ExploraSpain
Guided tours1 h 30 minFree cancellation up to 24h before

Medes Islands boat trip: sea caves, Roca Foradada and a swim from L'Estartit

1.5-hour guided boat trip from L'Estartit through the Medes Islands marine reserve: sea caves, Roca Foradada, underwater windows and a swim stop. 45 minutes from Girona. Rated 4.6/5 from 634 reviews.

4.6634 reviews

Photo credits
  1. «Illes Medes P1110241.JPG», by DagafeSQV, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
  2. «Estartit Medas Inseln 2.jpg», by Gordito1869, CC BY 3.0 · source
  3. «Islas Medas-2024 02.jpg», by Alberto-g-rovi, CC BY 4.0 · source
  4. «Islas Medas-2024 15.jpg», by Alberto-g-rovi, CC BY 4.0 · source
  5. «Illes Medes 06.JPG», by Paulaarbeloa, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
  6. Wikimedia Commons: File:Spain, Catalonia, Illes Medes (Medes Islands).JPG .JPG) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vincent van Zeijst · source
  7. Wikimedia Commons: File:Costa Brava, aerial view of L'Estartit, illes Medes, Sa Riera.jpg · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Naioli · source
  8. Wikimedia Commons: File:Illes Medes P1110241.JPG · CC BY-SA 3.0 · DagafeSQV · source
  9. Wikimedia Commons: File:42 Les illes Medes des del mirador de Josep Pla (Pals).jpg .jpg) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Enric · source
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Practical details

Duration
1 h 30 min
Guide languages
English · Spanish · French · ca
Mobile ticket
No need to print
Instant confirmation
Right after booking
Wheelchair accessible
No
Minimum age
No restriction
Pets
Not allowed
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before

Highlights

  • The Medes Islands marine reserve, one of the richest in the Mediterranean
  • Into sea caves and past the Roca Foradada arch
  • Underwater windows to see the seabed without getting wet
  • Swim stop inside the natural park
  • Small 20-seat boat with a guide

Our take

The Medes are Catalonia's best-known marine reserve, and the small boat makes the difference: it goes into caves and under the Roca Foradada, which the big boats skip. An hour and a half is short but well used. Pair it with an afternoon in Pals or Begur for a full day out from Girona.

What's included

  • Guided boat trip (English, Spanish, French and Catalan)
  • Sea cave visits
  • Underwater windows in the hull
  • Swim stop

Not included

  • Transport to L'Estartit
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup

Good to know

What to bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Water
  • Windbreaker: it gets cool at sea

Not suitable for

  • Pets (except assistance dogs)

Things to keep in mind

  • Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure
  • The swim stop lasts about 15 minutes
  • Dolphins are sometimes spotted, but not guaranteed

Meeting point

Espigó de Llevant, L'Estartit harbour (Torroella de Montgrí), Girona.

The Fadrí boat leaves from the eastern breakwater of L'Estartit harbour. From Girona it is about 45 minutes by car; by bus, Sarfa goes to L'Estartit with a change in Torroella. Arrive at least 20 minutes early.

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The experience

What you will see

The boat leaves L'Estartit and tours the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter:

  • Sea caves and the Roca Foradada, a natural arch the boat sails through.
  • The seabed through underwater windows: fish, groupers and sometimes tuna.
  • A swim stop of about 15 minutes inside the park.

How it works

You book a time, show your voucher at the breakwater and board the Fadrí, a 20-seat boat. The guide covers the history, marine life and birds of the area along the way.

Who I recommend it for

  • Families with children: it is short and very visual.
  • Anyone who wants to see the reserve without diving.
  • Visitors staying in Girona looking for half a day on the coast.

Who I don't recommend it for

  • Anyone who wants serious diving or snorkelling: the stop is short.
  • Anyone looking for a full day on a boat.

Accessibility

Not suitable for wheelchairs: boarding is from the quay onto a small boat.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the seabed?
Yes. The boat has underwater windows and the reserve is full of life: groupers, shoals of fish and sometimes tuna.
Do I need to swim?
Only if you want to swim at the stop. The rest of the trip is on board.
How do I get there from Girona?
About 45 minutes by car on the C-66 and GI-641. By bus you change in Torroella de Montgrí.
Is it good with children?
Yes: it is short, the boat is small and kids love the underwater windows.

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