From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part of this Costa Brava catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm of the day: sail, swim, eat, and sail some more. From Roses, you cross the Bay of Roses and pass the Medes Islands, the village of L’Estartit, and the Montgrí massif before dropping anchor in clear water.

I like the two-hour swimming stop and the fact that lunch is cooked on board rather than handed to you in a box. I also like the open net at the front of the catamaran, where you can feel the water slipping below you. The main caution is that the boat can get lively and crowded, and the exact swimming or snorkeling conditions may not deliver much to see below the surface.

Key points

• Five and a half hours at sea: This is a proper half-day outing, not a quick harbor trip.
• Two possible swimming spots: The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the sailing plan.
• Barbecue served on board: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Water, soft drinks, regional wine, and sangria are included.
• Snorkeling gear needs a deposit: Equipment is available for a €10 deposit, with life jackets for adults and children.
• Easy central departure: Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar in Roses.

Setting Sail From Roses Across the Bay

Your day starts at the Dock of Ginjolers, at 153 Av. de Rhode, right in central Roses. The meeting point is in front of Hotel Ramblamar, so it should be easy to reach if you are already staying in town or walking along the waterfront.

Once aboard, you settle into a spacious catamaran and leave Roses behind. The first stretch across the Bay of Roses is about the pleasure of being on the water. You are not rushing from one sight to another. You get broad views of the Costa Brava, with the coast opening out around you.

The boat then heads toward the Medes Islands Natural Park. Along the way, you can look back toward the coast and watch the scenery change as the catamaran moves toward L’Estartit and the Montgrí massif. The route gives you a useful sense of the coast as a whole, rather than showing you only one small cove.

The experience is led in Spanish, English, and French. No individual guide names are provided, so the crew is the main point of contact for instructions, drinks, lunch, and safety.

Seeing the Medes Islands From the Water

The Medes Islands are the main sightseeing moment of the cruise. The boat tours around the islands, giving you views that are best appreciated from the deck rather than from a single lookout.

You will see the islands as a cluster of rocky forms rising from the sea, with the Catalan coast behind them. The attraction here is not a long walk or a formal guided visit. It is the combination of open water, rugged rock, and the feeling of approaching a protected marine area by boat.

Do keep your expectations in the right place. The boat does not promise a shore visit or a long period walking on the islands. The stated plan is to spend about two hours stopped at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, where you can swim and sunbathe. One account of the trip found only a short period near the Medes Islands itself, so the precise balance between island sightseeing and swimming may vary.

That matters if your main goal is to set foot on the islands. This is better understood as a scenic sailing and swimming cruise than as an island landing tour.

Choosing Between Cala Montgó and Illa Pedrosa

The swimming stop is planned for Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. Both give you the central reward of the outing: time in the sea without needing to arrange a separate beach visit.

Cala Montgó is a sheltered coastal cove, while Illa Pedrosa gives the stop more of an offshore feel. The final choice is part of the sailing plan, so you should not book this expecting to choose your own cove on the day.

The stop lasts about two hours, which gives you room to swim, try the snorkeling equipment, sit in the sun, and return to the boat without turning the outing into a race. Families can use the provided life jackets, and adults can also borrow equipment for snorkeling with a €10 deposit.

The water is described as transparent and turquoise, but clear water does not always mean an excellent underwater show. One account found the water too deep to see many fish. Conditions, position, light, and the exact anchorage can all affect what you see.

I would treat snorkeling as an optional bonus rather than the main reason to book. If you love being in the sea, the stop should still work well. If you want a serious look at marine life, this cruise may feel too casual and too dependent on conditions.

The Front Nets and the Pleasure of Doing Nothing

The catamaran’s front nets are one of its most appealing features. You can sit or lie above the water and watch the sea pass below. When the boat is moving, the view gives you that light, floating sensation that makes a catamaran feel different from a standard motorboat.

This is also where the cruise earns some of its value for people who simply want a relaxed day outside. You can spread out, watch the coast, and let the crew handle the route. The schedule has enough time for swimming and lunch, but it does not demand constant activity.

Bring a practical attitude toward space and atmosphere. A popular boat can include different kinds of groups, and the mood may not stay quiet. One poor account described a late departure and a loud group creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for others. That does not define every sailing, but it is a fair warning if you want a peaceful, small-group experience.

For the best chance of a comfortable day, arrive ready for a shared boat outing rather than a private charter. The catamaran gives you room, but it is still a group activity.

What Lunch Looks Like on the Catamaran

The crew prepares a barbecue while the boat is stopped. The meal includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, fresh green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

This is a hearty, practical boat lunch. You are eating outside, with sea views, after time in the water. The setting does much of the work. A barbecue on deck feels more fitting here than a formal meal would.

Drinks during lunch include water with and without gas, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria. Mineral water is available throughout the trip, not just at mealtime. That is useful on a sunny day when you may not want to wait for lunch to refill your bottle or glass.

Vegetarian diners should pay close attention. The listed meal is built around meat, and a vegetarian hamburger has been offered in at least one case but was found unsatisfactory. The safest approach is to confirm the vegetarian option before booking and keep your expectations modest unless the operator gives you clear details.

The food is part of the package, not a reason to expect a restaurant-quality meal. I would book this for the full sea-day experience, with lunch as a welcome part of it.

How Much Value You Get for $66

At $66 per person, this cruise sits in the middle of the day-trip price range rather than feeling like a cheap short boat ride. The value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise pay for separately.

You are getting a 5.5-hour catamaran trip, a route from Roses to the Medes Islands, a roughly two-hour swim stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, life jackets, and access to snorkeling equipment with a deposit. You also avoid arranging transport to a separate beach or booking a boat and meal as different activities.

I see the strongest value for couples, families, and groups who want one easy day on the coast. The free place for children up to age six, noted in the booking information, can make the total cost more reasonable for a family with young children.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet sailing boat, a small group, advanced snorkeling, or a precise island landing. In those cases, you may be paying for a broad, social outing when your real interest is a more focused marine trip.

The rating of 4.3 from 266 ratings suggests a generally positive experience with some clear limits. The most consistent strengths are the scenery, the crew’s handling of the boat, the meal service, and the relaxed atmosphere when the group behaves well. The main complaints concern punctuality, group behavior, and food suitability for vegetarians.

Timing, Payments, and Small Practical Details

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, but starting times vary, so check the available departure when you book. Plan to be at the Dock of Ginjolers with enough time to locate the boat. The departure point is central, but the waterfront can be busy during the day.

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted. Since drinks are included, you may not need to buy much, but this detail matters if you plan to pay for anything extra.

Snorkeling equipment requires a €10 deposit. Life jackets are supplied for both children and adults. If you are bringing children, the available jackets make the sea stop easier to manage, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions closely.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies help if your Costa Brava plans depend on weather or changing day plans, but you should still check the exact terms shown at booking.

The trip is built around sun and sea. Bring the usual beach basics, such as swimwear, sun protection, and something dry for the return ride. Those items are not listed as inclusions, so do not expect the boat to provide them.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this outing if you want a simple, all-in-one sea day from Roses. It suits you if you enjoy swimming, casual meals, wide coastal views, and a social boat atmosphere more than formal sightseeing.

Families can benefit from the life jackets, drinks, long swimming stop, and free places for children up to age six. Couples may enjoy the front nets and the chance to spend several hours outside without planning each part of the day.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Roses and do not have a car. The boat leaves from the center of town, and the activity combines transport, sightseeing, swimming, lunch, and drinks in one booking.

I would be more cautious if you are vegetarian, strongly dislike loud groups, or expect a serious snorkeling session. The food may not suit every diet, the mood depends partly on the people aboard, and the underwater views can be limited by depth and conditions.

Should You Book the Magic Catamarans Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Costa Brava day includes warm sun, a catamaran deck, a swim in clear water, and a barbecue with sangria while the coast rolls by. The 5.5-hour length gives you enough time to feel that you have had a real outing, and the included lunch and drinks make the $66 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you need strict punctuality, quiet surroundings, excellent snorkeling, or a guaranteed landing on the Medes Islands. Before paying, confirm the vegetarian food arrangement and remember that the stop may focus on swimming rather than spending time ashore.

For most people, this is a pleasant and practical way to see the coast from Roses. It is not a specialist marine expedition. It is a relaxed group cruise with good scenery, a generous swimming break, and a meal that turns a boat ride into a full half-day plan.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Which places does the boat visit?

The boat sails from Roses through the Bay of Roses to the Medes Islands Natural Park. It also offers views of L’Estartit and the Montgrí massif.

Where do you stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming and sunbathing.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned stop lasts about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, with chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon.

Which drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, and sangria during lunch are included. Mineral water is available throughout the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.