From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The Costa Brava looks best from the water. This 5.5-hour catamaran trip from Roses combines a relaxed sail through the Bay of Roses with time in the Medes Islands Natural Park, a swim in clear turquoise water, and lunch cooked on board. I like the generous sailing time and the simple pleasure of stretching out on the boat’s front nets as the sea slips below you. I also like that drinks, snorkeling gear, and a full barbecue lunch are included rather than added one by one.

The main caution is that this is a popular boat outing, not a quiet private sail. One September departure left an hour late, and another passenger found the atmosphere unpleasant because a large group was partying loudly. The swimming stop can also feel short, with one account describing only about 15 minutes near the islands and water too deep for easy fish watching.

Key points before you book

• Two hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa: The main stop gives you time to swim, sunbathe, and use the snorkeling equipment.
• A real lunch on the boat: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, watermelon, and drinks including regional wine and sangria.
• The front nets are the best seat: You can lie above the water and watch the sea pass under the catamaran.
• Roses to the Medes Islands: The route takes you across the Bay of Roses, past Estartit, and toward the Montgrí massif.
• Good family value: Children up to age six travel free, according to one recent booking experience.
• Bring a card, not cash: Onboard payments accept cards, but American Express is not accepted.

Leaving Roses through the Bay of Roses

You meet the catamaran at the Dock of Ginjolers, in central Roses, directly in front of Hotel Ramblamar at 153 Av. de Rhode. That location is handy if you are already staying in town, since the boat leaves from the heart of Roses rather than an out-of-the-way marina.

Once aboard, you settle into a spacious catamaran for the run across the Bay of Roses. The first part of the trip is less about a single attraction and more about seeing the Costa Brava from a fresh angle. From the deck, the coast opens up around you, and the boat gives you a wide view instead of the narrow frame you get from a road or beach.

I would try to arrive ready for a full half-day on the water. The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours, so this is not a quick sightseeing ride with a brief photo stop. You have time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, order or accept drinks, enjoy the views, and let the crew prepare lunch while you swim.

The catamaran’s front nets are one of the most appealing features. You can lie above the water with the sea moving underneath you, which gives the ride a playful, almost weightless feeling. The nets are also exposed to sun and spray, so I would bring sun protection and avoid assuming that every seat offers shade.

Passing Estartit and the Montgrí massif

As the boat heads toward the Medes Islands, the scenery changes from the broad Bay of Roses to the more dramatic coast around Estartit and the Montgrí massif. The route lets you see how the islands relate to the mainland, rather than treating them as an isolated stop.

The catamaran weaves around the Medes Islands, giving you views of their rocky forms from the water. This part is especially worthwhile if you enjoy coastal scenery more than a tightly scripted sightseeing program. You are not simply transported to a beach. The sailing itself is a major part of the experience.

The multilingual crew provides the tour in Spanish, English, and French. That matters on a boat day, where clear instructions are important before swimming and while equipment is being handed out. The included life jackets are available for both adults and children.

The boat’s atmosphere can vary. On a calm departure, the open deck, drinks, and music-free sea views may feel wonderfully easygoing. On a crowded departure, the mood can become livelier and less restful. One recent outing was delayed by an hour without clear information, so punctuality and communication may not be perfect every time.

Choosing between Cala Montgó and Illa Pedrosa

The main stop is Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, where the catamaran anchors for roughly two hours. This is the part of the day built around swimming and sunbathing. You can get into the clear water, use the snorkeling gear, or stay on deck and enjoy the sun.

Cala Montgó offers a classic Costa Brava setting, with a sheltered cove and water suited to a refreshing swim. Illa Pedrosa gives you a more island-focused setting. The exact stop matters less than the chance to leave the moving boat and spend real time in the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included with a €10 deposit. That is useful if you do not want to pack your own mask and snorkel, but remember to have the deposit available in an accepted payment form. The available equipment makes it easy to try snorkeling without treating the trip as a specialist marine excursion.

I would keep your expectations sensible. The water may be wonderfully clear, but that does not guarantee a full reef-style snorkeling experience. One passenger found the anchorage too deep for good fish viewing. If seeing underwater life is your main goal, bring realistic expectations and consider packing your own mask for a better fit.

The length of the swim stop also deserves attention. The planned stop is about two hours, yet one recent account described only around 15 minutes actually near the islands. That difference may reflect the day’s route or operating conditions, but it means you should not book this solely for long snorkeling time. The cruise, lunch, and scenery are equally important parts of the package.

Lunch with barbecue, salads, and regional drinks

While you swim and sunbathe, the crew prepares lunch on board. The barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages, along with green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert. It is a practical meal for a day at sea, with enough variety to feel more substantial than a basic snack.

Drinks are included during lunch, including still and sparkling water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, and sangria. Mineral water is available throughout the trip, which is particularly useful after swimming and sitting in the sun.

I like the value here. At $66 per person, you are paying for a half-day boat outing, the coastal route, use of snorkeling equipment with deposit, lunch, and drinks. Buying a separate boat trip, meal, and drinks along the Costa Brava could quickly approach that price, especially during the summer season.

The food is not the strongest part for everyone. One vegetarian passenger found the vegetarian burger too strong and unappealing. The listed barbecue centers on meat, salads, bread, and fruit, so if you have dietary requirements, I would confirm the available alternative before booking rather than assuming the vegetarian option will suit you.

The onboard card rule is easy to overlook. Only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted. You may not need to buy anything extra, but keep a Visa or Mastercard available if you want an additional purchase.

How the boat day feels in practice

This is a social excursion with a relaxed holiday mood. The boat, food, swimming, and drinks create the kind of day where the schedule matters less than the setting. I would choose it if you want to spend time outdoors without arranging several separate activities.

It is also a good fit for families. Life jackets are available for children and adults, and children up to age six can travel free. Still, parents should plan around sun exposure, swimming comfort, and the possibility that the boat’s atmosphere may be lively.

Couples and friends who enjoy easy days on the water should find plenty to like. The front nets give you a memorable place to lie down, while the deck provides room to sunbathe and watch the coast. You can take part in the swim or simply enjoy the ride.

This may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing trip with a small, intimate group. The boat can attract party-minded passengers, and one departure became uncomfortable because of loud behavior from another group. The experience depends partly on the mix of people aboard that day.

I would also avoid making this your only plan if you have a strict evening reservation in Roses. The advertised duration is 5.5 hours, but a reported one-hour delay shows that departure timing can sometimes slip. Leave room around the excursion rather than scheduling something immediately afterward.

What the $66 price really buys you

The price is strongest when you use the full package. You receive the catamaran ride, the route to the Medes Islands, the swimming stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment with deposit, and safety equipment. The included wine and sangria add value for adults, while free travel for children up to age six can make the total cost more attractive for families.

The meal is not a restaurant experience, and the snorkeling is not guaranteed to produce close fish sightings. Those limits keep the value from being perfect. Still, the combination of transport, food, and time on the coast makes $66 reasonable for a full half-day in this part of Catalonia.

The overall rating of 4.3 from 266 reviews suggests a generally strong experience with some real variation. Recent comments include very enthusiastic praise for the crew, sailing, meal, and atmosphere, alongside complaints about delay, onboard behavior, a short swimming window, and the vegetarian food.

That mix gives you a useful picture. The trip works best when you see it as a complete Costa Brava boat day, not as a dedicated snorkeling charter or a luxury yacht cruise.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a layer for the ride back. The boat exposes you to sun and wind, and the front nets are excellent for relaxing but offer limited protection.

Wear something that is comfortable when wet, especially if you plan to move between the water and the deck. Keep personal items secure while swimming, and remember that the boat supplies life jackets but does not remove the need for sensible caution around the water.

Arrive at the Dock of Ginjolers with enough time to find the catamaran in front of Hotel Ramblamar. If you are relying on a tight schedule, allow extra time because one reported departure ran an hour late.

Use the swimming stop as a chance to enjoy the water rather than expecting a guaranteed underwater show. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own equipment for comfort, and consider the included gear a useful backup.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Costa Brava plans are still shifting, but the most important booking decision is still the type of day you want.

Who should book this Medes Islands cruise?

I would book this catamaran trip if you want an easy, well-priced day combining scenery, swimming, lunch, and drinks. It is particularly well suited to families, couples, and friends who like a social boat setting and do not need every minute to be tightly controlled.

I would think twice if you want serious snorkeling, a quiet private atmosphere, or a carefully timed departure. The water can be deep near the anchorage, the crowd can affect the mood, and the swimming time may feel shorter than expected.

For most people, the best reason to go is the whole package: sailing from Roses, seeing Estartit and the Montgrí massif, circling the Medes Islands, lying on the nets, eating barbecue, and cooling off in the sea. If that sounds like your ideal Costa Brava day, $66 is a fair price for the experience.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 5.5 hours.

Which languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and French.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming and sunbathing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon. Drinks include water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria during lunch.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.