Stand up paddleboarding in Valencia

Once you’ve taken in the sights of Valencia’s Old Town, and visited top attractions like Oceanográfic and Hemisfèric, it’s time to head to the water. After all, the city is famed for its seaside scene, with beaches and coast at your fingertips.

Stand up paddleboarding tours in Valencia are a popular choice for travelers wanting to include water sports on their city itinerary.

Here’s all you need to know about stand up paddleboarding, one of the most fun outdoor activities in Valencia.

What are the best stand up paddleboarding tours in Valencia?

Stand up paddleboarding lessons

If you’ve never tried paddleboarding before, Valencia is a great place to learn. There are several lessons available for beginners, with friendly instructors and calm waters to ease you in gently.

The sessions often take place down at Malvarossa Beach, which is easily reached from the city. Hotel transfers are not included so you will need to make your own way there.

Your lesson begins inside the marina, where there are no waves or currents. Here, you’ll learn basic paddling skills and discover how to control your balance.

Climbing on board takes a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon master the maneuver with a bit of determination.

After your lesson, why not hire a board and go exploring along the coast, putting what you’ve just learned to the test?

Stand up paddleboarding rental

If you have experience or just fancy jumping in at the deep end, renting a paddle board in Valencia can be heaps of fun. Make your way down to the hire point in El Grao de Valencia and get kitted up with the necessary equipment.

The instructors can give a brief introduction to the sport if it’s your first time paddleboarding. Then it’s your turn. You can spend a happy afternoon splashing around in the sea, perfecting your moves and seeing who can stay upright the longest.

Stand up paddleboarding in Valencia is a family-friendly activity, and a new way to experience the Mediterranean. For those who prefer sitting to standing, kayak tours and boat trips are also available.

Guided paddleboarding tours

Valencia paddleboarding tours are a fun way to explore some of the region’s secret waterways. You don’t need any experience as full instruction will be given at the start of the trip. There will be a minimum of 6 participants on these outings.

Most excursions take place less than an hour outside Valencia at Venta del Moro, which is easy to reach by car or taxi. On these outings, you’ll be paddling down the Cabriel River, and there are even a few small rapids to navigate for extra excitement.

Once you’ve been shown the paddling techniques and given some tips on how to balance, it’s time to take to the water. The route is around 6 kilometers long, and you’ll spend around 2 hours on the river.

How much do stand up paddleboarding cost?

The prices for paddleboarding lesson are around €30 per person. There are usually no more than 10 participants so you will receive personal attention from the instructor.

Stand up paddleboarding tours in Valencia cost €50 for a couple of hours on the river with a guide. This is a group activity, with numbers kept low for safety.

Paddleboard rental in Valencia starts at €20 per person for a 2-hour session. This includes some basic instruction before you enter the water.

What is included?

The following is usually included in all stand up paddle boarding lessons and tours in Valencia:

• Stand up paddleboard hire
• Life jacket
• Professional instructor

Some tours also provide wetsuits for participants, while other operators offer vests and helmets.

Where does it start?

Hotel transfers are not offered for stand up paddleboarding excursions in Valencia, so you’ll need to make your own way to the starting points.

Paddleboarding lessons take place at Malvarossa Beach and the marina in the east of the city. The area is easily accessed by bus or tram from the city center. For the guided river trips, the meeting point is Venta del Moro, which is an hour inland from Valencia by car.

You’ll find the paddleboard rental bases in El Grao de Valencia, down by the marina. Some also operate from Pobla de Farnals Beach so check your joining instructions carefully to ensure you’re going to the right place.

How long does it last?

Paddleboarding lessons generally last 1.5 hours, including your initial briefing before heading down to the water.

For stand up paddleboarding tours in Valencia, you’ll need to allow half a day to include time taken to travel to the starting point. You will have up to 2 hours on the water.

You can rent a paddleboard for 2 hours, which is plenty long enough for beginners – it’s a real workout!

When is the best time for stand up paddle boarding in Valencia?

Stand up paddleboarding in Valencia can be enjoyed at any time of day or year. If you’re visiting in the height of summer, remember to slap on that sunscreen – it’s often sizzling at midday!

Paddleboard rental is available between 10 AM and 6 PM. If you organize a session for the morning or late afternoon, this will give you time to enjoy a few other water activities too. Jet ski tours and rafting are popular choices.

What happens in case of bad weather?

As you might expect, Valencia paddleboarding trips and lessons are subject to the weather conditions.

If your experience is canceled because of bad weather, you will be offered a full refund or an alternative date. Try and arrange your tour at the start of your visit, so that you have some time to reschedule if needed.

Are children allowed?

Children are permitted on most Valencia stand up paddleboarding lessons. They must be accompanied by an adult and should be able to swim.

The minimum age for guided paddleboarding trips in Valencia is 11 years, although this can change depending on the river flow rate.

Which other water activities can be done in Valencia?

• Boat tours
• Rafting
• Kayaking
• Jet ski
• Canoeing
• Surf lessons
• Wind surfing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Kite surfing
• Wakeboarding

Travel tips

• Stand up paddleboarding tours in Valencia are popular so make sure you book your places in good time. Reserve tickets online to scout out the cheapest rates.
• You’ll need to wear swimming costumes for these tours. Take a towel and a change of clothing for afterward.
• If you have a waterproof camera, carry it on a lanyard so you don’t risk dropping it overboard.
• Pack some water and snacks to refuel after your trip – it’s a very physical activity!