Cala Murtra: Immerse yourself in the beauty of an underwater world

Exploring Cala Murtra with a Catamaran Tour: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a trip to Girona’s stunning Costa Brava and want a laid-back activity that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure, a boat trip to Cala Murtra might just be your thing. Though I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect.

What really catches the eye about this experience are the breathtaking scenery of the natural park and the unique underwater viewing rooms that allow you to see marine life without getting your feet wet. Also, the tour’s affordability — around $24 per person — makes it accessible without sacrificing much in terms of fun or scenery.

One thing worth mentioning upfront is that some reviews point out that the underwater views can be somewhat limited during peak seasons, with only a few fish species visible during summer. Still, if you’re after a gentle, family-friendly way to enjoy the coast and see some marine life, this tour hits most of the right notes. It’s best suited for those who enjoy relaxed boat rides, natural scenery, and a bit of underwater curiosity without the hassle of snorkeling or diving.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a unique marine experience
• Spectacular views of the Roses bay and Cap de Creus Natural Park
• Underwater viewing rooms provide a close-up look at marine life
• Suitable for all ages, especially families and nature lovers
• Limited stops—only one main cove, which can be a plus or minus depending on your expectations
• Weather-dependent activity, with full refund options if canceled due to bad weather

What the Tour Offers: A Dive into the Details

The Setting and Itinerary

The tour starts with a boat ride from Roses, offering an opportunity to see the rugged coastlines and beautiful coves of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The highlight of the journey is the stop at Cala Murtra, a pristine cove surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery, often described as a “paradise” thanks to its turquoise waters and wild landscape.

One reviewer noted that Cala Murtra is the only authorized nudist beach in the area, which is something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to that detail. The natural beauty of the place is undeniable, with the combination of pines, sparkling waters, and rocky cliffs creating a picture-perfect backdrop.

The Underwater Viewing Experience

The real star here is the underwater viewing rooms aboard the Aquarium II catamaran. This feature enables guests to look beneath the surface and observe fish and marine life without needing snorkels or diving gear. The reviews consistently mention how much children enjoy these views, making it a family-friendly option.

While some reviews mention that the viewing windows can be small, and the observation time limited (around 10 minutes per group), most agree that it’s a fun and novel way to see marine life close-up. The staff is often praised for being friendly and helpful, which adds to the overall positive experience.

The Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity — long enough to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. With a maximum of 200 travelers, this tour maintains a comfortable group size, avoiding the chaos of overcrowded boats.

Most reviews describe the boat as spacious, clean, and well-maintained, which makes the experience more comfortable, especially for families or those with small children. The trip is well-organized, with most travelers feeling that it’s a relaxing, pleasant outing.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The scenery along the coast is stunning — you’ll get great views of the natural park and the Côte de Roses.
– The underwater viewing is a fun, accessible way to see marine life without getting wet, which is perfect for families or those not keen on snorkeling.
– The staff is generally friendly, attentive, and helpful, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
– The tour offers good value for money, given the scenic beauty and unique underwater perspective.

Cons:
– Reviews indicate the underwater viewing can be somewhat limited in scope, with only a few fish species visible during summer.
– The fact that the tour has only one stop may leave some wishing for a longer or more varied itinerary.
– Weather plays a big role; if the sea conditions aren’t good, the tour might be canceled with a full refund, but this could impact your planning.
– The small viewing windows mean you might not get a panoramic underwater experience, but nonetheless, it’s a fun feature.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is especially suitable for families, as children seem to love the underwater views and the boat ride. It’s also ideal for nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy Costa Brava’s rugged coast from the water without strenuous activity. If you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a quick, scenic outing that doesn’t involve extensive walking or diving, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re a seasoned snorkeler or diver eager to explore more marine life or multiple sites, this might feel a bit limited. Also, those who prefer more stops or longer underwater observation times might want to consider other options.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

The reviews paint a fairly consistent picture of this tour: a relaxed, family-friendly boat trip with great scenery and a touch of underwater fun. One reviewer described it as “a very pleasant excursion,” citing the nice frame and the possibility to do it with young children. Several reviews mention how the underwater windows are spacious and comfortable, allowing for close-up views of fish and the coast.

The team’s friendliness is often highlighted, which adds to the overall relaxed vibe. Particularly in spring, away from crowds, travelers have found it to be an excellent way to enjoy Costa Brava’s natural beauty. Some visitors do suggest that the underwater view might be a little limited, but most agree that it’s still a worthwhile experience, especially for kids.

There’s a sense that this trip isn’t about thrill-seeking or diving, but rather a gentle, scenic cruise with a unique underwater perspective. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick escape from the land, a bit of marine life, and stunning coastlines all in one go.

Practical Details – What You Need to Know

• Price: Approximately $23.74 per person, offering good value considering the scenery and the underwater feature.
• Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes — a manageable length for most travelers, especially families.
• Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some flexibility if your plans change.
• Weather Dependence: Since the tour is weather-dependent, if conditions aren’t favorable, it can be canceled with a full refund or rescheduled.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 200 travelers, ensuring a less crowded experience.
• Booking Platform: Available through Viator, with the service provider being Els Blaus de Roses.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic boat ride with a unique opportunity to see marine life through underwater windows, this trip is a solid choice. It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with children or want a straightforward way to enjoy Costa Brava’s natural beauty without diving gear or extensive excursions.

For travelers craving more adventurous underwater encounters or multiple stops at different coves, this might feel too brief or limited. However, if your priority is a peaceful, scenic outing that combines coastlines and underwater views at an affordable price, this tour should meet your expectations.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention how much children enjoy the underwater views and the boat ride. It’s a family-friendly activity that doesn’t require swimming or diving.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity without feeling too long or rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat ride, underwater viewing experience, and the scenic stop at Cala Murtra. It’s a good deal for the views and the novelty of the underwater windows.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
Absolutely. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and bad weather can lead to a full refund or rescheduling.

Are there multiple stops?
No, the boat only stops once at Cala Murtra, but the journey along the coast offers plenty of scenic views in itself.

Is the underwater view worth it?
Most reviews suggest it’s fun, especially for kids, with close-up views of fish and marine life, although some find the windows small and the observation time limited.

How crowded does the tour get?
With a maximum of 200 travelers, it’s relatively spacious, and reviews say the boat is comfortable and well-maintained.

Is it a good value for the price?
Considering the scenery, the underwater feature, and the affordability, most travelers find it a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with family.

In the end, this tour balances natural beauty, marine curiosity, and comfort. If you’re in Girona and want an easy, relaxing outing with a touch of underwater magic, it’s worth considering — just keep your expectations aligned with the limited underwater time and scope.