Kayaking the Medas Islands is a guided sea kayak tour that departs from l’Estartit and circles one of the best-preserved marine reserves in the Mediterranean. In around three hours you combine easy paddling, exploring sea caves and snorkelling over teeming underwater life, with no previous kayaking experience needed.
It is the most complete excursion on the Costa Brava because it brings together three experiences in a single outing that you would normally plan separately: outdoor sport, cave geology and a small underwater safari. That is why it works equally well for a family with children and for a couple looking for something genuinely different.
Key facts about the Medas Islands kayak tour
Quick overview to help you decide at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Activity | Guided sea kayak + snorkelling |
| Departure point | l’Estartit (Torroella de Montgrí), Costa Brava |
| Destination | Medas Islands — marine reserve within the Montgrí Natural Park |
| Approximate duration | ~3 hours (varies by season and group) |
| Level | Beginner. No previous experience required |
| Recommended age | Suitable for families; check minimum age on the activity page |
| Ideal for | Families and couples |
| Included | Kayak, paddle, life jacket, snorkelling gear and certified guide |
| Best season | Late spring to early autumn |
Exact prices and departure times are confirmed on the activity booking page.
What makes kayaking around the Medas Islands so special?
What sets the Medas Islands apart is their status as a protected marine reserve. Inside the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, fishing has been restricted for decades, allowing the underwater ecosystem to recover to levels rarely seen elsewhere along the Spanish coastline.
A marine reserve full of life beneath your paddle
During the snorkelling stop it is common to encounter curious groupers, schools of salema, octopuses tucked into rock crevices and, if you are lucky, a moray eel lurking among the stones. You do not need to dive deep: much of that life sits just a few metres below the surface, and the crystal-clear water does the rest.
The Medas Islands are one of the most recognised diving and snorkelling spots in the western Mediterranean, with several hundred catalogued species among their reefs.
Sea caves, tunnels and a side of the Costa Brava you cannot see from land
The archipelago is riddled with caves and tunnels that can only be appreciated from the water. By kayak you can approach formations such as the Cova del Dofí or glide beneath rock arches carved by the sea over millennia. This is the Costa Brava that never appears in beach photographs: cliffs, cold shadows inside the rock and the sound of waves rolling into the grottos.
Medas Islands kayaking for families and couples
The tour is designed as a beginner activity, making it accessible for families with children and for couples with no kayaking background. The pace is set by the group and a certified guide accompanies you throughout.
Families: a safe adventure for all ages
- Stable, easy-to-handle kayaks designed for paddling as a pair or a family.
- Life jackets for everyone and a safety briefing before departure.
- Guide who adapts the route to the group’s level and energy.
- Snorkelling is optional: everyone enters the water when they feel ready.
To find out the minimum age for each season, check the activity page before booking.
Couples: discovering the Costa Brava at paddle pace
For a couple, the tour works as a half-day escape: you leave l’Estartit, paddle out to the islands, stop to snorkel in a sheltered cove and return with the feeling of having seen something very few people ever do. It is the kind of experience you remember long after a restaurant meal has faded.
What is the Medas Islands kayak route like? Step by step
The tour generally follows this sequence:
- Welcome and briefing at the l’Estartit centre: equipment, life jacket and basic paddling instructions.
- Departure from the shore and first paddle through calm waters to build confidence.
- Crossing to the Medas Islands along the coastline.
- Exploration of caves and tunnels accessible only by kayak.
- Snorkelling stop in a sheltered spot to see the marine reserve floor.
- Return to l’Estartit and end of the activity.
The order is indicative: the guide may adjust it depending on sea conditions and wind.
What to bring and how to prepare
To enjoy the tour without any issues, we recommend bringing:
- Swimwear on and a dry change of clothes.
- Footwear that can get wet (water shoes, sandals with heel straps or flip-flops with a strap).
- Water-resistant sunscreen and a cap.
- Towel, water and, if you like, a waterproof case for your phone.
Kayak, paddle, life jacket and snorkelling gear are all provided by RocRoi.
Book your Medas Islands kayak tour with RocRoi
RocRoi runs the Medas Islands kayak tour from its l’Estartit centre, right in the heart of the Costa Brava. You can book this excursion directly or combine it with other water activities in the area.
| Experience | What you will find | Ideal for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medas Islands kayak tour | Paddling + caves + snorkelling in the reserve, ~3 h | Families and couples | View tour |
| RocRoi l’Estartit centre | All sea and adventure activities in the area | Combining several experiences | View centre |
| Costa Brava adventures | Full catalogue of experiences along the coastline | Multi-day trips | View Costa Brava |
Ready to paddle to the Medas Islands?
Guided tour from l’Estartit: kayaking, sea caves and snorkelling in the Costa Brava’s most spectacular marine reserve.
Book your Medas Islands kayak tourBest time to go and local tips
The best time to go kayaking around the Medas Islands is from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is calmer and the water warm enough for comfortable snorkelling.
- Book in advance for July and August: these are peak months.
- Early morning departures usually enjoy calmer conditions and fewer boats around.
- Check the wind forecast: the tramontane can change plans quickly.
- Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case to capture the snorkelling moments.
Frequently asked questions about kayaking in the Medas Islands
1. Do I need previous experience to kayak around the Medas Islands?
No. This is a guided beginner tour. After a short briefing, anyone without prior experience can paddle safely.
2. Is kayaking around the Medas Islands safe for children?
Yes. Everyone wears a life jacket and paddles in stable kayaks with a certified guide. Check the minimum age on the activity page, as it may vary by season.
3. How long does the Medas Islands kayak excursion last?
Around three hours, including the briefing, the crossing, the snorkelling stop and the return. The exact duration depends on the group and sea conditions.
4. What is the best time of year to kayak around the Medas Islands?
Late spring to early autumn, when the sea is calmest and the water temperature is ideal for snorkelling.
5. Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes. The tour includes a dedicated snorkelling stop over the marine reserve, with all snorkelling gear provided by RocRoi.
6. Where does the tour start?
From l’Estartit (Torroella de Montgrí) on the Costa Brava, the main access point to the Medas Islands.
Inés Dewulf
Llevo 25 años viviendo en Huesca. Soy socia de UR Pirineos | RocRoi y vicepresidenta de la Asociación de Empresas de Turismo Deportivo de Aragón (TDAragón).
