A waterfall day with a real swim break. This tour strings together Bridal Veil and Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon in one low-stress 8-hour outing with a guide who also helps you get photos. Guides like Mike, Siobhan, and Morgane keep the day moving, but not rushed, and they make it easy to meet new people fast.

I love the chance to swim in the warm-feeling springs without the hassle of renting a car or figuring out local transport. You also get serious value from the included water shoes and the fact that the guides take group photos so you can actually enjoy the water time.

One drawback to plan for: food and drinks are not included, so you will want to budget for lunch on the day and bring what you need for your swim.

Key things I found most interesting

• 4 nature stops, close-up style: You park near each site, so it feels more like exploring than hiking.
• 25°C Blue Lagoon swimming: Year-round thermal water makes the swim the main event, not a quick dip.
• 60m Bridal Veil waterfall drama: Mist, steep drops, and the option to shower under the falls if you dare.
• Nomad Soul Retreat convenience: Changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a place for your gear, and a shady or sunny spot to reset.
• Photo help is part of the experience: Guides often take photos and videos for the group, including in and around the water.
• A small-group vibe: The day is designed for personal attention, with feedback showing groups around a dozen.

How this tour feels: four big moments in one easy day

This is a nature day that doesn’t demand you train for it first. The tour is built around four standout outdoor stops, with short stretches on foot and lots of time spent at the viewpoints and water areas where you actually want to be. If you like scenery plus a real activity, the swim turns the day into something more memorable than a standard sightseeing loop.

The pacing also matters. Instead of a long trek, you get frequent “arrive, look around, take photos, do the main activity, then move on” rhythm. That makes it a strong fit if you are traveling with mixed fitness levels, or if you want to see more than one place without starting the day with blisters.

Meeting at Estación del Norte and getting out of the city fast

The day starts at Estación del Norte, in front of the main entrance near the station tower with the big clock. There is construction happening in front of the station, so your pickup happens just outside the gated area. It is simple once you know what to look for.

From there, you board a new air-conditioned minibus. That detail is not glamorous, but in Valencia heat it is huge. You spend less time baking and more time arriving ready for the water, the viewpoints, and the waterfall mist.

Guides on this tour speak English, and they can also speak French or Spanish. Dutch is listed as available on request. In real life, that means you are not stuck guessing, and the day stays clear even if you have questions about what to do at the swim spots.

Bridal Veil waterfall, 60 meters of mist and nerve

The first major stop is the 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall, a local secret that people here seem to enjoy without making it a theme park. Expect mist in your face, slippery rock zones near the water edge, and a setting that feels dramatic even before you get close.

You can admire the falls from the viewing areas and, if you want to go further, you can try a shower under the waterfall itself. The best way I can describe this moment is as a sensory reset. One minute you are in the middle of a guided day, the next you are listening to the roar, feeling the spray, and noticing how the surroundings frame the water.

There is also an element of wildlife interest, with sightings like mountain goats along the ridge mentioned in the experience details. Even if you do not see them, the ridge views give you that “how is this so close to a city?” feeling.

Montanejos Blue Lagoon: the swim that makes the day worth it

Now for the main attraction: Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs. The water sits around 25°C year-round, which is warm enough that a swim feels comfortable in most seasons. That said, water temperature is personal. If you are very sensitive to cooler water, you might still prefer a slower entry and a shorter swim the first time.

What you will appreciate is that the tour supports you so the swim is not stressful. Water shoes are included, and that matters here because you want stable footing around wet surfaces. You are not scrambling for rentals, and you are less likely to slip while walking from changing areas to the water.

At the springs, you can also experience a spout that fires powerful blasts of water. It is one of those moments you do not get from a typical beach day. It turns the springs into an interactive stop, and it gives you something to watch besides just floating.

The Nomad Soul Retreat setup makes changing easier

Right by the springs is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, described as a cozy base among olive trees. It includes changing rooms, clean bathrooms, and a safe place to store your gear. You also get a sunny spot to chill afterward.

This is one of those details you only appreciate once you have been wet for a while. Being able to dry off, reset your stuff, and not hunt for facilities is a big part of why this day feels smooth.

The canyon and dam stops: photos, scale, and a change of pace

After the swim and lunch break, the tour shifts from water fun to viewpoint moments. You head to a lookout over the Mijares River canyons for photos and sightseeing. This is a short time stop, about 15 minutes in the plan, so you get enough time for a few solid shots and then move on.

You are likely to notice two things at this point:

1. The scale. Canyons look dramatic when you are standing above them.
2. The light. Afternoon sun can make the rock tones pop, which is great for photos.

Finally, you reach Montanejos dam and reservoir, another big “wow” moment where nature and engineering meet. The dam gives you a sense of scale that a waterfall alone cannot. It is calm on the surface, and that contrast makes the earlier roar feel even more intense.

One helpful element: the tour is described as having minimal walking. That means these stops still feel doable even if you have knee issues or you are not traveling with the hiking mindset. You are close to the spots, which is exactly what you want on a day that already includes swimming.

Timing, group size, and how to plan your energy

This is an 8-hour tour, and it runs rain or shine. Valencia gets plenty of sunny days, and the experience notes say cancellations have been rare over a long run. Still, you should be ready for weather changes, especially because the day includes wet areas and outdoor viewpoints.

Expect to depart around 9:30 AM and return by about 5:30 PM. That schedule is long enough for a real day out, but not so long that you feel trapped. It also works well as a one-day “see the countryside” add-on during a city trip.

Group size is kept small. Reviews and experience details point to a personal feel, with people around a dozen in some groups. That matters because it keeps the minibus, photo timing, and swim logistics from turning into chaos.

In practice, it helps that the guides coordinate the day closely and keep the group together. Many guests highlight that everything ran on timetable, and that the guides were calm and organized.

What to bring: the practical packing list that prevents day-wreck

Bring the basics and you will have an easy time:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (the experience keeps walking minimal, but you will still walk)
• Water
• Comfortable clothes for between stops

You do get water shoes included, but shoes on the viewpoint paths still matter. Think traction and comfort, not fashion.

If you are bringing your own food, that is an option. But in most cases, you will want to plan for lunch where the guide directs you, since food and drinks are not included.

Price and value: why $101 can make sense here

At about $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a half day. But it can be good value when you price it the way a visitor actually experiences it.

You are paying for:

• Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minibus
• A live guide
• Entry fees for the natural sites
• Water shoes included
• Photos taken for the group

If you were to do this on your own, you would likely spend time and money just getting around, especially because Montanejos and the surrounding natural spots are not as straightforward by public transport. The tour structure also saves you decision fatigue. You do not have to pick which sites are worth it, manage driving, or negotiate timing between stops.

Is it worth it? For me, the key is that the swim is not optional and it is not a “quick stop.” The day is built around the thermal springs and then supports it with the waterfall and viewpoints. If that is what you want, the price is easier to justify.

Who should book, and who should reconsider

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A guided day outside the city with low walking and close stops
• A real swim in thermal springs
• A day that works for solo travelers, couples, and friend groups
• Clear coordination and photo help so you are not stuck behind your camera all day

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want a long hiking experience. This is not that kind of tour.
• You hate being in wet environments for part of the day. The swim and waterfall mist are part of the package.
• You want food included. You will pay for lunch and drinks on your own.

Fitness-wise, the minimal walking and easy paths make it friendlier for people with mobility concerns. That said, you should still be comfortable with some steps and uneven natural ground.

The guides make the difference, and it shows

The experience details emphasize that guides lead the day, and multiple names come up in the provided information: Mike, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, Anna, Sofia, and Ana. You should not expect the tour to feel robotic, because the guides are described as engaging, supportive, and good at keeping the group moving at a comfortable pace.

A standout theme is safety and encouragement, especially around the swim stops. Some reviews also mention equipment provided for comfort if you are not a confident swimmer, and that the team helps you feel at ease.

Another strong theme is photography. Guides take photos for the group, and they help people capture the moment without needing to juggle a camera or phone at the wrong time.

Should you book Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs with Swimming?

Book it if you want a complete day outdoors with a built-in swim and a waterfall you can feel. The tour does the heavy lifting for you: transport, entry fees, water shoes, and guidance at each stop, plus photo help. It is a smart choice when you want nature time without the stress of logistics.

Skip it if you are mainly seeking a slow, contemplative hike or you hate planning for lunch and drinks. You will also want to be comfortable being outdoors in wet conditions, since the waterfall mist and thermal springs are core parts of the experience.

If you are trying to decide between this and a generic day tour, the swim experience is the deciding factor. This one gives you a genuine activity, not just photos.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

What time does the tour start?

The schedule starts around 9:30 AM, but starting times can vary, so you should check availability.

Is swimming included, and what should I bring?

Swimming is part of the experience. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Water shoes are provided.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and the guide will suggest places to eat.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, it runs rain or shine.

What languages are available for the guide?

English is available, and French and Spanish are listed too. Dutch can be available on request.