The Mediterranean Sea is a two-minute walk from our Apartments in Canyelles Petites. And the Bay of Roses, nestled between the reliefs of Cap de Creus and the wetlands of Empordà, offers an exceptional nautical playground: crystal-clear waters, unspoiled coves, favourable winds and well-organised infrastructures. Whether you come with family, as a couple or with friends, here is our practical guide to nautical activities in Roses Costa Brava, suitable for holidaymakers. No need to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy them.
Watersports in Roses to enjoy the sea on your holiday
Sea kayak: gentle adventure for the family
Kayaking is the ultimate activity in Roses. No prior experience is needed: the rental kayaks are stable, easy to handle, and allow you to explore the coast at your own pace, without any restrictions.
Why it's great on holiday: You sail along the cliffs, discover coves inaccessible on foot, observe the seabed from the surface (the water is so clear you can see the fish), and enjoy a real nature outing. All within a few hours, with no gear to carry.
Practice:
- Hourly, half-day or full-day hire
- Suitable from 8-10 years with a parent (two-person or family kayak)
- Departure beaches: Almadrava You port Roses, a 5-minute drive from Canyelles Petites
- Indicative rates: from €12.00 per hour / €25.00 per half-day
- Booking recommended in July-August
💡 Our advice Leave early in the morning (before 11 am): the sea is calmer, the sun is gentler, and the coves are less crowded.
📍 SUP Kayak Roses Almadrava Beach, 17480 Roses 🌐 kayaksuproses.com Kayak and paddle guided tours and rentals
📍 Kayaking Costa Brava Several bases on the Costa Brava 📞 +34 972 773 806 🌐 kayakingcostabrava.com Car hire and guided tours
Paddle / SUP: Roses Bay for everyone
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the perfect watersports in Roses Costa Brava to get started with, without any apprehension. The Bay of Roses, protected from the prevailing winds, offers ideal conditions for beginners: calm water, a gently sloping beach, and a short distance to swim.
Why it's great on holiday: Children love it, and adults do too. It's fun, photogenic, accessible from 7-8 years old, and the effort is very moderate. It's also the best way to enjoy a quiet late afternoon before drinks.
Practice:
- Rental from 30 minutes or by the hour
- Departure beaches: Rose centre, Almadrava, Santa Margarita
- Suitable for everyone, from age 8 accompanied
- Indicative prices: from €10.00 per hour
- No need to book, just turning up is generally fine.
💡 Our advice For couples, paddleboarding at sunset in the bay is an unforgettable experience.
📍 SUP Kayak Roses Almadrava Beach, 17480 Roses 🌐 kayaksuproses.com Kayak and paddle guided tours and rentals
Snorkelling: diving without a tank, just a mask and snorkel
Snorkelling is the ideal activity for discovering the seabed of the Costa Brava without any complex equipment. A mask, a snorkel, fins and you're off.
Why it's great on holiday: free, accessible to everyone as soon as you can swim, and the coves of Canyelles Petites offer magnificent spots just below the apartment. Clear water, rocky bottoms populated with colourful fish, posidonia meadows, sometimes even octopuses... you'll be exploring a life-sized mini-aquarium.
Practice:
- Bring your equipment
- Recommended spots from Canyelles Petites:
- Canyelles Petites Cove Rocky seabed at the right end of the beach
- Cala Pelosa the most beautiful for snorkelling, clear waters
- Cala Montjoi accessible by car, ideal for a half-day
- Cap de Creus for the curious, spectacular funds
- Adapted from 6-7 years with supervision
💡 Our advice Go snorkelling in the early morning as the sea is calmer and visibility is much better than in the afternoon.
Scuba diving: Cap de Creus, Mediterranean paradise
For those who want to go further, scuba diving in Roses is an international-level experience. The Cap de Creus Natural Park offers some of the most spectacular and best-preserved dives in the entire Mediterranean Sea: exceptional biodiversity, red gorgonians, drop-offs, shoals of fish and often excellent visibility.
Why it's great on holiday: even without experience, you can do it taster dive safely, supervised by professional instructors. It's an opportunity to discover a completely different universe just a few minutes by boat from the port of Roses.
Practice:
- Discover Scuba Diving No experience necessary, accessible from age 10.
- Diving to a depth of 3 metres under the supervision of an instructor
- Several dive centres in Roses, all located at the port (5 minutes by car from Canyelles Petites)
- Indicative prices: baptism from €70.00 to €80.00 (equipment and instructor included)
- Booking essential,in the morning preferably, calmer sea
💡 Our advice For certified divers, ask about the Cap Norfeu or Cap Falcó sites, you won't be disappointed.
📍 Poseidon Roses Diving Centre Port of Roses divingcenterposeidonroses.com Historic centre, baptisms, PADI courses, Cap de Creus excursions
📍 Rose Sub Port of Roses rosessub.com Baptisms, certifications, guided dives
📍 Euro-Divers Cap de Creus Av. Gran Via Pau Casals 59 Ground Floor, 17480 Roses Centre located directly at the port of Roses
To go further, three complementary activities
Windsurfing: the Bay of Roses, a legendary spot
The Bay of Roses is one of the most well-known windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean. Its geographical configuration and the Tramontane (this steady north wind blowing from the Pyrenees) create ideal conditions for windsurfing, especially in spring and autumn. Several schools based on the large beach of Roses and in Santa Margarita offer introductory and advanced lessons and equipment hire for all levels. An activity reserved for fans of gliding, but for them, it's pure bliss.
📍 ION Club Roses From total beginner to expert, in mini-groups or private lessons 🌐 Ion Club
💶 Introductory course: from €50.00 to €70.00 per session
Pedalo: the ultimate family option
For families with young children or simply for a moment of relaxation, pedal boats remain timeless. Several beaches in Roses offer hourly rentals, providing an opportunity to get a little distance from the shore, dive from the pedal boat into crystal-clear water, and enjoy breathtaking sea views without any effort.
📍 Beaches: Canyelles Petites, Roses centre, Almadrava
💶 Prices: from €12.00 to €15.00 per hour
Accessible from a young age with a parent
Sea fishing: guided trip from the harbour
For fishing enthusiasts, several providers organise guided excursions departing from the port of Roses. Trolling, big game fishing, coastal fishing depending on the season. The experience allows you to combine nautical pleasure with the discovery of the Costa Brava's rich marine life. Half-day or full-day trips, group or private options are available.
📍 Departure: Roses port
💶 Prices: from EUR 60.00 to 80.00 per person for a half-day
🎣 Level: all levels, equipment provided
Which activity for which profile?
| You are... | Recommended activity |
|---|---|
| As a family with young children | Snorkelling at Canyelles Petites + paddleboarding in the bay + pedalo |
| As a couple looking for relaxation | Paddleboard at sunset + kayak to the coves |
| As a family with teenagers | Half-day kayak + scuba diving taster session |
| Amateur athlete | Kayak day trip to Cap de Creus + certified diving + windsurfing |
| First time on the Costa Brava | Snorkelling at Cala Pelosa + paddleboarding in the bay |
Practical tips for your boating activities
Sunscreen and hat Indeed, the reflection off the water intensifies the sun significantly, even at 9 am.
Water shoes Useful for rocky coves like Canyelles Petites or Cala Pelosa, particularly with children.
Waterproof bag most providers offer them, but having your own is handy for your phone, keys and tickets.
Peak season booking From 15 July to 20 August, it is best to book kayaks, paddleboards and diving at least the day before.
Wind and weather 'the' Tramontane can blow strongly at times. Nautical centres sometimes cancel excursions (always check the day before).
And after the activity?
After a morning spent doing one of the water activities in Roses Costa Brava, nothing beats lunch by the sea in one of the Restaurants in Canyelles Petites, followed by a nap on the terrace our sea view apartments. To prepare for your stay in Roses, also consult our articles on Most beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, the 10 things to do in Roses with the family and our Comprehensive guide to activities in Roses.