Set out on a captivating 5-hour catamaran tour from the coastal town of Roses to explore the stunning Medes Islands. This well-organized excursion offers an engaging experience suitable for all ages, with underwater viewing rooms providing an up-close look at vibrant marine life. Along the way, visitors can take in scenic vistas of the El Montgrí massif and visit the charming seaside town of El Estartit, renowned for its weekly market. But what secrets might this tour unveil about the islands and their captivating history?
Key Points
- 5-hour catamaran trip around the Marine Natural Park of the Medes Islands, departing from Roses Center or Santa Margarita.
- Includes a visit to the seaside town of El Estartit, known for its weekly Thursday market.
- Features underwater viewing rooms on the catamaran for observing marine life and the protected ecosystem.
- Offers scenic views of the Montgrí massif, Cala Montgó, Foradada cave, and other coastal landmarks.
- Highly rated for its value, transportation, and overall customer experience, with engaging staff and audio guides available.
Tour Overview
The Medes Islands Boat Tour is a 5-hour activity that takes participants on a catamaran trip around the Marine Natural Park of the Medes Islands.
Priced from $43.52 per person, the tour departs from either Roses Center or Santa Margarita. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. An optional audio guide in multiple languages is provided.
The tour highlights include underwater viewing rooms, scenic views of the Montgrí massif and Cala Montgó, and a visit to the town of El Estartit, where a weekly market takes place on Thursdays.
Visitors should note this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Roses Spain
Highlights of the Medes Islands Boat Tour
A highlight of the Medes Islands Boat Tour is the catamaran trip around the Marine Natural Park of the Medes Islands.
This scenic excursion offers:
-
Underwater viewing rooms to observe the vibrant, untouched seabed up close
-
Breathtaking views of the El Montgrí massif, Cala Montgó, and the cave Foradada
-
A visit to the charming seaside town of El Estartit, including its lively weekly market
-
A return journey through the Gulf of Roses, passing notable sites like Sant Martin de Empuries and Empuria-brava
-
An engaging and educational experience for all participants, with optional audio guides available in multiple languages.
Underwater Viewing Rooms
One of the standout features of the Medes Islands Boat Tour is the underwater viewing rooms, which allow participants to observe the vibrant, untouched seabed up close.
These rooms are built into the catamaran, providing a unique perspective of the marine life and ecosystem. Guests can peer through the windows and see schools of colorful fish, swaying sea plants, and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
This immersive experience enhances the overall tour, offering a deeper appreciation for the protected marine environment of the Medes Islands.
Scenic Sights Along the Way
As the catamaran navigates through the Gulf of Roses, passengers can’t help but marvel at the striking scenery that unfolds around them.
The tour offers a chance to witness:
-
The majestic Montgrí massif, a stunning limestone formation that dominates the landscape.
-
The picturesque Cala Montgó, a hidden cove with crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs.
-
The awe-inspiring Foradada cave, a natural wonder carved into the coastline.
-
The charming seaside town of Sant Martí d’Empúries, with its ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
-
The lively Empuriabrava, known for its network of canals and vibrant marina.
Exploring El Estartit
After the scenic cruise around the Medes Islands, the Medes Islands Boat Tour takes passengers to the charming seaside town of El Estartit.
Visitors can explore its weekly Thursday market, browsing local produce, handicrafts, and regional specialties. The town offers picturesque Mediterranean views, with the Montgrí Massif as a dramatic backdrop.
Explore El Estartit’s lively Thursday market, peruse local goods, and soak in the scenic Mediterranean views framed by the Montgrí Massif.
Travelers can stroll along the promenade, duck into cafés and restaurants, or simply soak in the laidback seaside atmosphere.
The tour provides an opportunity to experience the culture and charm of this coastal community after the marine adventure at the Medes Islands.
- Magical Sunset: Super Underwater Vision and Cocktail in the Natural Park
- FROM ROSES: AQUA SPLASH SWIMMING Mega Slide
- Explore Cap Norfeu and the Secret Cave: An Underwater Vision
- From Roses: an Underwater World of Adventures With Swimming and Underwater Vision
- Roses: Elbulli1846 Museum Entry Ticket
- Roses: Cadaqués&Underwater Vision :Magic on the Costa Brava
Audio Guide and Language Options
The Medes Islands Boat Tour offers an optional audio guide to provide more details and context for passengers during the journey.
The audio guide is available in several languages, including:
-
Spanish
-
Catalan
-
English
-
French
-
German
This allows travelers from diverse backgrounds to fully enjoy the tour and learn about the unique natural wonders of the Medes Islands Marine Natural Park.
The audio guide enhances the overall experience, delivering informative narration about the wildlife, geology, and historical significance of the region.
Participant Considerations
The Medes Islands Boat Tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the boat doesn’t have wheelchair accessibility.
Participants should ensure they can easily board and move around the vessel. The tour’s activities, including the underwater viewing rooms, may pose challenges for those with limited mobility.
Guests are advised to consider their physical capabilities before booking. While the stunning scenery and marine life are the main draw, the accessibility of the tour should be a factor in deciding whether it’s the right fit.
Advance inquiries are recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Customer Feedback
Based on the 43 reviews, customers have generally provided positive feedback about the Medes Islands Boat Tour.
Key highlights include:
Stunning scenery, smooth boat travel, friendly staff, and unique underwater viewing rooms captivate visitors.
-
Stunning scenery of the Montgrí massif, Cala Montgó, and Foradada cave
-
Smooth, enjoyable boat travel experience
-
Friendly and engaging staff
-
Unique underwater viewing rooms to explore the seabed
-
Great for families, with the underwater experience captivating children
While the overall value for money was rated slightly lower at 3.9/5, the tour’s transportation received high marks of 4.4/5, indicating a well-organized and pleasant excursion for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the boat tour. The tour operator encourages guests to bring whatever they need to enjoy the experience comfortably.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Participants should check availability based on their age and date preferences before booking the tour.
Can I Disembark at Different Locations Along the Route?
Passengers can’t disembark at different locations along the tour route. The boat follows a set itinerary, and passengers must remain on board throughout the excursion. Disembarking at intermediate points isn’t an option.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Underwater Viewing?
No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for the underwater viewing. The tour provides viewing rooms on the catamaran, so you can comfortably observe the seabed without needing to bring your own gear.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is fixed at 5 hours and there’s no option to extend it. The tour includes a catamaran trip around the Medes Islands, a visit to El Estartit, and return through the Gulf of Roses.
The Sum Up
The Medes Islands boat tour from Roses offers an engaging and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and families. With the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life up-close through underwater viewing rooms, scenic vistas of the El Montgrí massif, and a visit to the charming town of El Estartit, this well-organized excursion provides a memorable adventure suitable for all ages.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Roses Spain
Still browsing? Here are more Roses Spain experiences we've covered recently
- AQUA SPLASH ADVENTURE: Super Slide & Swimming
- From Roses: Cruise on Costa Brava to Cadaqués
- From Roses: Cap de Creus Natural Park and Cadaqués Boat Tour
- Cap De Creus: Explore and live an Aquatic World
- AQUA SPLASH SUNSET : Mega Slide & Cocktail & Swimming
- Roses: Boat Rental without License
- Roses: Rent the Boat and Live an Unforgettable Experience
- From Roses: Private Catamaran Tour – Sunset
- From Roses: Midday Catamaran Tour – Cap De Creus
- Roses Boat Trip Special: Snorkeling in Cap De Creus
- From Roses: Catamaran Cruise to Cap De Creus
- From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands