Night swims in Spain feel like science fiction.

In Montanejos, you float in a softly lit thermal river under the stars, and it’s the kind of quiet, sensory experience that doesn’t show up in your average Valencia itinerary. I love the small-group setup (max 8), which keeps things calm and personal, and I also love the mix of sunset viewing plus the actual starry swim. One thing to consider: this is a nighttime water experience, so it’s not for non-swimmers (and it’s also not wheelchair accessible).

Kiumars, your guide, keeps the vibe friendly and the safety serious. He’s there the whole time, and you get swim help as needed, plus individual gear like waterproof swim shoes and lighting equipment so you can move confidently in the dark. The whole day runs about 6 hours, so plan on a true evening out, not a quick stop.

What makes this special is the way the route builds atmosphere before you ever hit the water. You’ll work from viewpoints and canyon echoes into a warm-water swim at Fuente de los Baños, then you’ll finish with time to eat in town before the ride back to Valencia.

Quick hits before you book

• Small group, up to 8 people means you’re not herded, and the guide can actually pay attention.
• Thermal water year-round (19–21°C / 66–70°F) makes winter swims realistic, not just romantic.
• Fuente de los Baños at night uses lighting gear and underwater flashlights to help you feel safe and see what’s around you.
• Arenoso Dam sunset adds a big sky moment before the stargazing starts.
• Valley of the Screaming Birds (Chillapájaros) turns a walk into an eerie, memorable soundscape.
• Photos included means you can focus on the experience instead of playing photographer in the dark.

Montanejos at night: why this feels so different

Montanejos is known for its natural water, but at night it turns into something else. The big draw here isn’t a quick photo moment—it’s the feeling of drifting in warm water while the sky darkens overhead.

I like that the experience is built like a slow on-ramp. You start with viewpoints and scenery, then you head into the river area when it’s fully nighttime. That pacing matters because it helps your body relax before you’re floating in the dark.

And yes, the star factor is real. With a clear night sky and lighting designed for the water, the swim becomes both calming and oddly magical—like your brain is catching up to what your senses are already doing.

Meeting in Valencia and getting to the thermal river (without stress)

You’ll meet right by Serranos Towers in Valencia, with your guide easy to spot by a red floating noodle. From there, you’ll connect with transport for the drive out to Montanejos.

This kind of trip is easier than DIY for one reason: everything is timed. You’re not trying to coordinate a ride, find the right access point after dark, and figure out where to stop for sunset. With a guide handling the flow, you can just show up and follow the plan.

Also, small group matters more than people think. If you’re in a group that’s too large, the whole evening turns into waiting your turn. With up to 8 people, it feels like a shared adventure rather than a schedule you survive.

The pre-swim route: secret photo stops and dam sunset time

Before the water, the day gives you multiple chances to look, pause, and take photos. One early stop is a secret photo stop en route (about 40 minutes), where you’re set up for scenic viewing while the light is still good.

Then you move into Montanejos with another photo-and-sightseeing window (around 40 minutes). This is where you get a sense of the town’s natural setting before the heavier evening moment begins.

The big sky payoff is the Arenoso Dam sunset stop. You’ll watch orange and pink tones spread across the sky, with the dam area serving as a quiet viewing point. If you care about photos, this is when you’ll want to be camera-ready, because the mood shifts fast once it gets darker.

Practical note: this is late afternoon into evening, so dress in layers. You’ll be standing around at viewpoints before you’re moving in water.

Waterfall calm and the eerie canyon of Chillapájaros

One of the first stops after arrival is a secluded waterfall. It’s not just scenery for scenery’s sake. The sound of cascading water helps you settle into a more nature-based rhythm before the river swim.

Then comes the Valley of the Screaming Birds, a dramatic-feeling area where bird calls echo through the canyon. The experience highlights the atmospheric soundscape—often described with the name Chillapájaros—so even if you’re not a bird-watching person, you’ll still feel the mood shift.

This part is good value because it adds something you can’t easily recreate. Daytime nature trips are common. A canyon that sounds like it’s alive at night is much less common—and it makes the later swim feel more “earned,” in a good way.

Fuente de los Baños at night: the starlit swim you came for

This is the heart of the tour: Fuente de los Baños in Montanejos, where you do a guided nighttime swim in the thermal river. Expect about 75 minutes here, with a mix of guided orientation and actual water time.

Here’s what I think makes this work: you get safety support and the gear is designed for the experience. You’ll receive:

• Water shoes (so you can step safely)
• Individual lighting gear with color-coded blinking lights
• Underwater flashlights
• A guide who also acts as a lifeguard

That combination is what keeps it from feeling scary. You’re moving in the dark, but you’re not moving blind.

Warm water helps too. The thermal waters stay around 19–21°C (66–70°F) year-round, which is the difference between a “maybe brave” plan and an actually doable winter night swim.

You should also know the expectations around skill. This tour requires only minimal swimming skills, and the guide helps if you need it. Still, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, so be honest about your comfort level before you book.

What about wildlife? The plan includes wildlife viewing and even marine life viewing. You’re not guaranteed a specific sighting, but you’ll have the lights and guidance to look.

And the stars? With the river lit softly and your eyes adjusted to the dark, the night sky becomes part of the swim—not just something you glance at while you get out of the water.

Dinner and the ride back: how the night ends

After the swim, you get a break and time to eat in Montanejos. The schedule includes a food stop with local snacks, regional items, and time that can include beer and wine depending on how the meal runs on the night.

One thing to confirm for your planning: the tour lists food and drinks as not included, even though there’s clearly a dinner and tasting-style meal built into the outing. Translation: budget extra for what you want to order, and if you’re trying to keep costs tight, ask the provider what’s covered at the restaurant.

Then you’ll ride back to Valencia and get dropped off near Plaza del Ayuntamiento / back around the Serranos Towers area, so you’re not stuck trying to solve late-night transport.

Price and value: is $147 worth it?

At $147 per person for about 6 hours, this isn’t a budget “cheap thrill” outing. But it does include several pieces that add up quickly if you tried to DIY:

• Transportation to and from Montanejos
• Water shoes and lighting gear for the swim
• Pictures taken during the experience
• A guide who provides safety help and runs the timing

Food and drinks may require extra spend, so keep that in mind. If you’re the type who doesn’t want to stress over gear or logistics at night, the value shifts in your favor fast.

The small-group limit is also a real value lever. If you’ve ever done an activity where you’re constantly waiting because the group is too big, you’ll understand why max 8 people feels worth paying for here.

Who should book this night swim (and who shouldn’t)

This fits best if you:

• Can swim at least at a basic level and feel comfortable in water at night
• Want a natural experience that’s more sensory than touristic
• Enjoy sunsets, quiet scenery, and atmosphere-driven stops
• Prefer a guided plan with safety gear instead of DIY searching

Skip it if you’re:

• A non-swimmer (the tour is not suitable)
• A wheelchair user (not suitable)
• Not comfortable with a nighttime outing that includes real time in the water

Should you book Montanejos: Magical Night Swim Under the Stars?

If you want the kind of experience where the best moments happen after sunset, this is an easy yes. The mix of Arenoso Dam sunset, canyon sound effects in the Valley of the Screaming Birds, and the guided starlit thermal swim with proper lighting and safety support makes it feel like a complete evening—not just a swim.

Book it if the idea of warm water at night, stargazing, and a small-group pace appeals to you. And before you go, be practical: bring ID and a change of clothes, and be honest about your swimming comfort.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet right next to Serranos Towers in Valencia. Your guide will be easy to spot, waving around with a red floating noodle.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about 6 hours.

What swimming ability do I need?

This tour is a night water outing with minimal swimming skills required. Your guide (who is also a life guard) helps you during the experience, but it’s still not suitable for non-swimmers.

What gear is provided for the swim?

You’ll get water shoes and individual lighting gear, including color-coded blinking lights and underwater flashlights.

Is the water cold?

The thermal waters are about 19–21°C (66–70°F) year-round, including winter.

Is the tour available in winter?

Yes. The tour can be done throughout the year, including winter, thanks to the thermal water temperature.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour is run in small groups, with a maximum of 8 people.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English, French, German, Persian, and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and change of clothes.

Is food and drink included?

The plan includes a dinner/food stop, but the tour information lists food and drinks as not included, so you should plan on paying for what you eat and drink.