Cala Murtra: Immerse yourself in the beauty of an underwater world

A trip to Cala Murtra offers a unique chance to see the underwater life of the Costa Brava without getting wet. For $23.74 per person, this 1 hour 30 minutes excursion on a catamaran takes visitors to a stunning, protected cove in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Expect to enjoy air-conditioned underwater viewing rooms on the Aquarium II catamaran, allowing a close-up look at marine life from the comfort of a spacious vessel. The tour departs from Roses, Spain, and is especially popular among families and those seeking a relaxed, scenic adventure.

While most reviews highlight the friendly staff and beautiful scenery, it’s worth noting that the underwater view features a limited variety of fish during summer, and the stop at Cala Murtra is brief with only one stop on the route. This tour suits those looking for a short, family-friendly outing that combines maritime scenery with marine observation in a peaceful, natural setting.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $23.74 per person for a 1.5-hour boat trip.
• Underwater viewing rooms allow close-up marine observation without diving.
• Beautiful stop at Cala Murtra, a wild, turquoise cove within Cap de Creus Natural Park.
• Family-friendly experience with friendly staff and comfortable boats.
• Limited stops—the tour mainly focuses on cruising and underwater viewing.
• Good for all ages, especially suitable for those wanting a relaxing marine excursion.

The Departure Point in Roses, Spain

This tour begins in Roses, a popular seaside town on the Costa Brava. The boat departs from a convenient location, and the service animals are allowed onboard, making it accessible for visitors with different needs. The group size is capped at 200 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience, and most sessions are booked multiple times weekly, reflecting steady interest from visitors.

The timing is flexible enough for families and individuals, with a confirmation received immediately upon booking. The duration of 90 minutes makes it easy to fit into a day of exploring the region’s other attractions or relaxing on nearby beaches.

Exploring Cala Murtra: The Natural Park’s Hidden Jewel

Cala Murtra sits in the middle of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. Its crystalline waters shimmer with a turquoise hue, contrasting beautifully with the green pines and the blue sky. The cove is known as one of the wildest beaches on the Costa Brava, featuring untouched natural beauty and the distinction of being the only authorized nudist beach in the area.

This location embodies raw, unspoiled nature, offering a peaceful environment free from the crowds often found in other tourist spots. Visitors enjoy the scenic views from the boat as it approaches this secluded cove, with some reviews noting that the marine life seen during the underwater viewing enriches the overall experience.

The Route and Scenic Highlights of the Catamaran Tour

The tour starts in Roses and takes you along the coast of the natural park, passing by small coves and the Costa Brava scenery. As the boat moves, you get a panoramic view of the natural park’s coastline, including rocky cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

The central feature of the tour is the underwater viewing experience aboard the Aquarium II. The vessel is equipped with air-conditioned underwater rooms with large, clear windows where you can observe various fish and marine life. The views are organized into groups, with each group getting about 10 minutes of observation, followed by waiting periods. Some reviews mention that the small size of the viewing windows can be a slight drawback, but the overall experience remains engaging.

Inside the Underwater Viewing Rooms of the Aquarium II

The underwater rooms are a key highlight of this tour, allowing close-up views of marine life in their natural habitat. The windows are spacious enough for groups to look out comfortably, and the air conditioning ensures a pleasant environment for all.

During the summer months, the fish species observed tend to be limited to one type, but the children especially find the close-up view very exciting. The friendly crew helps facilitate the experience, ensuring everyone gets a good look, even if the viewing time per group is relatively short.

The underwater perspective provides a fascinating view of the seafloor, with fish swimming close to the glass, making it a hit with families and children.

Comfort and Facilities on the Catamaran

The boat used for this tour is described as large, comfortable, and well-maintained. It features ample space for guests, with some reviews mentioning the big, spacious design that accommodates families and groups comfortably.

The crew and hostess are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The boat’s cleanliness and good condition are notable, and the public facilities like bathrooms are available on board for convenience.

Timing, Pacing, and Group Experience

The tour’s timing is designed to be short and sweet, making it suitable for families with young children or those with limited time. The pacing involves a single stop at Cala Murtra, with the main focus on the cruise and underwater viewing.

Some reviews suggest that the experience is well organized, with groups divided for the viewing sessions to ensure everyone gets a good look. The duration allows for a relaxing trip without fatigue, perfect for a morning or early afternoon outing.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Tour

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals and young children. It is near public transportation, simplifying access to the departure point.

Since the experience depends on good weather, travelers should be aware that poor weather can lead to cancellations, with full refunds offered if the trip is canceled due to weather or insufficient bookings.

Given the limited stop at Cala Murtra, expect a focused experience—mainly cruising and marine viewing—rather than multiple stops or extended exploration.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This catamaran trip suits families looking for a short, engaging marine activity. The marine observation windows and gentle pace appeal to children and those new to boat trips.

It also appeals to nature lovers wanting a relaxing cruise with spectacular scenery and a chance to see marine life up close. The affordable price and accessible location make it a good choice for casual visitors in Roses seeking a peaceful, scenic outing.

Final Thoughts on the Cala Murtra Catamaran Tour

This 90-minute adventure offers a blend of coastal scenery and underwater discovery, with a focus on relaxation and family-friendly fun. The underwater viewing rooms are a highlight, providing a close-up glimpse of marine life in the natural park.

While the limited variety of fish and single stop may be a drawback for some, the friendly staff, comfortable boat, and stunning surroundings make this a valuable experience, especially for those traveling with children or seeking a calm, scenic boat ride.

This tour provides a well-organized, affordable, and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of Cala Murtra and the Costa Brava coastline from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, focusing on cruising and underwater viewing.

What is included in the underwater experience?
The Aquarium II features air-conditioned underwater rooms with large windows for marine observation, primarily showing one type of fish during summer.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the family-friendly tour is well-rated for children, offering short viewing sessions and a relaxed atmosphere.

What should I bring or prepare?
No specific gear is required, but comfortable clothing and a desire for scenic views and marine observation are recommended. The boat is spacious and clean.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, full refunds are available if the tour is canceled due to bad weather or minimum booking requirements are not met.

Is the tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed onboard, making the trip accessible for travelers with different needs.