overlook and a well-paced route, it fits better.

Montanejos dam and the final viewpoint

The last major sight is the Montanejos dam and its reservoir. The structure provides a sharp contrast to the waterfall and springs. You get a look at the force of managed water, with the dam’s massive spout producing powerful blasts when conditions show it at its most dramatic.

The stop is mainly for sightseeing and photographs, with roughly 30 minutes in Montanejos and the surrounding area. The guide explains the setting and gives you time to take in the reservoir. It is a good final stop because the day has already shown water in several forms: falling from a cliff, flowing through canyons, held in springs, and controlled by engineering.

Timing may affect how much water you see moving through the dam. The tour description highlights the powerful bursts, but you should treat that as a possible feature rather than a guaranteed display at a set time. Even without a dramatic release, the dam remains an impressive part of the route.

What the $101 price really covers

At $101, this is not the cheapest way to see one natural attraction. The value comes from combining four sites in a single day, with transport from Valencia and no need to rent a car or work out difficult connections.

The price includes the air-conditioned minibus, a live guide, entry fees, a natural-sites tour, water shoes, and photos. The guide’s role is more than pointing out sights. Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Sofia, Thomas, and Mike have each been noted for keeping the group involved, explaining the area, helping with swimming, and making the day easy to follow.

You still pay for lunch and drinks, so the final cost will be higher than $101. For a full day outside the city, the included equipment and facilities make the package more useful than a basic transfer. I would call it good value for a visitor without a car who wants swimming and several viewpoints in one outing.

Who will enjoy this day most

This tour suits you if you want nature without a demanding hike. Families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends can all fit the format. A 13-year-old joined one family group, and adults with mobility concerns found the routes manageable, though you should still be comfortable with short paths and some uneven ground.

It is also a good choice for solo visitors. The guides make an effort to bring people together, and the small-group format gives the day a social edge without requiring you to arrange anything yourself. One solo visitor even received encouragement from Mike before making a first jump.

You should choose another activity if you want long, quiet stretches alone, a hot spa experience, or a serious mountain hike. The spring water is warm by outdoor swimming standards, not a hot bath. The route is active and social, with several stops and a set schedule.

The tour runs in rain or shine. Valencia has a favorable climate, but poor weather can still change the mood at a waterfall or outdoor swimming area. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, and comfortable clothes. Wear ordinary comfortable shoes for the paths, and use the supplied water shoes around wet surfaces.

A small day bag is useful for carrying dry clothes and personal items. Since food and drinks are excluded, pack lunch or bring money for the snack bar or village restaurant.

Do not forget that the day ends at the same Valencia train station. That makes it easy to continue exploring the city afterward, but you should leave yourself enough time if you have a fixed evening booking.

Should you book the Montanejos waterfall and springs tour?

Book it if you want an easy, well-organized escape from Valencia with a real swim at its center. The strongest reasons are the 25°C spring water, the waterfall, the included water shoes, the nearby changing facilities, and guides who take photos and help people feel comfortable.

Think twice if $101 feels high for a day trip, or if you dislike group schedules. Lunch costs extra, and the water may feel cooler than the phrase thermal springs suggests. For most visitors without a car, though, the combination of four stops, transport, entry fees, equipment, and personal guiding makes this a practical way to see Montanejos in one day.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Valencia?

The group meets in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Because construction may be taking place in front of the station, pickup is just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour start?

The stated departure is 9:30 AM. Starting times should be confirmed when you check availability.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts eight hours and returns to Estació del Nord at about 5:30 PM.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs is part of the day, and the water is described as about 25°C year-round.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos, or bring your own.

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included in the activity price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.

Is this a difficult hiking tour?

No. The tour includes minimal walking, and the vehicle parks close to the main sites. Some paths may include a short hill or uneven ground.

What languages are available?

Guides operate in English, French, and Spanish. Dutch is available on request.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.