From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

Blue water, barbecue, and a five-hour escape. This catamaran trip from Roses combines an easy sail along the Costa Brava with time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the Medes Islands Natural Park. I like the generous two-hour swimming stop and the fact that lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the relaxed view from the catamaran nets, where the sea passes directly below you.

The main caution is that this is a shared boat outing, not a quiet private sailing trip. One departure was reported to leave an hour late, and a loud group made the ride less pleasant for some passengers. The boat, crew, and setting usually earn strong marks, but the mood can depend on the group aboard.

Key points before you book

• The Medes Islands are the main attraction: You sail around the protected island group near L’Estartit and see the Montgrí massif from the water.
• Swimming time is about two hours: The stop is planned for Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, with turquoise water and room to sunbathe.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Drinks are included all day: Water and soft drinks are available throughout, with wine and sangria served with lunch.
• The catamaran gives you several ways to relax: Sit on deck, watch the coast, or stretch out on the forward nets above the water.
• The price is fair for a half-day outing: At $66 per person, the included meal, drinks, equipment, and coastal cruise add real value.

Leaving Roses for a Costa Brava sailing day

The meeting point is easy to find in central Roses, at the Dock of Ginjolers in front of Hotel Ramblamar, 153 Av. de Rhode. That location puts you right beside the harbor, so you are not adding a long transfer before the boat ride begins.

The catamaran leaves Roses and crosses the Bay of Roses toward the Medes Islands. This first stretch is not just transportation. It gives you time to settle into the pace of the day, watch the coast recede, and enjoy views that are hard to get from the road.

I like this kind of trip because it gives you a proper change of scene without requiring a full day of planning. You are on the water for 5.5 hours, but the schedule has a clear rhythm: sail, see the islands, stop for swimming, eat, then return to Roses.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with life jackets for adults and children. The forward nets are one of the more memorable spots. When the catamaran moves, you can look straight down at the water beneath you. It is a simple pleasure, but it makes the ride feel more like sailing than sitting on a ferry.

The crew provides live commentary in Spanish, English, and French. That language range is useful for an international group, especially when the crew explains the route or gives instructions before swimming.

Seeing the Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands Natural Park is the visual centerpiece of the excursion. Rather than simply stopping at one beach, the catamaran tours around the island group before anchoring. You get views of the islands, the village of L’Estartit, and the Montgrí massif on the mainland.

From a boat, the Medes Islands have a different character than the Costa Brava beaches. You see the rocky forms from sea level, with open water around them and no need to fight for a patch of sand. The trip is less about a formal guided visit on land and more about giving you a broad view of the protected area.

The scenery is strongest when the boat is moving slowly around the islands. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at a screen. The appeal is the combination of coastline, open sea, and the changing angle of the islands as the catamaran passes them.

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit. That is a helpful inclusion if you do not want to bring your own mask and snorkel. Still, keep expectations sensible. One passenger found the swimming area too deep for good fish viewing, and another noted that the actual time close to the islands felt short. This is primarily a sailing and swimming excursion, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Two hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

The main stop lasts about two hours at either Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The exact location matters less than the basic format: the boat anchors, you can swim in clear turquoise water, and you have time to lie in the sun or remain on deck.

This is where the trip becomes flexible. You can enter the water, use the snorkeling gear, sit with a drink, or simply enjoy the boat while lunch is prepared. You are not being hurried from one sight to the next.

Cala Montgó offers a scenic coastal setting, while Illa Pedrosa gives the stop an island feel. The supplied itinerary allows for either location, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed visit to one particular cove.

The swimming stop is a good fit for confident swimmers and families who want a mix of activity and downtime. Life jackets are provided for children and adults, which is reassuring, but the water conditions and depth can affect how much you see beneath the surface.

If snorkeling is your top priority, ask the crew where conditions are best once you are aboard. The equipment is included apart from the refundable deposit, but the trip does not promise a shallow reef or a long, guided look at marine life.

Barbecue lunch with Costa Brava views

While you swim and sunbathe, the crew prepares lunch on the catamaran. The standard barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, fresh green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

That is a substantial meal for a half-day boat outing. You are not left to find food at the beach or pay for a separate restaurant after swimming. The meal also fits the relaxed mood of the trip: simple, filling, and served with the sea around you.

Drinks add to the value. Water, including still and sparkling mineral water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. With lunch, you can have regional red, rosé, or white wine, plus sangria. You can sip something cold while looking back toward the coast instead of spending the afternoon searching for a café.

The food is not the strongest part for every passenger. The barbecue menu is centered on meat, so anyone following a vegetarian diet should check the available alternative before booking. A vegetarian burger was described as overly strong and unappealing, which is useful to know if food choice is important to you.

For most people, I would treat the lunch as a welcome part of the outing rather than the reason to choose it. The real value is having food and drinks handled while you enjoy the water.

What the catamaran experience feels like

A catamaran is a good platform for this sort of day because it offers more room than a small boat and gives you different places to sit. You can be social near the main seating areas, find sun on deck, or stretch out on the nets at the front.

The nets are especially appealing if you want to feel the movement of the boat. You are close to the water without being in it, and the view below is much more open than from a standard seat.

The mood can be lively. Drinks are served, music or group energy may shape the atmosphere, and the boat carries people with different ideas of a relaxing day. One reported departure was affected by a loud group, while other passengers praised the captain, crew, meal, and general atmosphere.

That contrast is worth keeping in mind. If you want a silent, intimate sailing experience, a smaller private charter may suit you better. If you enjoy a sociable boat with a meal and room to move around, the shared catamaran format makes sense.

Punctuality is another practical point. One departure reportedly left an hour late without enough information from the crew. Most of the time, a boat trip runs to its planned schedule, but you should avoid booking an important dinner, transfer, or train immediately after the expected return.

Is $66 a fair price?

At $66 per person, the price is reasonable for a 5.5-hour coastal outing. You are paying for the catamaran cruise, the route to the Medes Islands, a swimming stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, life jackets, and access to snorkeling equipment with a €10 deposit.

If you bought a meal, several drinks, and a boat trip separately, the total would quickly rise. The included water and soft drinks throughout the day are particularly useful because you do not have to keep buying refreshments onboard.

The value is strongest for families and couples who want an uncomplicated day on the water. A recent booking comment also praised the fact that children up to age six traveled free, though you should confirm the current child policy when reserving because the general activity details do not spell out the full age rules.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want serious snorkeling. The swimming area may be too deep for clear fish viewing, and the time near the islands can feel limited. In that case, look for a specialist snorkeling trip instead.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a scenic Costa Brava day without arranging several separate activities. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like swimming, sun, food, and an easygoing boat ride.

It is also a good option if some people in your group want to be active while others prefer to rest. The swimmers can use the water and snorkeling gear, while everyone else can remain on deck with a drink and enjoy the views.

Families benefit from the spacious boat, provided children are comfortable around the water and the group atmosphere. The supplied life jackets are available for both children and adults.

You may want another type of excursion if you need a quiet boat, precise departure times, excellent vegetarian catering, or shallow-water snorkeling. This outing has several strengths, but it is still a popular shared experience with a set menu and a group-dependent atmosphere.

Practical details for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and something dry to wear after the swimming stop. You should also bring a towel, since the activity details do not list one among the inclusions.

The crew accepts only card payments on board, and American Express is not accepted. That matters if you plan to buy anything extra or need to settle the snorkeling deposit.

The meeting point is in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar. Check the departure time carefully, and allow enough time to find the Dock of Ginjolers rather than arriving at the last minute.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Costa Brava plans are still changing.

The activity is offered in Spanish, English, and French. The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 266 ratings, a solid result that fits the picture here: strong scenery, a pleasant crew and boat, and a few concerns about timing, food alternatives, and group behavior.

Should you book the Medes Islands catamaran?

I would book this cruise if you want the Costa Brava from the water, especially if you value a ready-made day with lunch, drinks, and swimming included. The views around the Medes Islands, the time at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, and the forward nets give the outing enough character to feel like more than a basic boat transfer.

Go in expecting a shared, sociable cruise rather than a private sailing lesson or specialist snorkeling tour. If that sounds right, $66 is a fair price for the amount of time and food included.

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 5.5 hours.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue 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 includes regional red, rosé, and white wine, along with sangria.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

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