From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part is the sea time. This 5.5-hour catamaran trip from Roses combines a scenic sail along the Costa Brava with swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a barbecue lunch served on board. I especially like the chance to see the Medes Islands from the water and the simple pleasure of lying on the boat’s front nets as the sea slips below you.

I also like that the price includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear with a €10 deposit, and water throughout the trip. At $66 per person, that is fair value for a half-day outing, though you should know that the exact swim stop and time spent close to the Medes Islands can vary.

The main trade-off is that this is a shared boat trip, not a quiet private sailing. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, with a 4.3 rating from 266 bookings, but one departure ran an hour late and another had a loud party group on board. The mood can depend on the crowd.

Five things to know before you sail

• The boat leaves from central Roses: Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode.
• The main water stop lasts about two hours: Swimming and sunbathing take place at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the route.
• Lunch is a full barbecue: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• The Medes Islands are viewed from the sea: You will cruise around the island group and see the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif.
• Bring a card, not cash: Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Leaving Roses across the Bay of Roses

Your day begins in the center of Roses, a handy departure point if you are staying near the waterfront. The boat leaves from the Dock of Ginjolers, directly in front of Hotel Ramblamar, so you do not need a long transfer to reach the marina.

Once aboard, you get the best sense of what this trip is really about: not a fast ride to one attraction, but several hours of open water, coastal views, food, and swimming. The catamaran is spacious, and you can settle on deck, find a place in the shade, or stretch out on the nets at the front.

The Bay of Roses gives the first part of the outing a pleasant rhythm. The shoreline gradually opens up as the boat moves away from the town, and the Costa Brava looks different from the water than it does from a road or beach. You are not simply being transported to the Medes Islands. The sailing itself is a major part of the experience.

The nets are one of the boat’s most appealing features. Sitting above the water gives you a clear view of the sea passing beneath your feet, and it is a good spot for photographs. It can also be the most exposed place on the boat, so you may prefer a more protected seat if the sun is strong.

Seeing the Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands Natural Park is the visual high point of the route. The islands sit off the coast near L’Estartit, and the catamaran cruises around them before heading toward the swim stop.

You will also see the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif from offshore. That combination gives the trip more variety than a simple beach cruise. You have open sea, rocky islands, a coastal village, and the mountain backdrop all in one outing.

It is important to set your expectations correctly. This is not a dedicated marine biology excursion, and the boat does not promise a long snorkeling session directly beside every island. The itinerary includes a cruise around the Medes Islands, then a swimming stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa.

A small but useful caution: timing around the islands may feel brief on some departures. One assessment described only about 15 minutes close to the Medes Islands and felt that the water was too deep for good fish viewing. If seeing underwater wildlife is your main goal, treat the snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the central purpose of the day.

Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for the long stop

The main stop lasts about two hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to beach-day mode.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, making it inviting for a swim. You can also sunbathe on the deck while the crew prepares lunch. The stop is long enough to make the boat feel like a floating base for a relaxed afternoon rather than a quick photo break.

The exact location matters because the feel of the stop can change. Cala Montgó offers a sheltered coastal setting, while Illa Pedrosa gives you a more island-focused atmosphere. The route description allows for either, so you should not book this expecting one guaranteed beach.

Snorkeling equipment is available for a €10 deposit. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults. You should still keep your expectations modest about underwater viewing. Clear water does not always mean shallow water or abundant fish in the exact place where the catamaran anchors.

I like this part of the trip for people who want flexibility. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, sunbathe, or simply stay on deck with a drink. You are not forced into a tightly scheduled chain of activities.

Barbecue lunch with Costa Brava views

While you enjoy the water stop, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

That is a substantial meal for a boat excursion. It is not a fine-dining experience, but it is practical food that fits the setting. You can eat without giving up time searching for a restaurant, and the sea views continue while lunch is served.

Drinks are included with the meal. The selection includes still and sparkling water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria during lunch or dinner. Mineral water is available throughout the whole trip, which is especially useful on a sunny day.

Vegetarian food deserves special attention. One person found the vegetarian burger too strongly flavored and not enjoyable. The supplied meal details focus mainly on meat, salads, bread, and fruit, so I would not choose this cruise if you need a carefully planned vegetarian menu unless you confirm the available option before booking.

The food received less consistent praise than the sailing, scenery, crew, and general atmosphere. Think of lunch as a convenient barbecue served at sea, not the reason to book the outing.

What the onboard atmosphere is like

The crew handles the sailing, lunch service, drinks, safety equipment, and general flow of the day. The strongest feedback praises the captain and crew, along with the navigation, meal service, and overall mood.

The atmosphere can be lively. Sangria, wine, music, and a shared catamaran naturally create a social setting. That works well if you enjoy a cheerful boat outing and do not mind talking, eating, and swimming around other people.

It may be less suitable if you want silence or a private sailing experience. One departure was affected by a large group partying loudly and behaving inconsiderately toward others. That sounds like an exception rather than the standard, but it is a real possibility on a popular group cruise.

A separate problem involved an hour-long delay before departure, with poor communication during the wait. Punctuality is worth keeping in mind if you have evening plans in Roses. The cruise itself lasts 5.5 hours, but a late departure can make the day feel longer.

Is $66 a fair price?

At $66 per person, the value is strongest when you use the full package. You are paying for a 5.5-hour catamaran outing, the route from Roses to the Medes Islands, a swimming stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, water, safety equipment, and access to snorkeling gear with a refundable-style €10 deposit.

If you paid separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and a coastal excursion, the total would likely be higher. The price also saves you the effort of arranging several separate activities. I see it as reasonable for a half-day on the Costa Brava, especially for couples and families who want one easy booking.

The value drops if you mainly want serious snorkeling or close exploration of the islands. The boat’s schedule gives you scenic viewing and a swim stop, but it is not designed as a specialist underwater tour.

Children can also make the cost more appealing, since children up to age six can go free according to the booking information. Life jackets are supplied for children and adults, though you should still make sure the boat’s pace and social atmosphere suit your family.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several classic Costa Brava pleasures in one day:

• A scenic boat ride without arranging your own vessel
• Time to swim in clear coastal water
• A barbecue lunch with drinks included
• A relaxed family outing
• Views of Roses, Estartit, the Montgrí massif, and the Medes Islands
• A social, easygoing day rather than a quiet private charter

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Roses and want to spend a day on the water without traveling inland. The central meeting point keeps the morning simple.

I would be more cautious if you need a precise schedule, a calm boat, a special vegetarian meal, or a snorkeling trip focused on fish and underwater conditions. In those cases, confirm the food arrangements and route before paying.

The cruise operates with live guiding in Spanish, English, and French. That makes it accessible to a broad mix of visitors, though the experience is still more about the scenery and activities than detailed commentary.

Practical details that make the day easier

Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona. Since the departure point is in the center of Roses, give yourself enough time to locate the correct dock rather than arriving at the last minute.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and something dry for after the water stop. The supplied information confirms water and soft drinks throughout the trip, but you should not rely on buying extras with cash. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

The boat supplies life jackets and snorkeling equipment. The snorkeling equipment requires a €10 deposit, so keep a payment card available for that arrangement.

The trip lasts 5.5 hours, with departure times varying by date. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if you are still arranging your Costa Brava schedule.

Should you book the Roses catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, full-service day on the water. The sailing, island views, two-hour swimming stop, barbecue, drinks, and front-deck nets create a good mix of activity and downtime. The captain and crew have earned especially strong praise, and the 4.3 rating from 266 bookings supports the view that this is a dependable choice overall.

Do not book it expecting a private yacht, a gourmet meal, or a long scientific snorkeling session. The crowd can be noisy, departure timing can occasionally slip, and the vegetarian option may disappoint.

For most couples, families, and friends staying in Roses, I think the package offers solid value at $66. Go for the sea, the views, and the relaxed day out. Treat the Medes Islands sightseeing and snorkeling as appealing parts of the route, not the sole reason to reserve.

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 is the cruise?

The activity lasts 5.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for about two hours, depending on the route.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip. Lunch also includes still and sparkling water, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults.