A day at sea can be oddly calming. This catamaran cruise from Roses turns the Costa Brava into your moving front-row seat, with big-island views, swim time, and a lunch cooked right on board.

Two things I really like: the Medes Islands scenery you get while sailing, and the way the trip mixes relaxing sun time with actual water play (swimming and snorkeling). One thing to consider: the schedule can feel a bit tight at the islands if you’re hoping to spend tons of time snorkeling or if water conditions aren’t super clear.

From the start, you’re not just transported—you’re treated to the sailing experience. I like that you spend real time gliding past the coast, then you get a chance to cool off in crystal-clear water.

And I also like the onboard vibe: sea views while you eat, plus drinks during lunch. Your main watch-out is food preferences. The BBQ is meat-heavy, and vegetarian feedback hasn’t been consistently great.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Costa Brava sailing from Roses with Bay of Roses views before you reach the Medes area
• Spectacular Medes Islands viewpoints, including sights of the Estartit area and Montgrí massif
• Swim stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for about two hours on turquoise water
• Snorkeling gear included with a €10 deposit, plus life jackets for both kids and adults
• BBQ lunch served on board with regional wine and sangria during the meal
• The fun factor: feeling like you’re flying above the water as the sea moves beneath the boat from the nets

Boarding in Roses: Dock of Ginjolers to Catamaran Mode

Your day starts in the middle of Roses at the Dock of Ginjolers, right in front of Hotel Ramblamar (153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona). If you’ve been walking the waterfront earlier in the day, this is a smooth transition: you just head to the dock and step onto the boat.

The practical win here is that the meeting point keeps things simple. No long bus rides first thing, no confusing “find us at this random road” energy. You’re on the water quickly, which matters on a short 5.5-hour trip where time is the product.

Sailing the Costa Brava: Bay of Roses, Estartit, and Montgrí Views

Once you lift anchor, the cruise is all about motion and views. You glide out through the Bay of Roses, then angle toward the Medes area. Along the way, you’ll get classic Costa Brava coastal scenery: open water, rocky coastline character, and the kind of panoramic perspective you usually only get from boats.

As you head in the direction of the Medes Islands, you’ll pass by sights of the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif. Even if you don’t remember the geology lesson (no pressure), the payoff is simple: you can see how the coast is shaped, how close the land feels, and how the islands sit offshore like a natural divider between sea and sky.

This sailing section is one of the best parts because it’s not rushed. It gives your brain a reset. You’re not constantly jumping on and off. You’re just sailing, taking photos when you feel like it, and soaking up the light.

Medes Islands Natural Park: Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

The “where exactly are we stopping?” part of this trip is straightforward: you’ll visit Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for about two hours. Which one you get can depend on conditions, timing, and operations, but the goal stays the same—time in a protected natural park with excellent water color and easy access to the sea.

Why this matters: the Medes Islands area is known for clear water and a protected marine environment. Even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, being in a natural park makes the water experience the main event, not a bonus.

Cala Montgó (what to expect)

Cala Montgó is a swim-and-sun kind of stop. Think: turquoise water, deck time, and a straightforward plan—get in, float around, then come back for lunch on a schedule that doesn’t feel like a school trip.

Illa Pedrosa (what to expect)

Illa Pedrosa is also a swim-focused island stop. One real-world consideration from feedback: snorkeling can be limited by where the fish are (and how deep you’re looking). If you’re the type who wants long, perfect, close-up snorkeling sessions, you might find the time at the islands a bit short, or the water depth not ideal for seeing fish from where you enter.

Swim Time and Snorkeling: Turquoise Water Plus the Nets-Under-You Feeling

At the islands, you have time to swim and sunbathe, and snorkeling is part of the package. You’re given snorkeling equipment with a €10 deposit, and the boat provides life jackets for children and adults. That’s a good combination if you want to snorkel without having to pack gear, and it also adds safety comfort.

Now for the fun detail that people talk about: the catamaran design. The boat lets you feel the water passing below from the nets. The result is that weird, delightful sensation of flying over the sea. It’s not just a gimmick—it actually makes the time on board more interesting, especially on a calm day when the water is smooth enough to notice everything underneath.

Practical tips for a better water session

• Bring swim shoes if you have them. Even when entry is easy, rocky surfaces can be unpredictable.
• If you want snorkeling success, aim for calm moments right away when everyone’s still gathering gear.
• Expect that visibility can vary. When the water is clear, it’s gorgeous. When conditions aren’t perfect, you’ll still enjoy swimming, but fish spotting might take more patience.

On-Board BBQ and Drinks: Lunch With Sea Views

Lunch is a big part of the appeal, and it’s not something you just “get”—it’s integrated into the sailing day. The BBQ lunch is served on board after your swim time. Expect a set menu: chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages, with assorted fresh salads (including a green salad and Russian salad), plus bread and watermelon for dessert.

Drinks are included during lunch/dinner and are varied enough to feel like a real holiday meal rather than a token beverage. You’ll have soft drinks, water (with and without gas), red, rosé, and white regional wine, and sangria during lunch/dinner. Mineral water is available through the whole trip.

What’s worth knowing if you care about food: BBQ is meat-focused. One piece of feedback I’d take seriously—if you’re vegetarian, the vegetarian option may not hit the mark for everyone. I’d treat this as a day trip where the main meal is designed for omnivores, and vegetarian eaters should be ready to adjust expectations (or eat a light snack before you go).

Duration and Pace: Why 5.5 Hours Feels Like a Full Reset

This is a 5.5-hour experience. That’s long enough to feel like you escaped the usual beach routine, but short enough that you’re not stuck in “I’m tired of water” mode.

The sailing time gives you a break from constantly walking, while the two-hour island stop gives you the payoff—water time and lunch. Reviews also reflect that the day can fly by, and honestly that tracks: with a schedule built around sailing + a single main swim stop, your brain stops watching the clock.

The one pacing concern: some people may want more time at the islands. If you’re hoping for a long snorkel session, it’s smart to treat this as a taster that’s still fun, not a full marine-measurement expedition.

Group Vibe and Timing: The Human Side of Sea Days

A catamaran day trip is usually smooth, but you’re sharing a boat, and that changes the experience.

One concern raised in feedback: there can be departure delays (one report mentioned about an hour late) and limited communication if things slip. Another issue mentioned was behavior on board—one group partying loudly. That won’t be your plan, but it’s a reminder that mood spreads in shared spaces.

What you can do: if you’re sensitive to noise, pick a spot where you can hear yourself think, and settle in early. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s helpful to plan for extra patience during any late start.

Is This Worth $66? Value That Actually Makes Sense

At $66 per person, this trip competes well because the price includes far more than “a ride.”

You’re paying for:

• a catamaran cruise along Costa Brava views
• a Medes Islands Natural Park swim stop (Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa)
• snorkeling equipment (with a €10 deposit)
• life jackets provided for kids and adults
• an on-board BBQ lunch
• drinks included (soft drinks, water, regional wine, and sangria during the meal)

A good way to think about value: if you’d otherwise pay for a boat ride, beach access, lunch, and drinks separately, this wraps those pieces into one cost. Even if you don’t care about snorkeling, the sailing + BBQ + swim time is the bundle.

The main value question is personal: if you’re a vegetarian eater, the BBQ menu might not align perfectly. If you’re flexible and you want the sea day, it’s a strong deal.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This day trip is ideal if you:

• want sea views without logistics headaches
• like swimming and want snorkeling gear provided
• enjoy a BBQ lunch with drinks while you’re still enjoying the water
• want a Costa Brava cruise that feels like a break, not an itinerary drill

You might think twice if:

• you only enjoy snorkeling when you can see fish close up for a long time (water depth and entry conditions can affect what you see)
• you have strong food requirements and need consistently good vegetarian options
• you’re very noise-sensitive, since the vibe depends on the group on board that day

Should You Book This Catamaran to Medes Islands From Roses?

If your goal is a classic Catalonia sea day—sailing for the views, swimming for the water, and eating with your feet nowhere near the sand—this is an easy yes. The combination of Medes Islands scenery, a real swim stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, and on-board BBQ with regional drinks makes it feel like you’re paying for the whole experience, not just transport.

If you’re a vegetarian or you’re picky about snorkeling visibility, go in with the right expectations. Plan to treat snorkeling as part of the fun, not a guarantee of perfect fish-spotting. And if quiet matters to you, choose your onboard spot early.

FAQ

How long is the sailing cruise from Roses to the Medes Islands?

The trip lasts about 5.5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, assorted fresh salads (green salad and Russian salad), bread, and watermelon for dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and water are included throughout the trip. Lunch/dinner also includes red, rosé, and white regional wine, plus sangria.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

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

Do they provide life jackets?

Yes. Life jackets for children and adults are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.