From LEstartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands

Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by schools of colorful fish, and exploring one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets — the Medes Islands. For just around $42 per person, a typical 2.5-hour snorkeling trip offers more than just a quick dip; it’s an invitation to experience one of Spain’s most enchanting marine environments. Led by knowledgeable guides, this adventure combines underwater discovery, scenic boat rides, and plenty of sunshine.

What we love about this tour is the focus on safety and personalized attention — guides do a great job briefing everyone on equipment and expectations, making nervous first-timers feel comfortable and ensuring kids are well looked after. The marine reserve’s unspoiled beauty is another highlight, with lively fish and vibrant corals providing a feast for the eyes.

However, one aspect to keep in mind is that the tour runs about 50 minutes of snorkeling, which isn’t a long time in the water. If you’re hoping for hours underwater or a more extensive dive experience, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for many travelers, the value of seeing such rich marine life in an accessible, well-organized outing makes it worthwhile. This trip is ideal for families, beginner snorkelers, and those wanting a quick but memorable nature fix in Catalonia’s stunning coast.

Key Points

• Accessible and well-organized: Suitable for beginners and families, with clear instructions and safety gear.
• Beautiful marine environment: Explore a top-rated marine reserve with abundant fish and coral.
• Personalized guides: Small groups and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
• Short but quality snorkeling: 50-minute sessions provide a good taste of underwater life.
• Scenic boat ride: Short cruise around the islands adds to the overall experience.
• Affordable price: Offers excellent value for the chance to snorkel in such a renowned area.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands from L’Estartit

If you’re considering a day out in Catalonia, this snorkeling trip to the Medes Islands is a solid choice for those craving a glimpse of underwater beauty without much fuss. It’s particularly appealing because of its proximity to the coast — just a mile from L’Estartit beach — and the chance to explore a protected marine environment teeming with marine flora and fauna.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The adventure begins at the Medaqua activity center, where you exchange your voucher and meet your guide. We liked how straightforward this process was, with friendly staff ready to help and gear up. The guide will do an eco-briefing — a quick but important rundown on how the equipment works and what you might see during your snorkeling adventure. This brief is especially helpful for first-timers, and the guides are often praised for their knowledge, making even the most nervous feel comfortable.

Once suited up — wetsuits, vests, and personal snorkel tubes — you’ll board a small boat for the short journey to the archipelago. The boat ride itself is a calming, scenic experience, offering views of the rugged coastline and the islands. As you arrive, the guide divides the group into small groups of 8-10 for snorkeling, which helps ensure personalized attention and less crowding underwater.

The main activity lasts about 50 minutes, floating among schools of fish, colorful marine plants, and interesting rock formations. According to reviews, the underwater scenery is quite lively — many report seeing plenty of fish and coral, though some mention it might not be as abundant as expected. One guest praised the guides, noting that they pointed out different species, making the experience both educational and fun.

After snorkeling, you return to the boat to relax, swim, or soak up the sun on deck. If the weather’s nice, the boat will take a short cruise around the islands, offering spectacular vistas and a chance to unwind before heading back to the harbor.

The Equipment and Guides

The gear provided — wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels — is generally well-maintained, and guides are often noted for being friendly, organized, and knowledgeable. Several reviews mention that guides like Frieda were especially helpful, briefing everyone thoroughly and making sure no one felt left behind or unsure underwater.

The personal snorkel tube each participant keeps as a souvenir adds a special touch, making the experience memorable. It also underscores the tour’s attention to detail and eco-friendly approach — no sharing gear, which is increasingly appreciated.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This trip is perfect for families with children, as it’s safe, with small group sizes and attentive guides. It’s also suitable for beginners, given the clear instructions and manageable duration. If you’re looking for a quick, scenic, and educational introduction to Mediterranean marine life, this tour fits the bill.

Travelers who reviewed the experience say it’s well worth the money, especially considering the small group size and opportunity to see a vibrant underwater world. Some mention the fabulous guides and how they made the activity feel personalized, which adds a lot to the overall impression.

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Possible Drawbacks to Consider

The main limitation is the short snorkeling window — 50 minutes might leave some wanting more, especially if the marine life is abundant. Also, because the tour is organized in a group of 8-10 people per guide for snorkeling, it might feel a little rushed for those who want a more relaxed or extended underwater experience.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or food, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation and bring snacks or drinks if desired. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as getting in and out of the boat and handling gear can be challenging.

Why Choose This Snorkeling Trip?

This tour offers a great value for those seeking a manageable and authentic look at Mediterranean marine life. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate a small-group experience and enjoy scenic boat rides. The knowledgeable guides and safety measures ensure a smooth outing, making it ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone wanting a quick nature escape.

If you’re after hours of underwater exploration or specialized diving, you might find this trip a bit limited. But if your goal is to see vibrant fish and coral in a protected, accessible environment, then this adventure hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this snorkeling trip suitable for beginners?
Yes. The guides provide thorough instructions and equipment, making it safe and accessible, especially if it’s your first time or you’re traveling with children.

How long do we spend snorkeling?
You’ll enjoy about 50 minutes of snorkeling in total, with the rest of the 2.5-hour trip spent on the boat, relaxing, or cruising around the islands.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and drinks. The tour provides gear, but you should come prepared with personal items to stay comfortable.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak Catalan, English, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication regardless of your language preference.

Is the snorkeling gear of good quality?
According to reviews, the equipment is well-maintained and suitable for the activity. The fact that each person keeps their snorkel tube as a souvenir is a nice touch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans shift.

Is parking available nearby?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour starts at the Medaqua activity center in L’Estartit, where logistical details like parking are usually manageable.

Is this activity accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, due to boat boarding and water access requirements.

How crowded are the snorkeling groups?
Small group sizes (8-10 people) are common, which contributes to a more intimate experience and safer snorkeling environment.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands from L’Estartit offers an affordable and well-organized way to explore one of Spain’s finest marine reserves. With friendly guides, vibrant underwater scenery, and scenic boat rides, it provides a great introduction to the region’s marine life. It’s especially suited for families, beginners, and travelers seeking a quick nature fix in a beautiful setting.

Though the time in the water is limited, the quality of the experience — the scenery, safety, and personalized attention — makes it a value-packed outing. For those with a curiosity about marine ecosystems or simply looking for a memorable day under the sun, this tour hits the right notes.

If you’re after more extensive underwater exploration or larger group adventures, you might want to explore other options. But for a straightforward, fun, and scenic snorkeling experience that truly captures the essence of the Medes Islands, this trip is a reliable choice.

In summary, this snorkeling trip is a great introduction to the marine wonders of the Mediterranean, especially for those new to underwater adventures or traveling with family. With its excellent guides, scenic setting, and reasonable price, it offers genuine value—and plenty of memories to take home.

You can check availability for your dates here: