Guided Boat Tour to Medes Islands & Roca Foradada with Swim

The best part of this outing is the view from the water. You cruise past the Medes Islands, protected waters known for marine life, then continue along the cliffs toward Roca Foradada and Costa Brava coves that are hard to appreciate from land. I like the compact 1.5-hour length and the chance to jump in for a swim without paying for a full-day boat trip.

I also like that the price is about $28 per person, with a skipper, guide, boat ride, and life jacket included. The catch is that this is more scenic cruise than full nature lesson: some people found the commentary difficult to hear, and the swim stop lasted only about 10 to 15 minutes.

Key points to know before you book

• The route begins at Medaqua in L’Estartit and returns to the same spot after about 1.5 hours.
• The Medes Islands are part of a protected marine reserve, so the trip offers views of an important underwater habitat as well as the coast.
• The swim stop is short, usually around 10 to 15 minutes according to the available experience details.
• The boat reaches Roca Foradada, an impressive rock formation framed by steep coastal cliffs and small coves.
• Guiding is offered in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Catalan.
• The outing is wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the exact boarding setup when booking.

Leaving Medaqua for the Medes Islands

You begin at Medaqua, the activity provider in L’Estartit. From there, allow about five minutes on foot before the boat portion begins. The route returns to Medaqua, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer or find your way back from another harbor.

This simple setup is useful if you are staying in or around L’Estartit. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you are responsible for reaching the starting point. Food and drinks are also not included, which is hardly a problem for a 1.5-hour trip, but bring water if you are heading out in warm weather.

The boat ride takes you through the calm waters around the Montgrí Natural Park. From sea level, the cliffs look more imposing than they do from a road or walking path. Rocky walls rise along the coast, interrupted by small coves and pockets of shore that feel difficult to reach by land.

The boat ride itself is the main event. You are not simply being transported to a swimming spot. The route is meant to show you the coast from a different angle, with time for scenic views, photographs, and a look at the island group.

The Medes Islands and their protected waters

The Medes Islands sit just off the Costa Brava near L’Estartit. Their surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve, which gives this short trip more substance than a standard pleasure cruise. The reserve protects underwater habitats and marine species, including fish and marine plants.

That said, you should be clear about what you are booking. This is not a dedicated scuba or marine biology excursion. The description promises a guided boat tour and a swim stop, and the available experiences suggest that the guide may talk about local fauna. Some people found the information about the islands and Roca Foradada too limited, especially when compared with what they expected from the word guided.

The boat may stop for views and photographs around the islands. You can look toward the coast, watch the cliffs change shape, and take in the open water around the reserve. If your main goal is a close look at underwater life, expectations matter. A boat with a glass bottom or a longer snorkeling session may suit you better.

The water around the islands is presented as a place where you can see colorful fish and marine plants. Still, visibility depends on conditions, and the swim stop is brief. You may see some marine life, but you should not book this as a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

Following the cliffs to Roca Foradada

The route continues along the Montgrí coast to Roca Foradada. The name refers to a distinctive rock formation with an opening, and the site is one of the visual highlights of the trip. From the boat, you get a clear sense of the scale of the rock and the cliffs around it.

This section is especially good for anyone who enjoys coastal scenery without committing to a long hike. You stay on the water, watch the rock formations pass by, and get views into coves that are not always visible from ordinary roads. The guide may point out features along the shore, but the quality of the narration depends on how clearly you can hear from your seat.

Sound is a real consideration. Boat engines, wind, and movement can make spoken explanations hard to follow, especially if there is no microphone. Sit as close to the guide as you can if learning about the islands matters to you. If you are mainly interested in views, this issue will bother you less.

The trip includes scenic views on the way rather than a long stop at Roca Foradada. Think of it as a moving tour with a few points of interest, not a shore excursion where you get off and explore on foot.

The swim stop: fun, but keep your expectations modest

The swim stop gives the outing a welcome change of pace. After watching the coast from the boat, you can get into the sea and look around among fish and marine plants. Masks and snorkels may be available for the swim, based on the experience details, though you should not assume a full range of equipment or a long guided snorkeling session.

The most important practical point is time. Several experiences put the swimming period at around 10 minutes, with some describing it as 10 to 15 minutes. That is enough for a quick plunge and a little floating, but it is not enough for a relaxed snorkeling session.

If you are booking mainly to swim, this may feel too short. If you see the swim as a pleasant extra during a coastal cruise, the timing is easier to accept. I would bring a swimsuit under your clothes and have a towel ready, since the activity does not include food, drinks, or hotel transfers.

Life jackets are listed as included, but one experience raised a concern about a child not being able to swim because a suitable jacket was not available at the time. For safety, confirm the equipment arrangement before departure, especially if a child or weak swimmer is joining you. The information also states that any equipment broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant.

The water stop may take place along the coast rather than directly beside the Medes Islands. If swimming among the islands is your specific goal, ask where the stop will be before you board. That distinction matters because the route visits the islands, but a swim in their immediate waters is not guaranteed by the information provided.

What the guide adds, and where the tour falls short

The activity includes an official guide and offers commentary in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan. That is helpful for mixed-language groups, and the guide can add context about the protected reserve, the coast, and marine life.

The strongest praise is for the friendly manner of the guide and the pleasant feel of the boat trip. The outing has been described as enjoyable for families, and the combination of a short cruise and a swim works well for people who want an easy half-day-style activity without spending hours at sea.

The weaker point is the amount and delivery of information. Some people expected a fuller explanation of the Medes Islands, including features such as the lighthouse, local plants, and wildlife. Others found it difficult to hear the presentation because the boat had no microphone or similar sound system.

This is why I would not choose the tour solely for detailed interpretation. You may get useful comments about marine life, but you may also receive only a light introduction. If your ideal outing includes a guide who explains every island feature, a glass-bottom view, or a structured snorkeling session, compare other options before booking.

Is $28 good value for 1.5 hours?

At about $28 per person, the price is reasonable for a short Costa Brava boat ride with a skipper, guide, life jacket, island views, Roca Foradada, and a swim stop. You are paying for access to the water and the route, not for a full meal, long excursion, or specialized marine activity.

The value is strongest if you want several small experiences in one package: a boat ride, a look at the Medes Islands, coastal cliffs, coves, and a quick swim. It is also a good fit if you have limited time and do not want to spend most of the day on a boat.

The value drops if you expect a long swim, detailed guiding, or guaranteed underwater viewing. A complaint about a missed departure and poor directions also shows why you should pay close attention to the meeting point and arrive early. That particular problem was linked to confusion about the correct boat, not to the scenery itself, but it is an avoidable way to lose the full fare.

Food, drinks, and a nearby tapas menu are not included. The tapas option may be available separately at a nearby restaurant, but it is not part of the core boat price. Plan to eat before or after the cruise rather than expecting refreshments onboard.

Who will enjoy this Costa Brava boat trip?

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to the coast near L’Estartit. The short duration keeps the commitment low, and the swim stop gives children and active adults something to look forward to.

It also suits people who prefer scenery to a packed schedule. You can see the cliffs, islands, coves, and rock formations without walking a long route or arranging several forms of transport. The multilingual guide is useful for international groups.

You may want another option if your priority is serious snorkeling, underwater photography, or detailed natural history. The marine reserve is an important setting, but the activity does not promise a long time in the water or extensive commentary. A dedicated glass-bottom boat or snorkeling trip may provide a better match.

It can also be a poor fit if you need a long swimming period. Ten minutes goes quickly, especially after everyone has entered the water and before the group is called back. Treat the swim as a quick dip, not the main portion of the day.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive early at Medaqua and verify the exact boat before departure. This is especially important because confusion about the meeting point caused one person to miss the activity entirely.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel. Since food and drinks are not included, carry water and plan your meal separately. Protect your phone and camera from spray, but remember that lost or damaged equipment may be charged to you.

For the best chance of hearing the guide, sit near the speaking area and avoid the noisiest part of the boat. If you want photos of Roca Foradada and the coves, keep your camera ready before the boat reaches each viewpoint. The route continues, so there may not be time to prepare after the formation comes into view.

Check the weather and sea conditions before you go. The activity is built around outdoor views and a swim, so cloud, wind, or rougher water can affect the feel of the trip. A cloudy day does not cancel the scenery, but it can make the water look less inviting and photographs less striking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Costa Brava plans are still shifting, but they do not solve last-minute problems caused by arriving at the wrong boat.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a short, affordable coastal cruise with Medes Islands views, Roca Foradada, and a quick swim. The friendly guide, simple route, and manageable price make it a pleasant choice for families and anyone with limited time.

Skip it, or compare alternatives, if you need long snorkeling time or detailed explanations of the islands. Before paying, confirm the meeting point, ask how long the swim is expected to last, and check whether masks, snorkels, and the right life jacket are available for everyone in your group. With those expectations set, this is a scenic boat outing with a swim, not a full marine-reserve exploration.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Medaqua in L’Estartit. You walk about five minutes before the boat portion begins, and the activity returns to Medaqua.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about 1.5 hours. This includes the boat ride, views of the Medes Islands and Costa Brava coast, the route toward Roca Foradada, and a swim stop.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a stop for swimming. The available details indicate that the swim may last about 10 to 15 minutes.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in English, Spanish, French, and Catalan.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A tapas menu at a nearby restaurant is also listed separately from the boat activity.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. You should still confirm the exact boarding arrangements with Medaqua before departure.