You’ll feel the Costa Brava change as soon as you leave Roses. This 1.5-hour catamaran outing to Cala Murtra (inside the Cap de Creus Natural Park) mixes a protected coastline walk with a boat ride that includes an underwater viewing deck.

Two things I like a lot are the chance to see the coast up close from the water, and the way the glass-bottom setup lets you look at marine life without getting wet. One caution: the underwater viewing part is fun, but it’s not a guarantee of nonstop wildlife spectacle.

Why this cruise works so well

Cala Murtra is surrounded by cliffs, with lush vegetation and clear turquoise water, so even a short stay feels like a proper nature break. I also appreciate that the audio guide is built for phones and comes in several languages, including English and French, so you can actually follow what you’re seeing along the way.

If you’re expecting a huge underwater show, you may feel slightly underwhelmed; one reviewer summed it up as mostly a sea trip with spectacular scenery rather than constant marine action.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cap de Creus Natural Park views along a wild stretch between Roses and Cadaqués
• Cala Murtra’s setting: cliff-surrounded cove, pine trees, and crystal-clear water
• Underwater viewing deck with glass windows plus a glass-bottom boat ride
• Good value for a short window: 1.5 hours with audio guide and a bar service
• The cultural/environment angle: Cala Murtra is the only authorized naturist beach
• Flexible movement onboard if you want to keep repositioning for photos and light

Setting Sail From Roses: The Part That Gets You Oriented Fast

This outing is run by Els Blaus de Roses, and you’ll start from one of two nearby locations in the Roses area: Avinguda de la Bocana, 2 or Av. de Rhode, 139. The meeting point can change depending on which option you book, so make sure you match the exact address on your confirmation.

From the start, the “why” of this cruise is pretty clear: you’re not just going out to sea for a random loop. You’re heading into one of Catalonia’s most dramatic coastal zones, where rock, coves, and small glimpses of shoreline work like a moving picture gallery.

Heading Through Cap de Creus Coves on Foot and by Sea

Once you’re out in the park area near Roses, you’ll spend time walking along small coves before reaching Cala Murtra. That on-foot stretch matters because it slows things down. From the paths and viewpoints, you get the geography—the cliff lines, the narrow inlets, the way the sea cuts into the rock.

Then the experience shifts back onto the water. The overall rhythm is part cruise, part pause, and that mix is what keeps a 1.5-hour trip from feeling rushed.

Cala Murtra Stop: A Cliff Coves Break With Naturist Context

Cala Murtra sits in the middle of this protected area and is ringed by cliffs. It’s known for lush vegetation and crystal-clear turquoise water, with pine greenery and open sky making a very photogenic scene.

You’ll have break time and a visit here, which is the right length for a cove experience: long enough to step off the boat vibe, short enough that you don’t feel stuck waiting. And because this is the only authorized naturist beach, you’ll want to be comfortable with a more open, relaxed beach culture than you might find at most Costa Brava stops.

Practical note: you’ll want a camera, because even if you don’t spend lots of time in the water, the cliff-and-cove views are the main event.

The Underwater Viewing Deck: Glass Windows Are Cool, Not Magic

The headline feature is the underwater viewing deck with glass windows. This is the easiest way to look at marine life while staying dry and stable, and it’s great if you’re traveling with people who don’t want to go in the sea every time the mood changes.

You also get a glass-bottom boat ride, which gives you a second angle on what’s below. Here’s the balanced expectation I’d set: the underwater experience is more about the novelty of seeing movement from above than about expecting a guaranteed parade of fish.

One review summed up the vibe: it’s a scenic boat trip first, and underwater viewing is secondary. If you manage expectations and treat it like a bonus, you’ll probably enjoy it more.

The Coastal Route Between Roses and Cadaqués: What You’ll Keep Looking At

A big part of the pleasure is the route. You’ll see the wildest Costa Brava scenery between Roses and Cadaqués, with hidden coves and Mediterranean rock scenery passing by as the boat sails.

This is why the trip feels worth it even when underwater visibility isn’t spectacular. The water is clear enough to make the rock edges and coastal contours look crisp, and that alone turns the ride into a moving panorama. Add the sea air and the changing light, and you get that “I’m actually on the coast” feeling in a very short time.

Onboard Comfort: Audio Guide on Your Phone and a Bar Service

The cruise includes a multilingual audio guide you can use on your phone. It’s available in Catalan, Spanish, French, English, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian. For me, that’s a big quality-of-life feature because it turns random scenery into something you can name and understand.

There’s also bar service included. Even if you keep it simple, it’s a nice touch on a one-and-a-half-hour outing because you’re not juggling extra stops for drinks.

You’ll want comfortable clothes for sea breeze and time outdoors, plus your camera for the stop at Cala Murtra and the coastal stretches along the way.

Price and Value: Why $29 Feels Reasonable for 1.5 Hours

At $29 per person, this isn’t a “budget-only” deal, but it also doesn’t feel like you’re paying big money for a long, complicated day. You’re getting three things that add up quickly: the catamaran ride, the underwater viewing experience, and an audio guide plus bar service.

The best value is for people who want a taste of Cap de Creus without committing to a full-day hike or longer boat excursion. If your travel style is short, scenic, and practical, this fits nicely.

Who This Cruise Suits (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A quick Costa Brava nature break with dramatic coastal scenery
• A low-effort way to see Cap de Creus from the water and viewpoint angles
• Phone-based audio so you can follow along in your preferred language

It’s not the best choice if:

• You need accessibility support, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• You’re specifically chasing the most impressive underwater viewing possible. Glass decks and glass-bottom sections are great, but they’re not the same as serious snorkeling gear or underwater tours

Should You Book This Roses to Cala Murtra Catamaran?

I’d book this if you’re visiting Roses and you want a short outing that delivers scenery, water views, and a bonus look at what’s happening below the surface. The best part is the combination: cliff cove time at Cala Murtra plus a cruise through a wild section of coast that you’ll remember even if the underwater viewing is only moderately active.

I wouldn’t book it as your only underwater-focused plan. Think of the underwater deck as an extra angle on an already beautiful coastal day, not the main reason to go.

If you’re the type who loves clear coves, clean photo opportunities, and a simple 1.5-hour format, this one fits.

FAQ

How long is the cruise to Cala Murtra?

The total duration is 1.5 hours. You’ll be able to check starting times based on availability.

Where do you meet for the tour in Roses?

You can meet at one of two locations: Avinguda de la Bocana, 2 or Av. de Rhode, 139. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

What’s included with the tour price?

Included are the boat tour, a multilingual audio guide for your phone, and bar service.

Which languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide includes Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Dutch, and Russian, plus additional languages listed for the guide.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera and comfortable clothes for time outdoors and sea breeze.

Is it suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.