L’Estartit: Snorkeling in the Medes Islands

Discover the charm of L’Estartit’s snorkeling tour in the Medes Islands for just $38.12 per person. This approximately 1 hour 45 minute adventure offers a chance to explore one of Catalonia’s most captivating underwater environments, with a focus on safety, fun, and environmental sustainability. The tour departs from the Unisub Estartit diving center, a family-run hotel with a longstanding history since 1965, making it the first diving center in the area. Its commitment to professionalism and ecological awareness makes this experience particularly appealing for those interested in marine life and responsible tourism.

This tour is ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers alike, as no prior experience is necessary. The activity involves a 50-minute guided route in the water, during which participants can observe a vibrant variety of fish and underwater life without the need for deep diving or tanks. While the group size is limited to 20 travelers, the experience is designed to be intimate and relaxed, ensuring plenty of attention from guides and safety support.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $38.12 per person for a 1 hour 45 minute snorkeling adventure
• Family-friendly activity suitable for most travelers, with no advanced experience required
• Includes all necessary equipment: suit, fins, mask, snorkel, provided at the start
• Exploring the Medes Islands in a small group with a professional guide
• Easy meeting point at Carrer de la Platja, 8, L’Estartit with nearby public transportation options
• Free cancellation available if booked at least 24 hours in advance

Snorkeling in the Medes Islands: What to Expect

The tour begins at the Unisub diving center, where you receive all your snorkeling gear—suits, fins, masks, and snorkels—before walking to the boat. The guides are on hand to provide a brief explanation of the activity, safety tips, and details about what you’re likely to see during the underwater route. Expect a relaxed, informative briefing that sets the tone for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Once on the boat, your guided trip to the Medes Islands starts. The boat ride itself is scenic, offering views of the coast and the natural reserve that surrounds the islands. The snorkeling route in the water lasts approximately 50 minutes, during which the guide leads the group to the most interesting spots to observe marine life. The total activity time, including preparation and debrief, comes to around 1 hour 30 minutes.

The underwater landscape of the Medes Islands is renowned for its vivid fish populations of various sizes and colors, making it an excellent environment for mask and snorkel viewing. No need for deep dives or scuba equipment, as most of the visual interest is accessible at shallow depths. The experience is designed to maximize sightings of marine creatures in their natural habitat, making it particularly enjoyable for those new to snorkeling.

Meeting Point and Accessibility in L’Estartit

The activity departs from Carrer de la Platja, 8 in L’Estartit, a small coastal town 30 kilometers from Girona. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation options, making it easy to access from nearby areas. Since the tour is limited to 20 participants, it maintains a comfortable group size that fosters personalized guidance and safety.

Service animals are allowed on the tour, accommodating guests with different needs. As the activity relies on good weather conditions, it is recommended to check the forecast before booking. In case of poor weather, the tour is either rescheduled or fully refunded, offering peace of mind for planning.

Equipment and Safety Measures

All snorkeling equipment is provided at the start at the Unisub diving center. The gear includes suits, fins, masks, and snorkels, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the underwater exploration. The guides are experienced professionals committed to safety, fun, and environmental sustainability. Their expertise guarantees that newcomers and seasoned snorkelers alike feel confident during the water activity.

Since the tour emphasizes safety and responsible environmental practices, participants are advised to follow the guide’s instructions carefully. The small group size helps ensure personalized attention, making it easier for the guides to manage safety and assist with equipment or technique as needed.

Why This Snorkeling Tour Stands Out

What truly makes this tour memorable is the combination of natural beauty and expert guidance. The Medes Islands are a protected natural reserve, famous for diverse marine life and clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling. The family-owned nature of the Unisub Estartit center, established in 1965, reflects a long-standing dedication to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

The guided approach, with an experienced team of professionals, ensures you get the most out of the experience without feeling overwhelmed. The relaxed pace and small group size mean you’ll have ample opportunity to observe fish and underwater scenery closely, making it especially suitable for beginners or those looking for a gentle introduction to snorkeling.

Booking and Cancellation Policy for Flexibility

Reservations are typically made 19 days in advance, but bookings can be secured sooner for those eager to plan ahead. The tour operates with a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours prior, providing flexibility in case of changing plans or weather concerns.

Since the activity requires good weather conditions, cancellations due to poor weather are handled with either a rescheduled date or a full refund. This focus on flexibility and safety makes this tour a trustworthy option for visitors to Girona and L’Estartit.

Additional Tours and Viewing Options

While this snorkeling experience offers a close-up view of underwater life in the Medes Islands, travelers interested in other activities can explore similar experiences like boat trips, guided walks, or visits to nearby medieval villages. The options available through Viator include day trips from Barcelona, guided tours of Girona, and scenic boat excursions, giving a variety of ways to explore the region beyond the underwater world.

Final Thoughts on L’Estartit Snorkeling in the Medes Islands

This snorkeling tour from L’Estartit offers an accessible and responsible way to enjoy Catalonia’s underwater scenery. The affordable price, small group size, and professional guidance make it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxing, nature-focused activity.

While it’s ideal for beginners and families, the exceptional marine life and beautiful waters also appeal to experienced snorkelers. The short duration means it fits well into a day of sightseeing without requiring a large time commitment, and the free cancellation policy adds to the tour’s convenience.

This experience delivers great value and authentic insights into the Medes Islands’ marine environment, making it a well-rounded option for visitors in the Girona region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the snorkeling tour?
All necessary equipment, including suits, fins, masks, and snorkels, are provided at the start of the activity.

How long does the snorkeling in the water last?
The guided water route lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Is prior snorkeling experience needed?
No, this tour is suitable for most travelers, including beginners, as guides provide instructions and support.

Where does the tour start?
The activity begins at Carrer de la Platja, 8, L’Estartit.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are poor, with the full refund offered if canceled due to weather.

Is the tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 19 days in advance, but shorter notice may be possible depending on availability.

What makes this snorkeling tour special?
The long-standing family-run reputation, focus on safety and sustainability, and the chance to see vivid marine life in the protected Medes Islands set this experience apart.