Eight hours, nonstop sea time, then island wandering. I love how this tour is built around short, well-timed swim stops guided by the captain, not long stretches of “tour bus thinking” on the water. I also like the small group setup, max 12 people, which keeps the vibe friendly and makes it easier to get in and out quickly for snorkeling.

The main thing to consider is that it is a boat day, not a cushy lounge day. If you want lots of shade or you have mobility limits, plan ahead, because some boats have limited sun protection and more people sit in uncovered spots while others get closer to the deck seating.

Key Highlights You Will Feel Right Away

• Small-group max 12 keeps the pace comfortable and reduces waiting at swim stops
• Crew-led swim spots focus on calm, scenic places for safer, easier snorkeling
• Snorkel equipment included, plus practical extras like inflatables mentioned in crew stories
• Favignana break gives real time for independent wandering or a meal at local restaurants
• Full day mix of bays and coves, from Cala Azzurra to quiet Levanzo coves

Why Favignana and Levanzo by Small-Group Boat Works So Well

If you are picturing the Egadi Islands as “just another coastline,” this tour corrects that fast. You spend your day hopping between bays with distinct colors and different water conditions, so each swim stop feels like a separate postcard.

The best part is the small boat size. With up to 12 people, crossings feel brisk but not chaotic, and you are not stuck waiting behind a crowd when it is time to get back onboard. That matters when the whole point is water time, not standing in line.

Price and What You Actually Get for Around $115

At about $114.88 per person for roughly 8 hours, you are paying mainly for three things: the boat transport, the crew’s local driving skills, and the freedom to swim/snorkel in multiple spots without doing it yourself.

This price includes fuel, the captain, all fees and taxes, snorkel equipment, snacks, and a drinks selection (soft drinks plus alcoholic drinks are listed as available). That is a big value boost compared to piecing it together with a private boat plus rented gear plus snacks.

Lunch is not included, so you should treat the Favignana time as your meal planning window, not a guaranteed paid lunch. A couple of reviews note the lunch stop can feel hot and not everyone loves every restaurant option, so go in with a plan: walk first, then pick a place with shade.

Getting to the Boat in Trapani (Meeting Point Tip Included)

This tour starts and ends back at the meeting area in Trapani. Pickup is offered, so if you prefer to reduce stress, check that option when you book.

A useful detail from past riders: the meeting point is listed as Columbus Yachting, under the statue of Madonna. One review also warned that it can be unclear at first, so go around the back of the bar or café area and look for the waiting zone. In other words, do not just stare at the front entrance and hope it works out.

Near public transportation, so you can also reach it without needing a taxi, depending on where you are staying.

Your Swim-Stop Route: Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, and Cala Rossa

The day is organized like a string of wins, each one about 40 to 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Stop 1: Scogliera Cala Azzurra

This is named for intense blue water, and that is the point. You get a relatively quick taste of the island’s “wow” color, then move on before the sun gets too punishing or the water changes.

Stop 2: Bue Marino Beach

Here you are looking at the sea with a side of history, the old tuff quarries on the island that overlook the water. It is one of those stops where you can snorkel, then look around for shapes in the rock as you float.

Stop 3: Scogliera di Cala Rossa

Cala Rossa is described as crystal-clear turquoise water, and the snorkeling focus is clear. This is the kind of stop where the crew’s experience helps, because conditions can change fast, and they pick spots where it is safer and easier to jump in.

A recurring theme in the onboard comments is that crew members take the work seriously, meaning they do not treat swimming as a free-for-all. You get practical guidance on where it is easy to enter and exit.

Favignana Time: Village Walk, Florio Trap, and Lunch Choices

Then you dock at the port of Favignana for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is your true land break, and it is where you decide how you want to spend your energy: wander the town streets, see an old Florio trap, or eat at typical restaurants.

Favignana village time is not long, but it is enough if you keep it simple. If you want photos and a short stroll, move quickly from the port area toward the main streets and pick a viewpoint that fits your pace. If you want to eat, aim to choose something early in the visit, because you do not want to rush your meal at the end.

One review point you should take seriously: on a very hot day, this island break can feel uncomfortable because there is not a lot of cool-off shade. You also might find food options vary, so if you are picky, treat it like a short scouting mission first.

The time on Favignana is still worth it, though, because without it you would just be “another boat that circles islands.” This gives you a taste of island life.

Grotta degli Innamorati and Levanzo: Caves, Cliff Views, and Quiet Ports

After Favignana, the route turns more scenic and more coastal.

Stop 5: Grotta degli Innamorati

The Lovers’ cave stop is designed for swimming inside and seeing the hidden small beach behind the rocks. It sounds like a highlight, and many riders describe the sea swimming portions as a top memory.

One caution from real-world experience: if sea conditions are not suitable, this stop may not happen for safety. That is exactly when a good crew matters. You would rather miss a cave moment than take a risky transfer.

Stop 6: Levanzo

You skirt an imposing cliff as you head toward Levanzo’s port area. There is a specific view of the small port heading toward Cala Fredda, and it gives you a change of pace from Favignana’s busier feeling.

Levanzo is the “smaller island” vibe, and that is a nice counterweight after Favignana. If you like quiet corners and photos where the background is all rock and sea, you will appreciate the shift.

Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola: Posidonia Seafloors and a Pine-Edge Cove

The final segment is all about variety, from a seabed you can actually spot to a quieter cove to end the day.

Stop 7: Cala Fredda

This bay has a seabed covered in Posidonia, plus a pebble beach that you can reach by swimming. Posidonia is a real-life “this is what healthy underwater looks like” detail, and it gives the snorkeling a different feel than random sand bottoms.

Stop 8: Spiaggia di Cala Minnola

This is the quiet cove stop in Levanzo, with a pine forest looking out over the sea. It is a great place to finish, because by this point you have already had your “big wow” moments, and now you get to relax and let the water do the work.

Past riders mention the water being clear and calm in several of these spots, which is exactly what you want for easy snorkeling. If you are new to snorkeling, this is where you can build confidence without feeling rushed.

Snorkeling Gear, Drinks, and the On-Board Social Scene

On paper, the inclusions are straightforward: snorkel equipment plus snacks and drinks, including soft and alcoholic options. In practice, the vibe matters almost as much as the gear.

From past experiences, the crew tends to keep the day moving smoothly with good music, mixed styles (American and Italian classics are mentioned), and drinks available throughout. That does not turn it into a party boat, but it does make the time feel lighter, especially during the short crossings between stops.

Snorkeling setup is practical, not fussy. You get gear, and there are mentions of help for different swimming abilities, including inflatables if needed. If you can swim confidently, great, but if you cannot, this kind of support makes it feel more inclusive.

One note for solo travelers: the small group can be social, but it might not be perfectly English-speaking across everyone. If you want deep conversation, you may have better luck on a day when your fellow passengers also share your language.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is a good match if you want a high value sea day with snorkeling, multiple bays, and just enough Favignana time to feel the island without turning the day into a logistics project.

It is also a great fit for groups of friends and couples who want a shared experience that still gives you individual swim time. One recurring praise is that the pace is right, with enough time at each stop to enjoy it, plus a solid main island lunch break.

Who should consider a different option: anyone who needs lots of shade or has mobility concerns. One review described limited sun protection and mostly uncovered seating, with some older guests sitting in areas that can feel uncomfortable for an 8-hour outing. The crew can help with getting on and off, but the boat itself might not meet your comfort needs.

Sea conditions also matter. The tour requires good weather, and the cave stop could be skipped if conditions do not allow it.

Should You Book This Egadi Islands Boat Tour from Trapani?

I would book this if your ideal Sicily day includes clear water, quick jumps into the sea, and a small-group boat that prioritizes swimming. The combination of multiple swim stops, included snorkeling gear, and the Favignana land break is a strong value for the price.

I would pause before booking if you strongly need shade, prefer a slower pace, or are sensitive to being on a small boat for about 8 hours. For those needs, you might prefer a different format with more comfort and less time standing or sitting on open deck areas.

If you do book, plan for the sun, bring swim-ready essentials, and treat Favignana like a short, flexible outing. The payoff is a day that feels like the Egadi Islands are the main character, not just a view from a boat window.

FAQ

How long is the Favignana and Levanzo boat tour from Trapani?

The tour lasts about 8 hours (approximately), with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling plus time to visit Favignana and Levanzo.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which keeps the experience more personal and easier to manage at each stop.

Is pickup available in Trapani?

Pickup is offered, and you can check availability when you book.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with snacks and a drinks selection (soft drinks and alcoholic drinks).

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You will have time on Favignana to choose a restaurant or eat independently.

Are the port stops admission tickets included?

The itinerary lists admission tickets as free for the stops included on the route.

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

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.