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

The coast keeps its best secrets offshore. This 90-minute boat trip from L’Estartit combines the Medes Islands with sea caves and quiet coves in Montgrí Natural Park, giving you several different views in a short outing. I like the small scale, with space for only 20 passengers, and the Nuria itself, a Catalan fishing boat built on L’Estartit beach in 1942.

I also like the glass panels set into the floor, which let you watch marine life without getting wet. The main consideration is that the commentary may be light: one recent French-language experience praised the boat handling and cave route but noted there was little actual guiding. Sea conditions can also affect the ride, as one October outing remained enjoyable despite noticeable swell.

Key details before you book

• A 20-passenger boat with local character: The Nuria is a small fishing boat built in L’Estartit in 1942, not a large sightseeing vessel.
• Two coastal highlights in 90 minutes: You visit the Medes Islands and the caves and coves of Montgrí Natural Park.
• Glass-bottom viewing from your seat: Panels in the floor give you a look at the protected underwater world.
• Seasonal 10-minute swim: Swimming is offered when weather permits, generally from mid-June through September.
• Several languages available: Tours are offered in Catalan, English, Spanish, and French.
• Good value at $28: The price covers the boat tour and gives you a compact way to see coastline that is difficult to reach from land.

Setting out from L’Estartit harbour

Your meeting point is Port de l’Estartit, at the beginning of the harbour. Follow Passeig Marítim toward the end, pass the small playground and information kiosks, then turn right after the last kiosk. Look for the white board marked BARCA NURIA in red, positioned beyond the fishing boats.

You can go straight to the boat 15 minutes before departure. That small time cushion matters because the meeting point is in the harbour rather than at a large, obvious ticket office. I would not leave the search until the last minute, especially if you are unfamiliar with L’Estartit.

The outing begins aboard the Nuria, a vessel with a real connection to the port. Built on the beach here in 1942, it gives the trip a more personal feel than a standard modern excursion boat. With room for just 20 people, you should get a closer view of the coast and avoid the scale of a crowded sightseeing cruise.

That limited capacity is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You are not signing up for an all-day cruise, so the small boat helps the short schedule feel more focused. The tradeoff is that a small boat can respond more noticeably to waves. An October departure was still described as very enjoyable despite swell, but you should expect the sea to affect comfort and visibility at times.

Glass-bottom views of the Montgrí Natural Park

The first part of the ride takes you along Montgrí Natural Park, with scenic views, photo stops, and visits to coastal features. The exact sequence can change with conditions, but the point is to see the park from the water, where cliffs, openings, and coves take on a different shape.

The floor windows are placed in front of your seat. This is a useful detail, not just a decorative feature. You can watch the water below without needing snorkeling equipment, and it gives children or anyone who prefers to stay dry a way to see the marine reserve.

Keep your expectations sensible. A glass-bottom boat does not guarantee constant views of fish. Sun, waves, water clarity, and the boat’s movement all affect what you see. One person specifically wanted longer viewing periods for marine life, so if underwater observation is your main reason for booking, you may find the time limited.

Still, the glass panels add something that a regular coastal cruise lacks. You get both the broad view above the surface and occasional glimpses below it. I would treat the marine viewing as a bonus rather than the entire purpose of the trip.

The caves and coves by boat

The cave section is likely to be the most memorable part for many people. The Nuria travels close to the rocky coast and enters at least one cave when conditions allow. The boat operator received particular praise for taking the boat inside a cave, a maneuver that gives you a more intimate look at the rock formations than a passing photo stop.

The caves are best understood as a short coastal exploration rather than a long underground tour. You stay on the boat, look into openings, and watch the shoreline change as the Nuria moves between coves. The route also provides repeated chances for photographs, so keep your camera ready but secure it carefully on a moving boat.

The coves are especially appealing outside the main summer swimming period. In spring and autumn, the trip presents them as quiet places to view from the water. The wording of the experience suggests a calmer local-style outing during those seasons, though the sea can still be unsettled.

This part of the trip also shows why a boat is useful here. From land, you can reach some coastal viewpoints, but you cannot easily enter the water-level openings or see the coves from the same angle. The boat does the hard work while you watch the rock walls and open sea pass by.

The Medes Islands and protected marine life

The Medes Islands are the main offshore stop. The route includes a visit, a walk, marine-life viewing, and another glass-bottom boat section. The islands are part of a protected natural reserve, so the underwater setting is a major reason the area attracts boat trips.

The visit is not presented as a long island hike. Instead, you see the islands from the boat and take in their coastal and marine setting. That makes the stop accessible for a short outing, but it also means you should not book this expecting a full land-based island excursion.

The protected status gives the glass-bottom viewing more meaning. You are not simply looking at water beside a random stretch of coast. You are being shown a marine area recognized for its natural value, even if the amount of wildlife you see varies.

One practical point is the lack of guaranteed extended viewing time. A German-language departure specifically called for longer periods to watch sea animals. If you are keen on fish and underwater detail, sit where you can easily look through the floor windows and stay alert during the marine-life section. The boat moves on, so the best sightings may be brief.

The seasonal swim from June through September

When weather conditions permit, the boat stops for about 10 minutes of swimming. The published information gives slightly different timing, describing the swim as available from June through September in one place and from June 15 through September in another. If swimming matters to you, confirm the exact operating dates before you book.

The stop takes place in the clear waters of Montgrí Natural Park. Ten minutes is enough for a quick dip and a cooling break, but not enough for a long swim or serious snorkeling session. Think of it as a short chance to get into the Mediterranean rather than a full water activity.

Weather controls this part of the experience. If the sea or conditions are unsuitable, the swim may not happen. That is a sensible safety limit, but it means you should not judge the trip solely by the promise of swimming.

The seasonal difference matters. During summer, the swim adds a lively change of pace to the sightseeing. In spring and autumn, the boat focuses more on the coves and coastal scenery, so the trip remains useful even when swimming is not available.

What the guide service is really like

The tour is offered in Catalan, English, Spanish, and French. That language range makes it easier for many visitors to follow basic information and instructions, especially around departure, the cave route, and the swim.

You should not assume a long, lecture-style presentation. The experience is built around moving through the coast, viewing caves, looking through the glass panels, and taking photographs. A recent French-language outing praised the pleasant, smiling service and appreciated the French commentary, while another person felt there was not much actual guiding during the ride.

That contrast is helpful. If you want a detailed natural-history talk about the Medes Islands, ask how much live explanation will be provided in your preferred language before boarding. If you mainly want a boat ride with scenic views and occasional commentary, the level of information may suit you well.

The operator’s handling of the boat is another positive point. One outing specifically praised the way the pilot entered a cave, and another found the cave passage particularly beautiful despite the swell. The boat work is part of the attraction, not just a way to move between stops.

Is $28 good value for 90 minutes?

At $28 per person, this is a reasonably priced coastal outing. You get a 90-minute boat tour, views of Montgrí Natural Park, a cave route, the Medes Islands, glass-bottom viewing, and a possible swim in season.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences packed into a short time. You can fit the trip into a morning or afternoon without committing to a full-day cruise, and you do not need to arrange separate transport to the islands or coastal caves.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a long swim or sustained wildlife watching. The swim lasts about 10 minutes, and the underwater viewing is part of a moving boat route. You are paying for variety and access to the coastline, not a dedicated snorkeling session.

The small group also helps the price feel fair. A 20-person maximum gives the outing a more personal scale, and the historic Nuria adds character that a basic ferry may not offer. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later also make it easier to fit into a changing schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend the Nuria for anyone who wants a compact introduction to the coast around L’Estartit. It suits couples, families, photographers, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a large cruise vessel.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time. In 90 minutes, you see the Medes Islands, coastal caves, coves, and parts of the Montgrí Natural Park. That is a lot of scenery without giving up an entire day.

Families may appreciate the glass-bottom windows because everyone can look below the boat, including people who do not want to swim. The short length also reduces the risk of the outing becoming tiring.

You may want another type of activity if you need a full naturalist talk, long periods for wildlife viewing, or extended time in the water. The experience can be scenic and enjoyable without being highly instructional. You should also be comfortable with some movement from the sea, especially outside the calmest summer conditions.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive at the harbour 15 minutes before departure and look for the white BARCA NURIA sign after the last information kiosk. That is more useful than searching randomly among the fishing boats.

Bring a camera for the caves, coves, and Medes Islands, but keep it secure while the boat is moving. If the swim is running, have your swimwear ready, though the available information does not specify changing facilities or equipment.

If you care most about marine life, choose a seat with a clear view of the glass panels and pay attention during the underwater sections. The boat may not pause for long, so you will get more from the experience by watching continuously instead of waiting for a single formal viewing stop.

For the best balance, think of this as a coastal sightseeing trip with marine viewing and a possible swim. That description matches the range of activities and avoids expecting a full snorkeling excursion.

Should you book the Nuria boat trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, small-group introduction to L’Estartit’s offshore coast. The combination of a historic local boat, cave passages, Medes Islands views, glass-bottom panels, and a seasonal swim gives you plenty for $28.

Skip it if detailed guiding or long wildlife-viewing stops are your top priorities. The commentary can be limited, and the 10-minute swim is brief. For most people, though, the short duration and varied route make this a practical way to see the Montgrí coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart?

It departs from Espigó de Llevant at Port de l’Estartit. Follow Passeig Marítim to the end, pass the small playground and information kiosks, turn right after the last kiosk, and look for a white board marked BARCA NURIA in red.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip lasts 1.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The listed price is $28 per person.

How many people can ride on the Nuria?

The Nuria is designed for a limited group of 20 passengers.

What languages are available?

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

Does the trip include the Medes Islands?

Yes. The route includes a visit to the Medes Islands, along with marine-life viewing and glass-bottom boat viewing.

Does the boat have a glass bottom?

The Nuria has glass panels placed in the floor in front of passenger seats, allowing you to view the underwater world.

Is swimming included?

A 10-minute swim is offered when weather conditions permit, generally from June or June 15 through September. Confirm the exact dates before booking.

What else does the route visit?

The route includes Montgrí Natural Park, coastal caves, coves, scenic viewpoints, and photo stops.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.