L’Estartit: Boat Trip to the Medes Islands and the NP Caves

First time you see the Medes, you get hooked fast. This 90-minute boat trip in Catalonia combines a classic Nuria fishing boat with floor glass-bottom viewing, so the underwater world is right at seat level. I especially like the intimate size, because it keeps things relaxed and you are not fighting for a view.

I also like the mix of “look from the boat” and “get in the water” options. From June 15 to September (dates can shift by weather and conditions), you can take about a 10-minute swim in clear park waters, then come back for more cave and island viewing.

One thing to consider: the trip can feel more like guided sightseeing than nonstop commentary, so if you want constant facts every minute, you might wish there was more narration between stops.

Key highlights at a glance

• Nuria is a 1942 Catalan fishing boat, used for small groups of about 20 passengers
• Glass-bottom floor panels let you watch marine life without standing up
• Medes Islands walking time plus more underwater viewing during the cruise
• Montgrí Natural Park photo stops, short walks, scenic views, and cave-and-cove cruising
• Summer swim window (about 10 minutes) when weather allows, from June 15 through September
• Multiple languages for the live guide: Catalan, English, Spanish, and French

Why L’Estartit Is the Smart Base for the Medes Islands

L’Estartit is one of those coastal towns built for water days. The whole point of this trip is simple: you leave the port, spend a focused block of time around the Medes Islands and Montgrí Natural Park, then return without turning the day into a travel marathon.

What makes that smart is the time balance. At 1.5 hours, you get enough boat cruising and viewing to feel like a real outing, without needing an entire half-day or day trip plan. It also means you can pair it with other time in town, like strolling along the waterfront afterward.

The Nuria Boat: 1942 Craft, Small Group, Big Windows Into the Sea

This is the part I care about most when choosing a boat trip. The Nuria is not a modern tour boat. It is a Catalan fishing boat built in the beach area of l’Estartit back in 1942, and it runs as a limited-capacity experience, sized to about 20 passengers.

That small group matters because it changes how the boat ride feels. You are closer to the action, the viewing setup is easier to manage, and you are not stuck behind a crowd.

Then there is the glass-bottom setup. Glass panels are placed in front of your seat area, so you can watch fish and marine life while you are seated. It is a practical way to enjoy the underwater reserve concept even if you do not want to swim. It also helps if you are traveling in cooler months, when the water is less inviting.

Glass-Bottom Viewing: What You Actually See (and How to Get the Best Look)

You will not get a science lecture, but you can get something more useful: repeated chances to spot wildlife in the same spot in your own timeframe. The glass-bottom viewing happens during the cruise segments and also around the Medes Islands area.

Tip for your seat choice: when boarding, try to pick a spot that gives you a clear angle down through the glass in front of you. Once you sit, it is tempting to look only in one direction, but the viewing window is there for a reason. Keep glancing down as you move through the park zones.

Also, don’t expect every moment to be identical. Underwater viewing depends on how the boat glides and where you are in the route, so if you are patient, you will usually get better moments rather than constant action every second.

Montgrí Natural Park Stops: Coves, Photos, Walk, and Scenic Coast Time

The route is built around Montgrí Natural Park, and it is not just one quick pass. You get a mix of short land moments and viewing from the water.

Early on, you have a photo stop and a visit with a guided tour feel, plus a walk and scenic viewing opportunities along the way. This matters because it breaks the trip into “boat time” and “on-foot time.” If you only ride, you can miss the sense of place. The short walk helps you connect the coastline to what you later see from above the water.

When you travel in spring or autumn, you also get calmer vibes. The trip specifically notes that in those seasons you can enjoy the quiet coves of Montgrí Natural Park like a local. That is exactly what you want if you dislike busy, high-summer crowds.

Entering the Caves and Photo Stops: This Is Where the Boat Driver Matters

The mid-trip feels like the highlight stretch. You will pass through caves and coves inside the natural park zone, with multiple photo stops along the way.

This is where the skill of the boat pilot becomes real. The cruise route includes cave passages that can be dramatic, and in some conditions the boat can even go farther into a grotto than you might expect. The practical takeaway for you: keep your camera ready, and assume the timing will be driven by safety and weather at sea.

Weather can also shape your comfort. The trip mentions swimming only when conditions allow, and even when there is some swell, the cave scenery can still be worth it. Just be ready for normal boat movement.

The Summer Swim: Clear Water, Short Time, High Payoff

From June 15 through September (with the end date dependent on conditions), you can enjoy a 10-minute swim. It is scheduled to give you that wow moment, then pull you back to keep the rest of the itinerary running smoothly.

Where it happens: the swim is in the clear waters connected to Montgrí Natural Park. The goal is not long pool-style swimming. It is a quick window to look at the underwater life and the surrounding coast through the water’s clarity.

How to think about it: if you love snorkeling or just want a moment of water time without committing to a full water adventure, this is a good match. If you do not want to swim, you can still watch through the glass panels and enjoy the route.

If you are the type who gets seasick, consider that swimming adds an extra step. Still, the trip only offers it when weather conditions allow, so you are not being asked to take a chance in unsafe conditions.

Medes Islands: Walking, Marine Viewing, and More Glass-Bottom Time

When you reach the Medes Islands portion, you get a shift in focus. There is walking time, plus more marine life viewing and another glass-bottom boat ride element.

This is valuable for two reasons. First, it changes your perspective. Instead of everything being about the underwater view from the boat, you get a chance to stretch your legs and then go back to viewing the sea.

Second, Medes Islands time is where the trip’s underwater promise becomes the main event. Glass-bottom viewing is built into this segment, so even if you skip the swim in summer, the “underwater reserve” feel still stays central.

Duration, Languages, and What You Get for Around $28

For about $28 per person, you are paying for a real boat outing, not just a quick coastal cruise. The included boat tour is the core, and the glass-bottom viewing setup is part of what you are buying.

You also get a live tour guide speaking multiple languages: Catalan, English, Spanish, and French. That is a big deal when you are in a nature area where a little context can turn simple scenery into a better experience.

Timing is tight by design. In 1.5 hours, you will not get a slow, hour-by-hour nature class. Instead, you get a concentrated route with key viewpoints and short land moments.

One possible downside worth thinking about: the experience can feel like guided segments rather than full-time narration. So if you want deep explanations nonstop, you might have to do a bit of your own observing on the fly. On the bright side, that keeps the pace lively.

Where You Meet the Boat, and How Not to Waste Time

Your meeting point is Port de l’Estartit. The boat is at the beginning of the harbour.

Here is the practical flow you can follow:

1. Walk along Passeig Marítim.
2. At the end, look for a small playground and information kiosks.
3. Turn right after the last kiosk to reach the harbour.
4. You will see fishing boats. The boat you want comes after these boats.
5. Find the white board that says BARCA NURIA with red lettering.

With a booking, you can go directly to the boat about 15 minutes before departure. That matters because it reduces stress and helps you pick a good seat for the glass-bottom viewing.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• A focused nature boat experience without half a day of travel
• Small-group comfort (about 20 passengers)
• Underwater viewing via glass-bottom panels, with an optional swim in summer
• A route that mixes boat cruising, photo stops, and short land moments

It might be less ideal if:

• You are the type who wants long, repeated time purely watching fish through the glass
• You expect constant, detailed narration throughout every minute

That said, even on days when the sea is a little rougher, the cave passage and scenery can still deliver a memorable ride.

Should You Book This Medes Islands and Caves Boat Trip?

If you are in L’Estartit and want a value-packed way to see both the Medes Islands and the Montgrí Natural Park from the water, I think this is a strong choice. The key reasons are the Nuria boat history, the small group size, and the fact that you get real underwater viewing access through glass, even if you do not swim.

Book it if you:

• Like the idea of a short, efficient outing
• Want caves, coves, and island views in one loop
• Are visiting in summer and would actually use the swim window

Consider another plan if you:

• Need nonstop guide commentary
• Want lots of time lingering in one spot to search for marine life

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 1.5 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is listed as $28 per person.

Where does the trip start?

The trip meeting point is Port de l’Estartit. The boat is at the beginning of the harbour, follow Passeig Marítim to the end, then turn right after the last information kiosk.

What is the boat called?

The boat is Nuria.

How many passengers are on the boat?

The experience is described as a limited group of 20 passengers.

Are glass-bottom views included?

Yes. There are glass strategically placed on the floor in front of your seat for underwater viewing.

Is swimming included?

Swimming is available only from June 15 to September (end dates may vary), and it is offered when weather conditions allow it. The swim time is described as about 10 minutes.

What stops and activities are included?

The route includes time around Montgrí Natural Park with photo stops, visits, walks, scenic views, and glass-bottom boat viewing, plus Medes Islands time with walking and marine life viewing.

What languages are the live tour guide offers?

The guide is listed in Catalan, English, Spanish, and French.

Is cancellation free?

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