Caves of San Jose Boat Tour from Valencia

The Caves of San Jose and Europe's longest underground river

The Caves of San Jose, known in Valencian as Coves de Sant Josep, are a natural wonder beneath the town of Vall d'Uixo in the province of Castellon. A river runs through the rock for around three kilometres, making it the longest navigable underground river in Europe, and visitors travel along part of it by boat.

The caves have a constant temperature of around 20°C, so they are refreshing in summer and comfortable in winter. Your guide gives an introduction to the cave system before you enter. If you are asking whether the Caves of San Jose are worth visiting, the combination of a boat ride through the rock and the unusual scenery makes it one of the most memorable half-day trips from Valencia.

The boat trip through the underground river

Inside, you board a small boat and glide along the water through low chambers and tall galleries. Around 850 metres of the visit is by boat, and the guide-boatman points out key spots along the way. Look up to see stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and stalagmites and rock formations shaped over thousands of years.

Commentary on the boat may be in Spanish, while your English-speaking guide explains the caves before and after. Photos are allowed only in designated areas, and flash photography is not permitted, in order to protect the cave fauna. The trip suits families, and there is no swimming.

The dry gallery walk and free time in Vall d'Uixo

After the boat you leave the water and walk about 200 metres through the dry gallery, where stone walls and formations are lit for visitors. In total you explore around one kilometre of the caves on the tour. The walk is short and easy but includes steps, so wear shoes with good grip.

Before the bus returns to Valencia there is about 30 minutes of free time in the area. You can see traces of the Iberian archaeological sites nearby, have a coffee or browse the souvenir shop. Because the caves are inside, the trip takes place rain or shine, and opening hours can change.

From Valencia to the caves: pickup points and timing

The town of Vall d'Uixo lies about 40 minutes by road north of Valencia. If you are searching for how to get to the Caves of San Jose from Valencia, this half-day trip removes the need for a car. The standard option picks up at Torres de Serranos, next to the stairs up the towers, and other options use NH Valencia Center, Ciudad de la Justicia or the cruise terminal.

The trip lasts about four hours, with departures in the morning and around midday, depending on the date. You receive a confirmation message the day before with the exact pickup time. Food and drinks and tips are not included, but you may bring your own snacks.