Coves, snorkels, and lunch on the water. This yacht excursion to Favignana and Levanzo is built for an easy day out: you get multiple swimming stops in protected coves, plus snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel tube with fins). You also get a real sit-down onboard lunch with Trapanese flavors, including pasta with fresh mint and capers, tomato tuna, fruit, and water and wine with the meal.

The main thing to consider is the onboard vibe can vary. One account of the experience mentions a captain who felt distant, and another notes that smoking can be frequent on the boat, which can affect comfort. If you’re hoping for lots of warm banter and a totally smoke-free atmosphere, this is worth thinking about before you book.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Two islands, several swim stops with time built in for photos and recovery
• Snorkeling equipment provided so you can travel light
• Lunch onboard with wine included (not just crackers and chips)
• Favignana port break with about two hours on land
• Covered lounge + sun mattresses for shade and relaxing

Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani: a smart 8-hour format

This trip is designed around one of the best ways to see the Egadi Islands without turning your day into a logistics puzzle. You’re out for about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the same meeting point around 5:30–6:00 pm. With a maximum of 28 people, it stays in the “group tour” zone rather than feeling like a floating bus.

The route also makes practical sense. You spend most of the day on the water between Favignana and Levanzo, with stops at coves that are sheltered from the island winds. That matters because sea conditions can change fast in this part of the Med, and sheltered spots make swimming more comfortable.

The schedule: what each block of time really means

The day is split into a rhythm: sail, swim, snack/lunch, port time, then one more island stop. Here’s how the timing plays out in real life:

• Morning: You leave at 9:30 am, and about an hour in you reach the Favignana area for the first swim and snorkeling.
• Midday: You get lunch onboard and a second swim break, with more coastal sailing in between.
• Afternoon: You shift to land time in Favignana port (about 2 hours), then head to Levanzo for another swimming stop.
• Return: You’re back to Trapani by late afternoon, not late evening.

Because the itinerary uses several short stops instead of one long one, you don’t feel stuck in a single place all day. It’s a good match if you want variety—swim spots, cliffs/coves, and at least a little “real town” time.

Cala Rossa (between Favignana and Levanzo): the first snorkel payoff

The day kicks off with sailing between Favignana and Levanzo, aiming for a cove described as the most sheltered from the prevailing winds. You’ll hit Cala Rossa and related coves in that first stretch—names like Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Lido Ravine, Cala Fridda, Cala Minnula, and Cala Tramontana come up as part of the coastal views.

What I like about this approach is that it treats the islands like what they are—rocky coastlines and natural “pockets” of sea life—rather than just saying you’ll see them from a distance. You’ll get your first swimming/snorkeling stop around an hour after departure, and the crew provides the masks/snorkel setup and fins.

Favignana’s natural shape is a big reason this works. The island has both beaches and caves, and that creates habitat and visual interest underwater. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys spotting fish and rock textures, this first stop is where you’ll feel the trip’s value most clearly.

Practical note: you’ll want to be ready to get in the water quickly. Bring swimwear under your clothes, and have your towel easy to grab.

Cala Azzurra: a second swim break with less rushing

After the first swim and some continued cruising along the coast, you’ll reach Cala Azzurra for another stop for bathing (about an hour). This segment is shorter on “lesson time” and longer on “go enjoy the water” time, which is exactly what you want on a day trip like this.

The trip also builds in the kind of pacing that helps you enjoy the water twice without feeling exhausted. If the first snorkel stop turns out to be the best for you, Cala Azzurra gives you a calmer follow-up. If you prefer swimming over snorkeling, this is often the sweeter spot because it’s less about gearing up again and more about relaxing in the cove.

Lunch onboard: Trapanese food that actually sounds like lunch

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package because it’s not an add-on. You’ll be offered a free onboard lunch with a Trapanese rustic appetizer, pasta as the first course with fresh mint and capers, tomato tuna, plus fresh seasonal fruit. You also get water and wine with the meal.

A few reasons this matters:

• You don’t need to chase food once you’re on the islands.
• Wine included makes the meal feel more “vacation” and less “logistics.”
• The menu leans local, so you taste the region rather than eating generic sandwich fare.

The day’s structure also helps you time it: after your first swim and before the longer land break, you get fuel and a chance to dry off. I also recommend using lunch as your re-set button—sunscreen, hats, and water refill before you head toward the next stop.

Favignana port time (about 2 hours): where the trip becomes real

After more cruising and a second swim segment, the itinerary includes a ground stop at Favignana port for about two hours. This is your stretch of land time—enough to wander a bit, take photos, and feel the island’s rhythm, without turning the day into a full hike.

One practical point: the bar service is not included, so if you want soft drinks or extra drinks, plan for that. With limited time ashore, you’ll likely appreciate having cash/card ready and deciding what you want before you walk far from the docks.

This is also a good time to look at what you’ve seen from the boat: the coves and caves you sailed past often look totally different once you’re closer. Even if you keep it simple—walk, grab a view, return—you’ll likely feel more connected to the island by the end.

Levanzo stop: calm coast time at Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula

The trip then shifts from Favignana to Levanzo, heading to another swimming stop—Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula (depending on conditions). This part is about giving you a contrast in scenery: Levanzo is described as keeping more of its natural character, with a slightly wilder, less developed feel.

Expect another about one-hour bathing period. Since you’ve already snorkeled once, you can choose your style here:

• If you liked snorkeling on the first stop, you’ll probably enjoy this one too.
• If you want less gear time, just swim and relax.

Either way, Levanzo tends to feel more “island-y,” and that makes it a nice payoff after you’ve had port time in Favignana. It also sets you up for the return sail with one last memorable water moment.

Boat comfort and the reality check on accessibility

The Shalimar IV experience isn’t marketed as a floating five-star hotel, and the details match that. You’ll have mattresses for sunbathing, a covered area in the lounge, and crew on hand. The boat also gives you panoramic views of both Favignana and Levanzo, which is part of why the day works so well even if you’re not in the water the whole time.

But there are real practical considerations:

• Toilet is downstairs with high steps, which can be difficult if you have mobility issues.
• The trip is not recommended for disabled people or those with walking problems, and not recommended for older people who have difficulty walking.
• It’s not suitable for people who cannot swim, and it’s not recommended for children under 5.
• You’ll have moderate physical fitness needs—mostly because of movement on and off the boat and getting to swim areas.

Also keep in mind the rule: no alcohol or hard alcohol onboard. (If you’re the type who brings a “sippy cup of vacation,” you’ll need to adjust expectations.)

Finally, if you’re sensitive to smoke: one account notes crew smoking frequently on board. That’s not something you can “solve” on arrival, so if it matters to you, take it seriously.

Price value: $108.37 plus one likely extra fee

At $108.37 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do the Egadi Islands—but it’s also not trying to compete with barebones ferry hopping. The value comes from the bundle:

Included that saves you money and effort:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask/snorkel tube + fins)
• Lunch onboard with wine
• Crew
• Covered lounge + sun mattresses
• Fuel (diesel) for the day’s cruising

Likely extra costs:

• A Marine Protected Area fee of €5.00 per person is not included.
• Bar service isn’t included, so drinks beyond what comes with lunch can cost more.

From a budgeting standpoint, I’d plan on the €5 fee as your “heads up” number. Then think of the main price as paying for transportation by boat plus a structured day with food and snorkeling setup included.

Who should book Shalimar IV, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you:

• Want multiple swimming stops rather than just one.
• Like the idea of snorkel gear handled for you.
• Appreciate a structured day with lunch included and limited decision-making.
• Are comfortable in a boat setting where you might go in and out of the water more than once.

Skip it if you:

• Can’t swim.
• Have mobility limitations that make stairs and boat movement hard.
• Are traveling with young kids under 5.
• Want a totally quiet, smoke-free environment and find onboard smoking a deal-breaker.

Group size is capped at 28, so it’s not too crowded, but it’s still social. If you’re looking for a private, hushed experience, you may want to consider a different style of boat outing.

About the captain and narration: professionalism vs warmth

One account highlights that the crew can be genuinely friendly—especially a crew member named Marianna—while also noting that the captain’s demeanor felt serious and less welcoming. Another note points out that there isn’t much in-depth introduction to the islands’ history.

So here’s how to calibrate your expectations:

• You’ll likely get good safety and smooth operations.
• You may or may not get lots of storytelling.
• You should be ready to enjoy the scenery primarily through views, swimming, and the feel of the coves, not through a long guided lecture.

If you want more context, it’s smart to bring a little curiosity of your own—learn a few island basics before you go, then use the ride to enjoy what’s right in front of you.

Should you book this yacht excursion?

I’d book it if you want a day that is simple, active, and built for water time. The combination of snorkeling gear included, a proper onboard lunch with wine, and real downtime in Favignana port makes it a strong value package for most people who can handle boat logistics and swimming.

I’d hesitate if you’re picky about onboard atmosphere—especially if smoke bothers you—or if your walking is limited, since the toilet access and general movement aren’t designed for easy mobility.

If you fit the “comfortable with swimming + moderate mobility” category, this trip is one of those Sicily experiences where you can spend the day doing something that feels immediately special: floating between coves, then jumping into them.

FAQ

What time does Shalimar IV depart?

The activity starts at 9:30 am and returns to the meeting point around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

How long is the yacht excursion?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

What’s included in the $108.37 price?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, lunch onboard (with water and wine), the crew, diesel fuel, and a ground stop in Favignana of about two hours, plus panoramic views and space for sunbathing and a covered lounge area.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. You’ll get the snorkeling equipment including tube and fin mask from the crew.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes, lunch is included onboard. It’s described as a Trapanese rustic appetizer, pasta with fresh mint and capers, tomato tuna, fresh seasonal fruit, plus water and wine with the meal.

Is the marine protected area fee included?

No. There’s a Marine Protected Area fee of €5.00 per person that’s not included.

Is there a bar onboard?

The bar service is not included, so drinks beyond what comes with lunch may cost extra.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?

It’s not recommended for children under 5 and not suitable for people who cannot swim.

What about cancellations and weather?

You can cancel for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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