BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide
Boat Rental on the Costa Brava: Roses and L'Estartit
Cap de Creus, the Medes Islands, Empuriabrava: what to know about renting a boat on the Costa Brava, between Roses and L'Estartit.
By Clément Lacaille, editor of Boat-Comparator · updated
In northern Catalonia, the Costa Brava — literally the "wild coast" — alternates jagged cliffs and quiet coves, less than an hour from the French border.
Roses and its wide bay
The broad Bay of Roses offers sheltered water, ideal for a first outing or a family sail. Just north, Cap de Creus, Catalonia's first marine and terrestrial nature park, forms a dramatic rocky coastline shaped by the tramontane — best explored by cruising along it rather than anchoring when the wind is up.
Empuriabrava, the Catalan Venice
A short hop from Roses, Empuriabrava is built around an extensive network of navigable canals that run right up to the villas — one of the largest residential marinas in Europe, where many owners rent out boats moored at the foot of their garden.
L'Estartit and the Medes Islands
Further south, L'Estartit is the gateway to the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve renowned for its clear water and rich seabed — one of the most sought-after diving and snorkelling spots in the western Mediterranean. Anchoring is regulated there and mooring buoys are provided to protect the seabed.
The tramontane, worth watching
As across the whole Gulf of Lion and the Costa Brava, the tramontane can rise quickly and strengthen with little warning: check our Mediterranean winds guide before heading out, especially toward Cap de Creus.
Budget and comparison
RIB €200-600/day, sailboat €300-700/day (€1,500-4,000/week). Boat-Comparator compares Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor for Roses and L'Estartit in a single search. Undecided between them? Our platform comparison guide walks through the deposit and cancellation terms of each.
Free checklist
Rent a boat with no nasty surprises
Deposit, insurance, check-in inspection, fuel, navigation areas, weather: our checklist covers everything to verify before booking and on departure day. Sign up to access it and receive our tips by email.
Thank you! Your checklist is ready: Rent a boat with no nasty surprises →
Go through a professional
Would you rather go through a professional?
Skipper, local rental company, boating school: describe your plans in a minute. We pass your request on to partner professionals (3 at most), who may get back to you. Free, no commitment.
Your situation:
BOAT-COMPARATOR is neither a rental company nor a skipper: we only put you in touch. Your data and our partners (in French).