Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

A day that strings together a 60-meter waterfall and a 25°C thermal swim just outside Valencia is a smart way to see real nature without long hikes. Mike and the guide team run it as a friendly, well-timed day, with guides like Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia helping the group feel comfortable, even if you are not a confident swimmer.

I especially love the mix of “wow” sights with actual water time, plus the practical touches like water shoes and guides who take photos. One thing to consider: you need to bring your swim setup and be ready for a rain-or-shine day, because this is an outdoors plan with minimal walking, not an indoors museum day.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• 25°C year-round Blue Lagoon swim at Montanejos, with water shoes provided
• 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall where you get misty, then you can shower and rinse
• Small-group feel with a host energy from Mike and guides such as Siobhan and Morgane
• Photo help built into the day, so you are not stuck filming everything yourself
• Quick, low-effort stops near parking, so it works for most fitness levels
• Big nature payoff for $101, including entry tickets, transport, and guide support

From Estación del Norte to Montanejos: the logistics that keep it easy

This is an 8-hour day trip that starts in a very convenient place: Estación del Norte in Valencia. You meet in front of the main entrance, near the big clock on the tower. There is construction out front, so the pickup happens just outside the gated area.

Then you settle into a new air-conditioned minibus. That matters. You spend less time figuring things out, and more time at the water and viewpoints. The tour runs in an organized rhythm, with frequent short drives and quick stops close to where you need to be.

The guides coordinate everything, and the day keeps moving without feeling like you are being rushed. Most of the time, you are just walking short distances from where the vehicle parks. In other words, you get an outdoors day that still feels doable if you have mobility limits or you do not want the effort of a full hike.

Language support is solid too. The core guidance is English, and French and Spanish are available, with Dutch on request. That multilingual setup helps if you are traveling with friends who prefer different languages.

The Bridal Veil 60-meter waterfall stop: mist, drama, and safety-minded fun

The day kicks off with the Bridal Veil waterfall, described as a local secret. This is the 60-meter drop, and it gives you that classic waterfall feeling fast: mist in the air, cooler air around the falls, and a strong sense of scale.

You will not just look from afar. The plan is to enjoy the viewpoint, then spend time in the area in a way that fits a short stop. There is a safety element here too, since the water creates slippery spots. The tour style is practical, so you are guided on what to do and where to stand.

One small detail I like: the tour emphasizes that this is not a long hike day. That means your body stays fresher for the later swim. It also means you can spend more attention on the waterfall itself, rather than on the grind of getting there.

If you are the type who likes wildlife, bring that part of your brain too. People talk about seeing mountain goats in the surrounding area. Even if you do not spot one, the setting feels wild and dramatic in a way that city parks never do.

Montanejos Blue Lagoon: swimming in 25°C thermal water without the stress

This is the main event. You head to Montanejos for the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, where the water sits at about 25°C year-round. In plain terms, it is warm enough that you do not freeze, but it also does not feel like a kiddie pool. It is a thermal swim that feels relaxing, like a natural spa, but still outdoors.

To make the swim easier, the tour includes water shoes. That is huge value, because it reduces the worry about slippery rocks or uneven footing. It also helps you move to and from the water more confidently.

What should you bring? Swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. The tour provides water shoes, and guides help you with the flow of the day, including how to manage the water areas safely. Some people want a calm swim. Others want photos in the water. Either way, you are in a plan that supports both.

A practical note: the swim involves a bit of movement to reach and enjoy the water. It is not a rugged trek, but it is more than just stepping into a pool. If you are new to water sports or you are not a strong swimmer, go with the mindset of “slow and steady.” The tour has equipment and guide attention aimed at helping people feel comfortable.

Also, do not be surprised if your “first swim of the trip” adrenaline kicks in. People who come from hot Valencia summer afternoons often find the thermal water refreshing, even if it is warm. It is one of those rare activities where you leave feeling like you did something special, not just watched something.

Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat by the springs: a real break, not wasted time

Between waterfall time and canyon or dam views, you get a stop to reset at Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat by the springs. This is where you can chill after the swim and make the day feel less like a nonstop checklist.

The retreat is described as a cozy spot among olive trees. It is set up with changing rooms and clean bathrooms, plus a safe place for your gear. That helps when you are carrying your towel, phone, and sunscreen, and you do not want to keep juggling items during transitions.

You also get a sunny corner to relax. It might sound small, but these little comfort upgrades change the whole mood of a nature day. You are not just wet and cold, then rushed to the next viewpoint.

If you like the social side of group travel, this is also a good place to meet people. The tour has that friendly energy, and guides encourage interaction without forcing it.

Lunch in Montanejos: flexible, budget-friendly options

Food is not included, and that is okay because it keeps the trip cost honest. The tour plan points you toward budget-friendly lunch options, either at a snack bar near the springs or in Montanejos town.

My advice: decide your lunch style when you arrive. If you want quick and casual, you can grab something nearby. If you want a more sit-down local feel, Montanejos town is an option.

The good value here is that you are not left on your own. The guides guide you toward options that fit the day, so you spend less time hunting for food and more time enjoying the next stops.

If you bring your own food, you can do that too, but the retreat and timing make it easy to eat with the group when you want the social vibe.

Mijares River canyons: viewpoint photos with a calm pace

After lunch, you go for canyon views over the Mijares River. This is the “camera wow” part of the day. The goal is photos that look dramatic, without the stress of walking for hours.

The stop is set up as a photo stop plus sightseeing, with scenic views on the way. You are not required to do a long hike. You can take it slow, find a good angle, then move on when you are ready.

This is also where you start seeing the “why” of the tour. The waterfall gives you energy. The thermal swim gives you comfort. Then the canyon stop gives you scale, depth, and that sense of nature stretching out beyond the city.

If you care about getting pictures, this tour is helpful. Guides often take photos for the group, including moments in and around the water. That means you spend less time fiddling with your phone and more time being present.

Montanejos dam and reservoir: engineering meets serenity

The last big natural-and-human stop is the Montanejos dam and its reservoir. This is not only about views. You get to see how massive engineering shapes the landscape and creates a calm body of water where you can look out and just breathe.

It is a great ending because it feels reflective after the action of the swim and the canyon photography. The reservoir view gives a different mood than the waterfalls, and it is the kind of sight that makes you remember your day as a set, not separate moments.

Time-wise, the tour stays efficient, with short driving segments between stops and enough time at each location to enjoy it. You should plan for a solid day, but not a punishing one.

Transportation, timing, and what “minimal walking” really means

The day runs about 8 hours, with return to Estación del Norte by around 5:30 PM. Starting times vary, so you check availability for the exact departure, but the standard kickoff is 9:30 AM from the station.

Minimal walking is a big part of the appeal. This is not a challenging hike tour. You park close to each stop and you only walk short distances. In practice, that still means you should wear comfortable shoes, because you are moving on uneven outdoor ground and you will likely be standing and stepping around more than you think.

The minibus ride is air-conditioned, and that helps when Valencia weather changes or when you are moving between river areas and viewpoints. The tour runs rain or shine. In a place with over 300 sunny days a year, that weather resilience matters, and the tour has a track record of only canceling on rare occasions.

Water shoes, towel, sunscreen, and the rest of your day pack

Here is what you should bring based on the tour guidance:

• Comfortable shoes (for short outdoor walks)
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Comfortable clothes for between stops

Two practical tips from the way this day is built:

1) Treat the day like a swim day first, then sightseeing. That means towel and sunscreen are not optional.

2) Keep your water bottle accessible so you can hydrate between stops. The day is not long hikes, but it is outdoors all day.

The tour includes water shoes, which saves you from buying or renting them. It is also a safety win.

Guides and group vibe: friendly, photo-friendly, and not stiff

This tour is built around people, and the guide team seems to be a strength. Mike is the host energy. Guides such as Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia are repeatedly praised for being relaxed but professional, and for making the day fun instead of stiff.

Here is why that matters to you: in a nature day with swimming, the difference between okay and great is whether you feel comfortable. Guides help you with the water setup, encourage you without pressure, and keep the rhythm moving.

It also helps that guides take photos. That turns the trip from you doing everything on your own into a shared day where you still get control over your pace, but you also have someone helping you capture it.

The group stays small. Many departures feel intimate, which makes it easier for guides to manage everyone’s needs, especially around the swim.

Price and value: how $101 makes sense for this mix

At $101 per person, this is not a “cheap bus ride” kind of tour. You are paying for transport, a guided plan, and entry fees across multiple sites, plus water shoes and photos.

When you compare that to what it would cost to:

• Rent transport to Montanejos
• Pay for separate entries
• Deal with timing and route changes on your own

…you can see why the price can feel fair. The tour saves effort. It also saves planning stress, which is the kind of value you feel when you are tired after a swim and still want to see the dam and canyon viewpoints.

The food is not included, but that also keeps flexibility. You can pick snack bar lunch or town lunch depending on your mood and budget.

For me, the best value is the combination: waterfall time, thermal swimming, plus canyon and dam stops in a single day without heavy hiking.

Who should book this Valencia waterfalls and thermal springs tour

You should book if you want:

• A nature day outside Valencia with real water time
• Big sights in an efficient schedule
• A day that works with minimal walking
• Friendly guide support, plus photo help

You might skip it if you:

• Want a fully DIY adventure with zero group structure
• Are not comfortable being outdoors and wet or misty at least part of the day
• Hate swimming activities even if you can keep it light and slow

If you are traveling solo, with a couple, or as friends, this tour tends to feel social but not chaotic. The guides help break the ice, and the plan gives you shared moments without forcing constant conversation.

Should you book it? My take

If you are trying to choose one “nature plus comfort” day from Valencia, this is a strong option. The thermal springs at 25°C are a real treat, the Bridal Veil waterfall gives instant drama, and the canyons and Montanejos dam finish the day with big scenery that does not require a strenuous hike.

Book it if you want a smooth, guided day where you can focus on the places, not the logistics. Bring your swim kit, bring a towel, and expect a fun group energy that keeps the day moving and the mood light.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?

You meet at Estación del Norte in Valencia, and the tour typically starts at 9:30 AM and returns by about 5:30 PM. Duration is listed as 8 hours, and starting times vary based on availability.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet in front of the main entrance of Estación del Norte, near the big clock on the train station tower. Since there is construction in front of the station, pickup is just outside the gated area.

Do I need to swim, and what is the water temperature?

The tour includes time to swim in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs. The water temperature is listed as 25°C year-round.

Is the tour suitable if I do not want lots of walking?

Yes. The tour is described as minimal walking and designed so the vehicle parks close to each spot. It is suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water, plus comfortable clothes for the rest of the day.

What is included in the price, and is food included?

The price includes transportation, a guide, entry fees to the attractions, water shoes, and photos taken by the team. Food and drinks are not included.