Caves of San José
Explore Europe's longest navigable underground river on a boat tour through ancient Triassic-era caves near Valencia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Caves of San José
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Europe's longest navigable underground river on a boat tour through ancient Triassic-era caves near Valencia.
"A cool experience, beautiful and peaceful on your boat ride in the caves. "
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book online weeks in advance to secure your spot.
🚗 Arrive Early
Allow ample time for parking and potential queues, even with pre-booked tickets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Subterranean River Boat Ride
Underground river
Glide through Europe's longest navigable underground river on a guided boat tour.
Cave Formations
Inside the caves
Marvel at unique rock formations sculpted over millennia by the flowing river.
Triassic Era History
Cave interpretive areas
Learn about the ancient geological history of these Triassic-era caves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book online weeks in advance to secure your spot. +1
🚗 Arrive Early
Allow ample time for parking and potential queues, even with pre-booked tickets.
🌡️ Stay Cool Inside
The caves are a constant 66°F (19°C), perfect for escaping summer heat.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Limited photo time is permitted towards the end of the tour. Listen to your guide! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tickets sell out fast! Book online weeks in advance to secure your spot. +1
🚗 Arrive Early
Allow ample time for parking and potential queues, even with pre-booked tickets.
🌡️ Stay Cool Inside
The caves are a constant 66°F (19°C), perfect for escaping summer heat.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Limited photo time is permitted towards the end of the tour. Listen to your guide! +1
🗣️ Language Barrier
Tours are primarily in Spanish; English explanations may be brief. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique experience of boating through Europe's longest underground river and admire the ancient cave formations. While the tours are primarily in Spanish, the visual spectacle and cool, constant temperature make it a worthwhile day trip from Valencia. Some find the tour a bit uneventful and wish for more photo opportunities. +2
"Booked online and had a great time! Free parking available, and some are even covered. There are some bathrooms right next to the parking lot. On the way to the cove entrance, you’ll pass many stores, restaurants, snacks, so plenty of options to eat/shop. The tour itself was about 50 minutes. First part is a short boat ride for about 10-15 minutes, then you get off and walk a bit thru the cave for another 10-15 minutes, and then get on the same boat for the last part back. You can only take photos/videos towards the end, for about 5-10 minutes. The guide who is rowing the boat will let you know when you can use your phones. Water is mostly clear and shallow (1-2 meters deep). There are a few sections where the water goes deeper (around 11 meters) but the boat doesn’t pass on top of it. You do share the boat with other random people. Overall it was fun but mostly relaxing and uneventful. Wouldn’t do it a second time!"
Ricardo Albuquerque
"Great find! We couldn’t buy tickets online directly as they were sold out for weeks. I really wanted to go so we nearly paid €50+ euro’s per head but we didn’t need transfers as we had a rental car and was also travelling on from Valencia to Barcelona. In the end we was late leaving the Vila so didn’t book the excursion tour. We decided to go and see if we could get tickets in person. We were very lucky as got the last 4 tickets for the day. (It was around 12.45.pm) we went and had a nice slow lunch then went and got an icecream. We then had a look around the tourist shops and drove to the top of the mountain to check out the views. Then it was time to go back and go in the caves. They were fantastic. I would have loved to of been able to take more pictures though. Guide didn’t speak lots of English but she tried. Majority was only in Spanish. Didn’t help that when she did speak in English there was another family that was so loud you couldn’t tell what the lovely guide was saying. Facilities; lots of nice restaurants and food, clean toilets small kids play park. Shops and market stalls."
Lynsey Richardson
"The Caves of Saint Josep, I came here with a large group from our cruise ship for the day, we had a timed entry into the San Jose Caves. Each boat holds about 12 people and we went slowly through the water while the guide pointed out various formations. There was a short walkway too, in the middle of the tour. This is said to be "Europe's longest navigable underground river", which is the unique reason I took the tour! It was quite enjoyable and I can recommend it."
Eileen Weed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Caves of San José are about an hour's drive from Valencia. Many visitors rent a car for flexibility, and there's free parking available, some of which is covered. +1 Public transport options might involve buses, but driving is generally recommended for ease.
Yes, there is free parking available near the cove entrance, with some covered spots. +1
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination from Valencia, offering a unique natural experience.
Navigate towards the town of La Vall d'Uixó. The caves are well-signposted from the town center. Use GPS for precise directions.
While driving is most convenient, research local bus routes from Valencia to La Vall d'Uixó. You may need to take a taxi from the bus station to the caves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, as they often sell out weeks ahead. +1 If you're lucky, you might be able to get last-minute tickets in person, but this is not guaranteed.
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around €10-€15 per adult. Group tours might have different pricing. Check the official website for current rates.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and operating days.
It's possible but risky. Tickets often sell out well in advance. Arriving very early in the morning might increase your chances of securing same-day tickets.
Check the booking confirmation for specific instructions. Some providers may accept digital tickets on your phone, while others might require a printed copy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves a 50-minute experience, starting with a 10-15 minute boat ride, followed by a short walk through the cave, and then another boat ride back. Guides row the boats and point out formations.
Photography is usually restricted but permitted for a short period (5-10 minutes) towards the end of the tour. Your guide will indicate when it's okay to use your phone. +1
The caves maintain a consistent cool temperature of 66°F (19°C) year-round, making them a pleasant escape from the heat.
The boat ride is generally calm and shallow (1-2 meters deep), but there are deeper sections. It's a relaxing experience, though some find it uneventful.
Tours are primarily conducted in Spanish. While guides may offer brief explanations in English, it's not guaranteed to be comprehensive. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many stores, restaurants, and snack options along the path to the cove entrance, offering plenty of choices. +1
It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into the cave tour itself. However, there are ample dining facilities outside the caves.
You'll find a variety of options, from local Spanish cuisine to casual snacks and refreshments, catering to different tastes.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of numerous restaurants and snack bars suggests that casual dining and perhaps picnic-style meals are accommodated in the surrounding area.
Definitely. Many visitors choose to have a leisurely lunch before or after their cave excursion, given the abundance of eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally restricted to a specific period towards the end of the boat tour. Your guide will announce when it's permissible to take pictures. +1
Yes, you can use your phone for photos during the designated photo time. Ensure your device is secure as you'll be on a boat.
Yes, group photos are often taken as you enter the tour and are available for purchase at a fair price.
You can capture images of the unique cave formations and the subterranean river. The lighting inside can be challenging, so be prepared.
Given the limited opportunity, it's best to focus on enjoying the experience. If you do take photos, make them count during the allowed time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware that the tour commentary is primarily in Spanish, so younger children might not grasp the historical context. However, the visual experience of boating through a cave is often captivating enough. Consider purchasing the group photo as a fun souvenir of the family's adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, focus on the natural wonder of the caves themselves. The boat tour is the main attraction, and while the photo purchase is optional, it's reasonably priced if you want a memento.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While professional photos are available, capturing your own unique shots during the brief photo window can be rewarding. Consider the angle and composition beforehand to make the most of the opportunity. Remember that safety on the boat is paramount, so ensure your equipment is secure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of San José Caves
Visitors are taken on a guided boat tour through a portion of this vast system. The water is generally clear and shallow, allowing for a peaceful journey. However, the guides navigate through sections that can reach depths of around 11 meters, showcasing the varied topography of the underground riverbed. The rock formations within the caves are a result of mineral deposits and the slow, steady work of water, creating intricate shapes and structures that have captivated visitors for decades.
While the exact discovery date is debated, significant exploration and opening to the public occurred in the mid-20th century, with more intensive study in the 1960s. This relatively recent exploration of such an ancient natural formation highlights how much of our planet's history lies hidden beneath the surface. The ongoing discovery of its true size and extent underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect this natural heritage.
Navigating the Tour Experience
Guides, who are often locals with deep knowledge of the caves, row the boats and provide commentary. However, a common point of feedback is that the tours are predominantly in Spanish, with English explanations being brief or limited.
Photography is a key aspect for many visitors, but it's important to note the restrictions. While there's a designated period towards the end of the tour where photos are allowed, it's brief.
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