Discover the stunning Medes Islands off the coast of Roses with a captivating boat tour. This 5-hour excursion transports you to a protected marine reserve, where you’ll marvel at the vibrant underwater world through viewing rooms. Enjoy picturesque scenery of the El Montgrí massif and Gulf of Roses, then explore the charming weekly market in El Estartit. With prices starting at $43.17 per person, this adventure offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. What’s in store for your journey?
Key Points
- A 5-hour excursion around the Medes Islands natural park, including a catamaran ride with underwater viewing rooms.
- Opportunity to explore the weekly market at El Estartit and enjoy scenic views during the return trip.
- Observe the diverse marine life and vibrant seabed in the protected marine reserve of the Medes Islands.
- Unique underwater viewing experience with crystal-clear windows providing unobstructed views of the seafloor.
- Tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to accessibility challenges during boarding and exploration.
Tour Overview
The Medes Islands Boat Tour with El Estartit Visit offers a 5-hour excursion that takes visitors around the natural park of the Medes Islands. Priced from $43.17 per person, the tour includes a catamaran ride with underwater viewing rooms to observe the seabed.
Guests will stop at El Estartit for leisure exploration, including a weekly market on Thursdays. The tour provides scenic views of the El Montgrí massif, Cala Montgó, and Foradada cave, and returns through the Gulf of Roses, passing Sant Martin de Empuries and Empuria-brava beaches.
An optional audio guide is available in multiple languages. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
The catamaran trip around the natural park of the Medes Islands provides visitors with the opportunity to witness the wild seabed through the tour’s underwater viewing rooms.
After the marine exploration, the tour stops at El Estartit, allowing guests to:
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Explore the weekly market held on Thursdays.
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Take in the scenic views of the El Montgrí massif, Cala Montgó, and the Foradada cave.
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Sail back through the Gulf of Roses, passing notable locations like Sant Martin de Empuries and Empuria-brava beaches.
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Enjoy an optional audio guide available in multiple languages.
Exploring the Medes Islands
Though surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the Medes Islands offer a unique and captivating underwater world for visitors.
This protected marine reserve is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including rare species of coral, sponges, and fish.
The catamaran tour provides guests with underwater viewing rooms, allowing them to observe the vibrant seabed without getting wet.
The catamaran tour offers guests underwater viewing rooms to observe the vibrant seabed without getting wet.
Guests can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, sea urchins, and other creatures as the boat navigates the crystal-clear waters around the islands.
The tour offers a chance to take in the natural wonders of this remarkable coastal ecosystem.
Underwater Viewing Experience
As visitors step aboard the catamaran, they’ll have the opportunity to observe the vibrant underwater world of the Medes Islands through the boat’s specialized viewing rooms.
The viewing rooms offer:
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A unique perspective on the diverse marine life, including colorful fish, swaying sea plants, and even the occasional curious octopus.
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Crystal-clear windows that provide unobstructed views of the seafloor and its intricate ecosystems.
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An immersive experience, allowing guests to feel like they’re truly exploring the underwater realm.
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Insights from the tour guide, who can point out notable species and share fascinating facts about the Medes Islands’ rich biodiversity.
Visiting El Estartit
After the catamaran tour around the Medes Islands, the boat makes a stop at the charming seaside town of El Estartit, allowing visitors to explore the area on their own.
This picturesque town offers a weekly market on Thursdays, where travelers can browse local goods and produce. Visitors can also wander the promenade, take in the views of the El Montgrí massif, or visit Cala Montgó and the cave Foradada.
The return trip through the Gulf of Roses provides scenic views of notable locations like Sant Martin de Empuries and Empuria-brava beaches before heading back to the starting point.
Notable Locations Along the Route
The catamaran tour showcases several notable locations along the route.
Passengers will pass by:
Along the route, passengers will pass by notable locations, including ancient settlements and scenic coastlines.
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Sant Martin de Empuries, an ancient Greek and Roman settlement with medieval architecture.
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Empuria-brava, a modern resort town known for its marinas and beaches.
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The rugged cliffs and coves of the El Montgrí massif, a stunning natural backdrop.
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Cala Montgó, a picturesque bay along the Costa Brava coastline.
These scenic vistas and historic sites provide a well-rounded experience, complementing the primary focus on the Medes Islands and the town of El Estartit.
Audio Guide and Language Options
Along With the scenic highlights, the Medes Islands Boat Tour offers an optional audio guide available in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, and German.
This allows guests to learn more about the natural wonders and history of the Medes Islands and surrounding areas during the cruise.
The audio guide provides commentary that supplements the visual experience, giving passengers a more immersive and educational tour.
Whether you’re exploring the underwater viewing rooms or taking in the stunning landscapes, the multilingual audio guide enhances the overall experience of the Medes Islands Boat Tour.
Accessibility Considerations
According to the information provided, the Medes Islands Boat Tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.
This tour may pose challenges for those with physical disabilities:
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The tour involves boarding and disembarking a catamaran, which may be difficult for individuals with limited mobility.
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The boat has underwater viewing rooms, which may require navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.
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The stop at El Estartit for leisure exploration may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating inclines.
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Without specialized assistance, the tour may not be accessible for those with mobility limitations.
FAQ
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so there’s no need to bring your own. The catamaran has underwater viewing rooms to observe the seabed, providing an immersive experience without the need for additional gear.
Is the Boat Trip Suitable for Young Children?
The boat tour is suitable for young children, with underwater viewing rooms allowing them to observe the seabed. However, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues. Parents should consider their child’s abilities when booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, there may be refreshments available for purchase on board as well. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines prior to the tour.
Is There a Bathroom or Changing Facilities on the Boat?
There are bathroom facilities on the boat, but no dedicated changing rooms. Passengers can change into swimwear on the boat if needed. The tour operator advises bringing only essential items to ensure a comfortable experience.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring El Estartit?
The tour allows 1-2 hours for leisure exploration of El Estartit, including visiting the weekly market on Thursdays. Travelers can freely roam the town and its facilities during this time.
Sum Up
This captivating Medes Islands boat tour from Roses provides a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the protected marine reserve. The combination of a catamaran ride, underwater viewing, and a visit to the charming town of El Estartit makes this adventure a well-rounded experience for nature and culture enthusiasts. With scenic views, vibrant marine life, and accessibility considerations, it’s an excursion worth considering for those exploring the Costa Brava region.
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