A sea day with glass floors is a special way to travel. This 1.5-hour boat trip from L’Estartit mixes a classic Catalan fishing-boat feel with time around the Medes Islands and the Montgrí Natural Park coves and caves. I love that it’s a small-group outing (20 passengers), so you’re not trapped in a huge crowd. I also like the glass-bottom viewing: you can watch the underwater world right from your seat.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the amount of onboard commentary can feel lighter than you expect. The boat ride and cave/cove passages are the main event, so if you want nonstop narration the whole time, plan for some stretches where you’ll be mostly looking and taking photos.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group on Nuria: only 20 passengers, on a boat built in 1942 for authentic local fishing-boat vibes.
• Glass-bottom underwater viewing: glasses on the floor let you watch marine life without jumping in.
• Montgrí Natural Park stops: photo moments, guided walk time, scenic driving, and a glass-bottom ride.
• Medes Islands time on the water: a mix of walking and marine-life viewing with another glass-bottom segment.
• Optional swim time in summer: from mid-June through September (weather permitting), you can swim for about 10 minutes.

Getting There Like a Local: Port de l’Estartit to Espigó de Llevant

This trip starts in the Port de l’Estartit, at the beginning of the harbour. I like meeting points that are easy to visualize, and this one is pretty direct once you follow the seaside path.

Here’s how to find it without stress:

• Walk along the Passeig Marítim.
• Keep going until you reach the end where you’ll see a small playground and information kiosks.
• Turn right after the last kiosk and go into the harbour area.
• You’ll see fishing boats. The boat you want is after those, with a white board that says BARCA NURIA in red.

Boarding is quick: with a booking, you can go straight to the boat about 15 minutes before departure. That small timing detail matters because this is a tight, limited-capacity boat ride.

One practical tip: if you’re arriving near departure time, don’t waste time hunting around the port. Use your phone map, get to the Passeig Marítim, then look for the fishing boats and the Barca Nuria sign.

The Nuria Experience: A 1942 Catalan Fishing Boat (And Why It Matters)

The boat is the Nuria, a charming Catalan fishing boat built in 1942 in the beach area of L’Estartit. That doesn’t sound like a big deal until you’re actually onboard. The boat feels like part of the place, not just a tourist machine.

What you get from this kind of boat:

• A closer, more personal feel because the group is capped at 20 passengers.
• Better “we’re in the bay” vibes while moving between stops.
• An experience that stays focused on the water and the coast, not on a long, complicated schedule.

The real star, though, is the setup for underwater viewing. The glasses are positioned on the boat floor in front of your seat, so you’re not constantly moving around just to see something interesting.

Montgrí Natural Park Stops: Photo Stops, Walk Time, and Scenic Viewing

The day’s rhythm shifts once you’re in Montgrí Natural Park. You’ll get a mix of photo stops, visit time, and viewpoints while the boat works its way through the area. The tour also includes a glass-bottom boat ride segment here, which I think is a smart choice: you’re already in “look at the water” mode, so the underwater viewing makes sense early on.

What makes the Montgrí part feel worthwhile:

• You’re not only watching from the water; you also get walk and visit time.
• You’ll have scenic viewpoints along the way, which helps you connect what you’re seeing from shore with what the boat shows from the sea.
• There’s another walk/stop style segment plus a guided component, so it doesn’t feel like a pure transit between islands.

Possible drawback: some parts feel more “scenic + photo” than “structured guided explanation,” depending on how the guide paces things. In other words, even though there is a live guide, the coast itself is doing most of the talking.

The Caves and Coves Moment: What You’re Really Paying For

The heart of the experience is the time around the park’s caves and coves. This is one of those trips where you’ll understand the value the first time the boat slips into the area where land and rock shape the coastline.

You’ll pass through cave/cove zones and you’ll have photo stops along the way. The underwater viewing also plays a role here. Even when you’re not in swim mode, the glass-bottom floor lets you keep your eyes busy with marine life and the seabed below.

A note I’d take seriously: if you’re hoping for a lot of constant narration during cave passages, don’t assume that. The boat experience is the show. Still, the way the boat is handled can make the cave segments feel smoother and more impressive.

If you’re prone to seasickness, keep expectations realistic. The ride includes open water moments, and conditions can affect comfort. The duration is only 1.5 hours, which is a plus if you’re sensitive.

Medes Islands Time: Walk, Marine Life Viewing, and Another Glass-Bottom Segment

Then you arrive at the Medes Islands. This is where the trip earns its name value, and you’ll get time for both walking and marine-life viewing.

What makes the Medes portion work for different travel styles:

• If you like moving, you’ll appreciate the walk component.
• If you prefer staying seated with a good view, you’ll still have the underwater viewing through the glass-bottom setup.
• If you’re a photo person, the combination of land/sea views plus on-water stops helps you build a mix of shots without feeling rushed.

You’ll also get another glass-bottom ride segment tied to the marine-life focus. This is key. Instead of seeing the ocean as “just water,” you’re given a way to look at what’s under the surface while you’re still in safe, seated comfort.

One consideration: the Medes portion is part viewing, part time on land/walk. Since exact timing by stop isn’t provided, the best approach is to treat the Medes stop as a “set piece” rather than a long, flexible hike.

Swimming in Clear Water (June to September): How to Plan for It

There’s a swim option, but it’s seasonal and weather dependent. From 15th June through September (end date to ask), and only when conditions allow, you can enjoy a swim for about 10 minutes.

This is a big value add if you like being in the water, because you get:

• A short, controlled swim window.
• Clear-water marine viewing time from the surface.
• A change of pace after the cave-and-viewing segments.

Practical planning tips:

• Pack swim-ready gear even if you’re not sure you’ll swim. The schedule is weather dependent.
• Keep an eye on water conditions. If it’s rougher, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy from the boat and the glass-bottom viewing.
• If you don’t want to swim, you’ll still have a lot to do: you can watch the underwater world from your seat and keep it relaxed.

In spring and autumn, the tour leans more on quiet coves—so you might get a calmer feel, but without the same swim-time option.

Price and Value: Why $28 Can Make Sense Here

At around $28 per person for a 1.5-hour outing, this isn’t the cheapest sea activity you’ll find in the area—but it can be good value because you’re getting more than “just a ride.”

You’re paying for:

• A boat tour that takes you through caves/coves and around the Medes Islands.
• Glass-bottom viewing, which adds a built-in activity without extra equipment.
• A small-group experience (20 passengers), which often makes the time feel more personal.
• A live guide, with languages listed as Catalan, English, Spanish, and French.

Is it a perfect value if you expect a long, information-heavy lecture? Probably not. One review experience suggested that you might not get a ton of in-depth guidance beyond what’s needed. But if you want a focused coastal highlight where you can look underwater and enjoy the scenery, the price lines up with what you’re actually doing.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

I’d point you toward this tour if you want:

• A compact 1.5-hour sea outing that fits into a tight schedule.
• Underwater viewing without the hassle of snorkelling gear.
• A coast-and-caves experience plus time at the Medes Islands.
• A more intimate boat setting with only 20 passengers.

I’d think twice if:

• You want a deeply guided, long-form explanation the entire time.
• You’re expecting a full-day explorer style itinerary with lots of walking. There is walking, but the core format is the boat ride plus short segments.
• You’re highly sensitive to any chop. The ride can be impacted by wave conditions, and while the duration is short, it’s still a sea journey.

A Quick Check Before You Book

This is a good choice when you want a classic Catalan coast feel plus a fun underwater twist. The boat itself is part of the attraction, and the glass-bottom viewing is an easy way to get more out of the time on the water than just looking at scenery.

If you book, plan to show up early enough for that 15-minute boarding window so you don’t rush. And if swimming matters to you, remember it depends on June–September timing and weather.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

What does the price include?

The price includes the boat tour.

Do I get to see underwater without swimming?

Yes. The boat has glass bottom panels placed in front of your seat for underwater viewing.

Is there swimming time?

Swimming is available from 15th June to September, as long as weather conditions allow. The swim time is about 10 minutes.

How many passengers are on the boat?

The experience is limited to 20 passengers.

What languages is the live guide available in?

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

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Port de l’Estartit, at the beginning of the harbour. Follow Passeig Marítim to the end, then turn right after the last kiosk. Look for the fishing boats and the sign that reads BARCA NURIA in red on a white board.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book This Trip?

Yes, if your top priorities are caves and coves, a Medes Islands stop, and underwater viewing from a glass-bottom boat. It’s the kind of outing that turns “sea scenery” into a more hands-on visual experience, even if you never swim.

Skip it (or pair it with something else) if you’re chasing a long, highly guided narrative. This is mostly about the route, the rock-and-coast moments, and what you can see through the glass—so show up ready to look, photograph, and enjoy the ride.