From Roses: Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Medes Islands

The Medes Islands look unreal from the water. This half-day cruise from Roses delivers easy sailing along the Costa Brava plus a proper swim stop at the Medes Natural Park, with a BBQ lunch on board to keep your energy up. The main thing to weigh is timing: your island time is around two hours, and snorkeling may be limited by depth depending on where you stop.

I especially like the mix of sailing views and practical comfort. You’re cruising past the Bay of Roses with sights of Estartit and the Montgrí massif, then you get anchored long enough to actually enjoy the water, not just look at it.

Key things I’d pay attention to

• Costa Brava sailing with big-window scenery as you glide across open water
• Two possible swim coves: Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa (your day depends on conditions)
• On-board BBQ lunch with meats, salads, bread, and watermelon
• Snorkeling gear with a deposit (plan for the €10 snorkeling equipment deposit)
• Nets on the boat for that fun, close-to-the-water feeling while you rest or snack

From Roses to the Medes Islands, without the hassle

This is a 5.5-hour catamaran day trip built for people who want the coast, not a long travel plan. You meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in the center of Roses, right in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode. From there, it’s straight onto the water and into the Costa Brava vibe.

The big advantage here is flow. You don’t need to arrange transport between viewpoints, then find your own spot to swim, then figure out lunch. The boat handles the movement, and the schedule gives you a swim window and a meal.

What you should know upfront: on-board payment is card only, and American Express is not accepted. If you rely on AmEx, bring another card so you are not stuck mid-trip.

The sailing part: Costa Brava views, Bay of Roses energy

Once you leave Roses, the cruise turns into that best kind of day, the kind where you can relax while the scenery moves. You’ll glide through the Bay of Roses and out along the rugged coastline that makes this stretch famous.

Along the way, you get postcard-style perspectives of the coast, including the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif. Even if you’ve visited the area before, this angle is different. From water level, the terrain looks sharper, and the coves feel closer.

There’s also a comfort factor: the boat is described as comfortable and spacious, with time to sit, wander, and settle. And because you are on a catamaran, the ride is generally smooth compared with smaller boats, which matters if you get even slightly seasick.

The Medes Natural Park stops: Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa

Your anchor time centers on swimming and sunbathing at either Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. The stop is about two hours. That’s a good chunk of time to get in the water, cool off, and still have time to dry off and hang out on deck.

Both options share the same core appeal: transparent turquoise water that looks seriously inviting. You’ll have the chance to swim, and snorkeling equipment is part of the plan (with that €10 deposit). If you love the “one more swim” feeling, this timing is set up for it.

A practical consideration: snorkeling success depends on conditions. One experience you might run into is limited visibility or not seeing as much wildlife if the water is deeper where you’re snorkeling. If snorkeling is your top priority, go in expecting good water and some fish, but not a guaranteed underwater show.

Floating over the water: how the boat setup changes the day

One standout detail for me is the way the boat is designed to bring you closer to the sea. You’ll feel like you are flying over the water as the sea passes below the nets. That matters because it changes what you do during downtime.

Instead of everyone clustering inside or staring from a single spot, you can actually enjoy the marine surroundings while you relax. It’s a simple trick, but it makes the trip feel more physical and less like you’re just watching.

This also pairs nicely with the schedule. When you’re not actively swimming or snorkeling, you can still spend time on board in a way that keeps you connected to the water.

The BBQ lunch on board: what you really get

The BBQ lunch is prepared on board during the swim stop, served while you still have that sea-salty, sun-warmed feeling. Expect a menu that is classic, not fancy, and built to feed a group.

The meal includes:

• Meats like chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages
• Salads including green salad and Russian salad, plus bread
• Dessert of watermelon

Drinks during lunch/dinner include soft drinks and water (with and without gas), plus red, rosé, and white regional wine, and sangria. Mineral water is available during the whole trip.

Here’s the balanced take: this is a meat-forward BBQ. If you eat vegetarian, you might find options limited. One traveler noted a vegetarian hamburger that was not a hit, so if plant-based eating is important to you, you may want to plan around that possibility.

Also, because the lunch is part of the onboard rhythm, you can eat without losing the day to a restaurant break. For a 5.5-hour experience, that timing is a big value.

Drinks and the pacing: keeping the day easy

The drink plan is structured to keep you comfortable throughout the cruise, not just at lunch. You get water and soft drinks across the whole trip, then wine and sangria around the meal period.

Pacing is where this tour earns its place. You’re not crammed into a nonstop itinerary of stops where you sprint off the boat, take a photo, and get back on. You sail, you see the coast, you get anchored for real water time, you eat, and you return.

One review detail that’s worth your attention: the start time can be late sometimes. If you have another reservation later that day, I’d build in buffer time so you are not stressed.

Snorkeling gear, life jackets, and what to bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, but you should note the €10 deposit for the gear. Plan to pay that deposit with a card (since card payments are accepted on board, and AmEx is not). Bring cash only if that’s your backup plan, but don’t count on it.

Life jackets are provided for children and adults, which is reassuring if you are traveling with kids or if someone in your group prefers extra safety while floating. Still, this is a swimming-friendly excursion, not a “pool only” trip.

What you should bring based on the nature of the day:

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer (you may want something warm when you’re back on deck)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (deck time is real)
• A towel if you have one, since you’ll be getting back on board afterward
• If you snorkel often, consider your own mask if you are picky about fit (but the provided gear is there, and you can use it)

And if you get sun fast, treat this like a beach day. The med sun can sneak up on you while you are distracted by the scenery.

Who this catamaran cruise is best for

This is a great fit if you want a classic Mediterranean day: sea views, swimming, and a straightforward meal without the planning.

It works especially well for:

• Families, since life jackets are available and the activity is simple
• Couples who want a relaxed half-day with a scenic route
• People who like a mix of “see the place” and “be in the water”

One review also highlighted that kids under 6 can come free, which can make the price feel even more reasonable for families when you compare it to booking boats, taxis, and lunch separately.

It may be less ideal if:

• Your schedule is extremely tight and you cannot absorb a possible delay
• You are strongly vegetarian and rely on a guaranteed vegetarian main course
• You only want shallow snorkeling, because the stop location affects water depth and what you can see

Value and price: why $66 can make sense here

At about $66 per person for a 5.5-hour outing, the value depends on what you’re comparing to.

If you tried to recreate this day on your own, the cost usually adds up fast: transport, a boat rental, entrance fees or guided options, and then lunch. Here, you get a full boat experience plus BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear (with deposit). That bundled setup is the reason the price can feel fair.

The rating is strong, about 4.3 from 266 reviews, and the repeated praise clusters around the sailing, the scenery, and the overall onboard atmosphere. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but it suggests the core experience lands for most people.

Should you book this catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want an uncomplicated half-day on the water from Roses, with Costa Brava views, time at Medes Islands coves, and a lunch that is handled for you. The sailing feels like the main event, and the swim stop is long enough to matter.

I would think twice if vegetarian meals are a must, if your snorkeling expectation is “guaranteed shallow fish viewing,” or if you have a hard time constraint because departures can run late sometimes.

If you want a practical, scenery-forward day that still gives you real sea time, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the sailing cruise from Roses to the Medes Islands?

The tour duration is 5.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at the Dock of Ginjolers in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar, at 153 Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, and it comes with meats, salads, bread, and watermelon for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, water (with and without gas), and regional wine (red, rosé, white) are included. Sangria is included during the lunch/dinner period, and mineral water is available during the whole trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, but there is a €10 deposit required.

What payment methods are accepted on board?

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.