Boat Trip around the Illes Medes and Roca Foradada — Underwater Viewing for Families
There are corners of the Montgrí Natural Park that can only be seen from the water, and others that can only be seen from below the water. This boat trip resolves both: sailing through the Illes Medes Marine Reserve and glass panels below the waterline to observe the seabed as a family.
And when the sea allows, the boat passes through Roca Foradada — the natural rock tunnel that defines this stretch of coast. An hour and a half from L'Estartit harbour, accessible from age 4.
- Level 1 — Discovery · from age 4 with a companion
- 1 h 30 with underwater viewing and Roca Foradada
- Mask and snorkel included · licensed instructor on board
📍 Meeting point: L'Estartit Harbour, 17258 L'Estartit (Torroella de Montgrí), Girona, Spain – View on map
The experience — Boat Trip around the Illes Medes
The Montgrí Natural Park has stretches that do not make sense without a boat. Highly vertical limestone cliffs, enclosed coves such as Cala Pedrosa, karst marine formations and, in the middle of the route, a rock pierced by a natural tunnel: the Roca Foradada. And below, the Illes Medes Marine Reserve with its protected wildlife.
The activity starts at the activity centre in L'Estartit harbour. The licensed instructor delivers the briefing, hands out buoyancy aids and the boat sets off towards the Medes. The boats have cabins with glass panels below the waterline: the seabed is visible without getting wet.
The route follows the Illes Medes and the coastline of the Montgrí Natural Park. Marine life passes beneath the group's feet through the glass — reserve fish, rocky seabed and posidonia. And when the sea and wind guarantee safety, the boat passes through the Roca Foradada. It is not something that happens every day: it depends on conditions, but when you enter the tunnel you understand why this coastline is protected.
At the end, back to L'Estartit harbour. An hour and a half that covers the essentials of the Montgrí Natural Park without the day feeling heavy — the short, complete plan for families with children from four years old.
What the experience feels like
Families: a stable boat with glass panels below the waterline, accessible from age 4 with a companion. The Roca Foradada is the image children remember when they get home.
Couples: an hour and a half to see the best of the Montgrí Natural Park from the water. Underwater viewing and Roca Foradada in compact format.
What is included in the RocRoi experience?
- Boat trip with underwater viewing (glass panels below the waterline)
- Mask and snorkel
- Licensed instructor
- Buoyancy aid
- Accident insurance
- Civil liability insurance
- Cancellation Policy: Up to 5 days before: full refund. Up to 48 hours before: change the date or switch to an «ADVENTURE voucher».
What to bring
For your comfort and safety, we recommend bringing:
- Water
- Swimwear
- Sun cream
- Closed neoprene shoes or footwear that can get wet
- Sunglasses
- Cap or hat
- Suitable sportswear for the weather
Practical details
A boat trip through the Illes Medes Marine Reserve and the coastline of the Montgrí Natural Park. The boat has glass panels below the waterline to observe the seabed. The passage through Roca Foradada is carried out whenever sea and wind conditions guarantee safety.
- Minimum age without companion: 17 years
- Minimum age with companion: 4 years
- Total duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best season: bathing season (May to October)
- Physical condition: normal. Swimming ability is not required to remain on board.
- Restrictions: if sea conditions are not suitable, the trip is cancelled and a date change or full refund is offered.
- Attitude: a calm family outing with no physical effort and underwater viewing included.
Book your Illes Medes boat trip with underwater viewing
FAQs
Is it suitable for babies and young children?
Yes. It is a family activity with no upper age limit. The boat is stable and safe for all ages; the minimum age with a companion is 4 years.
Can you see the seabed clearly?
The boat has cabins with glass panels below the waterline to observe the reserve fish during the sailing.
How long does the trip last?
The excursion lasts approximately 1 h 30 min, ideal for seeing the essentials without the day feeling long.
Does the boat always go through the tunnel?
We enter Roca Foradada whenever sea and wind conditions guarantee safety. When they do not, we sail around it.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If safety cannot be guaranteed, we cancel the departure and offer a date change or full refund.