From L’Estartit: Snorkeling Trip to the Medes Islands

The best part of this L’Estartit trip is the setting: the Medes Islands Natural Marine Reserve, a small archipelago just off the Costa Brava where clear Mediterranean water meets rocky islands, fish, caves, and sea plants. You snorkel with a guide in groups of roughly eight to ten, then have time to swim or stretch out on the boat.

I like the complete equipment package, especially the wetsuit and personal snorkel tube you keep afterward. I also like the calm, careful approach for families and first-timers. The main caution is that sea conditions change the experience. Clouds, rain, current, or crowded water can reduce visibility and shorten the time in the water.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat reaches the islands in about 10 minutes, so most of your time goes toward snorkeling rather than sitting on the water.
• You get a wetsuit, mask, fins, vest, and personal snorkel tube, with the tube yours to keep after the activity.
• Guided groups hold about eight to ten people, giving you help in the water without the feel of a large excursion.
• Expect about 50 minutes of guided snorkeling, followed by free time for swimming or relaxing on deck.
• The marine life can be excellent but is not guaranteed, with past sightings including groupers, barracuda, starfish, and many smaller fish.
• The $45 price is strong value for a two-and-a-half-hour trip that includes gear, instruction, boat transport, and a reserve visit.

Why the Medes Islands make a good snorkeling outing

The Medes Islands sit roughly a mile from L’Estartit beach. That short crossing matters. You get an island setting and protected marine waters without spending half a day on a boat.

The archipelago has seven islands, with rocky edges and underwater habitats that attract fish and marine plants. The reserve has long been protected from ordinary fishing activity, which helps explain why the area can feel more alive than a standard beach snorkeling spot.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is not an aquarium with guaranteed large animals at every turn. Conditions, season, sunlight, current, and boat traffic all affect what you see. On a good day, the water has been described as clear enough to feel like a fish tank, with groupers, barracuda, starfish, and plenty of smaller fish.

The setting itself adds value. Even if the fish are less active than hoped, you are swimming beside a striking island group and looking back toward the Estartit coast. That makes this more rewarding than a simple swim from the beach.

Starting at Medaqua in L’Estartit

Your tour begins at the Medaqua activity center. You need to exchange your voucher at the office before the trip, so allow time to find the center and get checked in rather than arriving at the last minute.

The activity center provides the gear and organizes you into the groups for the boat and water session. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinking water. Food and drinks are not included, so a bottle of water is worth carrying.

Parking deserves attention. A car park directly across from the office may be private for the nautical club. The larger free sandy car park near the beach is the safer choice according to the practical information provided, though you should allow extra walking time from there.

Before boarding, the guide gives an eco-briefing and explains how to use the mask, fins, vest, wetsuit, and snorkel. This is especially useful if you have never used a snorkel before. One past participant specifically wished for a short technique lesson for beginners, so if you feel unsure, ask the guide to check your fit and breathing before you enter the water.

The short boat ride to the seven islands

The boat ride to the Medes Islands takes about 10 minutes. That is long enough to enjoy the coast and get your first look at the archipelago, but short enough that children usually do not have to endure a drawn-out crossing.

The boat is also your base during the water session. You return to it after the guided snorkeling, and the guide or boat remains close while the group is in the water. Swim rings may be available for anyone who needs a rest, a helpful feature for nervous swimmers and younger children.

You may wear your wetsuit during the ride. This is useful in cooler water, but in very hot weather it can feel uncomfortable on deck. One practical tip is to ask whether the wetsuit is optional for your departure and the current water temperature. The equipment is included, but you do not necessarily need every item for the entire boat ride.

The final route may include a short cruise around the islands if weather permits. That scenic portion is not guaranteed in poor conditions, but it gives the trip a pleasant finish when the sea is calm.

Fifty minutes of guided snorkeling

At the islands, you enter the water in groups of about eight to ten with a guide. The guide points out good places for fish and marine plants and keeps the group together. This format works well for families because you are not left to find your way around unfamiliar rocks and currents.

The water session lasts about 50 minutes. That is enough time to settle into your equipment, get comfortable breathing through the tube, and look around without turning the activity into an exhausting full-day outing.

The quality of the snorkeling depends heavily on the day. In clear conditions, you might see groupers, barracuda, starfish, colorful smaller fish, rock formations, and sea plants. One outing had enough current to affect swimming, while another had dark water and reduced visibility after a storm. These are normal limits of a sea activity, not problems that the operator can always prevent.

The guide’s role matters most when conditions are less than perfect. The strongest part of this trip is the attention given to people who are uneasy in the water. Guides have helped children and first-time snorkelers build confidence, and one guide named Regina was particularly effective with a six-year-old beginner. Frieda has also been praised for staying close to a nervous swimmer until she felt secure.

Those details make this a better choice than simply renting equipment and swimming out from shore. You have someone watching the group, identifying useful areas, and helping you manage the first few minutes.

Still, do not expect a detailed marine biology lesson every minute. Some guides provide interesting information about the islands and fish, while the main focus may be safety, rules, and keeping the group together. If you want more explanation, ask questions as you go.

Time to swim, sunbathe, and look back at the coast

After the guided session, you return to the boat for time to swim on your own or relax on deck. This break is valuable because 50 minutes of snorkeling can be tiring, especially for children or anyone unused to fins and a wetsuit.

You can use this period to remove your mask, drink water, and enjoy the islands from above the surface. The boat gives non-snorkelers a way to take part in the outing without spending the whole time underwater.

The exact balance between free time and the return journey can vary. One older departure returned sooner than expected, leaving less independent swim time than advertised. Another concern is crowding, since several private boats and excursion groups may use the same area during the busy summer months.

For that reason, I would treat the free swim period as a welcome possibility, not the main reason to book. The core experience is the guided snorkeling session and the short island cruise.

What the $45 price really includes

At $45 per person, this trip offers good value for a two-and-a-half-hour activity. The price includes the guide, boat trip, snorkeling equipment, life vest, wetsuit, and a personal snorkel tube that you keep. That last item is a useful hygiene touch and a modest souvenir.

You would pay more if you had to rent each piece of equipment separately, arrange your own boat, and find the best snorkeling area without local help. The guided format also gives families peace of mind, especially when children or nervous swimmers are involved.

The value is strongest if you need the gear. If you already own a mask, fins, and wetsuit and prefer to snorkel alone, the package may feel less essential. You are paying for access to the islands, boat transport, supervision, and organization as much as for the equipment itself.

Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included. You need to reach Medaqua in L’Estartit yourself and bring your own water and snacks for before or after the tour.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a manageable taste of the Costa Brava’s marine life. The short boat ride, small water groups, flotation support, and attentive guides make it less intimidating than an independent snorkeling trip.

Children have taken part successfully, including ages six, eight, nine, ten, and twelve in different departures. The guide’s support is particularly important for younger swimmers, but parents still need to judge their child’s comfort and swimming ability.

It also suits couples and adults who want a half-day activity rather than a full-day cruise. You get time in the water, a little sightseeing, and a chance to sunbathe without giving up the rest of the day.

You may be disappointed if your main goal is abundant wildlife or advanced snorkeling. The area can be excellent, but no operator can control the weather, visibility, current, or number of boats sharing the site. The experience is also less suitable for people with mobility impairments, even though the activity information describes wheelchair access. Contact Medaqua directly if you need to confirm how the boat and water entry fit your needs.

Practical details that affect your day

The stated duration is between two and two and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking. The activity is offered in Catalan, English, French, and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve without paying immediately under the reserve now and pay later option. Those terms are useful when your Costa Brava plans depend on weather.

Do not feed the animals or smoke during the activity. Any equipment that is broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant, so handle the mask, fins, and tube with care.

Weather is the biggest variable. Rain does not automatically ruin the outing, and one family had a good experience in wet conditions. Thunderstorms, heavy cloud, or poor visibility can shorten the session or reduce what you see, so avoid scheduling this as your only important activity of the day if your holiday timing is tight.

Should you book the Medes Islands snorkeling trip?

I would book it if you want an affordable, well-organized introduction to the Medes Islands and do not require perfect underwater conditions. The guides and safety support are the strongest reasons to choose this trip, especially for families and first-timers. The gear package and personal snorkel tube make the $45 price easy to justify.

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, already have your own boat access, or expect a guaranteed parade of large sea creatures. In that case, crowded water, changing visibility, and a shorter free-swim period may frustrate you.

For most visitors staying in or near L’Estartit, this is a practical way to reach the reserve without fuss. Check the weather, bring water and sunscreen, arrive early enough to exchange your voucher, and ask about wetsuit use if the day is hot. With those expectations, the trip offers a friendly, active look at one of the Costa Brava’s best-known marine areas.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The activity lasts between two and two and a half hours. The guided snorkeling portion at the Medes Islands lasts about 50 minutes.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes snorkeling gear, a life vest, wetsuit, guide, and a personal snorkel tube. You can keep the snorkel tube after the activity.

Is the boat ride long?

The boat ride from L’Estartit to the Medes Islands takes about 10 minutes. A short cruise around the islands may take place before returning to the harbor if the weather is suitable.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinks. Food and drinks are not included.

Can children join the activity?

Children have taken part in the activity, including young first-time snorkelers. The guides provide supervision and support, but parents should consider each child’s swimming ability and comfort in the water.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option is also available.