From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

Clear water, hot grill, open sea. This catamaran trip from Roses combines a scenic Costa Brava sail with a long swimming stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. I like the freshly cooked barbecue and the simple pleasure of stretching out on the boat’s front nets as the sea slips below you. I also like that water, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear are available, so you do not need to plan every detail in advance. The main caution is that the boat may feel less peaceful if a lively group turns the cruise into a party.

The trip lasts about 5.5 hours and costs $66 per person. That is a fair price for a half-day on the water, lunch, drinks, and a guided route past the Medes Islands, though the value depends on how much you enjoy swimming and shared-boat outings. Bring patience for the schedule, especially if you are hoping to spend a long time right beside the islands.

Key points to know before you book

• The journey begins in Roses: You meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar at 153 Av. de Rhode.
• The Medes Islands are the main scenic prize: The route passes through the island group with views toward Estartit and the Montgrí massif.
• The swimming stop lasts about two hours: The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming and sunbathing.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, watermelon, and drinks.
• The front nets are worth claiming early: They give you the closest feeling to floating over the sea.
• Snorkeling has a deposit: Equipment is available for a €10 deposit, but visibility and water depth can affect what you see.

Leaving Roses from the Dock of Ginjolers

The day starts in the center of Roses, at the Dock of Ginjolers directly in front of Hotel Ramblamar. This is a useful meeting point because it is easy to identify and sits on the waterfront rather than in some distant marina.

The catamaran heads out across the Bay of Roses. From the deck, you get a wide view of the Costa Brava coastline as the town falls behind. This first part is less about a single attraction and more about settling into the rhythm of the sea. You can sit back, take photos, or find a place on the forward nets if you prefer the sensation of skimming above the water.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with room to move around during the cruise. Still, seating with the best views is never an unlimited resource on a shared catamaran. If lying on the nets matters to you, arrive ready to board rather than assuming those spots will remain open.

The onboard atmosphere can vary. Many people will find the combination of sun, sea, and drinks pleasantly social. If you want a quiet outing, keep in mind that a large celebratory group can make the ride noisy. This is a sailing day trip, not a private yacht charter, and the mood depends partly on the people sharing the boat.

Sailing across the Bay of Roses

The route across the bay is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You are not simply being transported to a swimming area. You get time to see the Costa Brava from the water, with the coastline opening up in a way that is hard to appreciate from a road.

The catamaran then heads toward the Medes Islands Natural Park. The crew guides the boat around the islands, with views toward the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif. This gives the route a useful sense of place. The islands are not an isolated photo stop. They are part of a larger coastal setting that includes fishing and holiday towns, rocky shores, and the broad sweep of the bay.

The live guide service is offered in Spanish, English, and French. That makes the trip easier for mixed-language groups, though the listing does not provide the names of individual guides. You should expect general guidance about the route and stops rather than a long formal lecture.

The route itself is scenic, but your expectations matter. If you want to spend most of the day directly among the Medes Islands, this may feel brief. One recent booking found only about 15 minutes near the islands and wished for more time there. The published schedule gives about two hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, so the longer stop is mainly for swimming and sunbathing rather than for remaining beside the island group.

Seeing the Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands are the visual centerpiece of the cruise. The catamaran weaves through the island area, giving you views of the rocky formations from the water. You will not be walking ashore. The pleasure comes from the changing angles as the boat moves around the group.

The islands are also connected to the appeal of the Natural Park, where clear water and marine life make the area popular for swimming and snorkeling. The word clear should not lead you to expect perfect viewing conditions every day. Water depth, light, and the exact anchorage all matter.

One booking found the water too deep for good fish viewing. That is useful advice if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. The equipment is available, but having a mask does not guarantee a close look at marine life. You may get the best result by treating snorkeling as an extra part of the stop, not the entire purpose of the day.

The cruise is stronger as a combined sailing, swimming, and lunch outing. You get several pleasant elements rather than one specialized activity. If you are a serious snorkeler, you may want a trip designed specifically around shallow reefs or longer guided water sessions.

The two-hour stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

The main break comes at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The exact location can vary, but the purpose is the same: time to swim in turquoise water, sunbathe on deck, and cool off after the sail.

Cala Montgó offers a sheltered coastal setting, while Illa Pedrosa places you closer to the island environment. The supplied schedule describes roughly two hours at the stop. That is enough time for a proper swim, a second dip, a little sun, and a relaxed lunch period while the crew works nearby.

You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. These are not listed as included items, so pack them yourself. A hat and cover-up are also sensible for anyone who finds several hours of direct sun tiring.

Life jackets are available for both children and adults. That is reassuring for families, especially during the swim stop, though you should follow the crew’s instructions about when to wear one. Children may enjoy the water and the open deck, but parents still need to keep a close eye on them.

This stop is where the trip becomes most relaxing. Instead of rushing through several ports, you remain in one area long enough to settle into the day. The tradeoff is that anyone hoping for multiple beaches or a long shore visit will not get that kind of variety. The activity is built around the catamaran itself.

Barbecue lunch with Costa Brava sea views

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

This is a practical boat lunch rather than a restaurant meal. The appeal comes from eating outside, with the sea around you and no need to return to shore. The food also makes the $66 price easier to justify, since the cost covers more than a boat ride and a short swim.

Drinks are included with lunch. You can have water, soft drinks, regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria during lunch. Mineral water is available throughout the full trip, not only with the meal. That is a helpful detail in warm weather, when it is easy to forget how much water you need on an exposed deck.

Vegetarian food needs more attention. A vegetarian hamburger is available, but one recent booking found it too strong and unpleasant. If you do not eat meat, contact the operator before booking to confirm what can be provided. The listed meal is heavily based on chicken and sausages, so vegetarians should not assume the standard barbecue will suit them.

There is also a practical payment note. Only card payments are accepted onboard, and American Express is not accepted. You may not need to buy much if lunch and drinks cover your needs, but take a supported card if you expect to purchase anything extra.

Why the front nets are a highlight

The catamaran’s forward nets offer one of the most memorable parts of the outing. You can lie above the water and watch the sea pass below you. It is a simple feature, but it changes the feel of the ride from sitting on a boat to feeling part of the motion.

The nets are especially enjoyable during the open-water portions of the route. You get a low view of the waves and a strong sense of speed, even when the boat is moving at a comfortable pace. They are also a good place for photos, though keep phones secure and listen to crew instructions.

The nets are exposed to sun and spray. If you prefer shade, use the main deck or another sheltered area. The catamaran gives you choices, but you may need to move around to find the position that suits you best.

How the price compares with the day you receive

At $66 per person, this is priced as a full half-day outing rather than a short sightseeing cruise. You receive around 5.5 hours on the water, a barbecue lunch, drinks, access to snorkeling equipment with a €10 deposit, and the services of a multilingual crew.

I consider that reasonable if you plan to use the whole package. A person who swims, eats onboard, enjoys the sailing, and spends time on the nets is likely to feel the price is fair. Someone who mainly wants a close look at the Medes Islands may find the value weaker if the island portion feels short.

The trip also saves you the trouble of arranging lunch and finding a separate boat. That matters in Roses, where a half-day at sea can otherwise involve separate bookings and extra planning. The included drinks add practical value, especially water during the full journey.

The rating of 4.3 from 266 bookings suggests a generally strong experience with some clear limits. The most praised points are the friendly overall outing, the captain and crew, the food for many people, and the pleasant sailing atmosphere. The main complaints focus on a late departure, poor communication about that delay, noisy behavior onboard, limited time close to the islands, and the vegetarian meal.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a relaxed day at sea without committing to a private boat. It also suits people who like a mix of activities: sailing, swimming, sunbathing, lunch, and a little snorkeling.

Families may appreciate the life jackets, included soft drinks, and the long stationary stop. Children have room to enjoy the boat, though parents should remember that the day includes direct sun and open water.

Couples can choose a quiet corner, share the views, and make the most of the front nets if they are available. The meal and drinks keep the day simple, with no need to interrupt the outing for a restaurant stop.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, intimate cruise. I would also hesitate if your priority is serious snorkeling, long time near the Medes Islands, or a highly controlled schedule. A delay of an hour was reported on one booking, with little information from the crew, so punctuality may not be perfect every day.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Costa Brava plans are still shifting. Check the available start time before booking, since the activity runs for 5.5 hours.

The practical call

Book this Magic Catamarans outing if you want an easy, well-priced half-day that joins Costa Brava scenery with swimming and a cooked lunch. The best value comes from using every part of it, especially the sailing time, the two-hour water stop, the included drinks, and the nets at the front.

Skip it if you need a quiet private setting, a guaranteed long visit beside the islands, or a strong vegetarian barbecue. For most people who simply want to feel the sea, eat onboard, and spend a sunny day around Roses, this is a solid choice with a few manageable compromises.

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 full activity lasts about 5.5 hours. Check the available starting time when booking.

Which languages are available?

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

Is lunch included?

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

What drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip. Lunch drinks also include regional red, rosé, and white wine, plus sangria.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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