There is something about sailing out of Roses that makes the whole half day feel lighter. This catamaran cruise takes you along the Costa Brava, then slows down at the Medes Islands for swim time and a BBQ lunch with drinks. My kind of plan: sun, sea, and no stress.

I especially love how the trip mixes big-view sailing with actual time in the water. You also get a proper on-board meal and wine, not some sad snack that disappears faster than your sunscreen.

One thing to keep in mind: the snorkeling is great when the water is clear, but you are not guaranteed fish-heavy shallow water at every stop, and one stop may feel more “swim and chill” than “see everything.”

Quick Key Points You Should Know

• Two-hour swim stop at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa, with deck time to sunbathe
• Costa Brava cruising through the Bay of Roses toward views of Estartit and the Montgrí massif
• Medes Islands scenery is the main event, with island views and sailing between them
• BBQ lunch on board with salads, bread, and watermelon, plus wine and sangria during the meal
• Sea-level fun from the nets, where the water passes below you while you relax

From Roses to the Medes Islands: The Catamaran Advantage

This is the kind of trip that makes sense if you want the Medes Islands, but you do not want to build a whole day around logistics. A catamaran is stable, comfortable, and gives you that open-air feeling where you can look left, look right, and still stay relaxed.

The route also matters. Sailing along the Costa Brava from Roses is not just transportation. The coast here is made for slow viewing: cliffs, coves, and the coastline rolling past as you settle in. Then you get the switch in atmosphere when you move into the Medes Islands area, with the islands taking over the view.

The “nets” detail is more than a quirky description. Those netted areas can turn the boat ride into something more playful, because you are literally watching the water slide by beneath you. It is a small thing that changes the whole mood.

Meeting Point in Roses, and What the 5.5 Hours Look Like

You meet at the Dock of Ginjolers, in the center of Roses, in front of Hotel Ramblamar (153, Av. de Rhode, 17480 Roses, Girona). In practice, that location is handy because it keeps you close to the main action of Roses without needing a long transfer.

The total duration is 5.5 hours, so you are living in half-day time. That can be a pro or a con. Pro: you do not burn your whole day. Con: it goes quickly, so plan to show up with your essentials ready, especially if you want to swim and snorkel.

You can also keep it flexible. The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and you can reserve with a pay-later option. That helps if you are juggling weather or a packed itinerary in Catalonia.

Sailing the Bay of Roses to Estartit, The Views You Actually Remember

Once you are on board, the early cruising is part of the payoff. You glide through the Bay of Roses, then head toward the Costa Brava stretch where the water and coastline do the talking.

As you approach the islands area, you get views of the village of Estartit and the Montgrí massif. Even if you are not a “mountains and maps” person, it is the kind of scenery that keeps your camera busy because the perspective keeps changing. From the boat, you see the coastline from angles you do not get from the road.

Another benefit of sailing is pacing. With the wind and open water, you are not stuck in a loud, cramped ride. You can sip included drinks and get your bearings fast, then focus on the main event when it arrives.

The Medes Islands Stop: Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa for Swimming and Snorkeling

The heart of the day is the stop around two hours at Cala Montgó or Illa Pedrosa. This is where you get the swim-and-sun moment people book for.

Expect crystal-clear, transparent turquoise water, plus time to sunbathe on deck. The plan is not complicated: you jump in, swim, and snorkel with the equipment provided. If you like being active, you can move between the boat and the water. If you prefer to relax, you can do that too, because the deck time is built into the stop.

Here is the practical reality: snorkeling quality can vary by conditions and where the water gets deeper. One person found the water too deep to see fish at their moment, which is a good reminder to set your expectations. In other words, do not rely on a guaranteed “fish parade.” Think of this as a swim in beautiful water with snorkeling opportunities, not a controlled aquarium tour.

Also, the cruise structure helps. While you are out there, the crew works on lunch. So when you come back onboard, you are not just waiting around, you are recovering with food and shade.

BBQ Lunch on Board: What You Eat, What You Drink, and How to Plan for It

Lunch is served onboard, and it is a real meal. You are looking at grilled meats including chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads (green salad and Russian salad), bread, and watermelon for dessert. Drinks during the meal include soft drinks and wine from the region, with sangria during lunch or dinner.

This part is surprisingly valuable because it solves a common travel problem. You do not have to hunt down lunch at a beach, fight for seating, or estimate portions. You get fed while you are still in “vacation mode.”

A quick note if you eat vegetarian. The menu described for the BBQ is meat-centered, but one recent passenger said they had a vegetarian meal option (a vegetarian hamburger). That suggests there may be flexibility, but I would not assume every vegetarian preference will be handled perfectly. If this matters a lot to you, confirm what is available when you book.

One more detail: mineral water is available during the whole trip. That helps if you want to pace yourself, especially if you will be in sun for the swimming stop.

Snorkeling Gear, Life Jackets, and the Packing List That Saves the Day

Snorkeling equipment is included, but there is a €10 deposit. That usually means you return the gear at the end. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults, which is a comfort factor if you are bringing kids or you just prefer extra safety around open water.

What I would pack is simple, and it can be the difference between “nice day” and “worth it”:

• Swimwear and a light cover-up, because you will be in and out of the water and hanging around on deck
• Sunscreen and a hat, since the day includes sailing plus an extended water stop
• A small towel or quick-dry option, unless you know your own boat tends to provide what you need
• Cashless mindset, because only card payments are accepted on board and American Express is not accepted

That last point matters more than it sounds. If you plan to buy anything onboard or pay deposits, bring the right card type. The easiest way to avoid frustration is to use a standard debit or credit card that is accepted.

Comfort and Safety: Kids, Nets, and How the Boat Ride Stays Fun

One reason this trip works well for families is that life jackets are provided for children and adults. That reduces stress. You can focus on enjoying the sea instead of managing safety logistics.

The netted areas also turn the ride into a “watch the water” experience. When you relax there, it can feel like you are flying low, because the sea passes below you. It is not a thrill-ride, but it is a fun tactile reminder that you are out on open water, not stuck on a shore path.

That said, group energy can affect the vibe of any boat day. A negative comment mentioned an unpleasant party atmosphere from another group and also noted a departure delay with limited communication. So if you want a quiet, mellow day, choose your expectations accordingly, and do not be shocked if the experience feels more lively on certain sailing times.

Price and Value: Does $66 Make Sense for a 5.5-Hour Sea Day?

At $66 per person, you are paying for a bundle: catamaran sailing, the Medes Islands scenery, a two-hour swimming stop, snorkeling equipment (with deposit), and a BBQ lunch with drinks.

When you break it down, the value is not just the boat ride. The meal and drinks are part of what you are buying. In a coastal area like this, lunch plus drinks can easily eat up a similar amount on your own, and then you still need a transport plan to reach the islands.

The other value lever is family math. One review specifically praised that children up to age 6 can go free. That can dramatically improve the deal for families, because the base cost stays reasonable when kids are not adding full fare.

What could make the price feel less worth it? If you care intensely about snorkeling visibility and you happen to get deeper water at your stop, the snorkeling part might feel more like a swim than a reef experience. Still, the overall trip is designed around scenery plus water time, not a guaranteed underwater show.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

I think this works especially well if you:

• Want a half-day sea experience without planning everything yourself
• Like the combination of sailing time plus a real swim stop
• Appreciate having lunch and drinks handled on board
• Are visiting Catalonia and want one memorable day that feels distinctly coastal

It might be less ideal if you are chasing a super-quiet atmosphere the whole time, or if you expect snorkeling to be shallow and fish-packed at every visit. The Medes Islands are a nature area, and conditions can shape what you see.

Should You Book This Cruise from Roses?

Yes, you should book it if your goal is simple: spend a few hours sailing the Costa Brava, see the Medes Islands from the water, and get time to swim with lunch and drinks included. The format is efficient, and the included BBQ setup turns it into an easy yes for a day that otherwise could get complicated.

Before you go, I would make two practical decisions. First, bring the right card since only card payments are accepted onboard and American Express is not. Second, pack like you will actually be in the sun for a while, because sailing plus a swim stop adds up quickly.

If you want a memorable sea day with minimal hassle, this is a solid pick from Roses.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 5.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Roses?

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 BBQ lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included on board and consists of meats (chicken breasts, skewers, and sausages), salads (green salad and Russian salad) with bread, and watermelon for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Drinks during lunch include soft drinks, water with and without gas, red, rosé, and white regional wine, and sangria during lunch or dinner. Mineral water is available throughout the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, but it requires a €10 deposit.

Do you provide life jackets?

Yes. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults.

What languages are offered by the live guide?

The live tour guide offers Spanish, English, and French.

Can I pay with American Express on board?

No. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.