Turquoise water, fish on demand. This 1.5-hour catamaran trip from Roses, run by Els Blaus de Roses, takes you through Cap de Creus Natural Park to Cala Murtra, a protected cove where you can peer down at sea life. I love the underwater viewing windows and I love that the whole outing is only about 90 minutes. The one thing to consider: the underwater viewing happens in timed groups, so you might spend some time waiting on board.

You’ll also like that Cala Murtra is the only authorized nudist beach in this protected area, so there’s no guessing. Add the cliff-lined coves and the feeling of being tucked inside Cap de Creus, and you get a very natural Costa Brava break without needing a full day.

Key highlights before you go

• Cap de Creus Natural Park views from the water, with a real protected-coast feel
• Underwater viewing windows that let you watch fish without gear
• Cala Murtra stop in the middle of the protected site, surrounded by cliffs
• Only authorized nudist beach location in the area, so expectations are clear
• Family-friendly pacing, short enough to keep kids happy, even if timing is in turns

Why Cala Murtra Feels Like a Special Corner of Cap de Creus

Cala Murtra is the kind of place that makes the Costa Brava feel more dramatic than the postcards. You’re not just “at the beach.” You’re in a protected, cliffy cove inside Cap de Creus Natural Park, with the sea close and the land rising fast.

What I like most is that the trip doesn’t pretend you need a complex plan to enjoy the coast. It’s designed as a short, clear experience: you ride out, reach Cala Murtra, then get your time watching the sea life. That combo is why families and first-timers tend to rate it well.

One thing to keep in mind: Cala Murtra includes the only authorized nudist beach in this protected area. If you’re comfortable and curious, that’s a non-issue. If you’re not, you’ll still be fine—just know the setting is official and expected.

From Roses to the Natural Park: How the Catamaran Ride Sets the Tone

The trip starts around Roses, then follows the coastline and small coves leading toward Cap de Creus. Even before you reach Cala Murtra, the ride is part of the show. You get a moving perspective on the protected coastline, which is a nice change from staring at land from one spot.

The boat experience is also practical. It’s a catamaran-style outing designed for quick access and group management. Reviews describe a comfortable, fairly big boat, and that matters when you’re traveling with kids or just want an easy pace.

Expect this to be a group activity, not a private charter. The operator caps the experience at up to 200 travelers, which can mean a lively atmosphere and some waiting for the underwater windows later.

Reaching Cala Murtra: Cliff Views and the Nudist Beach Reality

Once you’re at Cala Murtra, the vibe is all about the cove itself. The setting is lush and sheltered, with cliffs wrapping around the bay. It’s the “wildest” feel in this area, because it’s a protected site and not built up like a typical resort beach.

The nudist point is the big factual detail you should understand before you go. Cala Murtra is the only authorized nudist beach in the protected area, which means the situation is clear-cut. You’re not going to stumble into awkward surprises because this is an officially designated beach.

For many people, that actually increases comfort. You’re not left guessing what’s allowed or expected—you just adapt to the setting, like you would at any designated beach.

Underwater Viewing Windows: What You Actually Get (and Why Timing Matters)

This is the reason most people book. The experience focuses on a walk-through look at the seabed using underwater viewing windows on the boat. You see fish and sea life from inside, without snorkeling, without wet gear, and without fighting currents.

Here’s the practical part: the viewing often runs in timed groups. One review describes a format where visitors get about 10 minutes at the windows, then spend time waiting for the next group, with windows described as somewhat small. That can feel short if your goal is a long, slow watch session.

On the positive side, people also describe the underwater viewing setup as spacious and comfortable, and kids in particular can get hooked fast when they spot fish near the hull. If you treat it like a quick “sea life highlight tour,” it fits the experience perfectly.

If you’re the type who gets impatient in lines, plan for the wait. The best trick is to watch the boat ride and the cove while you wait—don’t stare at the windows nonstop. You’ll enjoy the whole outing more.

Coves, Possible Caves, and the Chance for Dolphins

The day centers on the cove chain leading to Cala Murtra, so you’re meant to feel like you’re cruising the coast of Cap de Creus rather than just transporting people to one dot on a map.

Some reviews mention cave time as part of the route (one called out a cave visit), while another review says they did not go to a cave. That tells me the exact route details may vary day to day due to operations, conditions, or how the tour stops are handled. If a cave is a must for you, ask the staff when you check in which features are planned for your date.

And then there’s the fun “if you’re lucky” bonus: one family reported seeing a dolphin family nearby. That’s not something you can schedule, but it’s a reminder to keep your eyes on the water between viewing sessions.

Swimming and Getting Your Feet Wet (When It’s Possible)

One review says swimming is possible. That suggests there may be a chance to get in the water during the Cala Murtra stop, or at least a moment that’s set up for it.

But since swim access isn’t described in detail in the available info, treat it as a “might happen” rather than a guarantee. Bring swimwear anyway if you want the option, but keep your expectations flexible.

If you do swim, remember you’re in a protected natural area. Follow crew guidance closely and keep a respectful distance from other beachgoers.

Price and Value: Is $24.08 Worth It?

At about $24.08 per person, you’re paying for three things: a catamaran ride through the Cap de Creus coves, a stop at Cala Murtra, and the underwater viewing windows experience. For many visitors, that’s a strong value because you get “coast + sea life” in roughly 90 minutes.

The tradeoff is also tied to that price: you shouldn’t expect a long underwater session. If you’re comparing this to hours of snorkeling or a full-day reef trip, it will feel short. But if you want a compact nature outing that works for families and doesn’t require special skills, it’s priced to match the time.

Where the value gets especially good is when you’re traveling with kids. The underwater viewing can feel like a game, and the whole thing is short enough to avoid meltdowns.

Who This Works Best For (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This trip is built for people who want a calm, structured way to experience the coast. Based on the overall pattern of reviews, it’s a solid pick for families, especially with young children who enjoy watching fish.

You’ll also like it if you:

• Want an easy, short outing instead of a full day
• Prefer viewing sea life without snorkeling gear
• Like natural park scenery and coves from the water

You might be less happy if you:

• Want a long, uninterrupted time at the windows
• Get frustrated by group logistics and timed turns
• Are looking for lots of stops beyond Cala Murtra

Also, be realistic about crowd level. With a maximum of 200 travelers, the experience can feel busy on certain dates. One negative review complained about overcrowding and poor communication on a large-school-group day. That doesn’t mean it’s the norm, but it’s a good reason to choose your date wisely and be patient if you’re visiting in a peak period.

Practical Tips to Make It Better Day-of

Here are the small choices that can make a big difference on this kind of tour.

• Arrive early and find your crew instructions fast. With up to 200 people, staying organized keeps your day smooth.
• Go into the underwater windows session ready to wait. Treat it as a short highlight, not a marathon.
• Dress for coastal weather swings. Cap de Creus can feel breezy and changeable.
• Bring a simple snack plan. The outing is short, but kids still get hungry, and timing varies.
• If you’re sensitive to communication issues, watch for multilingual clarity. One report said it was hard to understand during the trip on a crowded day, so keep expectations flexible and rely on crew cues.

And about the nudist beach setting: you don’t need to make it a big deal. Just know it’s authorized and present at the Cala Murtra stop, so you can decide comfortably how you want to enjoy that portion of the coastline.

Quick FAQ on Cala Murtra and the Els Blaus de Roses Trip

FAQ

Where is this experience located?

It takes place in Girona, Spain, in the Cap de Creus Natural Park area at Cala Murtra, reached from the Roses area.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed at $24.08 per person.

What do I do during the experience?

You travel along the coves of Cap de Creus Natural Park to Cala Murtra and get underwater viewing of the sea life using the underwater windows on board.

Is Cala Murtra a nudist beach?

Yes. Cala Murtra is the only authorized nudist beach in this protected site.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. The experience uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people can be on the tour?

There is a maximum of 200 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Should You Book Cala Murtra with Els Blaus de Roses?

If you want a short, family-friendly Costa Brava day that combines protected-coast scenery with a straightforward underwater viewing experience, I’d book it. At around $24.08 for roughly 90 minutes, the value is strongest when your goal is fun and simplicity, not a long, detailed underwater session.

Book especially if you:

• Travel with kids and want low-stress entertainment
• Prefer watching sea life without snorkeling gear
• Like nature settings and cliffy coves inside a natural park

Skip or consider alternatives if you’re expecting extended window time, tons of stops, or a quiet, small-group vibe. And if you’re sensitive to crowding, pick your date carefully—this is capped at 200 people, and one negative review described a very busy day.

Bottom line: Cala Murtra is a well-defined, scenic outing with an easy payoff. Go in expecting a highlight, not a marathon, and you’ll likely come away smiling.