L’Estartit: Dive and Snorkeling in Montgrí Natural Park

If you’re craving a glimpse into the Mediterranean’s vibrant underwater life without all the fuss, L’Estartit offers a perfect way to dip your toes—literally—into the world of diving and snorkeling. For around $85 per person, you get a 2.5-hour adventure that takes you to the stunning waters of Montgrí Natural Park, famous for its biodiversity and protected marine environment. The experience includes a guided try dive suitable for beginners and plenty of snorkeling time to observe colorful fish, lush sea plants, and the serenity of floating just below the surface.

What we love about this trip is the personalized approach. With a small group limit of 9 participants, you’ll get more attention from your instructor, which makes all the difference when trying something new. Plus, the boat ride along the coastlines of Montgrí, Medes Islands, and Baix Ter offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters—perfect for snapping some memorable photos.

However, a possible consideration is that this is primarily an introduction for beginners. If you’re an advanced diver or snorkeler seeking more extensive exploration, you might find this experience somewhat limited in scope. Still, for first-timers, families, or those wanting a gentle introduction to the underwater world, it hits the sweet spot.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a safe, guided, and memorable marine experience without needing prior skills. If you’re interested in a quick, well-organized trip that balances education, adventure, and stunning scenery, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Beginners Welcome: Designed for those new to diving, with a clear safety briefing and guided support.
• Personalized Attention: Small group size ensures personalized instruction and assistance.
• Biodiverse Underwater Ecosystem: Explore the protected waters of Montgrí, famous for its marine biodiversity.
• Flexible Snorkeling: After your initial dive, you can snorkel freely to discover more of the underwater scenery.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: The boat trip provides picturesque vistas of the Costa Brava coastline.
• Value for Money: For $85, you get gear, a safety briefing, a 20-minute dive, and snorkeling—well worth the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Experience Matters

This experience is a wonderful way to connect with the Mediterranean’s aquatic life in a safe, approachable way. The guided try dive is tailored for beginners, making it accessible for those who have never been underwater before or are a little nervous about diving. The small group size ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed, and the instructor’s support can help boost confidence, especially if you’re feeling unsure.

The boat journey itself is an added bonus. Costa Brava’s coastlines are rugged and scenic, and the viewpoints from the boat add a layer of beauty that complements the underwater adventure. You’ll enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the chance to relax before or after your underwater exploration.

What we particularly appreciate from reviews is how friendly and helpful the staff are. As one reviewer put it, “Really nice staff, very helpful and made the experience great for us.” This personal touch can turn a simple activity into a memorable moment. Another reviewer shared how even those who didn’t know how to swim felt comfortable during their first time, highlighting the supportive environment created by the guides.

The experience also offers a chance to see marine life up close, which can be both awe-inspiring and educational. For families with children or groups of friends, it’s a fantastic introduction to the underwater world, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the Costa Brava.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Check-in at Medaqua Snorkel Tours is straightforward, located in L’Estartit. From there, the adventure begins with a safety briefing—key for first-timers—to ensure everyone is comfortable and aware of what’s to come. Your instructor, who is fluent in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English, will guide you through the basics of snorkeling and diving techniques.

Once briefed, you’ll board a dedicated boat heading towards the coastlines of Montgrí, Medes Islands, and Baix Ter. The boat ride itself is part of the enjoyment, offering sweeping views of the rugged coastline, clear blue waters, and possibly spots of local wildlife—seagulls, maybe a distant dolphin or two.

The first part of the activity involves your 20-minute dive with a certified instructor. This is the highlight—floating underwater with the instructor close by, all equipment provided. We loved the way the marine life is described as “colourful enough for the Mediterranean Sea,” which is an understatement; it’s a lively, vibrant habitat teeming with fish and plants.

Post-dive, you’ll have the chance to snorkel independently, exploring the protected waters at your own pace. This part is perfect for those who want to linger and observe more marine creatures or just enjoy floating in the calm, clear water.

The trip concludes with a relaxing boat ride back to L’Estartit harbor, giving you time to reflect on your experience, snap some final photos, and enjoy the scenic coastline one last time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are all the essentials: boat trip, instructor, diving and snorkeling gear, safety briefing, 20-minute dive, and snorkeling equipment. This comprehensive package means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to.

What isn’t included are hotel pickup or drop-off, and food and drinks, so plan accordingly. You might want to bring a water bottle, a snack, or some sunscreen, especially since the sun can be intense on the boat deck.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring your passport or ID card for check-in.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—the Mediterranean sun can be fierce.
• If you have any medical conditions (e.g., asthma, lung disease, heart problems), a medical certificate might be needed.
• The activity is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most, but pregnant women are advised against participation.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.

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What the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the friendliness of the staff. One reviewer remarked, “Really nice staff, very helpful and made the experience great for us,” which can make all the difference when trying new activities. Another shared how their first-time experience was so positive, they felt confident even without prior swimming skills: “It was our first time diving and we didn’t even know how to swim but still it was an amazing experience.”

The shared sentiment from families and first-timers is that the activity is colorful, engaging, and well-organized, making the underwater world accessible and memorable. This is especially true for those seeking a gentle, guided introduction to marine adventure.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This?

If you’re looking for a memorable, beginner-friendly introduction to underwater exploration, this tour ticks all the boxes. The small group size, the supportive instructors, and the stunning coastal scenery make it a compelling choice for first-timers, families, and anyone curious about the sea but unsure where to start.

It’s also a great value—considering the gear, safety briefing, and guided instruction included—making it an accessible way to experience Costa Brava’s natural beauty. While it’s not meant for advanced divers or those seeking longer or more intense underwater explorations, it excels at providing a safe, friendly, and visually spectacular introduction.

This experience offers a wonderful mix of education, adventure, and scenic beauty—perfect for making new memories with loved ones or simply indulging your curiosity about life beneath the waves.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for kids?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable in the water and meet the age requirements. It’s especially good for families wanting a safe, guided introduction to snorkeling and beginner diving.

Do I need prior experience?
No, this is designed as a beginner’s experience. The instructor provides a safety briefing and basic training, making it accessible even if you’ve never snorkeled or dived before.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a water bottle or a snack, as food and drinks aren’t included.

How long is the dive?
The actual underwater time is approximately 20 minutes, but the total tour lasts around 2.5 hours including boat rides, briefings, and snorkeling.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking.

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

Are there any health restrictions?
Participants with conditions like asthma, epilepsy, lung disease, or recent pneumothorax should consult their doctor and may need a medical certificate to participate.

This tour from L’Estartit provides a fantastic way to dip your toes into the underwater world, whether you’re a curious novice or just looking for a scenic, safe introduction to marine life. With friendly guides, impressive coastal views, and vibrant sea life, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Costa Brava itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: