EUROPE'S LONGEST NAVIGABLE UNDERGROUND RIVER

Caves of San José

The Cuevas de San José in Valencia: a natural wonder full of mystery

Located in the heart of the Vall d’Uixó, the Cuevas de San José are a natural spectacle like no other. This system of caves is home to the longest navigable underground river in Europe, 3000 metres long, where history and geology merge to create a stunning subterranean landscape.

The tour is one kilometre long: 850 metres by boat, accompanied by a professional guide, and 250 metres on foot. Inside you will see wide galleries, ceilings covered with stalactites and rooms known as “the cathedral” or “the bat room”.

We will explain the origins of the Cuevas de San José and how they have evolved over the years. You will also be able to enjoy stunning views of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park from an ancient Iberian settlement located just above the entrance to the caves.

Please note that the guide boatman does not usually speak English or Italian, so our official guide will give you all the information you need before you start the tour. If you have any questions along the way, they will be happy to answer them at the end of the tour.

The Cuevas de San José are a treasure hidden in the depths, with many secrets yet to be revealed. Dare to enter them with Valencia&Go. Your adventure begins here!

Transportation and entrance fees to the Caves of San José included

We take care of everything so you can enjoy a stress-free day.

▶ Morning departures (daily):

Choose your most convenient pickup location:

8:00 AM – NH Valencia Center Hotel
8:15 AM – Torres de Serranos (next to the stairs leading up the towers)
8:30 AM – In front of the City of Justice (near the City of Arts and Sciences), Avenida del Profesor López Piñero, 14

▶ Afternoon departures (Tuesdays & Fridays only):
A relaxed option if you’re not a morning person.

1:00 PM – NH Valencia Center Hotel
1:15 PM – Torres de Serranos (next to the stairs leading up the towers)
1:30 PM – In front of the City of Justice (near the City of Arts and Sciences), Avenida del Profesor López Piñero, 14

📌 Don’t forget to indicate your preferred pickup point when booking.

After about a 45-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the gateway to the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park: that’s right — the Cuevas de San José are one of its entrances.

FAQs

How long does the regular boat tour take in total?

– From when we start pickups in Valencia until we return from the caves, the estimated duration is around 4 hours, though the exact time depends on group size and pickup locations. We don’t usually exceed 4 hours.

How long does the speleo-kayak activity take in total?

– This activity lasts longer than the regular tour. You’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before the experience, and the in‑cave kayaking lasts 1 h 45 min. The full duration is approximately 4–5 hours.

What will the cave tour be like?

– Regular boat tour:
From pickup to return to Valencia, you’ll have an official Valencia&Go guide in Spanish and English (also in Italian and Polish the operational days) who’ll share key information about Valencia and the wonders, history, and curiosities of the Caves of San José.
Once you reach the caves, you’ll board a boat, guided by a boatman (possibly Spanish‑only), who’ll highlight the main natural features.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Valencia&Go guide at the cave exit.

– Speleo‑kayak tour:
From pickup to return, you’ll be accompanied by the same official bilingual guide sharing insights about Valencia and the caves.
Upon arrival, you’ll prepare with a skilled adventure-sports instructor who’ll guide you through the caves by kayak, providing extra curiosities (possibly Spanish‑only).
For any questions, the Valencia&Go guide at the exit will be happy to assist.

Will we have time to swim in the river?

– Regular tour: No, is not allowed to swim.
– Speleo‑kayak: Yes, there is a section where you can swim.

Are snacks included?

– No food or snacks are included, but you’ll have a few minutes to grab coffee and toast at nearby cafés.

If I arrive by cruise ship, can you pick us up at the terminal?

– Yes. Select the “cruise terminal pickup” option to join a smaller group and enjoy a panoramic Valencia tour with more city insights.

Is it cold inside the caves?

– The caves maintain a constant 20 °C (68 °F) year-round. It feels cool in summer and pleasant in winter. We recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater.

What is the exact pickup location?

– The day before, we will send you a WhatsApp message (or email if you don’t have) with the exact pickup details and a Google Maps pin.

What clothes should I wear?

– Comfortable clothing.

Can I eat or drink during the tour?

– You may bring food, but eating or drinking on the bus or inside the cave is not allowed.

Will we have free time?

– You’ll have 30 minutes of free time for restrooms, cafés, and souvenir shops.

📸 Can I take photos inside the caves?

Yes, you may take photos only in designated areas and always with the boatman/guide’s permission. For safety and to protect the cave fauna, flash photography is not allowed. Some tunnel sections are narrow or low—stay alert and avoid distractions with your camera.

What have I booked?

– Regular San José caves tour: Transport from several pickup points + official bilingual guide + booking management (bus + guide + booking — so you only worry about enjoying yourself!).
– Regular tour with cruise‑terminal pickup: Premium cruise terminal pickup, smaller group, panoramic Valencia tour + bilingual guide + booking management.
– Speleo‑kayak: Transport from pickup points + bilingual guide + kayak equipment + kayaking instructor + booking management.

Do we return to Valencia after visiting the caves?

– Regular tour: return to the same location as pickup.
– Cruise pickup: return to cruise terminal.
– Speleo‑kayak: return to the same pickup point.

If I check out of the hotel with luggage, can I bring it on the bus?

– Yes, but only cabin‑sized luggage or small backpacks. Please inform us in advance to ensure space.

If I drive to the Torres de Serranos meeting point, where can I park?

– There’s a cost‑effective parking lot, less than 10 minutes’ walk away: Parking la Torreta.

If I take public transport, how do I reach the meeting point?

– NH Valencia Center: EMT Metro stop “Turia” (lines 1 & 2), bus C2 or 95 (Bus Station).
– Torres de Serranos: closest to the city centre. Bus lines L1, L2, L3, 28, 95, C1.
– Ciudad de la Justicia: closest to the City of Arts and Sciences. Bus lines L191, 13, 14, 25, 95, Tram stop “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” (line 10).

CRUISE TERMINAL PICKUP

Visiting the Cuevas de San José from the cruise ship terminal

If you are arriving on a cruise and want to visit the Cuevas de San José, Valencia&Go offers you the most practical and quickest solution.

Our service includes:

Exclusive pick up at the cruise terminal.
Small group transportation.
Official local guide.
Entrance to the Cuevas de San José.
45-minute panoramic city tour of Valencia on the way back from the caves.

Enjoy a different kind of excursion in one of the most impressive natural sites in the Community of Valencia, and discover the city with a first-class panoramic view before saying goodbye.

Timetable: departure at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Pick up: Moll de Ponent, Trasmed Terminal (at the main door, where the customer parking is located).

Price: 95€/person

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Pickup time is approximate; We will send a message via WhatsApp one day before the activity to confirm the time and place.

It is crucial to provide a valid phone number; We are not responsible if there are errors in the number and the information is not received.

It is suggested to download WhatsApp, a free and easy-to-use application. If you do not have WhatsApp, we will send the information by email to guarantee its reception.

*Italian groups operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

*Polish groups operate on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Do you have any doubts? We solve them by WhatsApp or if you prefer

REQUESTS INFORMATION

For this activity, the group must have a minimum of 4 people in total. You do not need to book all the places, as you can join an existing group.
If we do not reach the minimum we will offer another day, another similar activity or a full refund.

Purchase conditions

Once the order has been formalized, that is, with the acceptance of the General Purchase Conditions and confirmation of the purchase process, we will always send an email to the Customer confirming the details of the purchase made.

Valencia&Go will accept cancellations of orders under the conditions indicated to continuation. To make the cancellation you must request it by sending an e-mail to reservas@valenciaandgo.com.

You must bear in mind that:

– Reservations for walking tours, excursions, and experiences can be canceled or modified up to 24 hours in advance. The tailor-made experiences have special conditions (check general conditions)

– We do not accept changes or cancellations with less than 24 hours (except for force majeure such as: cruises that cannot dock, canceled flights or disabling illness with medical proof from the same day of the excursion)

– We will not be held responsible if the clients don’t arrive at the meeting point in reached in time, and we will not reimburse the amounts paid. Even when the direction provided by the client is not correct.

– The tours and excursions have a minimum number of participants of 4 people, if we do not reach the minimum we will offer another day to carry out the activity or we will proceed to reimburse it.

– Exceptions: exclusively for the activities of Excursion to Cave Paintings and Treasure Hunt, the minimum required to be able to carry out the activity will be 6 people. For the Excursion to Tabarca Island it will be 8 people. The snow getaway is for groups of minimum 25 people (check general conditions)

All reserved and paid products may be changed due to force majeure (bad weather, overbooking...), as long as the cancellation is caused by Valencia&Go, the client will receive the full money.

Valencia&Go will not be responsible for errors caused in the client's collection when the email address, telephone number or collection address entered by the Client in the reservation form does not correspond to reality or has been omitted.

The Customer must check that all the purchase data are correct, a once the purchase has been confirmed. If you find an error, you must notify us immediately so that we can make the necessary corrections. Valencia&Go will not be responsible for the errors committed by the client when selecting the product and the desired date.

Consequently, the client will only have the right to complain about imperfections when he has fulfilled his obligations of examination and claim of errors, whenever he exercises his action within 24 hours after the confirmation of the purchase, and always, at least 24 hours before the date confirmed in the wrong product. Once this period has elapsed, the client will lose any right to claim, understanding the product received in full compliance.

GO TO TERMS OF PURCHASE