From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part of this cruise is the simple rhythm: sail out from Roses, let the Costa Brava slide past, stop in clear water, then eat lunch with the sea all around you. The catamaran’s front nets give you that amusing flying over the water feeling, while the Medes Islands and Montgrí massif provide the big views.

I like the included barbecue and drinks, which make the $66 price easier to swallow, and I like the long swimming stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. You get a proper half-day on the water rather than a quick sightseeing run. The main caution is timing: one September departure ran an hour late, and the exact swimming conditions and time near the islands may vary.

I’d choose this for a relaxed family day, a couple wanting a break from the beach, or anyone who prefers a social boat outing to a quiet sailing trip. I’d think twice if snorkeling is your main goal, since one stop had too much depth for good fish viewing, and the vegetarian food may be less satisfying than the standard barbecue.

Key points to know before boarding

• The cruise leaves from central Roses: Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode.
• The main stop lasts about two hours: Swimming and sunbathing take place at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the schedule and conditions.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water is available throughout the trip, with soft drinks, regional wine, and sangria served as specified.
• Snorkeling requires a €10 deposit: Equipment is available, but the water may be too deep at times for easy fish watching.
• The atmosphere can be lively: Most of the appeal is social and easygoing, not silent or intimate.

Sailing out from Roses across the Bay

You meet the boat in the center of Roses, which keeps the start pleasantly simple. The Dock of Ginjolers sits on Av. de Rhode, directly in front of Hotel Ramblamar, so you do not need a complicated transfer to reach the catamaran. I would arrive with enough time to find the dock and settle in, especially because one departure was delayed by an hour without much explanation.

Once you leave the harbor, the cruise crosses the Bay of Roses and heads toward the Medes Islands Natural Park. This first stretch is less about a single attraction and more about seeing the Costa Brava from the correct angle. From the water, you get a broad view of the coast, with the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif appearing as the boat approaches the islands.

The catamaran is described as spacious and comfortable, with deck space for sunbathing and nets at the front. The nets are one of the most enjoyable features for the money. You can lie above the water and watch the sea pass below, though the boat’s shared setup means you should expect company rather than private yacht-style space.

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. That is useful for a mixed group, particularly during the safety briefing and the explanation of the route. The crew also provides life jackets for both children and adults, which adds a practical layer of comfort for families.

Seeing the Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands are the visual center of the outing. Instead of simply pointing at them from a distant boat, the catamaran weaves through the island area before stopping for swimming. You get changing views of rocky shores, open sea, Estartit, and the Montgrí massif.

I would keep your expectations realistic. This is not presented as a specialist wildlife or marine biology trip, and there is no promise of a guided underwater tour. The value comes from the combination of scenery, time on deck, and access to water that can look bright and clear from the boat.

The route can use Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. That choice matters because each place creates a slightly different day. Cala Montgó gives you a sheltered cove setting, while Illa Pedrosa puts you closer to the island scenery. The exact stop is not fixed in the information provided, so check the day’s plan if one location matters to you.

A practical point: the experience description says the boat stops for about two hours, but one account describes only around 15 minutes near the Medes Islands and water too deep for seeing fish. That may refer to time spent directly beside the islands rather than the full swimming break, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed long snorkeling session in shallow water.

Swimming and snorkeling at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

The swimming stop is where the outing changes from sightseeing cruise to beach day. You can get into the water, sunbathe on the deck, or simply enjoy the boat while the crew prepares lunch. The water is described as transparent and turquoise, though actual visibility can depend on the location and conditions.

Snorkeling equipment is available for a €10 deposit. That is a useful inclusion if you did not bring your own mask and snorkel, but remember that the deposit is separate from the tour price. Life jackets are supplied for children and adults, so less confident swimmers have an additional option.

I would bring your own swimming essentials: swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and anything you need to stay comfortable on deck. The supplied information confirms swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, but it does not specify changing-room arrangements or a private beach stop. Plan as you would for a boat day rather than a resort pool visit.

The main snorkeling limitation is depth. One outing had water that was too deep for easy fish viewing, which is worth taking seriously if underwater sights are your top priority. The sea may look perfect from above while still being less useful for casual snorkeling below. For most people, the swim itself and the chance to cool off will matter more than spotting a long list of species.

A barbecue lunch with the sea as your dining room

While you swim or relax, the crew prepares lunch on board. The standard meal includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, fresh green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert. It is a straightforward barbecue, not a gourmet tasting menu, but it fits the setting well.

I like that lunch is included rather than left to chance at a marina. You do not lose part of the stop searching for food, and you can keep enjoying the boat while the meal is served. At $66 per person, the meal helps make this more than a basic boat ride, especially when you also count the drinks and the five-and-a-half-hour duration.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, and water with or without gas. During lunch, the offering also includes red, rosé, and white wine from the region, along with sangria. Mineral water remains available during the whole trip, which is important on a sunny day when wine and sangria should not be your only choices.

Vegetarian diners should take care here. The standard menu is built around meat, and one vegetarian option was described as an overly strong, disappointing vegetarian burger. I would ask the operator about alternatives before booking if you need a satisfying meat-free lunch. Do not assume the barbecue menu will automatically work for every diet.

The boat accepts card payments only, and American Express is not accepted. That detail matters if you plan to buy anything extra or need a backup payment method. The included water and soft drinks reduce the need for spending on board, but a suitable card is still worth carrying.

What the $66 price really buys you

At $66, this is not the cheapest way to see the Costa Brava from the water, but it offers a useful bundle. You get 5.5 hours on a catamaran, the cruise from Roses to the Medes Islands, a swimming stop, barbecue lunch, drinks, guide service in three languages, and basic water equipment.

The price works best for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. The duration also matters. A short harbor cruise can feel like a photo stop, while this outing gives you enough time to settle into the day and have a real swim.

The value falls if you mainly want serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing atmosphere, or an intimate small-group experience. The catamaran is designed for a shared day out, and the presence of food, drinks, families, and different groups can make the mood lively. One departure was spoiled for some people by a loud group partying on board, so you should be comfortable with the possibility of a noisy crowd.

I see the tour as a good middle-ground choice. It gives you more than a sightseeing boat, but it is less specialized than a dedicated snorkeling charter. The included lunch and drinks are meaningful advantages, especially in a coastal area where buying food and refreshments separately can quickly add up.

The mood on board, from calm sunbathing to noisy groups

The experience depends partly on the people sharing the catamaran. On a good day, the combination of sea views, swimming, barbecue food, and sangria creates an easy holiday mood. You can sit on deck, stretch out on the front nets, or take a swim while the boat remains anchored.

This is not the right pick if you want silence. Music, conversation, children, and group celebrations are possible, and one particularly noisy group caused problems for other passengers. The crew may manage the boat well, but it cannot fully control the personality of every group on board.

I would choose a seat or deck area based on your priorities. The nets are best for the sensation of moving directly above the water, while other deck areas are more practical for eating and sitting with your group. Since the boat serves lunch on board, keeping your personal items organized will make the day easier.

The trip also suits families because life jackets are available in adult and child sizes, and the swimming break offers more freedom than a tightly scheduled sightseeing itinerary. Still, parents should keep an eye on children around the water and on the deck. The supplied information confirms safety equipment, but it does not give detailed age rules or child supervision arrangements.

Who will enjoy this Costa Brava boat day

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• People who want a full half-day at sea without arranging food separately
• Families looking for swimming, deck space, and a simple activity from Roses
• Couples who enjoy views, shared meals, and a social atmosphere
• Visitors staying in Roses who want to see the Medes Islands and the coast near Estartit
• Anyone who values an all-in price with lunch and drinks included

I would be more cautious if you are vegetarian, highly focused on fish and marine life, or hoping for a peaceful sailing experience. The meal may need checking in advance, the water may be too deep for easy snorkeling, and the boat can become noisy.

The outing also makes sense for people who prefer flexible booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you keep your plans open. Those terms do not fix a late departure, but they reduce the risk of committing too early.

My practical verdict on Magic Catamarans

Magic Catamarans offers an appealing Costa Brava formula: a central Roses departure, a scenic route to the Medes Islands, time in the water, and a barbecue served while the boat is anchored. The most praised parts are the friendly overall experience, the crew’s handling of the meal and sailing, and the fact that the five or six hours can pass surprisingly quickly.

The weaknesses are just as clear. Departure punctuality may not be perfect, the boat can be too lively for people seeking peace, and snorkeling conditions may not match the postcard view. The vegetarian meal also deserves advance attention.

Should you book this Medes Islands cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social day on the Costa Brava with lunch and drinks already arranged. At $66, the package is fair for five and a half hours, particularly if you will use the swimming stop and enjoy the barbecue.

Skip it if your main goal is expert snorkeling, quiet sailing, or a carefully tailored vegetarian meal. If you do book, arrive early at the Dock of Ginjolers, bring swimming and sun gear, carry a non-American Express card, and treat the water stop as a pleasant swim with possible snorkeling rather than a guaranteed underwater adventure.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

What places does the boat visit?

The route travels from Roses across the Bay of Roses to the Medes Islands Natural Park, with views of Estartit and the Montgrí massif. The swimming stop is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned stop is about two hours, although the time spent directly near the islands can vary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit.

Are life jackets available?

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

What is included in the barbecue lunch?

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

Which drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip. Lunch includes regional red, rosé, and white wine, as well as sangria. Water is available with or without gas.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.