From L’Estartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands

The Medes Islands sit just offshore from L’Estartit, but underwater they feel far removed from the Costa Brava beach scene. This 2.5-hour boat trip takes you into a protected marine reserve where you can swim among fish, sea plants, rock formations, and, if conditions allow, a cave. It is a gentle introduction to the area rather than a full-day sailing adventure.

I like the way wetsuits and all main equipment are included, and I like the care taken with nervous swimmers and children. Guides stay in the water with groups of about eight to ten people, and some have gone out of their way to help first-time snorkelers build confidence. The main drawback is that sea conditions control the show: cloudy weather, current, or busy waters can reduce visibility and shorten the time in the water.

Key points before you book

• The Medes Islands are only a short boat ride from L’Estartit, leaving more time for the actual activity.
• About 50 minutes of guided snorkeling gives beginners a clear structure and keeps the group together.
• Wetsuit, mask, fins, life vest, and a personal snorkel tube are included in the price.
• Groups of eight to ten people make it easier for the guide to watch swimmers and point out fish.
• Weather matters greatly, with clear water on good days but less visibility in rain, cloud, or current.
• The $45 price is strong value if you want equipment, instruction, boat transport, and a short island cruise in one outing.

Why the Medes Islands make a good snorkeling stop

The Medes archipelago consists of seven small islands about a mile from L’Estartit beach. Its protected status has helped preserve marine life close to shore, making this one of the Costa Brava’s better places to look below the surface without signing up for a scuba course.

You are not visiting a large aquarium with guaranteed sightings. The attraction is the chance to see what the sea offers on that particular day. On clear outings, you might spot schools of small fish, larger fish such as groupers and barracuda, starfish, and marine plants among the rocks. Some outings have also included caves and interesting rock formations.

That uncertainty is worth understanding. One outing can feel like swimming through a fish tank, while another may show only ordinary numbers of smaller fish. Water clarity, clouds, rain, current, and boat traffic all affect what you see. I would book this for the setting and the experience of exploring a protected marine area, not for a promise of rare wildlife.

The islands also give you a nice change of pace from a standard beach day. You get out on the water, see the Estartit coast from a different angle, and spend time swimming in a place that feels more natural than a crowded resort beach.

Checking in at Medaqua in L’Estartit

You begin at the Medaqua activity center, where you exchange your voucher before the trip. Allow time to get there, check in, and receive your equipment rather than arriving at the last minute.

The meeting area is close to the harbor and beach. Parking information deserves attention: a large free sandy car park near the beach is available, while the car park directly across from the office may be private for the nautical club. If you are driving, do not assume the closest spaces are yours.

The activity center provides your mask, fins, wetsuit, life vest, and snorkel equipment. Each person receives a new personal snorkel tube that can be kept after the activity. That is a useful touch for hygiene and also gives you a small souvenir without adding another charge.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinks. Food is not provided, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Smoking and feeding the animals are not allowed.

The eco-briefing and equipment setup

Before boarding, the guide explains how the equipment works and what you may see around the islands. This briefing is short but important, especially if you have never used a snorkel or are traveling with children.

The guides place strong emphasis on safety. Groups enter the water in batches of about eight to ten, each with an instructor. That setup is much better than being released into open water on your own. The boat remains nearby, and guides have used swim rings so people can rest when needed.

Several family groups have found the activity manageable for children, including children around eight to ten years old. One guide named Regina was singled out for helping a shy six-year-old try snorkeling for the first time. Another guide, Frieda, stayed close to a nervous swimmer until she gained confidence. Those details matter more than a polished sales description: a good guide can turn a stressful first attempt into a pleasant memory.

Still, the briefing may be fairly basic. If you do not know how to breathe through a snorkel, tell the guide before entering the water and ask for a quick demonstration. One useful improvement would be a more formal short lesson for complete beginners.

The short boat ride to the islands

The boat ride to the Medes Islands takes roughly ten minutes. It is short enough that you do not lose much of your paid time in transit, and the coastline and open water provide a pleasant introduction to the reserve.

You may put on the wetsuit before boarding. In warm weather, that can feel uncomfortable during the ride, and wetsuits are described as optional in at least some situations. Ask the staff if you are unsure. The suit is useful once you enter the water, particularly if you tend to get cold or plan to stay in for the full session.

The boat is not the main attraction, and this is not a leisurely yacht cruise with a long scenic route. It is practical transport to the snorkeling area. If the weather is good, the return portion includes a short cruise around the islands, giving you a better look at the cliffs and coastline.

About 50 minutes in the water

The central part of the outing is about 50 minutes of guided snorkeling. You enter the water with your group and follow the instructor through selected spots around the islands.

The guide helps you locate fish and points out areas of marine life that you could easily miss while looking only straight ahead. You may see colorful fish, plants, larger species, starfish, and rocky formations. On some trips, the route includes a cave. The water has been crystal clear on good days, allowing you to see a surprising amount even without scuba equipment.

This is a guided swim, not a free-form session. You generally stay behind the instructor, which helps the group remain together and lets the guide keep an eye on everyone. Beginners and families will appreciate that structure. Experienced snorkelers may find it a little restrictive, especially if they want to linger over one spot or move at their own speed.

The quality of interpretation can also vary with the guide and conditions. Some instructors explain the islands and marine life with enthusiasm, while other outings have focused more on rules and basic supervision. You should expect useful guidance and safety support, but not a full marine biology lesson.

Current is another factor. One outing had a noticeable current but still offered good views. If the water moves more than expected, the guide may choose a safer or easier route. That is sensible, though it may mean less time exploring the most interesting formations.

Time to swim, rest, and use the boat

After the guided portion, you return to the boat for time to swim independently or relax on deck. This break gives you a chance to warm up, dry off, and enjoy the setting without concentrating on breathing through a snorkel.

The exact amount of free time is not guaranteed. One older account described the boat returning sooner than expected, after about ten minutes rather than the promised longer rest period. The current description gives the snorkeling period clearly, but you should treat the extra swimming and deck time as flexible.

That flexibility is common on a sea excursion. The skipper may need to respond to weather, current, boat traffic, or the condition of the group. Still, if independent swimming is important to you, ask the guide at the start how much time is planned after the guided session.

For many people, this is where the trip becomes especially pleasant. You can stop concentrating on the underwater view, sit in the sun, and see the islands from the water. Just remember sunscreen, even if you are wearing a wetsuit. The exposed parts of your body can burn quickly on a bright day.

The return cruise and the real effect of weather

If the weather cooperates, the boat makes a short cruise around the islands before returning to the harbor. This adds scenic value and helps you appreciate the Medes as a group of rocky islands rather than simply a place where you went swimming.

Weather has a direct effect on the whole experience. Rain and cloud can darken the water and reduce visibility. A thunderstorm may shorten the activity or change the route. On the other hand, the trip can still be enjoyable in light rain if the guides keep the group safe and the water remains workable.

This is not a fault in the operation, but it is a reason to keep expectations reasonable. The best photographs and clearest underwater views are not guaranteed. If the sea is unsettled, you may receive less water time or see fewer fish.

The tour ends back at the Medaqua harbor area. Since food and drinks are not included, plan your own snack or meal afterward.

How the $45 price holds up

At $45 per person, the outing offers solid value if you would otherwise need to rent equipment and arrange a boat separately. The price includes the guide, boat trip, mask, fins, wetsuit, life vest, and personal snorkel tube. You also receive the guided time in the reserve and, weather permitting, a cruise around the islands.

The value is strongest for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants an organized half-day activity without committing to a full sailing or scuba program. You pay for convenience as much as for the fish. Equipment is ready, the boat takes you directly to the islands, and a guide keeps the group moving safely.

The value is less obvious for an experienced snorkeler who already has equipment and wants long, unstructured time in the water. The guided format and possible group limits may feel controlled. You may also find the activity short if you are hoping for several separate snorkeling locations.

A personal snorkel tube helps justify the price a little, though it is not a major financial benefit. The bigger savings come from having the equipment and instruction included.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Families with children who need close supervision
• Nervous swimmers and first-time snorkelers
• People who want a short, active break from the beach
• Couples and small groups looking for a simple boat outing
• Visitors who prefer a guided activity over arranging gear themselves

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, a long independent swim, or guaranteed sightings of abundant marine life. The group format also means you need to follow the guide’s pace.

The activity information says it is wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That is a conflict worth clearing up directly with Medaqua before booking, since boarding and entering the water may require abilities not explained here.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Ask whether the wetsuit is required before you put it on in hot weather. It can be very warm during the short boat ride, though it may keep you comfortable once you are swimming.

If you are a beginner, practice breathing through the snorkel in shallow water before the trip if possible. You will get more from the 50-minute session if you are not spending the first part learning the basic rhythm.

Keep your expectations tied to nature. Clear water and plentiful fish are possible, but clouds, rain, current, and boat traffic can change the view. The protected reserve is the constant; the wildlife display is not.

Arrive with sunscreen already applied, bring drinks, and carry a towel. Do not feed the animals, and do not smoke during the activity. Any equipment that is broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for.

The guides speak Catalan, English, French, and Spanish. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately if that option is offered when you book.

Should you book the Medes Islands snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized introduction to the Medes Islands with equipment, a wetsuit, a short boat ride, and a guide included. The strongest part is the combination of safety and access: you can reach a protected marine area quickly without needing prior snorkeling experience.

Families and nervous beginners are likely to get the most from it, especially when paired with a patient guide such as Regina or Frieda. Experienced snorkelers should book only if they are happy following a group and accepting roughly 50 minutes of guided water time.

I would choose a day with the clearest forecast, ask about parking and wetsuit use, and treat the island cruise and extra swimming time as pleasant additions rather than guaranteed highlights. At $45, this is a good Costa Brava activity for people who want to do more than sit on the beach, provided they accept that the sea, not the schedule, controls what appears below the surface.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity lasts between two and two and a half hours, with the listed duration given as 2.5 hours.

How long do you snorkel?

The guided snorkeling session at the Medes Islands lasts about 50 minutes.

What equipment is included?

The price includes snorkeling gear, a wetsuit, a life vest, and a personal snorkel tube. You can keep the snorkel tube after the activity.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, drinks, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included.

Where does the tour start?

You start at the Medaqua activity center in L’Estartit. You must exchange your voucher at the Medaqua office before the trip.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available when offered during booking.