L’Estartit is a fantastic spot for anyone eager to explore the Mediterranean sea and its colorful marine life. The town’s proximity to the Medes Islands marine reserve makes it an ideal base for snorkeling adventures. Whether you’re after a guided tour with plenty of information or a relaxing sunset cruise, this area offers options that suit different tastes and interests. Personally, I love the L’Estartit: Medes Islands Cruise with Guided Snorkeling; it combines the thrill of boat travel with the chance to see a variety of marine species in a protected environment. Its glass-bottom boat and guided snorkeling make it a well-rounded experience.
Another favorite is the more intimate Medes Islands: Snorkeling at the beautiful Nature Park, which emphasizes personalized attention and small-group exploration of one of the Mediterranean’s most biodiverse areas. For a different vibe, the Estartit: Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and a Drink combines beautiful coastal views with the chance to cool off with a swim and relax on a traditional wooden boat as the sun sets. Each offers something special, depending on whether you want educational, tranquil, or scenic experiences.
Quick Overview
This list covers three top snorkeling experiences in L’Estartit: a comprehensive guided island cruise with snorkeling from the diving center, a more personalized small-group snorkeling tour exploring the ecological treasures of the Medes Islands here, and a scenic sunset cruise with swimming and drinks available for booking. Now, let’s look at each in more detail.
1. L’Estartit: Medes Islands Cruise with Guided Snorkeling
This two-hour boat tour from the Diving Center La Sirena offers a combination of scenic views and underwater discovery. The boat itself is comfortable, with a glass-bottom section that allows you to see marine life even before you put your face in the water. The tour takes you to all seven islands of the Medes archipelago, where you’ll snorkel in protected waters teeming with fish, sea bream, and even octopuses.
What sets this tour apart is the guided snorkeling experience, where knowledgeable guides point out marine creatures and underwater features. This adds a layer of learning and makes it accessible even for beginners. After snorkeling, there’s free time to relax on deck, soak up the sun, or snap pictures of the islands’ rugged coastlines. The reviews, with an average rating of 4.4/5 from 97 reviews, highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, as well as the clear waters.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those who want a well-organized, informative experience with the chance to see multiple islands and lots of marine life in a single outing.
2. Medes Islands: Snorkeling at the beautiful Nature Park
For those who prefer a more intimate and eco-focused experience, this 1.5-hour small-group snorkeling tour stands out. Starting at Carrer de la Platja, 8, it offers a personalized approach to exploring the Medes Islands, one of the Mediterranean’s most biodiverse marine reserves.
Led by guides with extensive local knowledge, this tour emphasizes sustainable tourism and ensures that each snorkeler has ample opportunity to see local fish, octopuses, and other marine life. The focus on underwater landscapes and ecosystems makes this perfect for travelers who want an educational component without sacrificing the relaxed pace. The small groups mean more individual attention, and reviews highlight the guides’ passion and expertise, with an impressive 4.7/5 rating from 12 reviews.
Bottom line: If you’re after a more personal, eco-conscious experience that emphasizes underwater ecosystems, this tour offers excellent value and insight.
3. Estartit: Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and a Drink
For those craving a relaxing end to a day, this 1.5-hour sunset cruise combines sightseeing with a bit of swimming. Setting sail from Espigó de Llevant, the tour offers sweeping views of the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park. As the sun dips, you’ll enjoy a glass of wine or a drink while taking in the changing colors of the sky.
The highlight is the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the underwater world with provided snorkeling gear. The traditional wooden boat adds a charming touch, making it a perfect option for couples or those seeking a leisurely, scenic experience. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating from just 5 reviews, it’s clear that people love the combination of stunning scenery, relaxing atmosphere, and a gentle swim.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful, scenic evening with the bonus of snorkeling and a drink in hand.
How to Choose
Selecting the best snorkeling experience depends on your priorities. If you want a comprehensive tour covering multiple islands with guided interpretation, the Medes Islands Cruise is a solid pick. For those seeking a quieter, eco-conscious outing with personalized attention, the small-group snorkeling tour fits perfectly. If relaxing with scenic views and a swim at sunset appeals, then the sunset cruise offers a memorable ending to any day.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend on the water, and whether you prefer guided learning or a relaxing scenic cruise. Booking early is advisable during peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
L’Estartit offers a variety of snorkeling adventures suited to different interests. For an all-in-one experience that combines marine exploration with a scenic boat ride, the Guided Medes Islands Cruise is excellent. If you prefer a more intimate, eco-friendly experience, the small-group tour provides personalized insights into the marine ecosystems. For a laid-back, scenic wrap-up to your day, the sunset cruise makes for a perfect relaxed outing.
No matter which you choose, snorkeling in L’Estartit promises memorable encounters with the Mediterranean’s rich marine life. Be sure to book early, especially in summer, to secure your spot on these popular trips.