From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part of this 5.5-hour catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm of the day: sail, swim, eat, sunbathe, and sail back. From Roses, you cross the Bay of Roses toward the Medes Islands, with views of L’Estartit and the Montgrí massif along the way.

I like the generous swimming stop and the fact that lunch is cooked on board rather than packed in advance. I also like that water is available throughout the trip, while wine and sangria come with lunch. The main caution is timing: a reported one-hour late departure caused real frustration, and a loud party group can affect the mood on a shared boat.

Key points to know before booking

• The swimming stop lasts about two hours: You anchor at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Lunch is a proper barbecue: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• The route includes the Medes Islands and L’Estartit: You get sea views of the islands, village, and Montgrí massif from the water.
• Snorkeling gear requires a €10 deposit: Life jackets are supplied for both children and adults.
• The price is $66 per person: That includes the cruise, lunch, and drinks, making it reasonable for a half-day on the Costa Brava.
• The boat leaves from central Roses: Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar.

Sailing out of Roses across the Bay

The cruise begins at the Dock of Ginjolers, at 153 Avenida de Rhode in central Roses. The meeting point is in front of Hotel Ramblamar, so you are not heading to an out-of-town marina or arranging a separate transfer.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads across the Bay of Roses. This opening section is less about reaching a particular sight and more about letting the coast unfold at a comfortable pace. You get open views of the Costa Brava, with the boat itself providing the pleasant novelty of seeing the water through the nets at the front.

That net area is one of the more memorable places to sit. As the catamaran moves, the sea passes directly below you. It can feel like you are hovering over the water, though the space may be less appealing if you dislike spray or strong sun.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, but this is still a shared excursion rather than a private sailing trip. Your experience depends partly on the mix of people on board. One particularly important practical point is punctuality: an hour-long delay was reported, with little information from the crew. I would arrive on time, but I would also keep some flexibility in your day rather than scheduling a tight activity immediately afterward.

The Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands are the main reason to choose this trip. They sit within the Medes Islands Natural Park, a protected marine area known for clear water and rocky island scenery. The cruise takes you around the islands rather than treating the boat as simple transportation to a beach.

You also get views toward L’Estartit and the Montgrí massif. Seeing the coast from offshore gives you a different sense of scale than a road or beach visit. The islands appear as a group of rocky forms in the sea, while the mainland rises behind them.

This is a sightseeing cruise first, not a guided walking tour. There is no island hike described, and the main stop is for swimming and sunbathing. If your ideal Medes Islands visit involves long time on land or a detailed naturalist talk, this will not be that kind of outing.

The guide service is offered in Spanish, English, and French. That is useful for basic explanations and onboard instructions, though no individual guide names or detailed presentation schedule are provided.

Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming

The catamaran anchors at either Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The exact stop can vary, so you should think of the two locations as alternatives rather than two guaranteed stops.

You have about two hours here, which is enough time to make the boat worthwhile for swimmers. You can get into the turquoise water, use the available snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck and sunbathe. Life jackets are supplied for adults and children, and snorkeling gear is available for a €10 deposit.

The water is described as clear, but conditions and depth matter. One report found the stop too deep for good fish viewing, with only a short period close to the islands. That is a useful warning for anyone booking mainly for snorkeling. Bring the right expectations: you may see attractive water and marine life, but this is not a guaranteed shallow-water snorkeling lesson or a dedicated wildlife excursion.

For a casual swim, the stop is more dependable. You can cool off, float, and return to the boat for lunch. If you do not swim, the deck and nets let you enjoy the stop without getting into the water.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and something dry to wear afterward. Those items are not listed as supplied, and a half-day in direct sun can feel longer than expected without them.

Barbecue lunch with Costa Brava views

While you swim and relax, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

That menu makes this a better value than a cruise that only offers a snack. You are getting a full meal during the part of the day when you are likely to be hungry, and you do not have to leave the boat to find a restaurant.

Drinks are included with lunch: still and sparkling water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria during lunch. Mineral water is available throughout the entire trip, not just at the meal.

The barbecue setup also shapes the social side of the cruise. You eat with sea views, and the shared meal can be a pleasant break from swimming. It is not a quiet restaurant setting, though. A loud group can change the feel of the entire boat, and one report described a party atmosphere that disturbed other passengers.

Vegetarian diners should plan carefully. A vegetarian burger is available according to one account, but it was found unsatisfactory. The listed standard menu is strongly meat-based, with salads and bread as the clearer meat-free choices. If you need a substantial vegetarian meal, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming a full alternative will be prepared.

What $66 buys you

At $66 per person, the price is fair if you want a complete half-day outing rather than a short sightseeing ride. You are paying for the catamaran cruise, the Medes Islands route, roughly two hours at a swimming stop, a cooked barbecue, and a broad selection of drinks.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and access to a pleasant swimming location. Families may find the offer more attractive if young children travel free under the operator’s policy, though the exact age conditions should be confirmed at booking.

The price is less compelling if you only want a quick look at the islands. Five and a half hours is a large block of your day, and part of that time is spent sailing back to Roses. It also becomes less satisfying if you dislike group activities, loud music, or fixed meal arrangements.

I would compare this with the cost of a restaurant lunch plus a separate boat trip in Roses. Once food and drinks are counted, $66 is sensible for a relaxed day on the water. The main thing you are buying is not luxury. It is convenience, a ready-made route, and enough time to swim without organizing the details yourself.

Choosing the right place on the catamaran

The front nets are the obvious choice if you want the closest feeling to sailing directly above the sea. They are also the place most exposed to sun and spray. If you prefer a calmer ride or want to eat comfortably, choose a more sheltered seating area if one is available.

The deck suits sunbathers and people who want broad views. Families may prefer to stay near the main seating and safety areas, especially when children move between the deck and the water.

Because this is a shared boat, there is no guarantee that your preferred spot will remain quiet or available all day. I would treat the cruise as a social excursion, not a private charter. That makes the atmosphere part of the bargain, for better or worse.

Card payments are accepted on board, but American Express is not. You may not need much extra money because food, water, soft drinks, and lunch drinks are included, but bring a compatible card if you expect to buy anything additional.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an easy Costa Brava day on the water with the main details handled for you. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like swimming, sun, views, and a relaxed meal more than a tightly scripted cultural tour.

It is especially useful for:

• Casual swimmers: You get a long stop rather than a quick photo pause.
• Families: Children and adults have life jackets, and the boat provides food and drinks.
• First-time visitors to Roses: The cruise gives you coastal views and the Medes Islands in one outing.
• People who enjoy shared activities: The barbecue and open deck create a social setting.
• Budget-conscious day trippers: The fare includes much more than transport alone.

I would hesitate if you need a quiet boat, a guaranteed departure time, a vegetarian meal with several choices, or excellent shallow-water snorkeling. I would also think twice if you want to explore the islands on foot, since the experience centers on viewing them from the catamaran and stopping in the water.

Practical details that affect your day

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, with starting times varying by date. Check the available time before booking, especially if you are coordinating it with another activity in Roses.

The meeting point is central and specific: Dock of Ginjolers, 153 Avenida de Rhode, in front of Hotel Ramblamar. Arrive prepared for a boat day, with swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a compatible payment card.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Costa Brava plans are still moving around.

The cruise runs with live guidance in Spanish, English, and French. No special equipment is needed for the basic experience, and life jackets are available for both children and adults.

Should you book the Medes Islands catamaran?

Book it if you want a simple, good-value half-day at sea with swimming, a barbecue, and attractive Costa Brava views. The two-hour stop gives the outing real substance, and the included food and drinks make the $66 fare reasonable.

Skip it if your priorities are quiet sailing, precise departure times, serious snorkeling, or a broad vegetarian menu. The cruise is at its best when you see it for what it is: a sociable catamaran day with a scenic route, a long swim stop, and lunch on board, not a private nature expedition.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 5.5 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $66 per person.

Which languages are available?

Live guidance is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the trip.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop lasts about two hours for swimming and sunbathing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. Life jackets are available for both children and adults.

What food is served for lunch?

The barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

Which drinks are included?

Water is available throughout the trip. Lunch drinks include soft drinks, still and sparkling water, regional red, rosé, and white wine, and sangria.

Can I pay by card on board?

Yes. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.