From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part of this trip is the change of pace: you leave Roses behind, feel the breeze from the catamaran’s front nets, and spend much of the day with the Costa Brava spread around you. The route takes you toward the protected Medes Islands, then gives you time to swim at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa.

I like the coastline views from the water and the fact that lunch is cooked on board rather than squeezed into a shore stop. You get a barbecue, salads, bread, watermelon, and drinks, with time to stretch out on deck between swims.

One thing to keep in mind: the swim stop is not necessarily a long visit to the Medes Islands themselves. The anchorage is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, and one account of the trip described very little time near the islands and water too deep to see many fish. Departure delays have also been reported, so avoid scheduling a tight connection afterward.

• A 5.5-hour sailing day starts and ends at the central dock in Roses.
• The Medes Islands are viewed from the boat, with a swim stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa.
• The crew prepares a barbecue on board, with meat, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Water and soft drinks are included throughout, with wine and sangria served at lunch.
• Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit, and life jackets are provided for adults and children.
• The trip is offered in Spanish, English, and French, though no individual guide names are provided.

Leaving Roses across the Bay of Roses

The catamaran departs from the Dock of Ginjolers, in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar. From there, the boat heads across the Bay of Roses toward the Medes Islands Natural Park. This is a useful way to see the coast from a different angle: instead of walking a seafront path or looking down from a road, you watch the shoreline open out from the water.

The journey itself is part of the day, not just a transfer to a swimming spot. You can take in the sea air from the deck, settle into the boat, and enjoy views along the Costa Brava. If you find a place on the nets at the front, the water passes directly below you. It is a simple pleasure, but it gives the sailing a more engaging feel than sitting in a fixed seat for the whole ride.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, though the exact number of passengers is not provided. If you prefer shade or a more sheltered seat, ask the crew what is available when you board. The open deck is a big part of the appeal, but it also means sun and wind are part of the bargain.

Seeing the Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands are the focal point of the route. The catamaran weaves around them, giving you views of the islands and the nearby coast. You also see the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif, which help give the route its sense of place: this is not simply a boat ride out to open water, but a passage along a distinctive stretch of the Costa Brava.

The islands are part of a natural park, so the boat’s approach is an opportunity to appreciate the protected area from the sea. The itinerary does not promise a landing on the islands, however. The main swimming stop is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, so book this for a day of sailing, scenery, and a swim rather than for an extended visit ashore.

That distinction matters if your main aim is to see marine life. The water is described as clear and turquoise, and snorkeling equipment is available, but visibility into the water depends on conditions and depth. One passenger found the water too deep to see many fish and wished for more time near the islands. Bring your expectations down to earth: this is a relaxing catamaran outing, not a dedicated wildlife or snorkeling expedition.

The swim stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

The boat anchors at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for a swim and sunbathing stop of about two hours. The exact location is not fixed in the information provided, so you should treat the choice as dependent on the trip rather than assume you will visit both. Once anchored, you can get into the water, sunbathe on deck, or stay aboard and enjoy the pause.

The length of this stop gives the day a welcome break from sailing. You are not just jumping in for a quick dip before the boat moves on. Still, it is worth asking yourself what you want from the swim: some people will be happy with a refreshing float in clear water, while keen snorkelers may want more time in a shallower spot with more fish in view.

Snorkeling equipment is included with a €10 deposit. Life jackets are available for adults and children, which is useful for families and for anyone who would rather enjoy the water with extra support. The information does not specify the type or size range of snorkeling gear, so if you have a particular need, check before booking.

There is also no promise that you will go ashore. The description centers on swimming and sunbathing from the boat, so plan to spend the stop in or around the water rather than wandering along a beach.

A barbecue lunch served on board

While you swim or relax, the crew prepares lunch on the catamaran. The menu is straightforward: chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages, with green salad and Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert. It is the sort of meal that fits a day at sea: filling, easy to serve, and best eaten with the coastline still in view.

Drinks are part of the value. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip, and lunch includes regional red, rosé, and white wine, as well as sangria. That means you do not need to plan to buy refreshments on board, though you should note that onboard payments are by card only and American Express is not accepted.

Vegetarians should check the meal arrangements before booking. The listed barbecue is centered on meat, and one reported vegetarian burger was strongly flavored and disappointing. The salads and bread may help, but the menu does not promise a satisfying vegetarian alternative. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator in advance rather than counting on a suitable meal being available.

What $66 buys you

At $66 per person, this is a half-day-plus outing with sailing, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks included. The price makes more sense when you consider the full package: you are not paying only for transport to the islands, but for several hours on the water and a meal prepared during the stop. For a visitor who wants a simple, ready-made day at sea from Roses, that can be good value.

The best value is for people who will make use of the whole day. If you enjoy being outdoors, want time to swim, and are happy with a group outing, the combination of boat, food, and drinks can save you the trouble of organizing those pieces separately. If you only want a brief look at the islands, or need a long snorkeling session, the price may feel less compelling.

The trip is 5.5 hours, and one family noted that children up to age six were free. Since that detail is not included in the general activity information, confirm the child fare when you book rather than assuming it applies to every booking. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which can help if your plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

This outing suits couples, families, and groups who want a relaxed day on the Costa Brava without planning every detail themselves. Families have life jackets available for children and adults, while the swim stop gives everyone a chance to get off the deck and into the water. If your children are young, check the child pricing and think about how they handle several hours on a boat.

It is also a good fit if you like the social side of a shared boat trip. The sailing, lunch, drinks, and swim stop all happen as one group outing. That can create a cheerful holiday atmosphere, but the mood on board depends partly on the other passengers. One complaint described a noisy group and a lack of consideration for others, so this is not the best choice if you want a quiet, private sail.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. That language range is useful for basic communication, but the trip is not described as a history-focused guided tour. Choose it for the scenery and time at sea, not for detailed commentary about the islands.

A few practical points before you board

The meeting point is the Dock of Ginjolers, at 153 Av. de Rhode, Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar. Check your booking for the departure time, since starting times vary by availability. Arrive with enough time to find the dock and get settled, and leave a buffer afterward: a one-hour departure delay has been reported, with limited communication about the wait.

Bring swimwear and anything you need to be comfortable in the sun. The boat provides water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear with a deposit, and life jackets, but the information does not specify whether towels or sun protection are supplied. Do not count on buying something with cash on board; only card payment is accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

The onboard atmosphere can vary with the group. The crew is responsible for sailing, preparing lunch, and serving the meal, and passengers have praised the captain and crew for the navigation, food service, and atmosphere. At the same time, a shared boat is a shared space. Keep that in mind if a calm, low-noise outing is essential to you.

Should you book this Roses sailing trip?

Book it if you want an easygoing day combining Costa Brava views, a swim in clear water, and a barbecue lunch without arranging each part yourself. The catamaran ride is the main event, and the meal and included drinks make the $66 fare easier to justify. I would particularly recommend it to anyone who enjoys being on the water and is content to let the crew set the pace.

Think twice if your priority is a long visit on the Medes Islands, shallow-water snorkeling, a quiet private setting, or a reliably vegetarian meal. The route circles the islands, but the swim stop is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, and conditions can affect what you see underwater. For the right expectations, this is a pleasant, practical way to spend much of a day at sea from Roses.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip lasts 5.5 hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode.

Which languages are available?

The activity is offered in Spanish, English, and French.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The swimming and sunbathing stop is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The exact stop may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon.

What drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip. Regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria, are included with lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit. Life jackets are provided for adults and children.

Can I pay by cash on board?

No. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.