Water in the mountains can feel magical.

This Valencia outing ties together Sierra de Espadán’s famous Black Lagoon pool and Montanejos healing waters, then adds canyon and reservoir scenery so the day never feels like one long swim break. I like that the pacing builds from water time into viewpoints, so you’re not stuck only doing one thing all day.

Two stand-out parts for me are the chance to swim in the Black Lagoon’s clear, spring-fed water and the time at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where mineral-rich waters (notably sulfate and zinc) are part of a long tradition of well-being. One thing to keep in mind is that a chunk of the day is outdoors, and you’ll want to be ready for cool, slippery, and potentially crowded-on-the-day conditions at natural water spots.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Black Lagoon swim stops in Sierra de Espadán, including optional cliff jumping for braver spirits
• Mineral springs at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos with sulfate and zinc noted in the experience
• Small group size (max 8), so your guide can steer you to better spots and keep the day moving
• Canyon viewpoint time at Screeching Bird Canyon over the Mijares River
• Arenós Reservoir finish with views that highlight the dam’s scale and the calm water around it

Sierra de Espadán and the Black Lagoon pool

The day starts in Sierra de Espadán, heading to what locals describe with a dramatic name: the Black Lagoon. From the start, you get the contrast right away. The water can look dark and mysterious from the shaded surroundings, but it’s crystal clear and fed by mountain springs, so it feels clean and fresh once you’re in.

This stop is set up as more than a quick photo stop. You’ll get time to swim, explore around the pool area, and choose how adventurous you want to be. If you want the adrenaline version, there’s an option for a cliff jump, but it’s framed as optional, not mandatory. That matters because it lets you judge the moment based on water conditions and your comfort level.

Practical note: bring a plan for getting your bearings fast. Natural pools can make it easy to lose track of time in the water, and the sun can shift quickly in mountain terrain. I recommend you do one slow look first—where you’ll enter, where you can sit safely, and where you’ll dry off before you start swimming in earnest.

Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: healing water time

After the Black Lagoon, the mood changes from cool water fun to a more relaxing soak. The tour heads to Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural spring area known for waters with minerals like sulfate and zinc. The experience is presented as a tradition people have valued for centuries, with claims of therapeutic and anti-aging benefits.

Even if you’re skeptical, the sensation is still the point. This is time to get in and let the water do its work—floating, swimming, or simply soaking while the limestone cliffs and greenery surround you. It feels like a natural spa layout, not a man-made pool with strict lanes.

One possible drawback here is also the most obvious one: mineral water can be noticeable on skin and hair. You can deal with this easily. Rinse when you can, and plan on changing back into dry clothes afterward. Since your towel is included, you can keep it simple—dry off, then focus on the next leg of the day.

Montanejos lunch at Bar Mijares (and why it fits)

A good tour lunch is rare. Here, lunch time is built in around Montanejos with a specific stop at Bar Mijares. You’ll have about 1.5 hours, which is a real chunk, not a rushed grab-and-go window.

The best part is the tone: home-cooked flavors and a welcoming atmosphere with Teresa at the helm. You’re not being herded into a loud, timed production. Instead, it’s framed as a calm pause after a morning of water. In other words, it gives your body time to cool down and your head time to reset.

Important to know for value: lunch meals and drinks are not included. The experience still helps you by steering you to a local spot and giving you time to eat. I’d budget for a straightforward meal and keep expectations realistic. You’re paying for the day’s routes and natural sights; you’re paying separately for lunch.

Screeching Bird Canyon: photos and quiet scale

In the afternoon, you shift from soaking to viewing. The tour heads to Mijares canyon country, specifically Screeching Bird Canyon, shaped by the Mijares River over time. The time at this stop is short—about 15 minutes—but the payoff is scale.

You’ll take in a viewpoint with sweeping views of tall cliffs, rugged rock forms, and the river far below. The canyon’s name comes from echoing bird calls, so if conditions align, you might catch those sounds while you look out over the gorge. Even without the bird moment, the setting gives you a strong sense of how the river carved this place into something dramatic.

Because the time is tight, don’t waste your first minute looking for the best angle. Choose your direction quickly: pick a view spot, take photos early, and then slow down. Mountain light can change fast, and you’ll be glad you captured the broad shots first.

Arenós Reservoir and the dam that changes the view

The final stop brings you to water again, but now it’s water shaped by people. The tour ends at Arenós Reservoir, tied to the Arenoso Dam. You’ll be at a viewpoint area with time to breathe it all in and snap final pictures before heading back.

The numbers matter here: the dam is described as roughly 50 meters deep and about 7 kilometers long. That’s a big engineering statement, but the experience frames it in balance with the natural surroundings around the reservoir. The water reflects cliffs and open sky in a way that feels calmer than the earlier pool scenes.

This is your last stretch, so it’s also where fatigue starts to show. The stop is short (about 20 minutes), which keeps the itinerary from dragging. If you want one last swim day photo, this is where it makes sense—put on a show of calm even if you’re tired. It’s a good place to end.

Small-group energy: why max 8 works so well

One of the clearest signals in the experience design is the group size: maximum 8 travelers. That changes the whole rhythm of a day like this. Natural water spots can be chaotic when large crowds arrive at once. With fewer people, you’re more likely to get smoother time in the water and more flexibility to move around safely.

The guide also plays a big role. One review highlights Kiumars, described as enthusiastic and speaking six languages. Even if you don’t care about language, the practical impact is easy to understand: when the guide can explain clearly, you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the day. Small groups also tend to mean more questions and fewer awkward moments standing around.

Another thing I like about this kind of setup: it pushes you off the heavy tourist routes without making the day feel chaotic. You’re not wandering around alone. You get structure, and you still get the feel of finding places that don’t show up on every crowded bus route.

Price and value: what $180.62 buys you

At $180.62 per person for about 8 to 9 hours, the price feels fair when you look at what’s included. The tour covers entrance fees and includes essentials for the water: watershoes and a towel. Those two items sound small, but they matter in real life. Bringing the wrong shoes for slick natural areas can ruin the day, and drying off without a plan gets old fast.

Also included: admission for some stops and entrance fees overall. Lunch is not included, so you’re still paying for your meal. But you’re not paying separately for every sight along the way.

If you’re trying to compare value, here’s a simple way to think about it: you’re paying for a full day of transportation between multiple natural attractions plus the admission costs plus the gear support. The small-group size (max 8) also has a hidden value. You often get better use of your time when the day isn’t stretched by big crowds.

Getting ready: what to pack for water, cliffs, and sun

You’ll be in and around natural water twice in a meaningful way—Black Lagoon and the mineral spring area. Since watershoes and a towel are included, you can pack lighter than you might expect. Still, you’ll want to come prepared for how outdoor days feel in Spain.

My practical packing list:

• Swimwear you feel good in (you may change after)
• A light layer for after water time
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, because the day mixes sun breaks with reflective water
• A small bag for damp items once you’re done

Also think about footwear beyond the included watershoes. You’ll be walking between viewpoint areas and moving through the day outside. Comfortable, grip-friendly shoes help you feel steady and relaxed, especially when surfaces can be slick.

Finally, plan your phone use. This is a photo day: canyon viewpoints, reservoir reflections, and pool shots. Keep one charging strategy in mind—cold water and constant snaps can drain battery faster than you expect.

Who this tour suits best

This is ideal if you want a Valencia-area day trip that’s more active than a museum circuit, but not so intense that you’ll dread the next stop. You’ll enjoy it most if you like natural water, open viewpoints, and a guide who helps you find the best angles and swim spots.

It’s also a strong match for people who prefer smaller groups. The itinerary works because you get time to breathe at each stop: swim first, soak second, eat third, then shift to canyon and reservoir views.

One more fit check: the experience is offered in English, and it says most travelers can participate. Still, if you have specific mobility or balance concerns, you’ll want to consider how natural steps, uneven paths, and water edges might affect you.

Should you book this Black Lagoon and Healing Waters tour?

I’d book it if you want a day that mixes three kinds of beauty: clear mountain water, mineral-soaked relaxation, and big scenic viewpoints. The inclusion of watershoes and a towel, plus entrance fees, lowers the friction cost of doing it the easy way. Add the max 8 group size and you get a day that feels guided but not crowded.

Skip it if you’re the type who wants only long relaxing stops. This day includes swimming time, yes, but it also moves quickly through viewpoints and ends with a relatively short reservoir stop. It’s a full day, not a slow float all day.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the simplest decision rule: if you’d use the waters and actually enjoy being in the water, this trip is worth it. If water spots don’t interest you, you’ll probably feel the time in canyon and reservoir is too short to justify the price.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Art Modern Institute Museum of Valencia, C/ de Guillem de Castro, 118, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour begin and how long is it?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour runs about 8 to 9 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Entrance fees are included, along with watershoes and a towel.

Is lunch included?

Lunch meals and drinks are not included. You’ll have time to stop for lunch, and it’s recommended to choose a regular local lunch spot.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. There is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.