If you’re looking to combine natural beauty, wildlife, and a touch of adventure, the boat trip to Les Illes Medes from L’Estartit is an excellent choice. This roughly 1.5-hour journey takes you along the coast of Catalonia, into the heart of the Natural Park of Les Illes Medes, renowned for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and intriguing caves. The experience is led by guides who are well-informed and eager to share their knowledge, making it both fun and educational.
What we love about this trip is how intimate it feels—small groups mean you get a personal experience, and the underwater windows provide a fascinating view of the seabed without getting wet. We also appreciate the chance to see dolphins and schools of tuna, adding a lively touch to the scenic cruise. The stop for swimming offers a refreshing break, especially on hot days, allowing you to splash in the calm, turquoise waters.
A potential consideration is that this is a relatively short tour—at 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for a quick escape, but if you’re craving a full day of exploration or snorkeling, you might want to look at longer options. However, for a relaxing, scenic, wildlife-filled outing that fits into a busy schedule, this trip hits the mark.
This experience suits travelers who love nature, wildlife, and coastal scenery, especially those who enjoy a relaxed pace and are keen to learn. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, engaging adventure on the Costa Brava.
Key Points
- Short and Sweet: A 1.5-hour trip that offers a compact dose of natural beauty and wildlife.
- Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to see dolphins, tuna, and a variety of fish.
- Unique Features: Marine caves and seabed views through underwater windows.
- Swimming Stop: Time allocated for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters.
- Expert Guides: Multilingual guides providing insights into marine fauna, history, and birds.
- Small Group: Max capacity of 20 people ensures a personal, engaging experience.
Exploring the Itinerary and What to Expect
The tour begins at Espigó de Llevant, the main departure point at the end of L’Estartit’s promenade, where the friendly staff and ticket booths await. Once aboard the boat—compact enough for intimacy but large enough for a comfortable cruise—you’ll set off along the coast, heading towards the Natural Park of Les Illes Medes.
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The Stop at Cala Pedrosa
After about 15 minutes from departure, you’ll arrive at Cala Pedrosa, a small, sheltered cove famous for its clear waters and calm environment. This is the main swimming and snorkeling spot. Expect to see vibrant marine life such as small fish darting around and perhaps even dolphins if you’re lucky. The review from a recent traveler highlights the value of this stop, mentioning, “Time to swim, go along coast, and round the island,” which suggests a relaxed, unhurried experience.
Guided Tour of Les Illes Medes
Next, you’ll visit the Medes Islands, a designated marine protected area. Here, your guide will take you on a 45-minute guided tour. Expect to learn about the islands’ history, marine fauna, and birdlife—information delivered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Catalan, and Dutch. The guide’s knowledge adds depth to this trip, turning it from just a boat ride into an educational experience that enriches your understanding of the local environment.
Exploring Marine Caves & Underwater Windows
One of the most distinctive features of this trip is the exploration of marine caves. Passing through these caves offers spectacular views and photo opportunities. The boat is equipped with underwater windows, allowing you to peer into the seabed and see fish and marine creatures without getting wet. This feature enhances the experience, especially for those who might not be comfortable snorkeling or swimming.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn to Base
After completing the tour, you’ll head back to Espigó de Llevant, arriving with plenty of time to continue exploring L’Estartit or nearby attractions.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour offers good value, especially considering the amenities and experiences included:
- Boat excursions and marine wildlife observation.
- Visits to marine caves, with the added thrill of viewing the seabed through underwater windows.
- Stops for swimming and snorkeling in the natural park.
- Multilingual guiding on history, fauna, and birds.
What’s not included are food and drinks, so plan to bring your own if you want a snack or water during the trip. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at the end of the promenade.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
To make the most of this experience, wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking, as you’ll need to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable on deck, and pack a camera to capture the stunning scenery and marine life. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel, don’t forget your swimsuit or bikini.
While the boat is covered, it can get chilly due to wind, so bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is advisable. Since touching marine life is prohibited, respect the guides and fellow travelers to keep this experience enjoyable for everyone.
Who Will Love This Trip?
This boat trip caters well to those who appreciate a relaxing pace, want to see local marine wildlife, and enjoy learning about their environment. It’s especially ideal for families with children, couples seeking a scenic outing, or solo travelers eager to meet others in a small-group setting. The informative guides and beautiful vistas make it a memorable, worthwhile activity for anyone interested in nature and coastal beauty.
In-Depth Review: The Details That Matter
When it comes to value, this tour strikes a good balance. At about 1.5 hours, it’s concise yet packed with sights and experiences, making it suitable for those on a tight schedule or wanting a quick adventure. The small group size (up to 20 people) ensures that the guides can give personalized attention, answer questions, and point out wildlife you might otherwise miss. Many travelers appreciate the multilingual guides, which make the experience accessible and richer.
The highlight for many is the chance to see marine caves and dolphins—some reports mention dolphins swimming alongside the boat, a magical sight that makes the trip stand out. The underwater windows are especially popular, allowing for close-up views of the seabed, which many travelers find fascinating and educational.
The stop for swimming at Cala Pedrosa is brief but refreshing. The water here is calm and clear, perfect for wading, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the boat deck. The review quote, “Would thoroughly recommend—we had an amazing time,” speaks to the overall quality and enjoyment of the experience.
Pricing, while not explicitly stated here, is generally reasonable given the inclusions: wildlife viewing, cave exploration, and guided commentary. This makes it a good value for those wanting a quality, family-friendly trip that combines scenery, wildlife, and some light adventure.
Final Thoughts
This boat trip to Les Illes Medes from L’Estartit offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and educational value. The combination of guided insights, marine caves, and underwater windows makes it much more than just a boat ride; it’s a chance to connect with the natural environment of Costa Brava in an intimate setting.
It’s best suited for travelers keen on wildlife, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing yet engaging outdoor activity. While not a full-day adventure, it delivers a memorable taste of the area’s marine richness and scenic coastlines, making it a worthwhile addition to any Costa Brava itinerary.
If you’re dreaming of spotting dolphins, exploring caves, and swimming in crystal-clear waters, this trip is a practical, enjoyable, and well-reviewed way to do so. Just be ready with your camera, swimwear, and curiosity, and you’re set for a lovely experience.
FAQ
How long is the boat trip?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick but fulfilling outing.
Where does the trip start and end?
It begins and ends at Espigó de Llevant, at the end of the promenade in L’Estartit.
What is included in the tour?
Boat excursions, marine wildlife observation, visits to marine caves, underwater seabed views via windows, stops for swimming, and multilingual guides.
Are food and drinks provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring your own water and snacks if needed.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the small group size and gentle nature of the trip make it family-friendly, but always check with the provider if your children have special needs.
Can I see dolphins?
There’s a good chance, as dolphins are among the marine wildlife you might observe during the cruise.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, water, and swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel.
Is the trip accessible for non-Spanish speakers?
Absolutely, guides speak English, French, Dutch, Catalan, and Spanish, enhancing the experience for international travelers.
Are there any restrictions?
Touching marine life, weapons, pets (except assistance dogs), bikes, alcohol, and fireworks are not allowed.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially during peak times, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.