One night in Montanejos can feel like a reset button. This tour pairs sunset-at-the-dam drama with a starlit thermal river swim, guided by Kiumars for real-world safety and calm. One catch: it’s not for non-swimmers, and you will be in the water at night even if the effort is gentle.

What I like most is the flow: five distinct stops that build in mood, from waterfall calm to bird-noise canyon atmosphere, ending with a river float you’ll remember. You also get a small group, up to 8 people, which keeps things personal. If you hate waiting in dim light, plan to stay flexible for the nighttime timing.

Quick reasons this Montanejos night swim works

• Small group (max 8) keeps the pace relaxed and makes the starlit moment feel more intimate.
• Thermal water year-round stays around 19 to 21°C, so the swim is doable even in winter.
• Lighting gear for night safety includes color-coded blinking lights and underwater flashlights.
• Arenoso dam at sunset gives you big color in a quiet setting before the stars.
• Kiumars leads with safety plus local storytelling, and the vibe stays fun without getting careless.

From Serranos Towers to Montanejos: getting there smoothly

Your evening starts in Valencia at Serranos Towers. The meeting point is right next to it, and the guide is easy to spot, the brightest person around waving a red floating noodle. Yes, it’s exactly as silly (and helpful) as it sounds.

This tour runs about 6 hours total, which matters because you’re not just doing a quick swim. You’re getting late-afternoon photo time, a sunset stop, then enough dark-sky time for the main event at Fuente de los Baños. You’ll travel to Montanejos by comfortable transport, and the timing is set so the “night under the stars” part doesn’t feel rushed.

What’s practical here is that you do not need to plan the order yourself. You’re handed the route: secret stop, Montanejos viewpoints, sunset at the dam, then the river swim. If you want an efficient way to see multiple Montanejos highlights in one shot, this style fits.

Secret stop and Montanejos viewpoints: photo time with purpose

Before the main scenes, you get a photo stop and a scenic sightseeing moment on the way, about 40 minutes. This is the kind of stop that works best when you keep your expectations realistic. You’re not looking at one mega attraction, you’re collecting angles, light, and context.

Then you reach Montanejos for another 40-minute photo stop and sightseeing moment, with sunset built into the timing. This is a good setup for two reasons. First, you ease into the area rather than arriving to the swim already cold and overstimulated. Second, you learn the lay of the land before you’re floating in the river in the dark.

The only drawback I see for some people: this is still a tour, so you’ll be moving on a schedule. If you’re the type who wants to wander off and take your time alone, you might feel the structure.

Arenoso dam sunset: the calm before the night swim

One of the most memorable parts is the Arenoso dam sunset stop. This is where the sky turns orange and pink, and you get a quiet vantage that feels like a breather. The dam viewpoint acts like a transition point, from the daylight world into the night-sky world.

I like this stop because it’s not filler. Sunset is the emotional hinge of the day. You’ll see the colors first, then later you’ll experience the opposite, dark water lit from below, with stars above. That contrast is the whole trick of the tour, and Arenoso dam is where the contrast starts.

Practical tip: keep your camera ready. The best light happens fast, and you don’t want to be fiddling with settings while everyone else is staring up at the sky.

Waterfall start and the Valley of the Screaming Birds

After the early scenic moments, your route includes a secluded waterfall stop. The point here is tone. Those cascades are your first real dose of nature, and they help the rest of the evening feel like a coherent story rather than a random sequence of places.

Next comes the “Valley of the Screaming Birds,” described as a dramatic landscape where bird calls echo through the canyon. It can feel eerie, but it’s also a reminder that nature here is loud in its own way. The atmosphere is part of the experience, not something you have to ignore.

Why this matters: the starlit swim can be “just swimming” if the day is flat. Stops like the waterfall and the canyon create an emotional build. You spend time on land where sound and light change, so when you get to the river, everything feels calmer in comparison.

If you’re sensitive to strong bird noise or you don’t like sudden sound in enclosed spaces, this section is the one to think about.

Fuente de los Baños starlit thermal swim: what it’s really like

This is the main event. At Fuente de los Baños, you get a guided night swim in the thermal river, and the river is softly illuminated so you can see safely in the dark. The feeling is described as floating under stars, with the sky overhead and the calm flow under you.

The tour supports this with smart gear. You’re provided water shoes and individual lighting gear, including color-coded blinking lights and underwater flashlights. That means you’re not guessing where your feet are in the water, and you can actually enjoy the surroundings without constantly worrying about safety.

You also get pictures as part of the experience. At night, that’s a big deal. Trying to photograph in low light without the right setup can turn into frustration. Having it handled lets you focus on the moment.

Thermal comfort: why the swim stays doable

The water is warm enough year-round, around 19 to 21°C even in winter. So this is not “jump in and hope you survive.” It’s more like a long, guided float where the temperature helps you relax.

Swimming skill level

Minimal swimming skills are required, and your guide is also a life guard. That said, this is not suitable for non-swimmers. If you’re not comfortable staying afloat, don’t plan to “try anyway.” The tour is set up for people who can swim at least enough to be safe in a dark, guided environment.

Plan for time in the water: the swim section is about 75 minutes. That’s long enough to settle in, look up, and actually enjoy stars rather than just getting wet and moving on.

The Montanejos meal stop after the swim

After you come out of the water, you get a break in Montanejos. The itinerary includes beer, wine, dessert, local snacks, and regional food, plus a local dinner stop. However, the tour info also lists food and drinks as not included, so I’d treat the meal as part of the experience but bring your own budget for what you want to eat and drink.

This stop is more than eating. It’s recovery time. You’ll likely be cold in the wind after the swim, even if the water was comfortable. Having a warm spot to sit and share the experience keeps the day from turning into an awkward shuffle.

If you’re traveling with someone who worries about “what happens after,” this is the safety net. You’re not dropped back right away. You get a proper winding-down moment before the ride to Valencia.

Transportation and timing: why the 6-hour format matters

A 6-hour duration is short enough that the night swim stays the star, but long enough for a real sequence. Here’s the practical rhythm:

• late afternoon and scenic stops
• sunset at Arenoso dam
• nighttime river swim with lighting gear
• meal and recovery time
• return to Valencia

This timing matters for two reasons. First, you get to enjoy sunset in good light, then you get darkness for stars. Second, you avoid the stressful “we only have one chance” feeling that can happen with rushed tours.

Also, with pickup around Serranos Towers and return to Valencia at the end, you can travel without the headache of figuring out local transport in the dark.

Price and value: is $147 per person fair?

At about $147 per person, this tour is not a budget impulse buy. But it’s also not just a swim ticket. You’re paying for:

• transport between Valencia and Montanejos
• multiple curated stops leading into the swim
• night safety support with a life guard guide
• provided water shoes
• provided lighting gear (blinking color lights and underwater flashlights)
• included pictures
• a guided group experience capped at 8 people

If you’ve ever done a “self-guided” night swim, you know how hard it is to replicate the safety gear and night visibility. Most people can find a river location, but the lighting, the guidance, and the photo handling are what turn it into a smooth experience.

So here’s the value test I use: if you want to swim under the stars without planning, without buying gear, and without stressing about safety, the price starts to make sense.

If you’re perfectly happy organizing a route, bringing your own night gear, and handling photos yourself, you may find a cheaper alternative. But then you lose the guided rhythm and support.

Who should book this night swim (and who should skip it)

This fits best if you want nature, calm, and a guide who keeps things both safe and fun. It also suits solo travelers who like small-group energy, and couples or friends who want an experience that feels special but not complicated.

I’d take a careful look at your fit if any of the following apply:

• You are a non-swimmer or not confident in the water at night
• You use a wheelchair (not suitable)
• You hate being on a set schedule, because there are multiple stops over the evening

If you love the idea of a warm thermal river float, star watching, and a guide-led route through Montanejos, this is exactly your kind of outing.

What to bring for a starlit swim night

The essentials are simple, and you’ll be glad you brought them:

• an ID or passport
• change of clothes
• be ready for minimal swimming skill use, with guide assistance always involved
• wear or plan for footwear that works with water shoes

If you’re someone who overpacks for comfort, keep it modest. The tour already supplies water shoes and the lighting gear. Your job is to show up ready to be wet, warm up after, and enjoy the night.

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

Book it if you want a small-group night experience that’s built around the contrast of sunset glow and starry river water. The provided lighting gear, warm thermal water, and the life guard guide (Kiumars) are the difference between a fun idea and a well-run night out.

Skip it if swimming at night doesn’t feel comfortable for you, or if you’re looking for a purely freeform walkaround. This is a guided experience with a schedule, and the key moment is the starlit swim.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet right next to Serranos Towers in Valencia, and the guide will be easy to spot waving a red floating noodle.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $147 per person.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, and a change of clothes.

What swimming skills are required?

Minimal swimming skills are required, but the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What gear is provided for the night swim?

The tour provides water shoes and individual lighting gear, including color-coded blinking lights and underwater flashlights.

Are photos included?

Yes, pictures are included.

Will the water be warm enough in winter?

Yes. The thermal waters stay around 19 to 21°C year-round.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included, even though there is a meal stop in Montanejos.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, with a maximum of 8 people.

FAQ

What languages does the guide speak?

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