L’Estartit: Costa Brava Boat Trip to Les Illes Medes

The draw here is the chance to see the Costa Brava from the water, then peer below it through underwater windows as the boat explores the Medes Islands and nearby marine caves. At Cala Pedrosa, there’s time to swim or snorkel in clear water, with fish and dolphins among the wildlife you might spot.

I like two things in particular: the small boat, capped at 22 people, promises a more personal outing than a large sightseeing vessel, and the crew’s explanations add useful context about local history, marine life and birds. One thing to weigh up: the trip is short, and it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

At a glance

• A 90-minute coastal trip: Depart from Espigó de Llevant in L’Estartit and return to the same meeting point.
• Cala Pedrosa swim stop: The planned 15-minute pause gives you a chance to swim, snorkel or watch for marine life.
• Medes Islands visit: Allow 45 minutes for a guided look at the natural park, including its marine caves and seabed views.
• Underwater windows onboard: You can watch the seabed without getting in the water, though conditions may affect how clearly you can see.
• Small group size: The boat carries up to 22 people, a useful detail if you prefer a more intimate outing.
• Bring a windbreaker: Even on a warm day, it can feel chilly on the water. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

A short trip with two ways to see the sea

This boat excursion offers a compact introduction to the Costa Brava’s marine scenery. You’ll spend time looking out from the boat at the coast, caves and islands, then get a different view through the underwater windows. The itinerary also includes a swimming stop, so the experience is not limited to looking at the water from above.

The advertised duration is 1.5 hours, which makes this an easy addition to a day in L’Estartit rather than a major commitment. That short length is a strength if you want a taste of the area by sea, or if your schedule is full. It also sets a realistic expectation: this is not a long cruise, and the swim stop is brief.

The boat has room for up to 22 people. That is a modest capacity, not a private charter, but it should feel less crowded than a large excursion boat. If you value close-up views, a guide’s explanations and a quick swim, that format makes sense. If you want long stretches of time in the water or a full-day outing, you’ll need something longer.

Starting at Espigó de Llevant

The trip begins at Espigó de Llevant in L’Estartit, near the boat called El Fadrí. You return to the same meeting point at the end, so there is no change of location to plan around. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and neither are food or drinks.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. That small buffer matters on a short trip: a late arrival could take a noticeable bite out of your time on the water. Check the available starting times when you book, since the schedule can vary.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking to the boat. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and a camera. A jacket or windbreaker is worth packing, too. The breeze can make a boat ride feel cooler than a sunny walk along the shore.

Cala Pedrosa: a quick swim and snorkel

The first named stop is Cala Pedrosa, where the plan allows 15 minutes for swimming, snorkeling and marine-life watching. It is a chance to get into the water rather than spend the entire excursion on deck. If you bring swimwear and a towel, you can make use of the pause; if you prefer to stay aboard, you can take in the setting from the boat.

Keep the short stop in mind when deciding what to bring. Fifteen minutes is enough for a quick dip, not a leisurely beach visit. You’ll want your swimsuit ready rather than buried in a bag, and you should be comfortable getting in and out of the water without taking too long.

Dolphin watching is part of the activity, but no wildlife sighting can be promised. Fish, schools of tuna and dolphins are all named as animals you may see. Think of them as a welcome possibility, not a guaranteed performance. Marine life has its own timetable, and the boat’s main value remains the coastal scenery, cave visits and guided look at the natural park.

The trip is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers. That is important even though the boat has underwater windows. If you cannot swim, or are uncomfortable around open water, this may not be the right excursion for you. People prone to seasickness are also advised against taking it.

The Medes Islands and their marine caves

The visit to the Medes Islands is scheduled for 45 minutes and includes a guided tour. The guide provides information in English, Spanish, French, Catalan, Dutch or Italian, covering the area’s history, marine fauna and birds. This gives the scenery some context, instead of leaving you to guess what you are looking at.

Marine caves are among the trip’s key features. Their appeal is visual: you get to approach parts of the rocky coastline that are best appreciated from the water. The boat also has underwater windows for viewing the seabed, adding a second perspective to the ride. Visibility can vary, so treat the windows as a useful extra rather than a promise of aquarium-like clarity.

The natural park is not just scenery to pass through. The trip’s rules ask you not to touch marine life or plants, which is a sensible reminder to look without disturbing what you came to see. If you are bringing children, it is worth setting that expectation before boarding.

What the crew adds

The strongest praise for this excursion centers on the crew and their explanations. The crew is described as attentive, with very good explanations, and that combination matters on a short trip. A friendly, helpful team can make boarding and the swim stop feel more straightforward, while clear commentary helps you connect the caves, wildlife and islands.

No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect a particular person. Instead, check that the live guide language offered for your departure works for you. The available languages are English, Spanish, French, Catalan, Dutch and Italian.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from 101 reviews, with several five-star comments and positive notes about the crew and explanations. That is encouraging, but it should be read alongside the practical limits: the trip lasts only 90 minutes, wildlife sightings vary, and the swim stop is short.

Is $26 good value?

At $26 per person, the price covers a boat outing, guided information, marine-cave visits, underwater viewing windows and a stop for swimming in the natural park. For someone already in L’Estartit who wants a brief introduction to the coastline and Medes Islands, that is a useful bundle at a modest price.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you are looking for a straightforward way to see the coast from the water, with a guide and a chance to swim, the fare is easy to justify. If you expect a long excursion, guaranteed dolphin sightings or lots of time to snorkel, the price will not make up for the mismatch in expectations.

Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel transfer. Bring your own water and plan how you’ll reach the meeting point. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund, which adds flexibility if your plans are still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this boat trip?

I’d consider this a good fit if you’re staying in or near L’Estartit and want a manageable outing on the water. It suits people who enjoy coastal scenery, want a brief swim, and like having a guide explain what they are seeing. The boat’s limited capacity may appeal if you prefer a smaller group to a large sightseeing vessel.

It may also work well for a mixed group if some people want to swim while others would rather stay aboard and use the underwater windows. Still, the activity is explicitly not suitable for non-swimmers, so that detail should guide your decision. People who are prone to seasickness should also choose a different way to explore the coast.

For the best chance of enjoying the outing, bring swimwear, sunscreen, water, a hat and a camera, and keep a windbreaker close. Follow the crew’s directions around the water and do not touch plants or marine life. Those are small preparations, but they help you spend the short trip enjoying the coast instead of wishing you had packed better.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a short, reasonably priced look at the Costa Brava from the sea, with marine caves, underwater windows, a guided visit to the Medes Islands and a quick swimming stop. The crew’s attentive service and clear explanations are a particular plus.

Skip it if you need a longer swim, cannot swim, or are prone to seasickness. And go with flexible expectations about dolphins: they are a possible sighting, not a sure thing. For a compact coastal outing from L’Estartit, though, this is a practical way to see more than you can from shore.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes. Check available starting times when booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is at Espigó de Llevant in L’Estartit, near the boat called El Fadrí. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The planned stop at Cala Pedrosa lasts 15 minutes and allows time for swimming, snorkeling and marine-life watching. Bring swimwear if you want to get in the water.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guide information is available in English, Spanish, French, Catalan, Dutch and Italian.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a camera, sunscreen and water. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, and a jacket or windbreaker can help if it gets chilly on the water.