From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The main appeal here is simple: you get a full day on the Costa Brava without having to organize boats, lunch, swimming gear, or a route yourself. The catamaran leaves central Roses, crosses the Bay of Roses, passes the Medes Islands, and pauses in a sheltered cove for swimming and sunbathing.

I like the combination of easy sailing and water time, especially for families and couples who want more than a short harbor cruise. I also like the barbecue served on board, with salads, bread, watermelon, soft drinks, water, regional wine, and sangria included.

The main consideration is that this is a shared boat, not a quiet private charter. A late departure and a loud group can affect the day, and snorkeling conditions may not be ideal if the water is too deep or the boat does not remain long in one place.

Key points at a glance

• A full 5.5-hour Costa Brava outing: You get a proper half-day at sea rather than a quick sightseeing loop.
• Swimming near Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa: The stop is built around turquoise water, deck time, and a refreshing break.
• Barbecue lunch included: Expect chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and watermelon.
• Drinks are part of the day: Water and soft drinks are available throughout, with wine and sangria served with lunch.
• Snorkeling gear requires a €10 deposit: Life jackets are supplied for children and adults.
• Central Roses departure: Meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, opposite Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode.

From Roses into the Bay of Roses

The boat leaves from the Dock of Ginjolers, right in the center of Roses. That location is handy if you are already staying in town, and it avoids the need for a separate transfer to a distant marina.

Once aboard, you cruise across the Bay of Roses toward the Medes Islands Natural Park. The catamaran gives you a better view than a closed cabin would, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will spend much of the day exposed to sun and sea air, even when the boat is moving gently.

The first part of the trip is about the setting. Roses gives way to the long curve of the bay, then the coast becomes more rugged as the boat heads toward the islands. The route includes views of l’Estartit and the Montgrí massif, adding a useful sense of the region rather than treating the sea as a featureless stretch of water.

I like this kind of sailing because the journey itself is part of the outing. You are not simply being transported to a swim stop. The catamaran moves at a relaxed pace, and the nets at the front let you sit above the water as it passes below. That is one of the more memorable places to be on board, though it is also the spot most exposed to spray and sun.

The Medes Islands from the water

The Medes Islands are a small island group off the coast near l’Estartit, protected as part of a natural park. The boat weaves around the islands rather than taking you ashore, so the experience is mainly about coastal views, open water, and the chance to look below the surface.

You will see the islands from several angles, with the Montgrí massif behind them. This gives the trip more visual variety than a simple straight cruise. The views are best when you move around the boat, but do not expect everyone to have a private viewpoint. On a shared catamaran, the most popular spots fill quickly.

The protected setting is also the reason snorkeling is offered. The included equipment lets you try without packing your own mask and tube, although you must leave a €10 deposit. Life jackets are available for both children and adults, which makes the water stop easier for families.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition with long guided sessions or underwater instruction. One recent experience found the water too deep for much fish viewing, and the time close to the islands felt short. If your priority is seeing marine life, ask the crew where conditions are best and get into the water promptly when the boat stops.

Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming

The main stop is at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, depending on the day’s route and conditions. The boat spends about two hours in the swimming area, giving you time to get in the water, sunbathe, eat, and settle into the pace of the trip.

Cala Montgó is known for its sheltered cove and clear water. Illa Pedrosa offers a more island-focused setting. The exact appeal depends on where the catamaran anchors, but both options serve the same purpose: a break from sailing with time to swim and relax.

The water is described as transparent and turquoise, though visibility can change with weather, boat position, and depth. If you want to snorkel, take the opportunity when the water looks calm and clear. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the life jacket and stay near the boat.

There is an important distinction here. You may stop near the Medes Islands without actually spending much time on land, or even setting foot on an island. This is a sea excursion, not an island walking tour. The attraction is the water, the view, and the feeling of being offshore.

The two-hour stop sounds generous, but it includes lunch preparation and serving. You may not have two full hours devoted only to swimming. Some people have found the actual time near the islands surprisingly brief, so swimmers and snorkelers should plan to use the first available water time rather than waiting until after lunch.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

The crew prepares lunch while the boat is anchored. The meal includes chicken breasts, skewers, sausages, green salad, Russian salad, bread, and watermelon for dessert. It is a practical boat meal, not a restaurant lunch, and the real value comes from eating at sea with the Costa Brava around you.

Drinks include still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and mineral water throughout the trip. With lunch, you can have red, rosé, or white wine from the region, along with sangria. That helps the $66 price feel more reasonable, since you are not paying extra every time you want water or a soft drink.

The food suits meat eaters well. If you eat vegetarian, be careful when booking. A vegetarian hamburger was described as overly strong and disappointing, so you should not assume that the alternative meal will match the main barbecue. The available information does not give a detailed vegan menu, so this experience is easier to recommend if you are comfortable with the stated food choices.

Lunch is also part of the social side of the trip. Shared tables, the open deck, music or conversation, and drinks can create a cheerful atmosphere. They can also make the boat feel lively rather than peaceful. If you want a silent sailing day, this may not be the right format.

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted. That is a small detail, but it matters if you plan to buy anything extra or need a backup payment method.

The catamaran experience and onboard space

The catamaran is described as spacious, with room to sit on deck and stretch out on the forward nets. Those nets are a highlight for many people. You feel the boat moving directly beneath you, with water visible below, which gives the sailing part a little more excitement than sitting on a fixed bench.

The open design also means you can change your view during the trip. Sit forward for the net experience, move toward the sides for coastal scenery, or find a place with shade if the sun becomes tiring. Since the tour lasts 5.5 hours, comfort matters more than it would on a short cruise.

The boat is shared with other passengers, and the mood can vary. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, with an overall rating of 4.3 from 266 ratings. People particularly appreciate the captain and crew, the food service, the route, and the general atmosphere.

Still, one bad group can change the feel of the day. A loud party group was a serious problem for one passenger, who also experienced a one-hour delay without clear information. That does not mean every departure will be late or noisy, but you should understand the tradeoff: this is a group excursion with a social atmosphere, not a private sailing charter.

Timing, language, and the day’s pace

The total duration is 5.5 hours. That is long enough to feel like a real sea day but short enough to fit into a wider Costa Brava itinerary. Check the available departure time carefully, since the start time can vary.

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. That is useful for basic explanations, safety information, and coordination at the swimming stop. The exact level of commentary is not specified, so I would book this for the sailing and scenery rather than for a long, detailed lecture about the islands.

The route has a natural rhythm:

• Board at the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses.
• Sail across the Bay of Roses.
• Cruise around the Medes Islands and view l’Estartit and the Montgrí massif.
• Anchor at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa.
• Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and eat lunch on board.
• Sail back to Roses.

That pace works best if you want a relaxed outing. It is less suitable if you want constant sightseeing, several separate stops, or a full day on shore.

What to bring and how to prepare

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat provides life jackets, and snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 deposit, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well.

Wear something comfortable for sitting on deck. A light layer is sensible because the breeze can feel cooler once the catamaran is moving, even on a warm day. Keep valuables secure and bring a waterproof pouch for a phone if you want photographs near the water.

Arrive ready to board at the stated meeting point in front of Hotel Ramblamar. The departure point is easy to find in central Roses, but a busy dock can still take a few minutes to navigate. If timing matters for a later reservation, leave room for a possible delay. One reported departure ran an hour late, and the lack of information made that more frustrating.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Costa Brava plans depend on weather or changing schedules, but you should still check the exact departure time and cancellation details when booking.

Who will enjoy this Roses catamaran cruise

I would recommend this trip to families who want swimming, food, and a simple day at sea without arranging separate activities. Children have life jackets available, and one booking experience specifically valued free admission for children up to age six, though you should confirm the current child policy before paying.

It also suits couples and friends who enjoy a relaxed social boat ride. The included drinks and lunch make it easy to settle in, and the forward nets add a fun touch. If you like taking photos, the combination of Roses, the bay, the islands, l’Estartit, and the Montgrí massif gives you plenty to frame.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeler, need a quiet boat, or follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. The stop may not provide the underwater visibility or time you want, and the alternative meal may be limited.

At $66 per person, the value is solid if you use the whole package: 5.5 hours of sailing, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment access, lunch, water, soft drinks, wine, and sangria. A short boat ride with one drink could cost less, but it would not offer the same amount of time or food. The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quick look at the Medes Islands or if you will not eat the included meal.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a straightforward Costa Brava sea day with swimming, a barbecue, and broad coastal views included in one price. The best parts are the relaxed route from Roses, the time on the open water, the front nets, and the practical lunch and drink service.

Think twice if your priority is serious snorkeling, a perfectly quiet boat, or a highly controlled schedule. Go early to the swimming stop, bring your own mask if you have one, and confirm food needs before booking. For most families, couples, and casual swimmers, this is a good-value way to spend half a day on the Mediterranean.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is the Dock of Ginjolers in central Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 5.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The catamaran stops at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Is lunch included?

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

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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