A catamaran plus underwater windows sounds like a win. This trip from Roses takes you into the protected coastline of Cap de Creus Natural Park, with glass-bottom views over the water and cliffs of Cala Murtra. I like how the setting feels wild but not complicated, and how the scenery does most of the work for you—sea, rock, pine trees, and those bright in-between shades of sky and water.

Two things I really like: the way you get coastal scenery with minimal time pressure (a tight 90 minutes), and the fact that the included multilingual phone audio guide lets you learn at your own pace—no hunting for a human narrator. One consideration: if you’re expecting a full-on “aquarium show,” you may find the underwater views a bonus rather than the main event.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Glass-bottom underwater deck for a clear look at what’s under the surface
• Cala Murtra in Cap de Creus Natural Park, surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation
• Only authorised naturist beach at Cala Murtra, in case you’re wondering ahead of time
• Catamaran sailing through hidden coves on the wild Costa Brava stretch between Roses and Cadaqués
• Phone audio guide in multiple languages so you can follow the story without waiting
• Bar service onboard, handy on a sunny day when you want a drink

A Catamaran Plan for Costa Brava Views in 90 Minutes

This is the kind of trip I like when my day already has plans, but I still want water time. In about 1.5 hours, you go from Roses out along the coast and end up at Cala Murtra, one of the park’s most dramatic little coves.

The pace is brisk, which is part of the value. You’re not signing up for a long excursion that eats the whole day. Instead, you’re buying a concentrated dose of Costa Brava scenery and a chance to see marine life through the underwater viewing deck.

Boarding in Roses: Two Start Points You Should Double-Check

Your meeting point can vary depending on which option you book. The two listed start addresses in Roses are:

• Avinguda de la Bocana, 2
• Av. de Rhode, 139

That matters because parking and walking routes around the waterfront can be a little different depending on where you’re dropped in. Do yourself a favor: check your exact confirmation and arrive early enough to get oriented without rushing.

This is also a good point to think about clothing. Even in calm weather, a sea breeze can make you want a light layer, and you’ll likely be spending time looking out to sea.

Sailing Through Cap de Creus: Coves, Rocks, and Open Views

Once you’re underway, the route focuses on the kind of coastline Costa Brava is famous for: cliffs, small coves, and the feeling of being surrounded by land and sea at the same time. It’s described as the wild stretch between Roses and Cadaqués, which is a nice way to set expectations. This is nature-first scenery, not a city cruise.

What makes this section worthwhile is that you’re seeing the coast from the water, at an angle you can’t get from shore. Even if you’ve already walked parts of the park earlier, a boat view changes the whole experience—rock shapes look more sculpted, and the coves read clearer.

Cala Murtra: Cliff-Crowned Water and Your Short Visit on Shore

Cala Murtra sits inside Cap de Creus Natural Park, positioned so the cove feels protected and dramatic. The description emphasizes lush vegetation and turquoise water, with pine-green tones and bright sky overhead. Visually, it’s the kind of spot where the scenery makes you slow down—even when the timetable won’t let you linger for long.

There’s also an important detail: Cala Murtra is the only authorised naturist beach. If that matters to you, it’s better to know in advance so the visit feels comfortable rather than awkward.

During your time there, you’ll get a break and a visit, plus the overall experience includes sailing and then the glass-bottom underwater viewing. In other words, you’re not just stopping at a dock. You’re spending enough time to take in the cove and then shift back to the boat for the underwater look.

Underwater Views Through Glass: What to Expect (and What Not to Expect)

The headline feature is the underwater viewing experience through the glass windows / underwater viewing deck, plus a glass-bottom boat ride component. On a clear day, this is genuinely fun because you can see the water’s depth changes and spot movement below the surface.

Here’s the practical reality: underwater visibility depends on the day—light, season, and water conditions all play a role. And even when the view is good, this is still a short cruise. That means the underwater portion is best treated as a satisfying add-on.

One piece of feedback I found especially useful is that it’s more about the journey and coastline than about lots of underwater action. I’d plan it like this: expect great scenery from above, and enjoy marine life as something you might see, not something guaranteed every minute.

Phone Audio Guide: Learn the Coast Without Waiting

You get a multilingual audio guide on your phone, available in:

• Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Russian

That range is a big deal for a short trip. You can catch the meaning of what you’re seeing without needing everyone to hear the same spoken guide at the same time. If you’re the type who wants context—why the area is protected, what makes the coastline distinctive—this is a smart way to get it.

It also helps with language comfort if you’re traveling with friends or family who speak different languages. Nobody has to feel left out.

Value Check: Is $29 Worth It?

At about $29 per person for 1.5 hours, the value depends on what you want.

If your priority is water views, the protected coastline of Cap de Creus, and a chance to see the cove from the sea, then this price feels reasonable. You’re paying for a boat ride that includes the underwater viewing experience and a built-in way to understand what you’re looking at.

If your main goal is nonstop underwater sightseeing with lots of marine encounters, you might find the experience too short for that expectation. The cruise is intentionally compact, and that keeps it affordable—but it also limits how much underwater time you get.

So my rule of thumb: book it for scenery + a fun glass-deck bonus, not as a full marine expedition.

What to Bring (So You Enjoy Every Minute)

This tour is simple, but a few small choices help a lot:

• Camera (or a phone with a good camera mode for bright light)
• Comfortable clothes (and consider layers for sea breeze)

If you’re sensitive to sun, also think about sunglasses and sunscreen, since the trip is centered on outdoor views. The information doesn’t list extras, but sunny Costa Brava afternoons are common enough to plan for.

And because the activity isn’t suitable for everyone: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that applies to you, you’ll likely want to pick another Roses option.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Not)

This fits best if you want:

• A short, easy way to see wild-looking Costa Brava
• Boat views and cliff-and-cove scenery without a full-day commitment
• The chance to look through glass for marine life, even if it’s brief

It may not be the best match if:

• You strongly prefer a longer stop at a beach with lots of time ashore
• Your top priority is extended underwater viewing and lots of marine action
• You need accessibility support, since it’s listed as not suitable for mobility impairments

Should You Book Els Blaus de Roses to Cala Murtra?

I’d book this when you’re aiming for a clean mix of time-efficient sailing, dramatic coast views, and a fun underwater-deck moment. The Cap de Creus setting is the star here, and the underwater portion works well as an extra you can enjoy even if you’re not an “underwater everything” person.

If you go in expecting a short cruise with scenery as the main event—and a glass-deck look that’s dependent on conditions—you’ll get better value. If you go expecting a long, guaranteed marine-life experience, you may feel disappointed.

Overall: for a 90-minute escape from Roses into the wild Costa Brava edge, this is a solid pick—especially if you want to see Cala Murtra up close and get back with memories that look good in photos.

FAQ

How long is the cruise to Cala Murtra?

The duration is about 1.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Roses?

You may meet at Avinguda de la Bocana, 2 or at Av. de Rhode, 139 in Roses, depending on the option you book. The exact meeting point can vary.

What exactly is included for underwater views?

The experience includes a glass-bottom / underwater viewing deck component where you can see marine life through glass windows.

Is there an audio guide?

Yes. A multilingual audio guide for your phone is included, with languages listed as Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Russian.

Is there a bar service onboard?

Yes, there is bar service included during the tour.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $29 per person.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera and comfortable clothes.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is reserve-now, pay-later available?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you care more about swimming vs. views, I can help you decide if this 90-minute format is the right fit.

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