If you’re dreaming of a scenic escape along Spain’s scenic Catalonia coast, a boat trip to Les Illes Medes offers an engaging way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. This 1.5-hour excursion, run by Fadri from L’Estartit, combines wildlife watching, cave exploration, and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters—all wrapped in a small-group setting that feels intimate rather than crowded.
Two things I particularly like about this trip are the chance to see dolphins and schools of tuna, which make wildlife enthusiasts smile, and the opportunity to peer through underwater windows into the seabed, creating an almost magical view of marine life. The guides are credited with being knowledgeable and multilingual, making the experience accessible for international visitors.
One consideration travelers should keep in mind is that food and drinks are not included, so it’s best to bring your own water or snacks, especially if you plan to stay a little longer in the sun. Also, if you’re sensitive to chilly breezes, bringing a windbreaker is advisable. Despite its small size—capable of holding up to 20 people—this tour can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Wildlife Watching: Expect to see fishes, dolphins, and schools of tuna, making it a highlight for nature lovers.
- Marine Caves & Underwater Windows: Explore caves and enjoy seabed views through specially designed underwater observation panels.
- Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 20 passengers, the experience feels personal and relaxed.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Multilingual guides provide insights into marine fauna, birdlife, and local history.
- Swimming & Snorkeling: Stop for a swim in the clear waters of the natural park, perfect for cooling off and enjoying the marine environment.
- Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty.
Setting Sail from L’Estartit: What to Expect
This boat trip kicks off from Espigó de Llevant, a familiar spot at the end of the passeig marítim (seaside promenade). It’s a straightforward walk from town, making it accessible for most visitors. The boat itself is modest—a cozy vessel suited for around 20 people—which strikes a good balance between intimacy and social atmosphere.
Once onboard, you’ll set sail along the coast of Costa Brava, heading toward the Natural Park of Les Illes Medes. The journey is short but packed with opportunities to spot marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins—some guides, like Fadri, are known for their knowledgeable commentary, and many guests have noted how informative and friendly the guides are in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Catalan, and Dutch.
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Exploring Cala Pedrosa and the Natural Park
The first stop is Cala Pedrosa, a small bay ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. Expect about 15 minutes here, which is enough for a quick dip or to catch your breath after the boat ride. Many reviews praise this stop, with one traveler stating, “Time to swim, go along the coast, and round the island. Would thoroughly recommend—they had an amazing time.”
The Medes Islands Guided Tour
Next, you’ll cruise to the Medes Islands, a designated marine protected area. Here, a 45-minute guided tour takes you around the islands, highlighting their history, marine fauna, and birdlife. This part of the trip is especially valued, as the guides provide multilingual explanations—a great feature for international visitors.
Marine Caves & Underwater Observation
One of the more unique features of this trip is the exploration of marine caves and the use of underwater windows. These allow you to view the seabed and marine creatures without getting wet, adding a fun and educational element to the experience.
Return to Espigó de Llevant
After the tour, you’ll head back to your starting point, completing the roughly 1.5-hour journey. The boat’s deck is a perfect spot to relax, soak up the views, or snap some photos—just don’t forget your camera!
Is It Worth the Price? Breaking Down the Value
Cost-wise, this trip isn’t the cheapest activity in L’Estartit, but it does offer good value. For the price, you get wildlife observation, marine cave visits, underwater seabed views, and stops for swimming—all led by knowledgeable guides. Reviews mention the experience being informative in multiple languages, which adds a layer of accessibility for non-Spanish speakers.
Since food and drinks are not included, bringing your own snacks or water is a smart move. No transportation is provided besides the boat, so plan to arrive at the meeting point on foot or by local transport. Overall, if you enjoy small-group tours with a focus on nature and marine environments, this is a solid choice.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who crave authentic natural encounters, enjoy wildlife watching, and have a curiosity for marine environments. It’s perfect for families, small groups of friends, or solo adventurers who appreciate the intimacy of a small boat and the chance to learn from guides. If you’re someone who loves snorkeling or simply relaxing while soaking in beautiful coastal views, this trip will hit the mark.
It’s also a wonderful activity for those interested in photography, as the boat offers many vantage points for capturing the stunning coastline and marine life. However, those looking for a prolonged or more intense adventure might find the 1.5-hour duration too brief—this is best as a highlight or a relaxing, scenic escape.
The Experience in a Nutshell
In essence, this boat trip offers a balanced blend of wildlife viewing, cave exploration, and scenic cruising. It’s just long enough to give you a good taste of the Medes Islands’ natural beauty without feeling rushed. The guides’ expertise and multilingual commentary add a layer of depth, ensuring you’ll learn something new while admiring the scenery.
The stops for swimming and snorkeling, combined with the opportunity to see dolphins and other marine fauna, make this a memorable outing for nature lovers. The small group size keeps things personal, and the straightforward logistics—meeting at the end of the promenade and returning to the same spot—make it easy to incorporate into a day exploring L’Estartit.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
If you’re visiting the Costa Brava and want a short, engaging marine adventure, this trip offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy small-group tours, wildlife sightings, and learning about marine ecosystems. The fact that guides are multilingual helps make the experience accessible to most visitors.
For families or groups looking for a relaxed activity that combines nature, scenic views, and a touch of adventure, this trip hits the right notes. Do keep in mind that it’s not a long or intense tour, so if you’re eager for a more immersive or multi-day experience, you might want to explore other options. Still, for a half-hour of marine magic, it’s hard to beat.
FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the Boat Trip
How long is the boat trip?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick escape to enjoy the coast and marine life.
What is included in the tour?
Your ticket covers boat excursions, wildlife observation, visits to marine caves, underwater seabed views through windows, stops for swimming, and multilingual commentary.
Are food and drinks provided?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s advised to bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
Where do I meet the boat?
The boat departs from Espigó de Llevant, at the end of the passeig marítim, near the fishing boats. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the small size and nature-focused experience make it family-friendly, especially for kids who love marine animals.
Is swimming or snorkeling included?
Yes, there’s a stop for swimming and snorkeling in Cala Pedrosa, about 15 minutes, perfect for cooling off.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, sunscreen, and water. Wearing comfortable clothes and a windbreaker is recommended.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Spanish, French, Catalan, and Dutch, ensuring clear explanations regardless of your language.
In closing, this boat trip to Les Illes Medes offers a compact yet immersive taste of Costa Brava’s marine charm. It’s ideal for those wanting a quick but insightful adventure, especially if wildlife and scenic coastal views are your thing. With knowledgeable guides and the chance to see dolphins, caves, and seabed life, it promises an engaging, memorable outing—one that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for this rocky, beautiful corner of Spain.