Roses: Cruise to Cala Murtra with Underwater Views

The best part of this 1.5-hour catamaran cruise is the ride along the rough coast of Cap de Creus Natural Park. You pass small coves, pine-covered cliffs, and clear Mediterranean water before reaching Cala Murtra, one of the wilder beaches between Roses and Cadaqués. The glass windows below deck add a marine-life angle, but the coast above water is the real star.

I like the freedom to move around the boat, and I like the easy mix of scenery, fresh air, and a short visit to a protected cove. At $29 per person, it is a fair choice if you want a scenic boat outing without giving up most of your day. The main drawback is simple: underwater viewing may be limited, so book this for the sea and cliffs first, not for a major marine-life show.

Key points to know before boarding

• Cala Murtra is the destination: Reach a secluded cove surrounded by cliffs and thick pine vegetation inside Cap de Creus Natural Park.
• The boat is more than a transfer: You can move freely around the catamaran, enjoy the air, and use the bar during the cruise.
• Glass-bottom viewing is included: Look through the underwater windows, but expect the sea views above the surface to provide more reliable interest.
• Two boarding options are listed: Depart from Avinguda de la Bocana, 2, or Av. de Rhode, 139, depending on the option you book.
• The cove has a special status: Cala Murtra is the only authorised naturist beach in the area.
• The audio guide uses your phone: Commentary is available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Russian in the newer language listing.

Setting out from Roses toward Cap de Creus

Roses gives this cruise a pleasant beginning. The route looks across the Bay of Roses before turning toward the more rugged shore of Cap de Creus. Instead of a long open-water crossing, you get a coastal trip where the shore remains part of the show.

I like this kind of outing because the scenery changes without requiring a hike or a full-day excursion. You sit on the water and watch the coast shift from the wider bay near Roses to smaller coves backed by cliffs and pine trees.

You may board at Avinguda de la Bocana, 2, or at Av. de Rhode, 139. The exact meeting point depends on the option selected, so check your booking carefully before setting out. The activity also returns to one of those same two locations.

The boat tour lasts 90 minutes. That is long enough to make the trip feel like a proper Costa Brava outing, but short enough to fit around a beach afternoon, a meal, or other plans in Roses. You should still check the available departure time before booking, since the start times vary.

The coastal route between Roses and Cadaqués

The shoreline here is the reason to book. Cap de Creus is known for its rough coastal forms, small coves, and open Mediterranean setting. From the boat, you see the coast from an angle that walking paths cannot provide.

The route is described as reaching the wildest part of the Costa Brava between Roses and Cadaqués. That does not mean you will visit Cadaqués itself. Rather, the cruise takes you along this stretch of coast and toward Cala Murtra within the protected park.

I find the route most appealing for people who enjoy scenery that is simple and natural. There are no grand monuments or long guided walks. Your entertainment comes from rock, sea, sky, pine trees, and the changing shape of the shore.

The boat also lets you enjoy the coast without committing to a difficult trail. That matters because this activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If getting on, moving around, or reaching the underwater viewing area could be difficult, ask the operator for current access details before paying.

Reaching Cala Murtra by catamaran

Cala Murtra sits within the protected area, surrounded by cliffs and thick vegetation. Its water is described as clear and turquoise, with pine trees rising behind the beach. The setting has the quiet, raw character that makes this part of the Costa Brava so appealing.

The stop includes time for a visit, a break, and boat-based viewing. The information provided does not promise a swimming stop, so do not book this expecting a full beach day or a guaranteed chance to go ashore. Think of Cala Murtra as the focal point of a scenic cruise.

One unusual detail is the beach’s official status as the only authorised naturist beach in the area. That does not mean every person on the boat will be naturist, but you should be aware of the setting and bring the right expectations. The cove is also described as one of the wildest on the Costa Brava, so the appeal is its natural character rather than beach facilities or town life.

The cliffs make the cove especially striking from the water. You can appreciate its shape, vegetation, and clear sea without needing to walk a long coastal path. Bring a camera, as the view back toward the rocks and trees is likely to be more memorable than any single feature beneath the boat.

What the glass-bottom viewing is really like

The underwater viewing deck gives the cruise an extra feature. Windows below the waterline allow you to look for marine life while the boat is moving or stopped. For families and anyone curious about the sea, it is a useful change from simply sitting on deck.

Still, keep your expectations measured. The underwater section is not presented as an aquarium or a dedicated wildlife trip. The clearest practical advice is to treat it as an added feature, not the main purpose of the outing.

Water conditions, light, and marine life all affect what you can see. You might find the windows interesting for a few minutes, then return outside to enjoy the coast. That is not a failure of the tour. It simply tells you where the value lies.

I would choose a seat or viewing position based on the weather and scenery first. The boat’s open areas let you enjoy the breeze and views, while the glass-bottom section gives you a short change of pace. Since you can move freely around the boat, you are not locked into one viewpoint.

Moving freely around the catamaran

The ability to circulate around the boat is one of the more useful features. You can look out toward the cliffs, watch the coves, spend time near the underwater windows, and use the bar rather than remaining in a fixed seat for the whole 90 minutes.

That freedom also makes the trip feel less formal. You are not following a tightly packed sightseeing program with a long list of stops. The cruise gives you time to look, take photographs, listen to the audio guide, or simply enjoy the sea air.

A bar service is included, though the available information does not specify the menu or prices. Treat it as a convenience rather than a reason to book. Bring comfortable clothes, especially if you plan to spend much of the cruise outside.

The catamaran format is well suited to a short coastal trip. It offers a broad viewing area and makes the ride feel like part of the experience, not just transportation to Cala Murtra. The tradeoff is that the boat can never provide the same close, quiet contact with the coast as a walking route.

Using the multilingual audio guide

A phone-based audio guide is included. The listed languages are Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, and Dutch, while the newer multilingual listing also includes Italian and Russian.

This is helpful if you want more context than scenery alone provides. You can use the commentary to follow the route while looking at the coves and park surroundings. It also lets you set your own pace instead of depending on a single live explanation.

No guide’s personal name is provided, and this is not described as a live guided tour. You should therefore expect recorded commentary accessed through your phone. Make sure your phone is ready before departure, and bring comfortable clothing for the ride.

The audio guide will matter most to visitors who want place names and background as they move along the coast. If you prefer a quiet boat ride, you can focus on the views and use the commentary only when useful.

Is $29 good value for 90 minutes?

At $29 per person, the price is reasonable for a short boat excursion in a scenic protected area. You are paying for the catamaran ride, the Cala Murtra route, the glass-bottom viewing, the multilingual audio guide, and the convenience of a return to Roses.

The value depends on your priority. If you want dramatic coastal scenery, open-air time, and an easy way to see part of Cap de Creus, the price makes sense. If your main goal is to watch fish through underwater windows, the outing may feel less satisfying.

The 4.1 rating from 75 reviews suggests a generally positive but not perfect experience. That fits the nature of the trip: strong scenery and a pleasant ride, with the underwater feature less dependable. One French-language review rated the trip four out of five and summed up the balance well: it is mainly a sea tour, with beautiful views and fresh air, rather than a major look at the seabed.

Another review gave it three out of five with the brief comment Bof, a useful reminder that a short boat ride will not appeal to everyone. I would not choose this activity if you need constant commentary, guaranteed wildlife, or a long stop on land.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the cruise to you if you want a low-effort way to see the Costa Brava from the water. It suits couples, families, and short-stay visitors who want a scenic activity that takes only an hour and a half.

It is also a good match for people who like variety. You can watch the shore, inspect the underwater windows, listen to commentary, take photographs, and stop for a drink at the bar. The short duration keeps the outing manageable.

Nature lovers should appreciate the setting around Cala Murtra, especially the combination of cliffs, pine trees, clear water, and protected parkland. The cruise also gives you a taste of the coast between Roses and Cadaqués without requiring a separate trip to Cadaqués.

I would be cautious about booking if you have mobility limitations, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. I would also skip it if your idea of a boat trip is swimming, snorkeling, or a dedicated marine-life tour. Those features are not promised here.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Check which starting point you booked. The two listed locations are Avinguda de la Bocana, 2, and Av. de Rhode, 139. The return is also to one of those locations, depending on your selected option.

Bring a camera and wear comfortable clothes. The scenery is a central part of the experience, and you will likely want to move around the boat rather than remain in one place.

Keep your phone ready for the audio guide. Since it is designed for use on your phone, you should make sure it is charged before boarding. The available language list includes Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Russian, though the activity information does not list every language consistently in every section.

Book with the underwater viewing in perspective. You might see marine life, but the most dependable sights are the rocky coves, cliffs, pine trees, and clear water. If the sea below is quiet, the cruise still has value as a coastal sightseeing ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several activities around changing holiday plans.

Should you book the Roses to Cala Murtra cruise?

Book it if you want a short, scenic Costa Brava boat ride with a stop at a wild cove and the chance to look below the waterline. The route through Cap de Creus, the freedom to move around the catamaran, and the fresh sea air are the strongest reasons to go.

Do not book it mainly for underwater wildlife. The glass-bottom windows are a pleasant extra, but the coast above the surface is the safer bet. At $29, this is good value for an easy introduction to the Roses coastline, especially when you have only half a day available.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise has two possible starting locations: Avinguda de la Bocana, 2, or Av. de Rhode, 139. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Where does the cruise return?

The cruise returns to one of the same two locations: Avinguda de la Bocana, 2, or Av. de Rhode, 139.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours.

What is the main destination?

The cruise travels to Cala Murtra in Cap de Creus Natural Park.

Is Cala Murtra a naturist beach?

Yes. Cala Murtra is identified as the only authorised naturist beach in the area.

Is a glass-bottom boat ride included?

Yes. The cruise includes access to underwater viewing through glass windows.

Is marine life guaranteed?

No. The activity includes underwater viewing, but marine life sightings are not guaranteed.

Is an audio guide included?

Yes. A multilingual audio guide is available for use on your phone.

Which audio guide languages are available?

The listed languages include Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Russian. Some activity details list only Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, and Dutch.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you secure a place without paying immediately.