Snorkelers' and divers' paradise with protected marine reserve around rocky islands just offshore. The crystal-clear water and abundant marine life make it one of the best snorkeling spots in the Mediterranean.
L'Estartit is a coastal resort town on the central Costa Brava in the Baix Empordà comarca of Girona province, 37km from Girona city. The town is built on a wide, flat beach backed by the marshes and lagoons of the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà to the north, but its principal attraction lies just 1km offshore: the Illes Medes, a cluster of seven small islets and associated rock shelves designated as a marine reserve in 1983, now encompassing 55 hectares of protected Mediterranean sea floor. The reserve prohibits fishing and strictly limits the number of diving permits issued daily, with the result that marine life here has recovered to levels rarely seen elsewhere in the western Mediterranean. Common sightings at 5-30m depth include large grouper (mero), dentex, moray eels, sea bream, conger eels, red scorpionfish, octopus, and sea horses. In summer months, large sunfish (Mola mola) are occasionally seen in open water between the islands and the shore. Above the waterline, the islets are carpeted in yellow-legged gull nests — the colony numbers in the thousands — and the rocky summits support vegetation including sea lavender and glasswort. Over 30 dive centers operate in L'Estartit, serving the broad spectrum from first-time divers taking introductory courses to technical divers exploring the deeper cave systems and walls below 40m. Glass-bottomed boat trips depart from L'Estartit port throughout the day in summer, allowing non-divers to observe the reef below through the hull. Kayaking around the island perimeter in calm conditions is possible with rental equipment from the beach.
Highlights
- Illes Medes marine reserve — most biodiverse dive and snorkel site in the western Mediterranean
- Glass-bottomed boat trips from L'Estartit port for non-diving visitors
- Large grouper, moray eels, octopus, and occasional sunfish visible to snorkelers
- 30+ dive centers offering introductory and technical diving experiences
- Yellow-legged gull nesting colony on the islet summits — thousands of birds
Tips for visiting
- Book dive permit slots several weeks in advance in July-August as daily numbers are strictly limited
- Glass-bottomed boat trips need no prior booking — pay at the port ticket kiosk on arrival
- Kayaking is best done early morning before afternoon Tramontana winds pick up
- Bring a 5mm wetsuit for diving even in summer — water below 15m stays around 17°C
- The north face of the islands has the richest marine life concentration for snorkelers
When to visit
June and September offer the best combination of warm water (21-23°C), good visibility, and manageable crowds at the dive sites. July-August dive permits sell out rapidly and boat trips are at maximum capacity — book all activities in advance.
Accessibility
L'Estartit's main port area and beach promenade are flat and accessible. Glass-bottomed boats have steps to board; some operators have limited accessibility for mobility-impaired passengers — inquire directly at the port. The dive centers can accommodate divers with physical disabilities with advance arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diving qualification to visit the Medes Islands?
Scuba diving requires at least an Open Water qualification. Introductory Discover Scuba Diving experiences for beginners are offered by all local dive centers and require no prior certification. Snorkeling from the boat trips or by swimming from the shore needs no qualification.
What can I see by snorkeling without scuba equipment?
The shallowest reefs around the islands are 2-8m deep and accessible by snorkeling from organized boat trips. Sea bream, mullet, wrasse, and octopus are common at these depths. Large grouper and moray eels are more reliably seen by scuba divers at 10-25m.
When is water visibility best?
May-June and September-October offer the clearest water visibility, often exceeding 25-30m. July-August visibility is slightly reduced by plankton blooms but remains excellent by Mediterranean standards. Winter visibility can also be exceptional but water temperatures drop to 12-14°C.
Tours and tickets
L'Estartit and Medes Islands
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