The province of Castellón, primarily known for its beaches along the Mediterranean coast, hides a unique natural treasure. In the comarca of Plana Baixa, within the municipality of la Vall d’Uixó, are the Coves de Sant Josep. This complex is famous for having the longest navigable underground river in Europe, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore the subterranean world.
The standard tourist route is a combined tour that lasts about 45-50 minutes. Most of the journey—800 meters—is traveled by boat, accompanied by a guide who shares the caves’ history and geological features. Another 255 meters is a walking section along a specially equipped gallery. The total explored length of the caves reaches 2,750 meters, but just over a kilometer is open to tourists. Along the way, visitors will see impressive chambers such as the Sala de los Murciélagos (Hall of Bats), the picturesque Lago Diana (Lake Diana), and the romantic Paseo de los Enamorados (Lovers’ Walk), all adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
The basic adult ticket costs 15 euros. Seniors are eligible for a discount, with tickets priced at 10 euros, while tickets for children under 13 are 8 euros. Given the popularity of this destination, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance. The limited capacity of boats and cave galleries makes advance ticket purchase almost essential to guarantee your visit.
For those seeking a more active getaway and a thrill, the Caves of San José offer several special programs. One of them is espeleokayak, a unique opportunity to paddle through the underground river by kayak. This activity lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs 50 euros per person. A minimum group of six participants is required for the tour. There are specific restrictions: the minimum age is eight, and the maximum participant weight should not exceed 110 kg.
Another exclusive offer is the monthly ‘Origen’ program. This is a full caving tour through sections of the cave that are closed to regular visitors. Groups of six to sixteen participants spend three hours exploring untouched galleries under the guidance of professional guides. The price for this adventure is 100 euros per person and includes all necessary equipment, insurance, and guidance. The main requirements for participants are the ability to swim and the absence of claustrophobia.
Thus, the San José Caves have become not just a tourist attraction, but an important center for adventure and nature tourism in the Valencian Community. They enable the Castellón region to diversify its tourism offerings, demonstrating that beyond sun and sea, there are unique natural sites here that can provide unforgettable experiences and attract travelers interested in geology, history, and outdoor activities.
