If you like sea time, this day starts right. You get an 8-hour sailing loop from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo, with multiple swim breaks in coves that look better than photos. Add a small group (max 12), English hosting, and lunch on board, and it becomes a relaxed island day instead of a crowded ferry ride.

I particularly like the mix of swim-first stops (clear water, calm bays, and cave scenery) plus real time on Favignana for walking and food. I also like how personal the hosting feels, with captains who focus on safety and a cook-host pairing a proper sit-down lunch with the day’s sailing. One thing to consider: it’s not recommended if you get seasick easily, and the tour needs good weather to run.

Key things I’d plan for

• Small group on the water: up to 12 people, so you spend less time stuck in a crowd.
• Seven stops, lots of water time: you’re never doing just one swim and heading back.
• Favignana + Levanzo in one day: you get both islands, plus a town break on Favignana and a village walk on Levanzo.
• On-board lunch that’s part of the plan: homemade pasta and sweets have been a highlight.
• Coves chosen for swimming and snorkeling: the itinerary mixes open bays, cave areas, and pine-lined coves.

A Small-Group Sail from Trapani to the Egadi Islands

This is the kind of trip that works best when you want the day to feel simple. You meet in Trapani at Mare and More at Marina di Levante (Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18), and the boat leaves at 10:00 am. The whole experience runs about 8 hours, then you return to the same meeting point.

What makes it feel different is the cap at 12 travelers. That number matters because it changes how stops feel: fewer people hopping off and back on, more room to move around when you want to grab a towel spot, and less waiting for everyone to find their place.

Also, this runs with a mobile ticket and is offered in English, so you’re not stuck guessing what’s happening. The route itself is paced around sea breaks, not a checklist of sights you rush past.

If you hate boats, or you know you’re sensitive to motion, read the seasickness notes carefully. The operator is blunt here: it’s not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness.

Before You Depart: Colombaia Castle Views from Trapani

You don’t just disappear into the sea right away. Before the boat sails toward Favignana, you get a view of the Colombaia castle, described as a symbol of Trapani.

Even if you don’t care about fortresses, this is a smart start. It gives you a quick sense of place before you’re surrounded by open water, and it helps the day feel like it’s unfolding rather than starting abruptly.

Think of it as your “we’re really going” moment, usually while everyone is still fresh and ready to settle in.

Favignana’s Swim Circuit: Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, and Cala Rossa

Favignana is where the day builds momentum. You’ll have three focused swimming stops in a row, each around one hour, so you’re not constantly moving and you still get plenty of time in the water.

Stop 1: Scogliera Cala Azzurra

Cala Azzurra is your first real water break. You can swim in a bay known for turquoise, clear water and fish you can see from the surface. The main drawback here is also the obvious one: once you feel that calm water, it’s hard to switch into sightseeing mode.

Still, as a first stop, it’s excellent. You can warm up, settle your breathing, and decide what gear you want for later (mask/snorkel if you have them).

Stop 2: Grotta del Bue Marino

Next comes Grotta del Bue Marino, where the scenery adds a different mood. Instead of open sand, you’re surrounded by the island’s old tuff quarries—a reminder that Favignana isn’t just about beaches, it’s shaped by stone, industry, and time.

This stop works well if you like variety. You’ll still be swimming, but you’re also getting something more than a pretty postcard view.

Stop 3: Scogliera di Cala Rossa

Then the itinerary turns to a beach stop described as one of the most beautiful on the island, with crystal-clear and less-developed-feeling water. The plan here is straightforward: hop in, swim, and enjoy the “everything looks clean” feeling that comes with high-visibility water.

One practical note: since these stops are all close to each other in the same morning block, plan to bring a towel you’re okay with using again and again. You’ll likely dry off, reapply sunscreen, and do it again.

Two Hours on Favignana Town: Food and a Mini Walk

After the first wave of sea time, you get a real break on land. The boat dock and you take about two hours in Favignana town, with an accompanying walk to local places of interest.

What I like here is that it’s not just free time with a map and a prayer. The idea is that you’ll have some structure and context, then you can choose how hungry you are.

Food details are part of the promise. You might get to taste typical island items, including a tuna kebab and pistachio coffee. It’s a small but satisfying way to switch gears from salt water to something grounded on land.

Possible drawback: this is a short town window, so if you want museums or long shopping hours, you may feel time-pressed. But if you want a quick, tasty taste of island life, this timing hits the sweet spot.

Levanzo by Boat: Cala Dogana, Cala Minnola, and the Pine-Cove Finish

Levanzo is the smaller sibling of the Egadi islands, and the itinerary treats it like the wild one. You’ll get two swimming moments at Cala Minnola, plus a stop at Cala Dogana—each about one hour.

Spiaggia di Cala Dogana

This is the first Levanzo swim stop, with a scenery shift from Favignana. Expect clear water and lots of fish, plus the sense that the coastline looks less “tour organized” and more raw.

If you love snorkeling or just watching fish, this stop is set up for it. The only catch is that the “wild” feel can also mean fewer amenities nearby—so come prepared with what you need for your swim break.

Spiaggia di Cala Minnola (snorkel-friendly stop)

Next is Cala Minnola, described as a main beach area. The plan mentions snorkeling, and you’ll stop here after taking in the village of Levanzo.

That village time matters because it breaks up the day. You’re not only in-and-out of water; you also get a little of the island’s human scale.

Cala Minnola again: last swim in the pine shade

The final stop is again Cala Minnola. This time it’s framed around the cove’s “untouched” vibe, including the forest of marine pines reaching the beach.

It’s a strong way to end the day because pine-lined coves tend to feel cooler and calmer. You’ll get that last chance to swim before heading back toward Trapani.

The Skipper and Lunch Factor: Safety, Sailing, and Annalisa’s Cooking

A great sail day lives or dies on the captain and the pacing. In the feedback, names like Massimo (sometimes also mentioned as Max), and Silvio show up as skipper highlights. Across those accounts, the consistent theme is confidence on the boat and good communication.

You’ll feel it most during transitions: moving between stops, getting anchored safely, and managing wind and engine power. One account notes that when conditions allowed, the skipper even turned off the engine, and sailed on wind—then used the engine when needed. That’s exactly what you want to hear: wind-first when possible, practical when not.

Lunch on board is not an afterthought

Food is a major part of why this day feels complete. You might get a homemade seafood pasta, plus things like wine and fruit salad. There are also mentions of sweets such as cantucci, and even fruit salad with prickly pears.

If you’ve ever done boat trips where lunch feels like a snack, this one is aiming higher. A proper lunch also helps you last through the whole day without constantly burning energy and then crashing right after the last swim.

Small-group hosting makes questions easy

Because the group is small, English explanations feel more personal. A couple of the accounts mention clear communication even before the day gets underway (for example via WhatsApp). That’s a quiet advantage: you arrive knowing what to expect and where to focus your attention.

Price and Value: Is $138.47 Reasonable for 8 Hours?

Let’s talk value, because $138.47 isn’t a tiny number. For me, it makes sense only if the day matches what you want: lots of water time plus at least one land break.

Here’s what you’re paying for in practical terms:

• Two islands in one day: Favignana + Levanzo.
• Multiple stops built around swimming/snorkeling (not just “look from the boat”).
• Town time on Favignana and village time on Levanzo.
• On-board lunch plus a hosted feel rather than a drop-off style tour.
• A small group (max 12), which reduces friction during boarding and stops.

Also, the itinerary marks each stop as admission ticket free, at least for the activities tied to those stops. That doesn’t mean there are zero personal costs for you (like snacks, water, or your own gear), but it does suggest you’re not stacking ticket fees on top of the boat price.

One more angle: this type of day trip is usually best booked ahead. The tour is commonly booked about 15 days in advance on average, which hints it’s popular during the season.

Weather, Sea State, and Seasickness: What You Should Know

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because these islands look amazing, but they’re also exposed, and the operator needs conditions that keep the day comfortable and safe.

If you’re prone to seasickness, take the guidance seriously. It’s explicitly not recommended for those who suffer from it. If you’re on the fence, the advice is to bring a dry breakfast, possibly with a bit of salt, and plan for how you normally handle motion on boats.

Practical tip: even if you don’t usually get seasick, the combination of wind changes and open-water stretches can affect you. Bring what works for you on boats: motion meds if you use them, sunglasses, and water.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want:

• an active day with real swimming breaks
• a mix of sea time and short land time
• a small-group boat outing
• a captain who keeps things safe and organized
• lunch that feels like part of the experience

It may not be ideal if:

• you don’t like boats or you’re very sensitive to motion
• you want lots of guided museum time (this is more about coves and coastline)
• you expect long hours walking in town (Favignana town is about two hours)

Should You Book This Trapani-to-Favignana-and-Levanzo Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you picture your ideal Sicily day as water first, then a bit of island life on land. The combination of multiple swimming stops, a Favignana town break, and Levanzo’s more rugged vibe makes this a well-paced, full day without feeling rushed.

If you know you get seasick, I’d skip this one or at least get medical advice and use your usual motion plan. And if you love a big, social cruise atmosphere, this small-group setup might feel too calm for you.

But for most people who want a memorable Egadi day with clear-water stops and real food, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

What time does the excursion start in Trapani?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Mare and More – Escursioni in barca Favignana e Levanzo da Trapani, presso Marina Di Levante, Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.

Which islands are included?

The day trip goes to Favignana and Levanzo.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

It is not recommended for people who suffer from seasickness. If you’re unsure, the guidance suggests a dry breakfast, possibly salty.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance; later than that isn’t refunded.

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