Boat Tour Egadi Day discover Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani

The sea does the selling here. This eight-hour boat trip from Trapani links Favignana and Levanzo with clear swimming water, old tuff quarries, and small coves that ferries cannot reach easily. I like the maximum 12-person group, which gives the skipper room to tailor stops and answer questions. I also like the mix of swim time, island wandering, Roman history, wine, soft drinks, and fresh fruit.

The main drawback is the weather. A small open boat can feel rough in strong wind, and there is little or no shade, depending on the boat used. Lunch is also not included, and the $139.07 price is higher than a basic ferry day. Still, if swimming in beautiful water is your main reason for visiting western Sicily, this is a strong use of a day.

Key points at a glance

• Six water stops: Swim and snorkel around Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnola.
• Two islands in one day: You get time in Favignana village and a shorter visit to Levanzo’s coves.
• Small-group setting: The boat carries no more than 12 people, far more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Drinks and snacks included: Expect bottled water, Coca-Cola, wine, and fruit, with other light refreshments provided during the day.
• A true boat day: The focus is swimming and scenery, not a long list of monuments or guided walking tours.
• Weather matters: Wind can make the ride choppy, and there is limited protection from the sun.

Why this Egadi Islands boat tour works

Favignana and Levanzo sit just off Trapani in the Egadi Islands, and their best scenery is viewed from the water. The shore is marked by pale rock, old quarry faces, small caves, and coves where the sea shifts from light turquoise to dark blue.

This tour gives you a full day on that water. You leave Trapani at 10:00 a.m. from Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, then spend most of the day moving between swimming areas and island ports. The advertised duration is about eight hours, though the day can run closer to nine hours depending on the schedule and conditions.

I like this format because it avoids the usual problem of an island day trip: spending most of your time waiting for a ferry. Here, the boat is the experience. You see the islands from offshore, swim at several locations, and still get time to walk around Favignana.

The boat carries up to 12 people, and that size makes a real difference. Captains such as Alberto, Mauro, Christian, Alessio, Nico, Ninno, Miguel, Michele, and Rosario have all been praised for keeping the mood friendly and relaxed. The skipper may change, but the service style appears to be personal and informal.

Cala Azzurra starts the swimming day

The first stop is Scogliera Cala Azzurra, a cove named for the color of its water. You get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment supplied on board.

This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water early rather than making you sit through a long sightseeing circuit. You can use the time to test the mask, check the sea conditions, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

Bring your own snorkel if you have one. The equipment is included, but supplies may not always be plentiful. One person found the number of snorkels limited, and another wished there were more floating noodles. If you rely on flotation aids or need a particular type of mask, packing your own is sensible.

Bue Marino pairs water with old quarries

At Grotta del Bue Marino, the boat stops for another swim. The turquoise water sits against darker blue patches, with old tuff quarries forming the backdrop.

This is one of the more distinctive parts of the route because the scenery is not just beach and sea. The quarried rock gives the coast a rough, human-made character. The guide also provides live commentary, including information about the area’s Roman past, so you get some context while moving between stops.

The exact swimming conditions depend on wind and currents. On calm days, this is a fine place to look for fish through the clear water. If the sea turns rough, the captain may adjust the stop or choose a calmer location. That flexibility is important on a small boat, and one captain moved the group to quieter spots when conditions were poor.

Cala Rossa is the visual highlight

Scogliera di Cala Rossa is the third major swim stop, with about an hour to enjoy the water. The area is known for clear sea, rocky surroundings, and fish close to shore.

This is the stop most likely to fill your camera roll. The water is clear enough for a good look below the surface, and the contrast between pale stone and deep blue water is striking. You may spend the hour swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating beside the boat.

The wording around Cala Rossa can make it sound like a traditional beach visit, but this is primarily a boat stop. You anchor near the area and enter the water rather than spending an hour on a broad sandy beach. That distinction matters if you want a beach day with umbrellas and loungers. It is ideal if you prefer open water and rocky coves.

Two hours in Favignana village

After the morning swim stops, the boat reaches Favignana port. You get about two hours to walk through the maritime village, stretch your legs, and find lunch.

This break gives the day needed balance. Six or more hours of swimming can be tiring, especially in full sun, so the chance to walk around and eat on land is welcome. The old Florio tuna facility is listed as the stop area, adding a link to Favignana’s fishing past.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Some captains have suggested local restaurants, and several outings included a good meal stop in the village, but you should budget separately. Fresh local fish has been a popular choice, though you are free to decide how to spend your time.

Two hours is enough for a meal and a short walk, but not enough for an extended museum visit or a full exploration of Favignana. If you want to see the island by bicycle, visit several landmarks, or spend a long afternoon in town, this tour will feel too tightly scheduled. The point is to combine a taste of Favignana with a water-focused day.

The short crossing to Levanzo

After leaving Favignana, the boat heads toward Levanzo. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, giving you time to relax and watch the islands recede.

Levanzo feels like a useful change of pace. Favignana provides the main village stop, while Levanzo brings you back to quiet coves and open water. You do not get a long walking tour of the island, but the boat reveals coastal areas that are difficult to reach during a short independent visit.

This part of the route also shows why the small boat matters. You are not tied to a ferry timetable, and the skipper can bring you near coves for swimming rather than dropping you only at a port.

Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola finish strongly

Cala Fredda is the first Levanzo swimming stop, with about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. The pace remains relaxed, and the captain generally allows people to use the full stop rather than rushing them back on board.

The final stop is Spiaggia di Cala Minnola, another snorkeling area. By this point, you will likely have spent several hours in the water, so you can choose how active you want to be. You might snorkel again, swim near the boat, or remain on deck and enjoy the view.

Some outings have included six separate opportunities to enter the water, though the exact order and locations can change with wind, sea conditions, and jellyfish. One captain avoided an area with too many stinging jellyfish, which is exactly the sort of practical judgment you want from someone operating a small boat.

Currents can be stronger than they look. A swimmer found it difficult to return from a cove against the current, so stay close to the boat and follow the captain’s advice. Clear, calm water does not always mean easy swimming.

What is served on board

The included refreshments add real value to a long day at sea. You receive bottled water and Coca-Cola, along with wine and other alcoholic drinks. Fresh fruit such as peaches and grapes has also been served, and some outings included biscuits with sweet wine later in the afternoon.

The food is not a meal. You still need money for lunch in Favignana, and you should bring anything specific you need for a full day outdoors. Still, regular drinks and fruit are useful when you are swimming in the sun.

Water temperature can vary. One person found the provided water less cold than expected, so bringing your own chilled bottle may be worthwhile if that matters to you. The boat has a restroom, which is an important comfort on an eight-hour outing.

The boat, sun, and sea conditions

The vessel is described as a comfortable RIB, with a restroom on board. It is built for getting close to coves and maneuvering around rocky coastal areas, not for providing a shaded lounge deck.

Shade is limited or absent on some boats. Pack high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light shirt that covers your shoulders. You may also want a dry bag for your phone and a towel for the repeated swim stops.

The ride can be smooth, but the boat is highly dependent on weather. On windy days, the crossing may be choppy and the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. If the forecast looks poor, contact the operator before setting out and ask about the plan.

The tour requires good weather and can be moved or canceled if conditions are unsuitable. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is $139.07 good value?

At $139.07 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit the Egadi Islands. A ferry ticket and an independent day in Favignana will cost less, especially if you are not interested in repeated swimming stops.

The price makes more sense if you value access to multiple coves, a small group, an informed skipper, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and transport between Favignana and Levanzo. You are paying for the boat route and the ease of moving between swim areas, not just transportation.

The small group is the strongest value point. With no more than 12 people, the captain can explain the coast, help with equipment, and respond to sea conditions without managing a crowd. A large boat may cost less, but it will not offer the same sense of space or personal attention.

Lunch is extra, and private parking inside the marina is not included. Parking around the port can be difficult, so ask the operator for current parking instructions before arrival. One person received a sizable street-parking fine after struggling to find the right place.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would choose this tour if you want swimming and coastal scenery more than museums or extended town time. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families whose children can manage a full day in the sun and water.

It is also a smart option if you are based in Trapani and want to see both Favignana and Levanzo without arranging separate ferries. A day trip from Palermo is possible by bus according to one outing, but the schedule will make for a long day, so staying in Trapani is more comfortable.

You should think twice if you dislike open boats, strong sun, choppy water, or repeated swimming stops. It is not the right choice for someone seeking a shaded cruise, a full historical tour, or included lunch.

The trip is also best for confident swimmers, though you can remain on board during any stop. Currents can be present, and the captain’s instructions deserve attention.

Should you book the Favignana and Levanzo boat tour?

Book it if your ideal Sicilian day includes clear water, small coves, fresh fruit, a glass of wine, and several chances to swim. The combination of Favignana village, Levanzo’s coast, and a 12-person boat gives you much more than a simple ferry crossing.

I would skip it if the forecast looks windy, you need reliable shade, or the price feels high without lunch included. For the right weather and the right expectations, Mare and More offers one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Egadi Islands from Trapani.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. Some outings have taken closer to nine hours, depending on the day’s schedule and conditions.

Does the tour visit both Favignana and Levanzo?

Yes. The route includes swimming stops around Favignana, about two hours in Favignana village, and additional swimming stops around Levanzo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, although bringing your own snorkel may be useful if equipment supplies are limited.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have about two hours in Favignana to walk around and arrange your own meal.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, Coca-Cola, and alcoholic drinks including wine. Fresh fruit and other light refreshments may also be provided.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.