The sea is the star, and you see why. This Medes Islands catamaran pairs big coastal views like the Montgrí Massif with real nature watching through onboard underwater windows. I also like that you get a genuine break on land in L’Estartit, not just another boat loop. One drawback to keep in mind: it’s a large catamaran, and what you spot under the water depends on conditions and what’s passing close to the viewing windows.

You’ll spend the day moving along the Gulf of Roses, with clear “window moments” and short stretches where you can simply look. If you want a calm, scenic outing that still feels special underwater, this one fits well.

Quick hits: what makes this trip work

• Montgrí Massif views from Roses Bay as you sail south, including the sleeping-bishop shape.
• Cala Montgó and the Foradada cave, where you might even see a boat pass through.
• Underwater viewing rooms on the Medes Islands marine park side, built for watching the seabed.
• Time to explore El Estartit on your own, with a weekly market on Thursdays.
• A long return route through the Gulf of Roses, past Sant Martí d’Empúries, San Pedro Pescador, Empuriabrava, La Robina, and more.

Roses to the Medes Islands: the 5-hour pacing that matters

This is a 5-hour outing that’s set up like a best-of sampler: sea first, then a town break, then sea again for the ride back. That pacing is smart. You’re not stuck on the water forever, but you still spend enough time in the Medes marine area to make the underwater windows worth it.

The route starts in Roses and heads south across Roses Bay. In the background, you’ll see the Montgrí Massif, famous for looking like a sleeping bishop stretched along the ground, with its tips of toes seemingly reaching toward the Mediterranean. Even if you don’t know the legend, you’ll probably recognize the silhouette once the crew points it out (or once you spot it on your own).

This timing also helps if you’re traveling with limited flexibility. At five hours, you can fit it between other day plans without turning your whole schedule into a boat-centric day.

Meeting point options with Els Blaus de Roses: keep it simple

The operator is Els Blaus de Roses, and the meeting point can vary depending on which option you book. Two starting points are listed:

• Avinguda de la Bocana, 2
• Av. de Rhode, 139

The drop-off points are the same as the meeting locations. If you’re prone to missing turns or confusing one waterfront street for another, do yourself a favor and arrive early, even if the departure time feels “close enough.”

Also, plan to use the time before boarding to get your essentials ready: sun protection, water, and a light layer if there’s wind. The day moves quickly once you’re out on the water.

The onboard experience: audio guide and bar service that actually help

You don’t just get a ride. You get an audio guide designed for phones, and it’s included in the price. The languages offered are:

• Catalan, Spanish, French, English, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian

That matters because the route isn’t random. You’ll pass specific spots and landmarks, and the audio guide helps you connect what you see—coves, cliffs, ports, and the marine natural park—with the meaning behind them.

There’s also bar service onboard. I like that this isn’t a “bring everything yourself” situation. You can keep the trip comfortable without turning it into a mini logistics project.

One small reality check: this is a catamaran, so your viewing will be shaped by where you stand and how the boat moves. If you’re sensitive to motion, pick your spot thoughtfully once you’re underway.

Montgrí Massif, Cala Montgó, and Foradada cave: the scenic “wow” sequence

After you cross Roses Bay, the day’s first big impression is the Montgrí Massif. It’s an instant visual landmark, and it gives your sail a sense of direction. Instead of “we’re going somewhere,” it feels like “we’re going toward that shape on the horizon.”

Next comes Cala Montgó and the cave called Foradada (which means holed in Catalan). With a little luck, you may see a boat pass through the opening. Even if you don’t catch a passing vessel, just seeing the cave silhouette helps you understand why this coastline is so watched and photographed.

This part of the route is valuable even if you’re not a “nature spotting” person. You’re building a mental map of the coast, so later, when you look back or try to understand where you are relative to El Estartit, it clicks fast.

Medes Islands marine natural park: underwater viewing windows, reality included

This is the core of the experience: the Medes Islands Marine Natural Park. The big promise here is simple—you can access the catamaran’s underwater viewing rooms to see the seabed and marine life.

In plain terms, you’re looking through viewing areas designed for close observation from the boat. That’s a huge advantage over just staring at water from a deck. You’ll spend time looking where the seabed is visible rather than guessing what’s happening below the surface.

What to expect realistically:

• The variety of what you see depends on conditions and how clear the water is.
• If you’re expecting huge, dramatic fish action, you might be surprised by how subtle some sightings are.
• On good days, you can get satisfying views of the seabed and small marine life close to the viewing spots.

One practical tip: don’t treat the underwater rooms as a one-and-done stop. If you can, spend a bit of time more than once during the marine park segment, since visibility and what passes through the viewing area can change as the boat’s position shifts.

And yes, it’s possible to catch additional wildlife moments on the route. One standout experience described was the chance to spot dolphins during the circuit. You can’t count on it, but it’s a nice reminder that the Medes area isn’t just about seaweed and sand.

El Estartit time on your own: what you can do in that pause

After the marine park portion, you arrive at the port of El Estartit. Then you get time to explore the town at your leisure. This stop is crucial because it breaks the day into two moods: sea watching, then walking.

You can use this time for a waterfront stroll, a relaxed break from the boat, and a chance to look at the area from land. The town is also convenient for snack breaks since you’re already in the port zone.

There’s one specific day detail that helps if you’re timing your trip: on Thursdays, there’s a weekly market. If your schedule lines up, that’s a great way to add something local beyond the sea views.

Two ways to manage this stop well:

• If you want a slower pace, keep your plan simple: walk, look, coffee, repeat.
• If you want photos, use the first part of your free time to get your bearings, then come back later when crowds thin.

If your priority is wildlife and scenery, still treat El Estartit as more than a checkbox. The walk helps you process everything you just saw underwater.

The return route to Roses: ports, beaches, and long coastal views

Sailing back is more than transit. The return leg gives you a stretched-out look at the Gulf of Roses, with multiple recognizable stops along the coast.

The route includes:

• Passing in front of l’Escala
• Entering the waters of the Gulf of Roses
• Passing Sant Martí d’Empúries (noted as a Greek port)
• Passing San Pedro Pescador
• Passing the beaches of Empuriabrava and La Robina
• Reaching Santa Margarita and then returning to Roses

This matters because it turns the ride into a moving overview of the entire coastline, not just the Medes segment. It also helps if you’re trying to decide where you might want to base yourself later. You’ll get a sense of different beach vibes and how towns sit along the water.

If you’re photo-focused, the return is often when you’ll want to slow down and just watch. The boat’s movement creates a natural rhythm for capturing long views rather than single snapshots.

Price and value around $53: what you’re really paying for

At about $53 per person for a 5-hour outing, this works out to paying for three things at once:

1. A catamaran ride with a long, scenic route
2. Access to the Medes Islands marine area plus the underwater viewing rooms
3. A town stop in El Estartit, with time to walk and optionally catch the Thursday market

You’re not just buying “transport.” You’re buying a structured experience where the underwater viewing rooms are the main value driver. That’s usually what separates a basic coastal boat ride from something you’ll remember.

The bar service is included, which adds small comfort value. And the audio guide on phones helps you make sense of what you’re seeing without needing to chase down explanations.

Big-picture value check: If you’re mainly after a one-hour coastal cruise, you may feel like it’s too much time. But if you want a full outing with both sea and town, the price feels more reasonable because you get a complete arc.

Who should book this and who might skip it

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want a short day trip that still feels like a full experience
• Care about seeing the seabed through underwater viewing rooms
• Like having a town stop for walking, especially in El Estartit
• Prefer guided context via an included multilingual audio guide

It may not be your best choice if you:

• Have mobility needs. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• Dislike large boats or prefer smaller craft.
• Are the type who needs constant action. The underwater segment is more about careful viewing than big spectacles, and what you see can be subtle.

One more “be smart” note: routes can change. There’s at least one account of a sailing that didn’t match the expected destination, so if your heart is set on a specific Medes Islands day, keep an eye on the day’s operating plan when you check in.

Should you book the Medes Islands and El Estartit catamaran?

If you’re trying to choose between a simple coastal cruise and a trip that gives you a real reason to go, I’d lean yes. The underwater viewing rooms in the Medes marine natural park are the standout value, and the El Estartit stop keeps the day from feeling like a one-note boat ride.

Book it if you want:

• Great coastal views plus underwater windows
• A structured 5-hour plan that’s easy to fit into a vacation
• A chance to wander El Estartit, with the Thursday market as a bonus when it lines up

Skip it if you:

• Need step-free accessibility
• Hate larger boats
• Expect constant, dramatic wildlife and big action underwater

If your goal is a scenic, nature-focused half-day with a town break, this one earns its spot.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It lasts 5 hours.

Where can I meet the tour in Roses?

Two starting options are listed: Avinguda de la Bocana, 2 and Av. de Rhode, 139. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Does the tour include a visit to El Estartit?

Yes. You arrive at the port of El Estartit and can explore the town at your leisure.

Is there anything special in El Estartit?

On Thursdays, El Estartit has a weekly market, if your visit lines up with that day.

Can I see the seabed during the tour?

Yes. You can access underwater viewing rooms on the catamaran to see the wild seabed in the Medes Islands marine area.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide is available in Catalan, Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Russian.

Is food or drinks included?

A bar service is included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.