Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour

Exploring the natural wonders of Valencia’s Albufera Natural Park is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts. This captivating bike and boat tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the park’s diverse ecosystems while uncovering the historical significance of the birthplace of paella. From a scenic 12 km bike ride along the coast to a serene boat tour through rice fields, this adventure promises an unforgettable day in the great outdoors. With flexible rental options and knowledgeable guides, the tour caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to…

Good To Know

This one-day tour combines biking and boating to explore the diverse ecosystems and 350+ bird species of the Albufera Natural Park near Valencia.
The tour includes bike rental, a 50-minute boat ride, and the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean Sea near El Saler.
Pricing starts at €33 per person, with free cancellations up to 24 hours prior and advanced booking recommended.
The guided tour provides historical context on the birthplace of Valencian paella and allows for culture.
Customer feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences, though transportation quality and value for money may vary.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Albufera Natural Park.

Priced from €33 per person, the tour lasts one day and includes a bike ride and boat ride. Participants can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, spot over 350 bird species, and learn about the historical significance of the area as the birthplace of Valencian paella.

The tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Experience Highlights

One highlight of the Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour is the opportunity to bike through the park, reaching the Mediterranean coast.

Along the way, participants can:

Spot over 350 species of birds and other wildlife native to the natural park.
Glide through the park’s canals on a boat, passing by expansive rice fields.
Take a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea after the bike ride.

The tour also provides historical context, as the Albufera region is the site where Valencian paella was first created in the 16th century.

With a combination of outdoor activities and culture, this tour offers an enriching experience for visitors to Valencia.

Itinerary Details

Starting at the bike rental store on Avenida de Francia 10, near the City of Science, participants can choose between a city bike with 7 gears or an electric bike for the 12 km ride to El Saler.

Once there, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the recommended Duna restaurant.

The boat departs at 13:15, except on Tuesdays and Sundays when it doesn’t operate.

The 50-minute boat tour allows participants to load their bikes onto the vessel for further exploration of the Albufera Natural Park.

Participants can also take a swim in the Mediterranean, though swimming in the Albufera lake is prohibited.

Bike Rental Options

Participants can choose between a city bike with 7 gears or an electric bike for the 12 km ride to El Saler. The bikes are provided by the rental store on Avenida de Francia 10, near the City of Science.

The options include:

City bike with 7 gears
Electric bike
Bike helmets, which are included in the tour.

The bikes are then loaded onto the boat for continued exploration of the Albufera Natural Park.

Participants should plan to return the bikes by 8 PM at the rental store.

Boat Tour Specifics

The boat tour departs at 13:15, except on Tuesdays and Sundays when it does not operate. The 50-minute tour allows visitors to explore the Albufera Natural Park’s canals and rice fields. Bikes are loaded onto the boat, enabling passengers to continue their exploration. Swimming is permitted in the Mediterranean but prohibited in the Albufera lake.

Tour Highlights	Duration	Restrictions	Inclusions
Boat ride through canals	50 minutes	Heavy winds, rain	Boat ride
Opportunity to swim at beach	–	Swimming in lake prohibited	Detailed map
Continued exploration by bike	–	–	Bike helmet
Discover 350+ bird species	–	–	–

Swimming Opportunities

During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean Sea near El Saler.

After the boat ride, guests can disembark and spend time swimming in the cool, refreshing waters.

To prepare for this, it’s recommended to:

Bring a swimsuit and towel.
Apply sunscreen before entering the water.
Be mindful of any currents or conditions.

Swimming in the Albufera lake itself is prohibited, so the Mediterranean beach provides the only chance to take a dip during the excursion.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy this relaxing break before continuing their exploration of the Albufera Natural Park.

Important Information

According to the tour information, the total cycling distance for the excursion is 15 km each way. Bikers should be aware that boat navigation is restricted in heavy winds or rain. Participants must return the bikes by 8:00 PM to the rental store. The tour includes bike rental, boat ride, a detailed map, and a bike helmet.

Important Information
Total Cycling Distance	15 km each way
Boat Navigation Restrictions	Cannot operate in heavy winds or rain
Bike Return Time	8:00 PM
Inclusions	Bike rental, boat ride, detailed map, bike helmet

Customer Feedback

Guests generally praise the Albufera Natural Park tour, rating it an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 42 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.

However, some areas for improvement include:

Transportation, rated 3.7/5, where the quality of bikes can vary.
Value for money, rated 3.5/5, with suggestions of being mindful of peak heat times for biking.
Boat navigation restrictions, as the tour can’t operate in heavy winds or rain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own bike on this tour. The tour package includes bike rental, and participants must use the provided bikes to participate in the biking portion of the experience.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts for children or seniors. All participants pay the standard per person rate, regardless of age. The tour provides bike rental and boat ride access for one set price.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour offers limited accessibility for people with disabilities. While the bikes can accommodate some mobility needs, the boat ride and walking portions may pose challenges. Customers with special requirements should inquire about accommodations before booking.

Is There an Option to Take Just the Boat Tour Without the Bike Ride?

Yes, there is an option to take just the boat tour without the bike ride. The boat tour lasts 50 minutes and departs at 13:15, except on Tuesdays and Sundays when it’s not operating.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Bad Weather?

The tour schedule is flexible in case of bad weather. Boat navigation is restricted during heavy winds or rain, but the tour operator will work with customers to find alternative options or reschedule the trip for another day.

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The Sum Up

The Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour offers an immersive experience in a diverse ecosystem, allowing visitors to explore by bike, boat, and even swim. With knowledgeable guides, flexible bike rentals, and the option to cancel, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness over 350 bird species and the birthplace of paella in a picturesque natural setting.