L’Estartit is a haven for anyone who loves underwater adventures. Famous for its proximity to the Medes Islands Natural Marine Reserve, this small fishing village offers some of the best snorkeling in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you’ll find a tour that suits your style. Our favorite is the Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands, which combines a boat cruise with the chance to see a thriving marine ecosystem — perfect for families or first-timers. The calm waters and abundant sea life make it a standout experience.
Apart from the Medes Islands trip, L’Estartit offers other exciting options, including a guided snorkeling and diving tour in Montgrí Natural Park, ideal for those who want a more immersive underwater experience. For a laid-back, scenic evening, the sunset cruise with snorkeling and a drink provides a relaxing way to enjoy the coast and watch the sun set over the islands.
Below is a breakdown of these top-rated snorkeling experiences, each offering a different way to explore the Mediterranean waters around L’Estartit.
1. From L’Estartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands
At number one on our list is the Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands. This 2.5-hour boat tour costs around $42 per person and is rated 4.4/5 from nearly 1,000 reviews. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a quick but thorough introduction to this protected marine park. The trip includes a cruise around the islands, where you’ll have ample time to swim among various types of fish and marine plants while soaking up the sun on the deck.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of adventure and comfort. The guides are praised for their knowledge and safety consciousness, especially appreciated by nervous swimmers or families with children. Many reviewers mention how the guides made everyone feel at ease, with one noting, “I was a nervous first-timer with an 8-year-old daughter and we both felt safe and looked after.” The shallow waters and calm seas make snorkeling accessible for all ages.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a reliable, well-reviewed trip that offers a good mix of snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxation, this trip hits the mark.
2. L’Estartit: Dive and Snorkeling in Montgrí Natural Park
Number two is the Dive and Snorkeling in Montgrí Natural Park, rated 4.6/5 based on 131 reviews. Priced at $85 per person, this experience offers a more involved underwater encounter—including a guided beginner’s dive—that’s perfect for those wanting to go beyond surface snorkeling. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and provides a chance to explore the diverse marine life of Montgrí’s protected waters.
What makes this tour special is its combination of diving and snorkeling. The underwater environment is stunning, with colorful fish and lush plant life, and the qualified instructors help beginners learn the basics of diving in a safe setting. One reviewer shared, “It was our first time diving and we didn’t even know how to swim but still it was an amazing experience.” This tour is especially suited for travelers eager to try diving and those curious about the marine ecosystem in a natural park setting.
While the price is higher than the boat trips, the instructor-led experience adds significant value, especially for those seeking a more hands-on underwater adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beginners and families who want to learn to breathe underwater and see vibrant marine life up close in a protected environment.
3. Estartit: Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and a Drink
Our third pick is the Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and a Drink, rated 4.8/5 from just 5 reviews. Priced at $41 for 1.5 hours, this experience offers a relaxing way to enjoy the coast. You’ll cruise on a traditional wooden boat, with plenty of time to admire the spectacular views of the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park as the sun dips.
The highlight here is the combination of scenic sailing, light snorkeling, and a glass of wine or soft drink. The tour includes a brief visit to the islands — about 30 minutes — and a chance to swim in the clear Mediterranean waters. During the cruise, you can relax with your drink, enjoy the sunset, and get a different perspective of the coastline.
Reviews mention how peaceful and beautiful the trip is, with one saying, “Watching the sunset over the islands from the boat was truly magical.” It’s perfect for travelers seeking a laid-back evening with a bit of underwater fun, without the commitment of a full-day tour.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or those wanting a gentle, scenic experience with some snorkeling thrown in.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Experience in L’Estartit
Picking the best tour depends on what you want from your time in the water. If you’re new to snorkeling and want a safe, well-reviewed trip that offers plenty of marine life, the Medes Islands snorkeling trip is an excellent choice. For those who want a more immersive experience that combines snorkeling with their first steps in diving, the Montgrí Natural Park tour provides guided instruction and vibrant underwater scenery. Finally, if you prefer a relaxing evening with panoramic views and some swimming, the sunset cruise is perfect.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer a tour focused mainly on snorkeling or one with a scenic cruise element. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
L’Estartit offers a diverse range of snorkeling experiences that cater to different interests and skill levels. The Medes Islands boat trip stands out for its reliability and popularity among families and first-timers, while the Montgrí Natural Park tour offers a deeper dive into underwater life for those eager to learn. For a more relaxed, scenic outing, the sunset cruise provides a memorable way to end your day.
No matter which tour you choose, the clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coastlines make L’Estartit an excellent destination for underwater explorers. Be sure to book your preferred experience ahead of time, and enjoy discovering the Mediterranean’s underwater wonders at your own pace.
