L’Estartit: Boat Trip to the Medes Islands and the NP Caves

The best part of this 90-minute cruise may be the moment the Nuria noses into a sea cave. You’ll travel from L’Estartit along the coast of Montgrí Natural Park, with the Medes Islands and clear-water coves on the route. The boat is a working-style piece of local maritime character, built on L’Estartit beach in 1942.

I like two things in particular: the boat carries no more than 20 passengers, so it feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel, and glass viewing panels let you look for marine life without getting in the water. One point to weigh: the trip is short, and commentary can vary, so don’t book it expecting a long, detailed natural-history talk.

• A 1942 boat with local roots: The Nuria was built on L’Estartit beach and gives the outing a more authentic feel than a generic tour boat.
• Caves you can enter by boat: The pilot may guide the boat inside a cave, depending on conditions.
• Glass-bottom viewing: Look through panels set into the floor in front of your seat for a view below the water.
• A small group: Capacity is limited to 20 passengers.
• A seasonal swim stop: A short swim is offered in summer when sea and weather conditions permit.
• A compact coastal outing: The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs $28 per person.

Setting out from L’Estartit

The boat leaves from Port de l’Estartit, near the beginning of the harbour. To find it, follow Passeig Marítim to the small playground and information kiosks, then turn right after the last kiosk. Look for the fishing boats and a white board marked BARCA NURIA in red.

Arrive about 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is specific, but it is not described as a staffed ticket office, so give yourself time to spot the boat rather than reaching the harbour at the last minute. The activity includes the boat tour; no other inclusions are specified.

The departure sets the tone for the trip. You’re not boarding a large excursion ship, but the Nuria, a Catalan fishing boat built on the beach at L’Estartit in 1942. Its history connects the outing to the town’s maritime life, though the main draw is what you’ll see once you’re out along the coast.

A small boat makes the coast feel closer

With space for up to 20 people, the Nuria offers a more intimate ride than a boat designed to carry a crowd. That smaller capacity can make it easier to follow the route and enjoy the views, though the experience still depends on the sea and on where you sit.

The viewing panels are placed in the floor in front of your seat. They offer a chance to spot marine life below the boat without needing to snorkel or swim. Treat this as an added perspective, not a guaranteed aquarium show: how much you can see depends on conditions and what happens to be beneath you.

The boat also takes you past several kinds of coastal scenery in a short span: the islands, coves and caves of Montgrí Natural Park. The pilot’s handling is part of the appeal. On some departures, the boat can enter one of the caves, bringing you close to the rock rather than leaving you to view it from farther out.

Caves, coves and the Medes Islands

The route combines the coast of Montgrí Natural Park with the Medes Islands, a marine reserve known for its underwater life. You’ll have scenic views along the way, with photo stops and opportunities to look through the glass-bottom panels. The exact sequence and time spent at each place can vary, so think of this as a coastal circuit rather than a stop-by-stop land tour.

The caves are a highlight for good reason. A boat entering a cave gives you a close look at the rock formations and the change in light at the opening. The pilot has been praised for making this passage feel striking, but it is not a promise that every trip can enter every cave. Sea conditions, boat handling and the route on the day matter.

The coves offer a quieter contrast. In spring and autumn, when swimming is not part of the trip, the cruise still takes you along the calmer corners of the park. You can enjoy the coastline from the water without needing to plan a full day around a beach stop.

The Medes Islands add a marine-life focus to the outing. You’ll see them from the boat and can use the glass panels to look for what lies below. The tour information includes marine-life viewing, but does not promise a landing on the islands, so book this for a sea-level view rather than an island walk.

The glass-bottom view, with realistic expectations

A glass-bottom boat sounds like a simple promise: look down and see the sea. In practice, the panels are a useful extra, especially if you don’t swim, but visibility can change with the water and conditions. Give yourself time at the viewing windows, and keep an eye on the sea around you too; the coast and caves are as much a part of the outing as anything beneath the boat.

There is a trade-off in the 90-minute duration. You get a taste of the reserve and coast without committing half a day, which makes this an easy fit between other plans. But if you want long stretches to watch fish or detailed commentary on marine life, this short cruise may feel brisk. One passenger specifically wished for more time to observe sea creatures.

A swim when the season and sea allow

A short swim stop is available in summer, described as a 10-minute pause to enjoy the clear water and surroundings. The stated season is not perfectly consistent: one description says from June 1 through September, while another highlights June 15 through September. The safest plan is to confirm the exact dates with the operator when booking.

Swimming also depends on weather and sea conditions. It is not a guaranteed feature of every departure, and it is not offered as a year-round activity. If the swim matters to you, check both the operating dates and conditions before you go.

Outside the summer swimming period, the boat still visits the park’s coves. That makes spring and autumn appealing if you prefer a quieter coastal outing and are content to stay aboard. Just don’t assume a swim will be part of the trip simply because the route includes clear water.

Commentary, languages and what you’ll hear

Live guides are available in Catalan, English, Spanish and French. That range is helpful if you want some explanation during the ride, but the amount of commentary may vary. Some departures have a friendly guide and French-language comments; others may offer little information beyond the sailing itself.

I’d book this primarily for the route, the cave passage and the small boat, not as a lecture about the park. If learning detailed facts about the islands and marine reserve is important to you, ask the operator what commentary is planned for your departure. The experience can still be enjoyable with limited narration, but it’s useful to set expectations before you board.

The boat’s pilot is another part of the experience. The close approach into a cave has been a particular highlight, while choppier water has not prevented everyone from enjoying the trip. Still, if you are sensitive to motion, remember that sea conditions can make the ride less smooth.

Is $28 good value for 90 minutes?

At $28 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to see the Medes Islands and the Montgrí coast from the water. The value comes from the combination: a small boat, a historic local vessel, coastal caves, views of the marine reserve and glass-bottom panels, all in a manageable 1.5-hour outing.

It is less compelling if you expect a long cruise, a guaranteed swim, extensive wildlife viewing or a detailed guided talk. Those are not assured. You’re paying for a compact boat trip with several distinct sights, not a full-day marine excursion.

The option to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Check availability for departure times, and confirm the swim dates if that feature is a deciding factor.

Who should book the Nuria?

This trip suits you if you want a short, straightforward way to see the coast, enjoy a close look at the caves and get a taste of the Medes Islands without spending a whole day on the water. It is also a good fit if you value a small group and a boat with a genuine connection to L’Estartit.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the short duration and the glass viewing panels, though the trip is still at sea and conditions can be choppy. If you want a long swim, guaranteed wildlife sightings or detailed commentary throughout, look for a longer or more specialized outing.

My practical advice: book the Nuria for its coastal route, old fishing-boat character and chance to enter a cave. Treat the glass-bottom view as a bonus, and the swim as seasonal and weather-dependent. At $28, it’s a tidy introduction to this stretch of Catalonia’s coast, as long as you’re happy with a brisk trip rather than a deep exploration.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts about 1.5 hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $28 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from Port de l’Estartit. Follow Passeig Marítim to the small playground and information kiosks, then turn right after the last kiosk and look for the white BARCA NURIA board in red near the fishing boats.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

Which languages are available?

Live guides are available in Catalan, English, Spanish and French.

Is swimming included?

A 10-minute swim stop is offered in summer when weather and sea conditions allow. The stated start date varies between June 1 and June 15, so confirm the dates with the operator.

Can I see underwater life from the boat?

Yes. Glass viewing panels are set into the floor in front of your seat, allowing you to look below the water.

Does the boat enter a sea cave?

The route includes caves, and the boat may enter one when conditions allow. Cave access is not described as guaranteed on every departure.

What is the Nuria?

The Nuria is a Catalan fishing boat built on the beach at L’Estartit in 1942. It carries up to 20 passengers.