L’Estartit is a fantastic place for exploration—whether you’re into underwater adventures, scenic boat rides, or active outdoor excursions. The town’s proximity to the Medes Islands Natural Marine Reserve makes it a natural hub for marine-focused activities, and the variety of tours available ensures there’s something for all. Whether you’re a family looking for safe, guided snorkeling trips or an adventure seeker eager to paddle around the islands in a kayak, L’Estartit delivers. We particularly like the Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands, thanks to its high ratings and engaging underwater experience, and the Boat Trip to Les Illes Medes and the caves, which offers a comprehensive look at the coast and marine life.
For those who prefer to stay dry but still want a taste of the sea, the Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling provides a relaxing evening with stunning views, while the Sea Kayaking Tour to the Medes Islands offers a more active, up-close experience with nature. No matter your style, the options listed below give you a clear snapshot of what’s available.
1. From L’Estartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands
Explore the underwater world of the Medes Islands Natural Marine Reserve with this highly-rated snorkeling trip. This tour lasts about 2.5 hours and offers the chance to swim among diverse fish and marine plants while enjoying a cruise around the islands. It’s perfect if you want a quick but immersive marine experience. The guides are praised for their knowledge and safety awareness, making it friendly for nervous first-timers or families with children. Many reviews highlight how safe and enjoyable the trip is, with a personal touch that sets it apart from generic boat rides.
This tour is especially good for those who want to combine sunbathing with snorkeling, as the boat’s deck provides a comfortable spot to relax. The Medes Islands are known for their clear waters and abundant marine life, making this a memorable introduction to Catalonia’s underwater treasures. At just $42 per person, it offers excellent value for a well-organized adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for snorkelers of all levels who want a guided, safe, and engaging experience in one of the Mediterranean’s top marine reserves.
2. L’Estartit: Boat Trip to Les Illes Medes and the caves
This boat trip offers a broader view of the Costa Brava’s beauty, with a 1.5-hour journey through the Natural Park of Les Illes Medes. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 140 reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction among travelers. The boat features underwater windows, giving you a glimpse of marine life without getting wet, plus stops for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll also get the chance to see spectacular marine caves and learn about local wildlife and history from your guide.
The tour’s itinerary includes a stop at Cala Pedrosa for swimming and dolphin watching, as well as a guided tour of the Medes Islands. The boat’s open-air design allows you to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic coastal views. This trip balances real exploration with comfort, making it popular for families and those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and marine encounters.
Priced at around $42, this trip offers a bit more variety in scenery and activities compared to shorter boat rides. Plus, the guided commentary enriches the experience with insights into the area’s geology and marine fauna.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re after a scenic, relaxed tour that combines wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and a taste of the caves with a quick cruise.
3. From L’Estartit: Sea Kayaking Tour to the Medes Islands
For those who prefer a more active adventure, the Sea Kayaking Tour is a 2.5-hour paddle around the Medes Islands. Starting from L’Estartit, this tour takes you through the Medes Archipelago, a group of seven islets renowned for their vibrant seabed and abundant marine life. The guides are multilingual and will teach you the basics of kayaking, making it accessible even for beginners.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to explore at your own pace and get close to the coastline, caves, and hidden coves that aren’t visible from the boat. Many travelers appreciate the chance to swim among colorful fish and marine plants, all while enjoying the peacefulness of paddling in calm waters. It’s a great choice for active travelers or families with older children who want to combine exercise with nature.
At only $33 per person, it offers good value, especially considering the personalized experience and scenic beauty. Reviewers mention how the guide’s local knowledge enhances the trip, and some find it a more memorable alternative to traditional boat rides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active explorers eager to paddle and learn about marine environments up close, with the added bonus of discovering secluded spots.
4. L’Estartit: Dive and Snorkeling in Montgrí Natural Park
This guided beginner’s dive in Montgrí Natural Park combines snorkeling and introductory diving, perfect if you’re curious about underwater exploration but don’t want to commit to a full certification course. For around $85, you get 2.5 hours of professional instruction and underwater time, making it one of the more comprehensive options on our list.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to breathe underwater with the help of qualified instructors, experiencing the tranquility of floating amidst colorful fish and marine plants in the protected waters of Montgrí. Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of staff, especially for first-timers who are a bit nervous. Some guests, even those who can’t swim, have found this experience surprisingly manageable and satisfying.
The underwater scenery is rated as colorful, and the marine life is abundant, making it a true highlight for underwater enthusiasts. Plus, snorkeling afterward allows further exploration without additional costs.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners or families wanting a safe, guided introduction to diving and snorkeling with professional support.
5. L’Estartit: Boat Trip to the Medes Islands and the NP Caves
This 1.5-hour boat trip offers a comprehensive exploration of the Medes Islands and the caves of the Natural Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 with 101 reviews, it balances sightseeing, marine life viewing, and cultural interest. The boat Nuria features a glass bottom, allowing you to observe marine life without getting wet, and the tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, especially between June 15th and September.
The itinerary takes you past scenic viewpoints, with opportunities to walk along the coast, explore caves, and enjoy panoramic views of the islands. The guided commentary helps you understand the area’s geology, history, and marine fauna, making this a well-rounded trip for those interested in both nature and culture.
This tour is a fantastic choice for travelers short on time but wanting a diverse experience that combines scenic cruising with marine discovery. It’s priced at about $26, offering value for its duration and variety.
Bottom Line: A good pick for those who want a brief, engaging overview of the Medes Islands and natural caves with underwater viewing.
6. Guided Boat Tour to Medes Islands & Roca Foradada with Swim
This 1.5-hour guided boat ride takes you around the Medes Islands and features a stop at the stunning Roca Foradada—a rocky formation with a natural arch. Rated 4.3 out of 5 with 35 reviews, it’s more intimate and focuses on exploring impressive cliffs and hidden coves with a chance to swim.
The tour emphasizes discovery of unspoiled coves and the dramatic landscape of the coastline, making it an excellent choice for lovers of geology and scenic beauty. The guide’s local knowledge adds depth to the experience, revealing stories behind the formations and secret spots.
While the tour is shorter and more focused, it’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience with some swimming breaks. It’s priced at $25 per person, offering an affordable option for a quick sea adventure.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a short, scenic, and intimate boat ride with safe swimming opportunities.
7. Estartit: Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and a Drink
For a romantic and relaxing end to your day, the Sunset Cruise offers a 1.5-hour voyage aboard a traditional wooden boat. Rated 4.8 out of 5 with just 5 reviews, it’s a popular choice for couples or travelers wanting a peaceful, scenic experience. You’ll sail past the Medes Islands and the Montgrí Natural Park, enjoying the changing colors of the sky as the sun sets.
The cruise includes a refreshing swim with snorkeling gear, and a complimentary glass of wine or drink to toast the evening. The highlight is the calm, peaceful atmosphere combined with spectacular views over the coast, especially during the sunset hour when the landscape glows.
The tour is about the perfect length for a slow, scenic end-of-day activity, and the small group size adds to its intimate feel. It’s priced at $41 per person, representing a nice value for such a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or anyone seeking a romantic, quiet way to take in the scenery and unwind at the close of a day.
How to Choose Your Perfect L’Estartit Tour
Picking the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and how active you want to be. If you’re eager to explore underwater, the Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands offers a safe, engaging option with great reviews. For a broader coastal view, the Boat Trip to Les Illes Medes and the caves combines wildlife spotting with scenic caves. Active travelers might enjoy the Sea Kayaking Tour, while those seeking a relaxed, romantic evening could opt for the Sunset Cruise.
Consider your time availability: shorter trips like the guided boat to Roca Foradada suit quick schedules, whereas longer tours give a more immersive experience. Budget-wise, most activities offer good value given the quality and duration, but private or specialty tours tend to cost more.
Booking early, especially in peak summer months, is advisable since these experiences are popular and fill up quickly. Think about whether you want a calm sightseeing cruise or an active paddle—each offers a different taste of L’Estartit’s stunning coastline.
Final Thoughts
L’Estartit is a treasure trove of marine adventures and scenic outings. For a quick, fun introduction to the underwater world, the snorkeling trip is hard to beat. If you want to combine marine exploration with scenic views, the boat trips around the Medes Islands will satisfy your curiosity. Active travelers should not miss the kayaking tour, while those after a romantic evening might enjoy the sunset cruise.
Whatever your style, these tours give you a taste of the spectacular nature and coastline that make L’Estartit special. Booking early guarantees you a spot, so consider your preferred experience and enjoy your time discovering this beautiful part of Spain’s Costa Brava.
Happy exploring!