Medes Islands Snorkelling Boat Trip from L'Estartit
- Duration2 to 2.5 hours
- Daily in season
- Group
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Overview
This is a guided snorkelling boat trip from L'Estartit, on Spain's Costa Brava, to the Medes Islands, one of the best-protected marine reserves in the Mediterranean. After an eco-briefing on land, a small boat takes you out to the islands in about 10 minutes. There you snorkel for around 50 minutes in small groups of 8 to 10 with a guide who leads you to the richest spots, full of fish, seagrass and rocky reefs. Back on board there is time to swim or relax on deck, and in good weather a short cruise around the islands. Mask, fins, wetsuit and life vest are included, and you keep your personal snorkel. It is a shared trip for confident swimmers aged 6 and over.
Highlights
- Snorkel in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, protected since the 1980s
- About 50 minutes in the water with a guide, in groups of 8 to 10
- Eco-briefing before the trip on gear and marine life
- Wetsuit, mask, fins and life vest included
- Personal snorkel tube to keep as a souvenir
- Swim time and a short cruise around the islands, weather permitting
- Only about 10 minutes by boat from L'Estartit harbour
- Three departures a day in season
Full Description
L'Estartit on the Costa Brava
L'Estartit is a seaside town on the Costa Brava, in the province of Girona in Catalonia, known for its long sandy beach, its harbour full of small boats and the limestone Montgrí massif rising behind it. It has grown from a fishing village into one of the main diving and snorkelling centres of the Spanish Mediterranean, thanks to the islands just offshore.
Your Medes Islands snorkelling trip starts at an activity centre by the harbour, where you exchange your voucher, try on your wetsuit and join the eco-briefing. If you are wondering how to get to the Medes Islands, this is the simplest way: the only access is by boat from L'Estartit, and the islands lie about a mile from the town's beach.
The Medes Islands archipelago
The Medes Islands are a small archipelago of seven limestone islets and reefs, the largest being Meda Gran, with steep cliffs, sea caves and a lighthouse. Geologically they are a continuation of the Montgrí massif, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel. Seabirds such as gulls and cormorants nest on the cliffs.
Since 1983 fishing has been strictly limited around the islands, and today they belong to the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. The result is one of the richest underwater environments in the western Mediterranean, which is why a Medes Islands boat trip is on the wish list of so many divers and snorkellers visiting the Costa Brava.
Snorkelling in the marine reserve
Once at the islands you enter the water in small groups with a guide who shows you the best spots. In the clear, shallow water around the rocks you can see shoals of sea bream and saddled bream, colourful wrasse, damselfish and, with luck, large groupers that have become used to divers. Meadows of Posidonia seagrass sway on the sandy bottom, an important nursery for young fish.
The snorkelling lasts about 50 minutes, and the wetsuit keeps you comfortable even when the water is cooler at the start and end of the season. Feeding or touching marine life is not allowed, so the animals stay wild and curious. For many guests this is the best snorkelling on the Costa Brava without needing a diving licence.
Swim time and a cruise around the islands
After snorkelling you climb back aboard and can swim a little more in the turquoise water or relax in the sun on deck. When the sea is calm, the skipper takes a short cruise around the islands to show you the cliffs, small caves and the lighthouse from close up before returning to the harbour.
The whole trip lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, so it fits easily into a beach day in L'Estartit. The best time to visit the Medes Islands for snorkelling is from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest water in July and August and the clearest conditions often on calm mornings. Bring a towel and a dry layer for the ride back, as the breeze on the boat can feel cool after a swim.
Itinerary
- Check-in and eco-briefingExchange your voucher at the activity centre, collect your gear and learn about the equipment and the marine life you will see.
- Walk to the boatAbout 10 minutes on foot to the harbour to board a small boat.
- Boat ride to the Medes IslandsA 10-minute crossing from L'Estartit harbour to the archipelago.
- Guided snorkellingAbout 50 minutes in the water in groups of 8 to 10 with your guide.
- Swim and relax on deckFree time to swim or sunbathe, followed by a short cruise around the islands if the weather allows.
- Return to L'EstartitBack to the harbour and the activity centre after about 2 to 2.5 hours in total.
What's included
- Eco-briefing on the equipment and the marine life
- Small-boat trip from L'Estartit to the Medes Islands and back
- About 50 minutes of guided snorkelling in groups of 8 to 10
- Mask, fins, wetsuit and life vest
- Personal snorkel tube to keep as a souvenir
- Swim time and a short cruise around the islands, weather permitting
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Cost of any equipment lost or damaged
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–12
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- A half-day plan — about 2.5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Children under 6 years
Meeting point
Exchange your voucher at the office of the snorkelling activity centre by L'Estartit harbour before the trip begins. From there it is about a 10-minute walk to the boat. Departures are at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 in season. There is no hotel pickup; the centre is easy to reach on foot from the seafront and has public parking nearby.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, drinking water and sunscreen
- Minimum age 6; children must be accompanied by an adult
- You should be comfortable in the water; a life vest is provided
- Smoking and feeding animals are not allowed
- Any equipment that is lost or damaged must be paid for by the participant
- The cruise around the islands depends on weather and sea conditions
- Food and drinks are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared boat trip; in the water you snorkel in small groups of 8 to 10 with a guide.
How long does the trip take?
About 2 to 2.5 hours in total, with around 50 minutes of snorkelling.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the activity centre by L'Estartit harbour.
What is included?
The boat trip, guide, eco-briefing, mask, fins, wetsuit, life vest and a personal snorkel tube to keep.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your date and time.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, from 6 years old, accompanied by an adult. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
You should feel comfortable in the water. The wetsuit and life vest help you float, and the guide stays with the group.
What will I see underwater?
Shoals of sea bream, colourful wrasse and damselfish, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs, and sometimes large groupers.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, water and sunscreen. All snorkelling equipment is provided.
What happens in bad weather?
If the sea is too rough, the trip may be moved or cancelled for safety. We contact you to arrange a new date or a refund.
When is the best time to snorkel at the Medes Islands?
From late spring to early autumn. July and August have the warmest water, and calm mornings often bring the clearest visibility.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and departure time in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes.
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