L’Estartit: Dive and Snorkeling in Montgrí Natural Park

Breathing underwater feels oddly calm. That’s what I like most about this trip, with one-to-one coaching and plenty of time to watch fish and plants close up in the protected Montgrí marine reserve. The main thing to factor in is that your first underwater session is capped at about 20 minutes, so you will want to enjoy the snorkeling time right after.

I also like how practical it is for first-timers: you get a safety briefing, gear included, and a small group capped at 9, so questions do not get lost. A possible drawback is that the activity has health limits, including a need for a specific medical certificate for several conditions, so check that before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• Small group size (max 9), which helps you get real attention during training
• One-to-one instructor support, so you are not guessing in the water
• Up to a 20-minute underwater scuba try session, planned for beginners
• About 50 minutes of snorkeling, with snorkel and mask included for exploring the park’s waters
• Boat time plus protected marine reserve setting, centered on Montgrí, with nearby areas in the mix

L’Estartit and the protected waters of Montgrí National Park

L’Estartit is one of those coastal bases where diving and snorkeling are part of daily life, and it makes a difference. You are not fighting complicated logistics. Instead, you check in at Medaqua and get set up for the water fairly quickly, then spend your time where it counts: the marine ecosystem of Montgrí Natural Park.

This is a protected marine area, known for biodiversity. In practical terms, that means you are going to spend your snorkeling time watching fish and plant life in a place that is managed for conservation. It also helps create the right “beginner-friendly” vibe. Calm water, good visibility when conditions cooperate, and a tour flow designed around instruction and safety.

If you’re the type who likes to learn while doing, this is a good match. You start with guidance, then you get to explore more on your own with a mask and snorkel. That split is smart, because it gives you both confidence and freedom.

Price, time, and what you actually get for $92

At $92 per person for about 2.5 hours, this is priced like a focused, guided water activity, not a full-day excursion. The value is in what’s included: boat trip, instructor, diving and snorkeling gear, a safety briefing, an underwater scuba try session of up to 20 minutes, and snorkeling.

What you are paying for is not just “access to the sea.” You are paying for coaching, safety support, and the gear that turns this into an experience you can actually do on vacation. Most first-timers waste time figuring out equipment or second-guessing what they are doing. Here, your instructor handles the basics and keeps you oriented, so you spend less energy on logistics and more on the experience.

Two things you should mentally budget separately are also clear. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. If you plan lunch after, you will feel less rushed.

Before you go: gear, swim readiness, and medical limits

This trip is water-based, so pack like you are going to swim and then keep yourself comfortable afterward. You’ll want a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Sunscreen matters more than people think, because you are out in the sun before, during, and after the water time.

Gear is included for both snorkeling and your underwater scuba try session. Still, you should treat comfort seriously. If you are prone to dry lips or getting cold easily, bring a small personal layer for the return ride, since sea air can change how you feel.

Now the big checkpoint: medical requirements. If you have asthma, epilepsy, lung disease, heart problems, perforation of eardrums, diabetes, or vascular diseases, you must present a specific medical certificate. People who have suffered pneumothorax cannot participate. Pregnant women are not suitable for this activity.

Also read the practical rule about equipment: any equipment that gets broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant. That is normal for shared gear, but it is worth knowing so you handle everything gently.

Checking in at Medaqua, then a short walk to the start

Your check-in is at the Medaqua Snorkel Tours store. Then it is a quick on-foot transfer, about 5 minutes, to L’Estartit. That short walk is part of why this feels doable even if your travel day is busy. You are not commuting for an hour first.

This is also where you settle your mindset. Even if you are excited, keep your body ready for water. That means eating lightly if you can, drinking water ahead of time, and wearing sunscreen before you are in full sun.

If you are worried about the “first time” feeling, this is where the trip earns points. You start with a clear safety briefing and instruction, so you are not thrown into the experience without context. When an activity is well run, you can relax earlier and enjoy the environment instead of focusing on what you might be doing wrong.

Snorkeling at L’Estartit: your 50-minute look around

Snorkeling is scheduled for 50 minutes, and it’s not just “time in the water.” You are snorkeling in protected waters with snorkel and mask provided. That combination is ideal for first-timers because you get real exploration without needing extra training.

What you’re likely to enjoy most is watching marine life up close while staying comfortable at the surface. It’s also a great way to compare what you see with your own eyes versus what you experienced during the instruction stage.

A practical tip: use the snorkeling period to slow down. If you swim fast, you miss the little details, like how fish move around plant life and how your own breathing changes your comfort. You do not need to chase anything. Let the environment come to you.

And because this is in a marine reserve, snorkeling feels more meaningful. You are not just sightseeing. You are observing a living system that is protected.

Your up-to-20-minute scuba try session with a one-to-one instructor

This is the heart of the experience, and it’s designed for beginners. You get a safety briefing and a diving introduction before you go underwater. The instruction is one-to-one, which is huge. When your instructor can focus on just you, you learn faster, and you feel safer.

Your first underwater scuba try session lasts up to 20 minutes. That time limit is not a gimmick. It helps keep the experience manageable for a first-timer and allows you to concentrate on learning the basics instead of worrying about endurance.

During that session, you’ll practice the core feeling of breathing and floating underwater. The goal is confidence. You should expect to be supported throughout, with clear guidance so you are not guessing. You will see marine life and plant life in the park, up close enough to make it memorable, but structured enough to keep you calm.

If you have ever been nervous about getting underwater, focus on the way your instructor sets the pace. The best coaching style I’ve noticed for beginners is calm, direct, and reassuring. In this setup, that’s exactly the point.

The boat ride that gets you to the good water

A big part of the value here is the boat trip. You board a dedicated vessel and travel along the coastlines of Montgrí, the Medes Islands, and Baix Ter Natural Park, depending on conditions and the session plan. Even if you are not a boat person, this ride matters, because it gets you to the marine areas where snorkeling and scuba training make sense.

Boat time also changes the whole feel of the outing. You’re not just slipping into the sea from a random shoreline. You’re part of a plan built around the coastline and protected waters.

Because this is only 2.5 hours total, the trip stays efficient. That’s a real benefit if your time in Costa Brava is limited.

Meet the team: languages and the calm, confidence-first coaching style

The instructor is available in Catalan, English, French, and Spanish. That matters more than it sounds. If you are anxious, clear explanations in your language can be the difference between coping and enjoying.

From what I’ve seen highlighted about the team, the coaching approach aims to make you feel safe early. If you get an instructor like Lucas, expect a warm welcome and steady reassurance, which is exactly what a first underwater session needs. The emphasis is on helping you feel in control, not on pushing you to perform.

Small group size, max 9, also helps the instructor tailor the pace. Even with multiple participants, one-to-one support keeps the experience personal. You are not just another body in a wetsuit.

What you’ll feel underwater, and what to do if you get nervous

Your underwater try session is built around comfort: breathing, floating, and simple movement. The peacefulness people talk about is real, because once you are at ease, the water slows everything down. You’re focused on breathing and seeing marine life, not on the constant noise of the surface.

If you feel nervous beforehand, do a simple mental reset before you go in. Remind yourself that the goal is not to go far or hold your breath. The goal is to learn how breathing and buoyancy feel, with help from a qualified instructor.

In the snorkeling period, similar advice applies. Keep your body relaxed, use slow kicks, and watch the fish behavior instead of racing toward the next spot. You’ll get more enjoyment out of patience than out of speed.

And if you are bringing your own expectations, keep them flexible. Sea conditions and visibility can affect what you see. The plan still works, because the learning and exploration time are structured to adapt.

Who should choose this Montgrí scuba try session plus snorkeling

This is ideal if you are a complete beginner or mostly new to underwater activities. The one-to-one instructor, safety briefing, and beginner-focused timing make it a smart first step.

It also suits you if you like a mix of learning and freedom. You get instruction for the underwater part, then you transition into independent snorkeling to explore the park’s waters more on your own.

You might also enjoy it if you want a guided trip that stays short. At 2.5 hours, it fits well into an active Costa Brava itinerary without eating your entire day.

On the other hand, skip it if you fall into the listed medical restrictions, or if you are pregnant. Also be honest about whether you can swim comfortably. The experience involves snorkeling and underwater training, so you should be at ease in open water.

Is it worth $92 compared with other options in Costa Brava?

For Costa Brava, you’ll find snorkeling-only trips and longer scuba courses. This one sits in the middle: it is not a course that turns you into a certified diver, but it gives you a real underwater try session plus substantial snorkeling time.

The best value is for people who want coaching. If you are the type who learns by doing and wants someone to guide your first underwater moments, the one-to-one structure justifies the price.

If you only want casual snorkeling with no interest in underwater coaching, you might find cheaper options. But if you want both, the included gear, boat trip, and safety-led instruction make this a well-priced package.

Should you book the Montgrí scuba try session and snorkeling from L’Estartit?

I’d book it if you want a first underwater experience that feels controlled, friendly, and beginner-realistic. The short 2.5-hour format is efficient, the group is small, and the one-to-one coaching lowers the stress that usually comes with “first time” activities. Add in snorkeling in the protected waters of Montgrí, and you’re getting two ways to appreciate the marine life.

Don’t book it if you have the medical restrictions listed, or if you are pregnant. Also, if you hate being outdoors in the sun for a short stretch, plan for sunscreen and a towel so you’re comfortable.

If you want a vacation memory that’s not just a photo, this is a strong choice: fish overhead, plant life below, and that calm sense of breathing and floating that stays with you long after you return to Medaqua.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where do I check in?

You check in at the Medaqua Snorkel Tours store in Medaqua.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 9 participants.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, it includes an introduction and is designed for beginners, with a certified instructor.

What underwater time is included?

Your underwater scuba try session is included and lasts up to 20 minutes.

How much snorkeling time do I get?

Snorkeling is included and scheduled for 50 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the boat trip, instructor, diving and snorkeling gear, safety briefing, the 20-minute underwater session, and snorkeling.

What is not included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are there any rules about cancellation, payment, and equipment?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option. Any equipment that gets broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant.