From L’Estartit: Sea Kayaking Tour to the Medes Islands

The best part of this Medes Islands kayaking tour is the setting. You paddle out from L’Estartit across clear Mediterranean water to a chain of seven rocky islets, where protected marine life lives just below the surface. The islands are close enough to reach by kayak, yet far enough from shore to make the outing feel like a real little expedition.

I like two things in particular: the tour reaches places that larger boats cannot, and the price is modest for 2.5 hours on the water. I also like the safety setup, with a support boat close by and a guide accompanying the group. The main drawback is the long paddle to the islands, which can feel demanding for beginners, especially if the sea is choppy or the guide sets a quick pace.

Key points to know before booking

• You paddle around seven rocky islets: The Medes Archipelago is a marine reserve, not a beach destination. Expect cliffs and rocks rather than a sandy place to rest.
• The swim stop is brief: The tour includes time in the water, but one account described only about 10 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• The route can be sporty: Beginners may find the trip out and back tiring, particularly in a double kayak with a stronger partner.
• A support boat stays nearby: It can tow you back if you need help, an important comfort on a longer open-water route.
• Marta has earned warm praise: If she is leading your departure, you can expect an encouraging, organized approach based on the feedback provided.
• Bring your own practical extras: Pack sunscreen, a towel, water, and possibly your own mask or waterproof pouch, since those items are not clearly included.

Paddling out from L’Estartit toward the Medes Islands

You begin at the Medaventura activity center in L’Estartit. The guide welcomes you, hands out the activity equipment, and explains basic sea-kayaking technique and safety before the group launches.

The opening stretch is across the bay, with the Estartit coast behind you and the Medes Islands ahead. This is the part that tests your expectations. The route is not a short paddle around the harbor. You need to keep moving for a good portion of the trip, and the distance can feel substantial if you have never used a sea kayak.

The kayaks may be singles or doubles, depending on the group and the equipment available. In a double kayak, cooperation matters. One person needs to keep a steady rhythm, while both paddlers should follow the guide’s instructions when turning or correcting course.

The pace appears to vary by departure. One group found the route relaxed and enjoyable, while another felt the guide moved too fast and gave the slower paddlers little time to catch up. If you are new to kayaking, say so at the start. It is worth making sure you understand how the group will handle different speeds.

The support boat is a useful part of the arrangement. You are not left alone in open water if you tire, and the boat can tow you back when needed. A guide remains with the group, although the level of individual attention may depend on how many people are on the outing and where you fall in the paddling line.

Seven islets, clear water, and a rocky marine reserve

The Medes Archipelago is made up of seven small islands and islets off the Costa Brava. Their importance comes less from what you can walk on and more from what lies around them. The surrounding water is protected as the Medes Islands Natural Marine Reserve, one of the main marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean.

From a kayak, you see the islands at water level. That gives you a better sense of their bare, rocky character than a distant view from shore. You can paddle around the group, look down into the clear water, and watch the colors shift as sunlight reaches the seabed.

The guide explains the local plants and animals and points out features of the protected area. The tour is offered in Catalan, French, English, and Spanish, though the quality of the multilingual explanation may vary by guide and group. The language list is useful, but you should not expect a full private explanation in every language at every moment.

The islands do not have the sort of broad sandy beach that many people picture when they hear swim stop. They are mainly rocky outcrops. You may be able to get out of the kayak for a swim, but climbing back in can be difficult if you are not confident in the water or are worried about handling the kayak.

That detail matters. This is better suited to people who are happy floating beside the kayak than to anyone hoping to sit on an island beach and relax. The water is a major attraction, but the rocks shape how the stop works.

The swim stop and what you need to bring

Before returning to L’Estartit, the group stops so you can cool off in the sea. The advertised experience includes swimming among fish and marine plants while looking at the seabed. In good conditions, this is likely to be the most memorable part of the outing.

The stop may be shorter than you expect. One departure allowed about 10 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, so I would not book this as a dedicated snorkeling trip. Think of the water break as a pleasant part of a kayaking route, not the main event.

The equipment description says the necessary kayaking gear is supplied, but it does not clearly promise snorkeling masks, snorkels, waterproof bags, or prescription-friendly eyewear. One participant specifically found the lack of snorkeling glasses disappointing. If seeing underwater life is important to you, ask Medaqua exactly what is provided before you go, or bring your own mask if practical.

A waterproof pouch is also worth considering. The supplied information does not promise one, and an ordinary phone or camera can quickly become a costly problem around a kayak. Bring only what you need, and protect anything valuable yourself.

Your required packing list is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Passport or ID card

Food and drinks are not included. Since the trip lasts 2.5 hours, carry water if the provider allows it, and eat beforehand if you tend to get hungry during exercise. Pets are not allowed.

How strenuous is the route?

I would call this a moderate, active outing rather than a gentle sightseeing cruise. You are paddling across open Mediterranean water and touring the islands before making the return journey. The total time is listed as 2.5 hours, and most of that is active time on the water.

A fit beginner can likely manage the outing, but the route may feel long if you have never paddled. One family described it as a substantial distance for novices, while another account praised the large route and the freedom it offered. Both impressions can be true. The trip gives you more time and distance than a short introductory lesson, but that also creates more physical work.

Wind and waves will change the feel of the tour. A calm day should make the crossing easier and the water clearer. Choppier conditions can slow the group, make the kayak harder to control, and reduce the comfort of the swim stop. The provider may alter the swimming portion or give more information about the islands when weather makes getting into the water unsafe.

If you are the slowest paddler, you may spend much of the route trying to catch up. That can spoil the views and make the trip feel rushed. On the other hand, one group appreciated that a second guide stayed with the slower pair and that the support boat brought them safely back to shore. I would ask at check-in how the group handles different speeds.

People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users should choose another activity. The tour involves getting into a kayak, paddling, and possibly climbing back in after swimming.

Guides, safety, and the practical details

The guides are central to the quality of this experience. Marta received especially warm praise for making a first kayaking experience feel easy and well organized. Her name is worth noting, but guide assignments can change, so treat it as a useful possibility rather than a promise.

The guide gives a safety briefing and stays with the group. A boat remains nearby to tow anyone who needs assistance. This is reassuring because the islands are offshore and the return paddle is just as important as the outward journey.

Still, the safety system does not mean you should ignore your own limits. Tell the guide if you are a novice, uncomfortable in open water, or struggling with the pace. One account described an injury from rocks during the swim and a lack of first-aid supplies at the water stop and beach. I cannot assume that this will happen on your trip, but it is sensible to move carefully around the rocks and ask where first aid is kept before entering the water.

The start can also be untidy if the kayaks are not ready. One departure began late because the equipment was not organized, and the group then had less than the promised 2.5 hours on the water. Allow a little patience at the meeting point, but keep an eye on the actual start time if you have plans afterward.

The tour begins and ends at Medaventura, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the islands. You meet there, receive the equipment, launch with the guide, and return to the same activity center. Any equipment broken, damaged, or lost must be paid for by the participant.

Is $34 good value for Costa Brava kayaking?

At $34 per person, this is an appealing price for a guided sea-kayak trip that includes equipment, a multilingual guide, the route to the Medes Islands, and a nearby support boat. You are paying for a proper coastal outing rather than a short paddle in sheltered water.

The value is strongest if you want active sightseeing. In one trip, you get the coast, the island group, an explanation of the marine reserve, and a chance to swim. The price is less attractive if your main goal is snorkeling, long free time near the islands, or a relaxed beach stop.

There is also a booking-price point to check. One complaint claimed the price was lower when purchased at the local stand than online. I would ask Medaventura about its current direct price before paying, especially during a busy Costa Brava stay. The advertised online rate is $34, but local prices can change.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity gives you some flexibility, and the reserve-now, pay-later option means you do not have to pay at the time of booking. Check the available start times before committing, since the duration alone does not tell you whether the outing fits your day.

Who should book this Medes Islands outing?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy active coastal trips and want to see the Medes Islands from the water. It works especially well for couples, friends, and families with older children who can paddle steadily and follow safety instructions.

It is also a good first sea-kayaking experience if you accept that the route is a real workout. Marta’s encouraging style, when she is assigned, sounds particularly helpful for beginners. The support boat adds a useful safety net, and the guide’s explanations give the crossing more purpose than simply renting a kayak.

I would hesitate if you want a slow, restful boat excursion. I would also think twice if you dislike open water, cannot comfortably get into and out of a kayak, or expect a sandy island stop. The trip is not designed around long snorkeling time, and equipment such as masks and waterproof bags may not be supplied.

Weather matters too. The clear water and swimming portion depend on sea conditions. If the water is rough, the guide may keep you out of the sea and focus on the islands and their natural features instead.

My verdict: book it for the paddle, not a long snorkel

This is a good-value Costa Brava activity with a genuinely appealing route. The seven Medes islets, protected seabed, clear water, and low price make it an easy choice for an energetic morning or afternoon in L’Estartit.

Book it if you want a guided paddle with a swim and can handle a steady 2.5-hour outing. Before you go, confirm the departure time, the direct price, the expected pace, and whether masks or waterproof storage are included. If you need a sandy beach, extensive snorkeling, or a leisurely day on the water, choose a different activity.

FAQ

Where does the Medes Islands kayaking tour start?

The meeting point is the Medaventura activity center in L’Estartit. The tour returns to Medaventura after the kayaking route.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours, including the guided kayaking route and the stop for swimming.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is offered in Catalan, French, English, and Spanish.

Are kayaking equipment and a guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a multilingual guide, the sea-kayaking activity, and the equipment needed for kayaking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The supplied information does not specifically confirm that masks or snorkels are provided. Ask Medaqua what equipment is available before booking if underwater viewing is important to you.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The route includes a swimming stop near the Medes Islands, where you can see marine plants and fish in the clear water. The exact swimming time may be limited.

Is a support boat available?

Yes. A boat stays close to the group and can tow you back if you need assistance.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.