From Roses: Medes Islands Boat Tour with El Estartit Visit

If you’re thinking about a day on the water near Roses, this Medes Islands boat tour offers a pretty neat mix of seascape, marine life, and charming coastal villages. While it’s not the most adrenaline-pumping adventure out there, it’s a solid choice if you’re craving a relaxing day with scenic views, wildlife spotting, and a taste of local life.

What we really like about this experience is how accessible it is — sailing across Roses Bay offers some beautiful vistas, and the underwater viewing windows let you get a glimpse of the marine world without getting wet. Plus, the stop in El Estartit adds a splash of local charm and gives you a chance to explore at your own pace.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is mainly about the scenery and marine observation — if you’re hoping for a deep-sea adventure or a snorkeling expedition, this might fall a bit short. Also, it’s not suited for people with mobility issues, which is worth considering if you or someone in your group needs more accessible options.

This trip works best for those who want a laid-back, scenic day out with some interesting marine sights and a taste of local coastal life. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even older kids who can enjoy a boat ride and some sightseeing without high activity levels.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing across Roses Bay with views of Montgrí Massif
• Marine life viewing through underwater windows on the catamaran
• Visit to El Estartit, with free time to explore the town and its sights
• Flexible tour options with cancellation and pay later options
• Language accessibility through an optional audio guide in multiple languages
• Duration of about 5 hours makes it a manageable day trip
• Not suitable for those with mobility impairments
• Reviews are generally positive, with some noting the activity’s relaxing pace and scenic value

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This boat trip kicks off with a gentle cruise across the calm waters of Roses Bay. As you leave the coast behind, you’ll be treated to views of the imposing Montgrí Massif, which many say looks like a sleeping bishop stretching along the horizon. It’s quite a sight, especially if you’re into dramatic landscapes. The boat will pass Cala Montgó and the Foradada cave, a natural arch where you might get lucky enough to see a boat crossing through — a little extra treat that shows how unpredictable and lively the scenery can be.

The highlight of the tour is definitely the marine natural park of the Medes Islands. Here, the catamaran’s underwater viewing rooms shine; they allow you to peer down into the seabed, offering a window into a world that’s usually hidden beneath the waves. The marine life is varied enough that many travelers report seeing fish and even dolphins on some days — though that’s never guaranteed.

After exploring the islands and observing the seabed, the boat heads towards El Estartit. This charming coastal town is perfect for a stroll or some quick shopping. Depending on the day, you might catch the weekly market — a great way to experience local flavors and crafts. Reviewers mention that the staff are friendly, and the boat ride itself is smooth, making it a relaxing experience rather than a high-energy excursion.

Back on the boat, the route takes you past notable sights like the Escala, the Greek port of Sant Martín de Empúries, and the beaches of Empuriabrava and La Robina. The final leg provides a scenic cruise along the Gulf of Roses, giving you sweeping views of the coastlines you’ve just explored.

The Value of the Experience

Considering the duration of about five hours, this tour provides a decent window to enjoy the coast and the marine park without feeling rushed. The price point — which is typical for similar boat excursions — appears to offer fair value, especially when you factor in the opportunity to see marine life through the underwater windows and explore El Estartit at your own pace.

Many reviews highlight the relaxing nature of the trip. For example, one traveler said, “Bonne balade, le personnel à bord et les dames dans la petite cabane à quai sont vraiment gentilles, sympa, tout s’est bien passé comme prévu dans le descriptif.” This suggests that the crew makes an effort to keep things smooth and friendly.

However, some reviews point out the limitations. For instance, one traveler was disappointed, noting that the marine life was minimal and the underwater visibility was limited to about 3 meters, which might reduce the wow factor for marine enthusiasts. Others found the size of the catamaran to be quite large, which depending on your preference, might feel a bit impersonal or crowded.

The Practical Side

Booking is straightforward, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you’re unsure about your plans, the “reserve now, pay later” option offers flexibility.

The tour is conducted in several languages via an optional audio guide, including Spanish, Catalan, English, French, and German. This makes it accessible for many travelers, though it’s worth noting that the group size isn’t specified — if you prefer a more intimate experience, you might want to ask about this when booking.

The meeting point is conveniently located at specific coordinates (42.26203918457031, 3.175381660461426), which should be easy to find if you’re staying in Roses or nearby. Keep in mind that people with mobility impairments aren’t suited for this trip, primarily because of the nature of the boat and access limitations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience works best if you’re after a relaxed day on the water with scenic views rather than high-octane activities. It’s suitable for families with older children, couples, and groups wanting an easygoing outing. Marine life viewing, combined with a charming town visit, makes it a good choice for those who enjoy a mix of nature and culture, without the need for strenuous activities.

If marine wildlife and coastal scenery are your thing, this tour will deliver. Just keep your expectations in check — it’s not a snorkeling trip or a dolphin safari every day, but it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the Mediterranean environment.

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Final Thoughts

All in all, this From Roses: Medes Islands Boat Tour with El Estartit Visit offers a balanced experience for those wanting to enjoy the coast with a bit of marine exploration thrown in. It’s not overly complicated or expensive, and the scenic views alone make it worth considering. You’ll get a good sense of the local landscape, see some marine life through the windows, and have a chance to stroll through El Estartit afterward.

It’s a solid pick if you prefer a slow-paced, scenic cruise rather than high adventure. The tour’s relaxed vibe and the opportunity to see the underwater world without getting wet are definite pluses. While it might not satisfy hardcore marine life enthusiasts, it’s a decent, family-friendly way to spend a half-day in the Roses area.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally relaxing, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can enjoy boat rides and marine viewing. It’s not specifically designed for young kids or toddlers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Does the tour include snorkeling or swimming?
No, the tour focuses on sightseeing and marine observation via underwater windows; swimming or snorkeling isn’t part of the experience.

What languages are available on the audio guide?
The optional audio guide can be in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, and German.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, which works well if you want a manageable half-day outing.

Is there a maximum group size?
While not specified, the boat size is described as “enorme” by some, so it may be a fairly large group, which could influence the intimacy of the experience.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly due to boat access and onboard facilities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, possibly a camera, and a light jacket if it’s windy. No mention is made of food or drinks, so check if you need to bring your own or if they offer any.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for families with older children who enjoy calm boat rides and outdoor sightseeing, but not recommended for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

This tour is a simple yet charming way to soak in the coastal beauty of Roses and El Estartit, with enough marine intrigue to keep even casual enthusiasts engaged. If you prefer your days relaxed, scenic, and a little bit educational, it might just be the right pick.

You can check availability for your dates here: