Caves of San José Day Trip, Valencia

2.0 (1 reviews)
Explore the Coves de Sant Josep, part of Europe's longest navigable underground river, by boat and kayak.

Overview

Enjoy an excursion to the Coves de Sant Josep (Caves of Saint Joseph), carved out by Europe's longest navigable underground river. Your guide will take you to the town of la Vall d'Uixó, where you'll board a boat and float along the river and through the caves. Savor the scenery as you enter large open spaces with ceilings covered in stalactites, and learn the history and geology of this river system and cave network.

Highlights

  • Float along Europe's longest navigable underground river
  • Stop in caves covered with dripping stalactites
  • Learn about the origins of the river and caves
  • Optional kayaking and swimming through the caves(has to be booked 2 month in advance)

Know before you go

Duration
3.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Europe's longest navigable underground river is not far from Valencia, stretching nearly 2 miles (3,000 m). On this excursion, you'll explore a little over a half-mile (1 km) of the cave and river network, primarily by boat and a little on foot. You'll start a transfer from Valencia to the town of la Vall d'Uixó, about 40 minutes north of the city. After entering the Sierra de Espadan Nature Park, you'll make your way to the Coves de Sant Josep (Caves of Saint Joseph), where a consistent temperature of 68°F (20°C) awaits. 

Now begins your tour of this incredible cave network and river system. You'll board a boat cruise along the river and through the caves with a professional guide. For about 1 hour, you'll float into large open spaces known as The Cathedral and the Bats' Room, plus areas with ceilings covered in beautiful and dramatic stalactites. You'll make your way on foot to one part of the caves, where your guide will explain the caves' history, geology, and evolution, taking you up close against the rocks. 

Swapping the boat cruise for kayaks is an option that enhances the experience inside the cave. It includes using a wetsuit and kayak, plus the opportunity to take a dip in the river if you're feeling brave! Either way, your guide will take you back to Valencia after exploring the river and caves.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:30 am

What's included

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Valencia
  • Transfer between Valencia and the caves
  • Boat ride

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Traveler reviews

Linda
Linda S.
Anchorage, AK | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2023
The only activity I wouldn't recommend. We loved the location and the history of the caves, but we thought it was a kayaking tour, not a row boat tour. It was a lengthy bus ride from Valencia. The tour itself was crowded, and the caves were lit with colored lights, which was a bit "cheesy." Read more

The only activity I wouldn't recommend. We loved the location and the history of the caves, but we thought it was a kayaking tour, not a row boat tour. It was a lengthy bus ride from Valencia. The tour itself was crowded, and the caves were lit with colored lights, which was a bit "cheesy."

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
This was a big-bus tour. We were handed over to the River Boat guides, who did not speak english.
Transport
We don't like big bus tours.

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