REVIEW · ROSES SPAIN
From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by MAGIC CATAMARANS · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Catamarans make the sea feel personal. This Roses to Medes Islands cruise is all about sailing the Costa Brava, then hanging out over postcard-clear water with an on-board BBQ.
I especially like the way the route keeps shifting views—coastline, islands, and the Montgrí massif in the background. And I really enjoy the feeling of that open-water deck setup, where you can see the sea slipping beneath you through the nets.
One thing to plan for: your snorkeling and fish-spotting depends on where you stop and the water conditions that day, so the underwater view isn’t equally great for everyone.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Catamaran cruising out of Roses: why this feels like more than a boat trip
- The sailing route: Bay of Roses to the Medes Islands in one smooth stretch
- Medes Islands National Park: what those views are really like from the water
- Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa: your swim stop and why timing is everything
- On-board BBQ and drinks: what’s actually included with your sea views
- Snorkeling gear, the €10 deposit, and how to make the most of your water time
- Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)
- Price and value: is $66 worth it for 5.5 hours?
- Practical logistics: meeting point, payment, and what to expect on board
- Should you book this catamaran to the Medes Islands?
- FAQ
- How long is the sailing day trip from Roses?
- Where does the tour depart from in Roses?
- Is lunch included, and what’s it like?
- Are drinks included during the cruise?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- How much time do I get to swim and snorkel?
- What payment methods are accepted on board?
- Are children treated differently on this tour?
Key things to know before you go
- Costa Brava sailing from Roses with time to relax and take in the coastline
- Medes Islands National Park viewpoints plus passing the Estartit area and the Montgrí massif
- About 2 hours of swim time at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa (your stop choice may vary)
- BBQ lunch served on board with meats, salads, bread, and watermelon
- Snorkeling gear on the water with a €10 deposit required
- Life jackets for kids and adults included
Catamaran cruising out of Roses: why this feels like more than a boat trip
This is a classic Catalonia day by the water—low-stress, scenic, and built around time outdoors. You leave from central Roses, then trade land for open sea views as you sail along the Costa Brava toward the Medes Islands Natural Park.
What makes the catamaran format work is the layout. You’re not tucked away; you’re out where you can look around and feel the breeze. The “see the sea below you” design (through the nets) adds that slightly playful, flying-over-the-water sensation—fun on a hot day, and great for photos without needing to chase the best angles.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Roses Spain
The sailing route: Bay of Roses to the Medes Islands in one smooth stretch
After you meet at the Dock of Ginjolers (in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar), you’ll hop aboard and get underway. From there, the trip focuses on the pleasure of sailing—gliding through the Bay of Roses and letting the coast unfold at an unhurried pace.
As you head toward the Medes Islands, you’ll also get the kinds of views people remember from the Costa Brava: coastline angles, island silhouettes, and big-land background scenery. The route includes passing by the area around Estartit, plus sightlines toward the Montgrí massif, which gives the landscape that strong “mountain meets sea” feeling even when you’re only seeing it from the water.
This part matters for value. A lot of boat tours become a long sit-and-wait. Here, the sailing itself is the experience—so even if you’re not a diehard swimmer, you still get a full day of scenery.
Medes Islands National Park: what those views are really like from the water
The Medes Islands are famous for clear water and sea life, but your first encounter is visual: rocky island shapes, coastal lines, and that “protected nature” vibe you can feel once you’re close enough to see detail.
Expect the viewing to be a mix of open-water perspective and close approach. You’re not just looking at the islands from far off. The cruise route brings you through the park area so you can appreciate both the islands themselves and how the coastline folds around them.
Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa: your swim stop and why timing is everything
About two hours are set aside for swimming and sun time at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. This is the payoff segment for most people: that sudden transition from sailing to calm water time, with chances to cool off and snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise conditions.
Here’s the practical reality: snorkeling quality changes day to day, and even stop to stop. Some days, you’ll get easier views; other days, the underwater visibility can be affected by depth and where the water drops off. That means if you’re booking mainly for top-tier fish spotting, keep expectations flexible.
Still, two hours is a solid window. You’re not rushed into a ten-minute swim. You can do a proper loop: quick dip, snorkel try, then back to sunbathing. If you want to snorkel but you’re not super confident, it helps that the boat provides life jackets for both children and adults and includes snorkeling equipment (with the deposit handled on board).
On-board BBQ and drinks: what’s actually included with your sea views
Lunch is cooked onboard and served while you’re still out on the water. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life wins on the tour: no searching for food, no bus detours, no waiting for restaurants to open. You eat with the sea right there, which changes the whole feel of the day.
The BBQ lunch includes:
- various meats (like chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages)
- salads (including green salad and Russian salad), plus bread
- watermelon for dessert
Drinks are part of the deal too. You get soft drinks and water throughout the trip, plus wine from the region (red, rosé, white) and sangria during lunch/dinner. The tour also notes mineral water is available for the whole time you’re on board.
One heads-up I’d give you: if you eat vegetarian, the experience can vary. One guest reported that their vegetarian option wasn’t great. So it’s smart to think of this as a meat-and-seafood-friendly BBQ day, and if you need a specific diet, plan to confirm what’s available when you book.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Roses Spain
Snorkeling gear, the €10 deposit, and how to make the most of your water time
You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided, but there’s a €10 deposit tied to it. Bring cash or a card method that works for the deposit with you, and don’t lose the gear once you’ve got it—handing it back properly is the difference between a smooth afternoon and a minor hassle.
Also, don’t overlook comfort. The “sea passes below you from the nets” design is cool, but it also means you’ll want to be mindful of where you sit and how you move if you’re stepping around wet areas. The boat setup encourages you to look down and take in the water surface, so you’ll be in that mixed “sun + sea breeze + salt spray” environment for hours.
If your goal is snorkeling, arrive at the water stop ready to go. Once you’re in the cove, the day tends to move fast—sun gets hotter, people line up, and the best window for calmer water is often earlier in the stop.
Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)
This tour is a great match if you want:
- a scenic Costa Brava catamaran day without stress
- a proper swim stop and snorkeling time
- lunch plus drinks included in the ticket price
- an atmosphere that’s more relaxed than a speed-boat party scene
It’s also a solid family-friendly option. Life jackets for children and adults are included, and one review specifically noted that children up to 6 years old were free—so you may get better-than-typical value for families.
Who might think twice? If you’re extremely sensitive to delays or to the vibe on board (some boats can end up with louder groups), you’ll want to choose your time carefully and manage expectations. One negative review described late departure and a lack of respect from a group onboard; it sounds like an outlier, but it’s still a reminder that group tours can’t be perfect every day.
Price and value: is $66 worth it for 5.5 hours?
At $66 per person, you’re not just paying for transport. You’re getting:
- the catamaran sailing experience
- about 2 hours of swim/snorkel time
- BBQ lunch
- drinks (soft drinks, water, regional wine, sangria during meals)
- snorkeling gear (with a deposit)
- life jackets
When you break it down, the best value is in not having to add costs later. If you would’ve spent money on a meal and drinks plus a separate activity, the ticket becomes easier to justify. You’re essentially buying a half-day of sea views plus a full on-board “day at the beach” setup.
The only value catch is food preferences. If you eat vegetarian and need a truly satisfying main, you may have a hit-or-miss experience. And snorkeling fans should remember that the underwater show depends on conditions and depth at your chosen stop.
Practical logistics: meeting point, payment, and what to expect on board
You’ll meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar (153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona).
On board, note that only card payments are accepted, and American Express isn’t accepted. Plan to have a card that works without hassle if you’re bringing a deposit-related payment or expecting to buy anything on the spot.
The live guide is multilingual—Spanish, English, and French—so you should be able to follow the key info and get context for what you’re seeing as you sail.
Should you book this catamaran to the Medes Islands?
Yes, I’d book it if your ideal day is a mix of sailing views and real time in the water—without the hassle of coordinating multiple stops. The Medes Islands scenery, the swim window at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, and the fact that lunch and drinks are handled on board make this a strong value choice for a 5.5-hour day trip.
I’d think twice if your main goal is guaranteed top-notch snorkeling or if your food needs are strict. In those cases, plan for variability and consider messaging the operator when you book so you’re not surprised by the vegetarian options.
Bottom line: if you want a Costa Brava day that feels light, scenic, and properly “on the sea,” this tour fits.
FAQ
How long is the sailing day trip from Roses?
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, including sailing time and the swim/snorkel stop.
Where does the tour depart from in Roses?
You’ll meet at the Dock of Ginjolers in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar (153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona).
Is lunch included, and what’s it like?
Yes. BBQ lunch is included, with meats (chicken breasts, skewers, sausages), salads (green salad, Russian salad), bread, and watermelon for dessert.
Are drinks included during the cruise?
Yes. Drinks included are soft drinks and water during the whole trip, plus wine (red, rosé, white) and sangria during lunch/dinner.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, but there’s a €10 deposit required.
How much time do I get to swim and snorkel?
You get about 2 hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming and sunbathing.
What payment methods are accepted on board?
On board, only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.
Are children treated differently on this tour?
A customer review mentioned that children up to 6 years old were free, but the rest of the pricing details by age aren’t listed in the provided information.
