REVIEW · SICILY
Cruise Favignana – Levanzo
Book on Viator →Operated by MANITA SRL · Bookable on Viator
Sailing the Aegadian islands feels like a shortcut to Sicily. This day cruise connects Favignana and Levanzo with a calm schedule, free time to wander ports and coves, and an onboard crew that takes the day seriously. I especially like how the experience is run by lively skippers like Captain Giuseppe and Rosario, with music and good food keeping everyone in the loop.
One thing to think about: the day is designed for a lot of people and a lot of movement, so if you hate crowds or want long stays ashore, the timing might feel a bit tight.
In This Review
- Aegean Islands With Lunch: Key Things to Know
- Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For
- Meeting Point in Trapani: Where You Start (And How Not to Miss It)
- The 8-Hour Flow: How the Day Feels From Morning to Return
- Stop 1: Trapani Harbor Basics Before You Go
- Stop 2: Favignana in Two Hours (What’s Worth Doing)
- Between Islands: Cruising Views and a Boat Swim Moment
- Stop 3: Levanzo’s Quick Taste (And Why It Works)
- Lunch On Board: The Included Meal That Actually Matters
- The Crew and Skippers: Why the Personality Counts
- The Main Drawback to Consider: Crowd Pressure and Occasional Hiccups
- Who Should Book This Cruise Favignana–Levanzo?
- Quick Tips to Make Your Day Better
- Should You Book It? My Take
- FAQ
- Which islands does the cruise visit?
- What time does the tour start, and when does it end?
- Is lunch included?
- What’s not included in the price?
- Do I have to pay an Egadi Islands protected area fee?
- Is the tour in English?
- Will I have a guide on the boat?
- Is there time to swim?
- Can children join?
- What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Aegean Islands With Lunch: Key Things to Know

- Favignana gets 2 hours, so you can explore, walk a bit, and still have time to look for a good swimming spot.
- Levanzo is shorter (about 1 hour), which works if you want viewpoints and a quick wander more than a full beach day.
- Lunch is onboard and is usually the best “included” surprise: think pasta plus simple, fresh sides.
- Plan for the 5€ Marine Protected Area fee per paying passenger; it’s not included in your tour price.
- You’re sailing with a group (maximum 180), and some departures run with larger numbers, so arrive early and be patient.
Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For
At about $64.89 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to reach two islands in one day without renting a car or dealing with ferry schedules. The big value is that the day is built around the boat: you get round-trip transport from Trapani, lunch, and bottled water without extra planning.
You should, however, budget small add-ons. The Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands fee is 5€ per paying passenger and isn’t included. Also, you might want extra spending for optional photos and whatever you pick up onshore.
Group size can also affect your comfort. The max is 180 travelers, and on at least one sailing the boat carried around 70 people, so you’ll want to treat this as a lively group outing. If you prefer quiet, private travel, you may find the vibe a little busy during meal times and boarding.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Sicily
Meeting Point in Trapani: Where You Start (And How Not to Miss It)

The meeting point is at Egadi Escursioni di Torre Lines, Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 91100 Trapani (TP), Italy. The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns back to the same meeting point.
One practical tip: the information you get for departure can reference Intrepido – Egadi Escursioni at the ticket office and the meeting address ties to Egadi Escursioni di Torre Lines. That’s normal in places like Trapani where multiple desks and companies operate in the same port area. Just do this: get there early, show your confirmation (mobile ticket works), and follow staff direction for the correct boat line.
The good news is that it’s listed as near public transportation, so you can base yourself in Trapani without stressing about parking.
The 8-Hour Flow: How the Day Feels From Morning to Return

You’re looking at roughly 8 hours total. Most sailing days run from around 9:00 am departure to about 6:00 pm return.
The rhythm is simple:
- Set off from Trapani.
- A first island stop with time to walk and settle in.
- A second island stop with shorter, focused time.
- A swim break where you can jump in from the boat or near a cove.
- Lunch onboard, plus cruising views along the way back.
This is the kind of tour where you’re never stuck waiting too long. Still, you’re on island time, boat time, and port time, all in one day. If you’re the type who likes to linger with zero schedule pressure, plan to treat the islands as “see and enjoy” stops rather than slow roaming marathons.
Stop 1: Trapani Harbor Basics Before You Go
In the morning, you’ll depart from Trapani port with staff handling boarding. Expect a short buffer while you get oriented and loaded. You should come ready with your swim stuff if you’re planning to get in the water, because the day moves fast once the boat leaves.
One small but helpful expectation: there’s a restroom onboard, which makes it easier to manage the timing. Bottled water is included, so you don’t have to hunt for it right away.
Stop 2: Favignana in Two Hours (What’s Worth Doing)
Favignana is the larger of the two, and you get about 2 hours free time at the port. This is your main window for walking, spotting viewpoints, and choosing where you want to swim.
What you’ll likely love: the day gives you the chance to combine a real island vibe with boat convenience. Even with limited time, Favignana feels like you’ve arrived somewhere specific, not just stopped for a quick photo.
Here’s the practical part: if you want a more spread-out look, you might consider renting a bike. One recent sailing described bike rentals on Favignana for 5€ per person, which can help you get to coves or viewpoints without burning all your minutes on walking back and forth.
Swim reality check: not every bay is ideal for easy swimming. For example, Calla Rossa is known for its look, but at least one group found it more rocky than sandy, so it’s better for jumping in carefully than for a soft beach day.
Also, keep an eye on your time. Two hours can vanish fast once you’re looking at the water, walking a few streets, and trying to find the best place to hang out.
Between Islands: Cruising Views and a Boat Swim Moment
One of the most satisfying parts of this cruise is the time on the water between stops. You get a chance to relax on deck, enjoy views from upper or lower areas, and watch the coastline change as the boat moves.
Then there’s usually a swim break at a notable cove. On one outing, the schedule included time connected with Red Cove, and the experience description included jumping from the boat. That’s where water shoes can be your friend, because you don’t always control what the boat chooses for the most convenient jump point.
If you’re traveling with kids or less-confident swimmers, it’s a good idea to be cautious and stay near the handrails. The water looks inviting, but you’re in charge of your own comfort.
Stop 3: Levanzo’s Quick Taste (And Why It Works)

Levanzo is shorter: you get about 1 hour free time at the port. This stop is less about packing in activities and more about getting a feel for the island’s pace.
What this is good for: if you want a calm interlude and a quick wander for viewpoints, Levanzo can feel like a breather after Favignana. One review noted there wasn’t much to discover in that limited time, and that the 1-hour stop was plenty. In other words, don’t plan this as your main island day.
What to do with your time: aim for a viewpoint walk and a slow look at the harbor. Then, if swimming is calling, treat it as a bonus rather than the whole plan.
Lunch On Board: The Included Meal That Actually Matters

Lunch is included, and this is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The meal is described as a highlight—simple but satisfying, with good portions and a “set it and enjoy it” convenience.
What you might find based on past descriptions:
- pasta with fresh tomato sauce
- a starter like bruschetta
- dessert such as apricots
- water is provided, and some days include fruit and cocktails
- music onboard, which keeps lunch from feeling like a rushed pause
This matters because a day cruise can otherwise be all logistics and no comfort. Here, the meal is part of the fun, not just a checklist item.
One practical warning from a less positive note: if there’s a mismatch between expected group size and actual numbers, meal time can feel chaotic. The best defense is arriving on time, keeping your expectations flexible, and not treating lunch like a quiet restaurant sit-down.
The Crew and Skippers: Why the Personality Counts
This cruise lives or dies by the crew’s energy, and that’s where the best days shine. Captain Giuseppe is repeatedly described as doing everything—cooking, guiding, and keeping the vibe upbeat. Other skippers like Nino and Rosario are also mentioned for being polite, smart, and entertaining.
That human factor is important because the tour is group-based and moving. When the captain communicates well and keeps things organized, you feel like the day is flowing for you. When communication slips, you feel it right away—especially around boarding and meals.
So if you’re deciding whether this is your kind of day trip, pay attention to how much you value friendly guidance and a playful onboard mood.
The Main Drawback to Consider: Crowd Pressure and Occasional Hiccups
The overall rating is strong, but there’s at least one clear caution. One account described a problem where they weren’t on the expected list at first, and the group size ended up larger than planned, leading to a chaotic lunch moment.
You can’t control every operational variable, but you can protect your day:
- arrive early enough to get settled before boarding stress starts
- keep your patience for a full-day group itinerary
- bring a small tolerance for noise during peak times
Also, boats can vary. One description said the boat size was slightly bigger than what people expected from online images. That usually isn’t a big issue, but if you’re using photos to judge comfort, treat them as approximate.
Who Should Book This Cruise Favignana–Levanzo?
This tour fits best if you want:
- an easy Sicily day trip from Trapani
- a mix of island time + onboard comfort
- lunch included with minimal planning
- a chance to swim or at least jump in when conditions are right
It’s also a nice family option, as long as kids are with adults (children must be accompanied by an adult). If you’re a couple or solo traveler, it’s a solid choice for seeing both islands without logistics headaches.
You might skip it if:
- you hate crowds and long lines of activity
- you want lots of hours on just one island
- you need a very slow-paced itinerary with lots of flexibility
Quick Tips to Make Your Day Better
A few practical moves that help most people:
- Bring swimwear and a towel or quick-dry layer, since there’s free time for water fun and a boat swim moment.
- If you’re sensitive to rocky areas, use water-friendly footwear; coves aren’t always sandy.
- Bring a little cash or payment flexibility for the 5€ Marine Protected Area fee.
- Use the included bottled water, and pace yourself in the sun.
Should You Book It? My Take
I’d book this if you’re traveling in Sicily and you want the simple win: two islands, a real lunch, and a well-structured day with minimal thinking. It’s good value once you account for transport from Trapani and the onboard meal, and it sounds like the crew often brings genuine personality to the day.
But I’d weigh the crowd aspect and accept that things can get busy on meal and boarding times, especially on higher-capacity departures. If you can handle a group setting and want swim time plus island wandering, this cruise is a very practical way to do Favignana and Levanzo in one shot.
FAQ
Which islands does the cruise visit?
You visit Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani by boat.
What time does the tour start, and when does it end?
The activity starts at 9:00 am and typically runs for about 8 hours. It ends back at the meeting point.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled water and a restroom on board.
What’s not included in the price?
The Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands fee is not included (5.00€ per paying passenger). Souvenir photos may be purchased separately, and a touristic guide is listed as not included.
Do I have to pay an Egadi Islands protected area fee?
Yes. The Marine Protected Area ticket is 5.00€ per paying passenger and is not included.
Is the tour in English?
Yes. The tour is offered in English.
Will I have a guide on the boat?
A separate touristic guide is listed as not included, but the experience does include guidance from the onboard captain/crew while cruising.
Is there time to swim?
Yes. You get free time on both islands, and the day includes time on the water with a swim opportunity during the cruise.
Can children join?
Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.




























