From LEstartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands

Exploring the Medes Islands Snorkeling Trip from L’Estartit: An Honest Guide

When it comes to Mediterranean underwater adventures, the snorkeling trip to the Medes Islands from L’Estartit is a popular choice. We’ve seen plenty of reviews and firsthand accounts, and it’s clear this experience offers a gentle, accessible way to enjoy the region’s marine beauty. If you’re after a laid-back, well-organized outing with friendly guides, this trip could be just what you need.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on nature and comfort. You’ll get to snorkel in one of the Mediterranean’s top marine reserves, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and safety-conscious approach. Plus, the cost—around $42 per person—is pretty reasonable for a half-day of exploring at sea. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the experience can be a bit rushed, especially if the weather or currents aren’t ideal. It’s best suited for those who want a straightforward, enjoyable introduction to the underwater world without too much hassle.

This snorkeling trip is ideal for those who value good organization, friendly staff, and a chance to see a variety of fish and marine life. It’s perfect if you’re traveling in a small group, love being on the water, or want an easy way to get your underwater fix while staying on the Catalonia coast.

Key Points

• Accessible and family-friendly: With friendly guides and manageable group sizes, it’s suitable even for beginners.
• Marine diversity: Expect to see various fish and plants in a well-preserved marine reserve.
• Well-organized experience: Equipment, safety instructions, and timing are praised by most reviewers.
• Value for money: For around $42, you get a snorkeling gear, guide, wetsuit, and a souvenir snorkel tube.
• Flexible timing: Tours last about 2.5 hours, with multiple start times depending on availability.
• Beautiful scenery: You’ll cruise past the islands, enjoying sunbathing and relaxing on deck.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Snorkeling Trip

This trip kicks off at the Medaqua activity center in L’Estartit, where you’ll exchange your voucher and get fitted with your snorkeling gear. The guides, who speak Catalan, English, French, and Spanish, do a safety and equipment briefing that helps first-timers get comfortable. We liked this step—knowing how everything works and what to expect can make a huge difference if you’re nervous about snorkeling.

Once on board the small boat, the ride to the islands is quick and scenic, with most tours departing from the harbor and heading just a mile from the beach. The boat itself is described as cozy, with plenty of space for sunbathing or relaxing on deck after your swim. The highlight is the chance to snorkel among the islands’ marine flora and fauna—an activity that usually lasts about 50 minutes, divided into small groups with guides pointing out interesting sea life.

Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ knowledge and attentiveness. One reviewer noted that Frieda, in particular, was very helpful and thorough in her briefing, making even nervous participants feel more confident in the water. The underwater environment is full of fish, with many guests mentioning seeing schools of colorful fish and coral formations. While some reviews say the wildlife may not be as abundant or vibrant as expected, most are happy with what they saw.

After snorkeling, you’re encouraged to swim, relax, or sunbathe on the boat’s deck. Weather permitting, the boat may take a short cruise around the islands, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and the archipelago’s seven islands. The trip ends back at the harbor, usually within 2.5 hours, making it an easy half-day activity.

The Marine Environment and What You’ll See

The Medes Islands are renowned for their well-preserved marine ecosystem, protected as a natural marine reserve. This means that the underwater world is rich with marine flora and fauna, offering a vibrant snorkeling experience. While not everyone may spot the same variety of fish—some mention seeing lots of small fish, others note fewer large or colorful species—the overall environment is praised for its clarity and beauty.

Many reviews highlight the visibility, with some describing it as “a lot of fish to see” and others mentioning that, despite some expectations of more wildlife, they still enjoyed the environment. The coral and rocky formations add interesting textures to the underwater scenery, making each snorkel session feel like a small adventure.

Guides will take you to the best spots around the islands, pointing out marine plants and explaining the ecosystem’s importance. For those new to snorkeling, this guided approach helps maximize your chances of seeing marine life safely and comfortably.

Group Size and Equipment

Expect small groups of about 8 to 10 people for each snorkeling session, which is a real plus. This setup allows guides to give more personalized attention and ensures everyone feels safe and cared for. The equipment provided—including wetsuits, masks, fins, and personal snorkel tubes—is described as new and well-maintained.

Some reviewers appreciated that each participant keeps their snorkel tube after the activity as a souvenir, adding a little extra keepsake to the experience. The wetsuits are generally enough to keep you warm during the 50-minute swim, especially in summer, but you might want to bring your own rash guard or additional layers if you tend to get cold easily.

Worth the Price? Analyzing the Value

At $42 per person, the trip offers a lot of bang for your buck. You get guided snorkeling, high-quality gear, wetsuits, and a souvenir snorkel tube—all in a package that’s well-organized and safe. Many reviews emphasize the good value, especially considering the scenic cruise, the marine reserve, and the friendly guides.

While food and drinks are not included, the activity itself feels like a solid half-day experience. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxed, low-pressure introduction to snorkeling without shelling out hundreds for a private tour or full-day experience. If you’re a beginner or traveling with someone who prefers a gentle, guided adventure, this tour delivers on those fronts.

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The Experience and Atmosphere

The overall vibe is friendly, relaxed, and family-friendly, with many reviewers mentioning how their kids felt safe and enjoyed the activity. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge help make the experience memorable, especially for first-timers or those a little hesitant about water activities.

The boat ride is short but scenic, and the time on the water allows plenty of opportunity for sunbathing and socializing. The tour’s pacing is generally praised, but some mention it can feel a little rushed if the weather or currents aren’t ideal. Still, most are happy with the balance of activity and relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for beginners, families with older children, and anyone looking for a relaxed, well-organized half-day adventure. If you love marine wildlife, beautiful scenery, and comfortable group sizes, you’ll likely enjoy this experience. It’s not the most wildlife-rich trip if you’re expecting a diving-level spectacle, but it’s a solid, scenic introduction to the Medes Islands’ underwater world.

Those who prefer a more private or extensive tour might want to explore other options, but for casual snorkelers and nature lovers, this is a dependable pick.

Final Thoughts

The L’Estartit snorkeling trip to the Medes Islands offers a straightforward, friendly, and well-reviewed way to experience the local marine environment. The guides’ knowledge, small-group setting, and the scenic boat ride all contribute to a positive outing. While it might not be packed with the most spectacular marine life every day, it’s a reliable option that balances fun, safety, and value.

If you’re in the Costa Brava area and want a simple way to enjoy the sea and see some fish without too much fuss, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those new to snorkeling, families with children comfortable in the water, or anyone wanting a relaxing day on the water with great views.

FAQs

How long is the snorkeling trip?
Most tours last between 2 hours and 2.5 hours, including boat ride, snorkeling, and relaxation time.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
Not at all. The guides do a safety briefing and equipment demonstration, making it suitable for beginners.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a guide, snorkeling gear, a live vest, wetsuit, and a personal snorkel tube as a souvenir.

Can I keep the snorkel tube afterwards?
Yes, you get to keep your personal snorkel tube as a keepsake.

Is the tour accessible for children?
Many reviews mention that the experience is suitable for kids, especially with smaller groups and attentive guides, but it’s not explicitly marketed as family-only.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, drinks, and sunscreen. It’s a good idea to be prepared for sun and water.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own if desired.

While no trip is perfect for everyone, this snorkeling adventure to the Medes Islands strikes a good balance of scenic beauty, marine discovery, and relaxed fun. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a low-stress way to explore the underwater treasures of Catalonia.

You can check availability for your dates here: