From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The best part of this Roses cruise is the change of pace. You leave the harbor, let the Costa Brava slide past, then spend time floating in clear water near the Medes Islands while lunch cooks on deck. The open nets at the front give you that pleasant sensation of skimming just above the sea.

I like the generous two-hour swimming stop and the fact that lunch, water, soft drinks, wine, and sangria are included. I also like the easy meeting point in central Roses. The main caution is that this is a shared boat, so a late departure or a loud group can affect the mood, and the stop is for swimming rather than a long island visit.

Key details before you book

• A full half-day at sea: The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours, enough time for a relaxed outing without taking up the whole day.
• Two possible swim locations: The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the day’s plan.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water is available throughout, with soft drinks, regional wine, and sangria served as described.
• Snorkeling has a deposit: Equipment is available for a €10 deposit, with life jackets for adults and children.
• Meet in central Roses: Find the boat at Dock of Ginjolers, in front of Hotel Ramblamar.

Leaving Roses through the Bay

Your day begins at Dock of Ginjolers, at 153 Av. de Rhode, directly in front of Hotel Ramblamar. This is in the center of Roses, so the meeting point is simple to find if you are already spending time in town.

Once aboard, you settle into a spacious catamaran and head across the Bay of Roses. This opening stretch is less about checking off sights and more about enjoying the view from the water. The coast opens up around you, and the boat gives you a much better sense of the bay than a quick look from shore.

I would arrive with enough time to get organized before departure. One reported problem was a delay of about an hour without clear information from the crew. That does not mean every departure runs late, but it is a useful reminder that a boat outing depends on a working harbor schedule and group readiness.

The catamaran has room to sit, move around, and use the forward nets. If you enjoy the feeling of motion, the nets are the place to be. You can look down as the water passes beneath you, though sun exposure is stronger there, so bring protection and take a break when needed.

The Medes Islands and the Montgrí coast

As the boat reaches the Medes Islands Natural Park, the scenery changes from open bay to a more concentrated group of rocky islands and coastal views. The route takes you around the islands, with views toward L’Estartit and the Montgrí massif.

The Medes Islands are best appreciated from the water. This cruise does not offer a long walk or a guided visit on land. Instead, you see the islands from the catamaran, pass around them, and spend the practical part of the stop swimming nearby.

That distinction matters. If you want a history-heavy island tour or time ashore, this is not the right format. If you want a boat ride with a scenic setting and a chance to get into the water, it makes much more sense.

The exact swimming location can be Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The description allows about two hours for swimming and sunbathing, although the time directly beside the islands can feel shorter depending on the boat’s position and the day’s route. One passenger found the water too deep for good fish viewing, so do not book this expecting a serious snorkeling excursion.

Swimming in clear Costa Brava water

The swimming stop is the heart of the day. You can climb into the turquoise water, cool off, and return to the boat for sunbathing. Life jackets are supplied for both adults and children, which is useful for families and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Snorkeling equipment is available for a €10 deposit. That keeps you from having to bring your own mask and snorkel, though anyone particular about fit may prefer personal gear. The water can look wonderfully clear from the deck, but visibility and fish sightings depend on the exact anchorage, depth, and conditions.

I would treat snorkeling as an extra pleasure rather than the main reason to book. The strongest part of the stop is the combination of swimming, floating, and sitting on deck with a drink. One piece of feedback specifically noted that the boat was in water too deep for seeing much below the surface.

You should also expect a shared swim stop rather than a quiet private cove. Other passengers will be getting in and out, using the deck, and enjoying the same space. That can be lively and social, but it will not feel like having a secluded beach to yourself.

Barbecue lunch with a view

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch on board. The standard barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages, along with green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

This is a sensible menu for a boat day. You get a proper meal rather than a small snack, and the salads and fruit help balance the heavier grilled food. Eating on deck with the sea around you is part of the appeal, even if the meal itself is more practical than refined.

Drinks served during the trip include water, soft drinks, and still or sparkling mineral water. With lunch, the offering includes red, rosé, and white regional wine, plus sangria. You can keep drinking water throughout the cruise, which is important after time in the sun.

Vegetarian eating needs some care. A vegetarian hamburger was described as overly strong and unpleasant by one diner. The available information does not give a full vegetarian menu, so I would ask the operator about your meal needs before booking rather than assume the barbecue can be easily changed.

The same applies to food preferences in general. The listed meal is clearly meat-focused, with salads and bread on the side. If you need a specific diet, confirm what can be provided in advance.

How the shared-boat atmosphere affects the day

The mood on a catamaran can make or break a half-day outing. On a good departure, the combination of music, swimming, food, and open water feels wonderfully easy. The crew handles the sailing and meal while you enjoy the setting.

But you are sharing the boat with a group. One complaint described an hour-long delay and another group partying loudly in a way that made the boat uncomfortable for others. That appears to be an isolated bad experience within an overall rating of 4.3 from 266 reviews, but it is still worth considering.

You cannot control the group, and the boat operator cannot always control every passenger’s behavior. If you want absolute quiet, a private charter is a better fit. If you are happy with a social atmosphere and understand that the day may have some background noise, this cruise offers much better value.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. That helps with basic instructions, swimming safety, lunch, and the route. No individual guide names are provided, so you should think of this as a crew-led sailing outing rather than a personal sightseeing tour.

What the $66 price really covers

At $66 per person, the cost is reasonable for a 5.5-hour boat trip that includes lunch and drinks. You are not paying only for transport to the Medes Islands. The price also covers the catamaran ride, the swimming stop, the barbecue, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks served with lunch.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. Have lunch on board, take advantage of the swimming stop, use the deck and nets, and enjoy the drinks rather than treating the catamaran as a simple ferry.

Families should also note that children up to age six may travel free, according to one booking experience. That can make the total cost more attractive for parents, although you should confirm the current child policy when booking.

There are only a couple of extra-cost details to remember. Snorkeling equipment requires a €10 deposit, and only card payments are accepted on board. American Express is not accepted, so bring another card if you expect to buy anything.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to anyone staying in Roses who wants a relaxed day on the Costa Brava without organizing a boat, lunch, and drinks separately. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want a mix of scenery and swimming.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You like being on the water more than visiting museums or monuments.
• You want a swim stop but do not need a full snorkeling tour.
• You prefer a ready-made half-day plan with food included.
• You enjoy sitting in the sun, taking photos, and watching the coastline pass.
• You are traveling with children who will appreciate the water and life jackets.
• You want to see the Medes Islands from a boat rather than spend the day on land.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared excursions, loud music, or flexible departure times. I would also choose another activity if your main goal is detailed marine life viewing. The water may be clear, but the anchorage can be too deep for easy fish watching.

Practical ways to enjoy the five and a half hours

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the ride back. The forward nets are exposed to the sun, and the combination of swimming and sea breeze can leave you less aware of how much sun you are getting.

Keep your phone or camera secure when using the nets. The boat moves over open water, and anything loose can quickly become a problem. It is also smart to carry a payment card other than American Express if you want to make a purchase on board.

If swimming is important to you, listen carefully when the crew explains the stop and equipment. Life jackets are available, and snorkeling gear can be borrowed with the deposit. The swimming area may not provide shallow water, so weaker swimmers should use the supplied safety equipment.

For families, the free fare for very young children can improve the value. Still, a five-and-a-half-hour boat ride is a long block of time for a child who dislikes sun, wind, or water. The sea views and food help, but the outing is built around being outside for most of the day.

For couples, the experience works best when you want a casual shared day rather than a private romantic cruise. The nets and sunset-style sea mood may sound intimate, but this is a group catamaran with a planned lunch and common swimming area.

Booking, cancellation, and the final call

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date rather than assume a fixed departure.

My call is simple: book this if you want an easy Costa Brava day built around sailing, swimming, and a generous included meal. The combination of the Medes Islands, a two-hour water stop, barbecue lunch, and drinks gives the $66 price solid value.

Skip it if you need a quiet boat, a precise schedule, or serious snorkeling. For everyone else, this is a pleasant way to see the coast from the right angle: with your feet sometimes in the water, lunch cooking nearby, and Roses waiting at the end of the afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, at 153 Av. de Rhode, in front of Hotel Ramblamar.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 5.5 hours.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The boat stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the trip plan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit. Life jackets are provided for children and adults.

What food is served for lunch?

The barbecue includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Water is available throughout the trip. Lunch drinks include soft drinks, still and sparkling water, regional red, rosé, and white wine, and sangria.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.