Eight hours on open water sounds simple, until you do it. This small-group sail from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo stacks swim stops in standout coves with time to actually walk Favignana, plus a look at Trapani’s Colombaia castle before you leave port. My favorite part is how the day feels unhurried even with a packed route, but there’s one real consideration: it’s not recommended if you get seasick.

You’ll join at Marina di Levante (near public transport) and you can expect English throughout, with a maximum of 12 travelers on board. The tour runs about 8 hours, and confirmations come within 48 hours when available, so it’s a smart plan if you want a flexible day that still feels organized.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small group size (max 12) keeps the day calm and personal, not ferry-crowded.
• Multiple swimming anchors means you’re not stuck at one beach.
• Favignana town time (about 2 hours) is enough to walk and taste local dishes.
• Levanzo adds a wilder feel, with cove swimming and a stop near the village.
• Good weather matters, and the pace can shift if conditions change.

What you’re really buying: a full Egadi day, not just a boat ride

This is a classic Egadi islands day trip in spirit: you start in Trapani, sail out, pause often to swim in different coves, then finish back where you started. What makes it worth your time is the structure. Instead of one long day at a single stop, you get several short chapters of sea and scenery, each with its own feel.

I also like that the day includes both water time and land time. You’re not just jumping in and out; you get a break to walk Favignana and see how people live there, eat, and move through town.

The “trade” is that you’re living by the boat schedule. Swim breaks are around an hour at each cove, so this isn’t for people who want hours of uninterrupted beach lounging.

Getting started at Marina di Levante in Trapani

You’ll meet at Mare and More – Escursioni in barca Favignana e Levanzo da Trapani, at Marina di Levante, Via Ammiraglio Staiti 18, 91100 Trapani. The start time is 10:00 am, and the tour returns you back to the same meeting point.

A couple practical notes from how the day is described:

• You’ll want to be ready for water time early, since you’re already set up for a swim shortly after leaving port.
• The route is best with decent sea conditions, because there’s wind, sail movement, and repeated stops.

If you’re sensitive to motion, the operator specifically says it’s not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness. If you’re unsure, their advice is to have a dry breakfast, possibly salty. That’s not magic, but it can help some people.

Colombaia castle view: a smart pre-departure moment

Before you sail toward Favignana, you get a view of the Colombaia castle, a symbol of Trapani. It’s a small touch, but it sets the mood fast.

Why I like this: you’re not waiting until mid-day to feel like you’re seeing something. You get an immediate sense of place—Trapani isn’t just a departure point; it’s part of the story.

Favignana swim stops: Cala Azzurra, Grotta del Bue Marino, and Cala Rossa

Favignana is where the itinerary leans hardest into sea time, with a string of swimming pauses.

Cala Azzurra (first swim break)

The day’s first stop is Scogliera Cala Azzurra, a swim break of about 1 hour. The description focuses on turquoise water, fish in the bay, and the easy pleasure of dropping in right off the boat.

What to expect in real life: you’ll have limited time, so you’ll get the best results if you arrive set for swimming. Think swimwear on, gear ready, and sunscreen sorted.

Grotta del Bue Marino

Next is Grotta del Bue Marino, another 1-hour swimming stop tied to the island’s identity. Here, you can admire old tuff quarries—a reminder that Favignana is shaped by stone, not just beaches.

This stop is especially appealing if you like your swimming to include a little visual contrast: the sea plus the geology.

Cala Rossa

Then you move to Scogliera di Cala Rossa, again about 1 hour. This is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, with crystal-clear, uncontaminated waters.

One useful detail from reviews: when wind cooperates, the skipper may shut off the engine and let the sail do more of the work. Translation: you might get a more “alive” sailing feel between stops, not just motoring.

One planning note: reviews mention that the exact number of coves can vary depending on wind and sea conditions. So treat the itinerary as a plan, not a guarantee of the exact same rhythm.

Favignana town break: your chance to eat and walk

After the swimming sequence, the tour shifts gears with Favignana (about 2 hours). Instead of staying anchored, you get time for a town visit and food.

You can take a guided walk to places of interest and also fit in restaurant time. The tour description even calls out local flavors like:

• kebab with tuna
• pistachio coffee

I like this stop because it stops the day from becoming one long routine. You’re in the sea, then you switch to the human side of the island: streets, viewpoints from town, and the simple pleasure of eating when you’re hungry.

If you like a bit of freedom, use most of your time for wandering at a comfortable pace rather than rushing through shops.

Levanzo’s quieter side: Cala Dogana and Cala Minnola

Levanzo is the smaller Egadi island, and the tone changes. The itinerary keeps you on the water with two main cove breaks and a stop after viewing the village area.

Cala Dogana (swim in Levanzo)

Your first Levanzo swim stop is Spiaggia di Cala Dogana, about 1 hour. The description leans into wildness: changing colors, clear water, and lots of fish.

In practical terms, it’s a great spot if you want Levanzo’s feel without needing to do extra planning on land.

After the village: Cala Minnola snorkeling and swim time

Then you go to Spiaggia di Cala Minnola for an additional 1-hour stop described as snorkeling and swimming. Another Cala Minnola stop appears later as the final bathroom break of the day, also about 1 hour.

The tour highlights Cala Minnola’s marine pines reaching the beach, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a cove feel different from a pure open shoreline. Two stops here also give you a chance to return—maybe you swim first, then later you return when conditions feel even better.

Onboard vibe: what the small group really feels like

A big chunk of the value here is the boat culture. Reviews consistently describe the sailing boat as charming and the experience as feeling like a day out, not a conveyor belt.

Skipper names that show up in feedback include Max/Massimo and also Silvio. Across these stories, the consistent themes are:

• you feel safe on the water
• the skipper knows how to read wind and sea
• the onboard hosting is friendly and relaxed

One review mentions the skipper turning off the engine when sailing conditions were right. Another mentions English communication via WhatsApp. Even if your skipper is different, you can generally expect clear guidance and a comfortable tone.

Food is another part of the “why this works” story. Multiple reviews mention a meal such as seafood pasta, plus snacks like cantucci (including one comment calling them the best), fruit, and in at least one account a fruit salad with prickly pears. White wine is also mentioned in one review.

You should treat meals as part of the onboard hospitality you can reasonably expect based on feedback, not as a substitute for your own plans. Still, it helps explain why the day feels complete even though you’re moving around constantly.

Price and value: is $138.47 per person fair for this day?

At $138.47 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for three things that don’t come cheap on the Egadi route:

• a small-group boat day (max 12)
• multiple anchored swimming coves
• a guided Favignana town break plus onboard hospitality

For many people, the value comes down to replacement costs. If you tried to replicate this on your own—boat rental, fuel, or separate transport to each cove—you’d likely spend more and still end up with less pacing and less help.

Is it expensive compared to a basic ferry? Yes. Is it cheaper than paying for a guided, multi-stop sea day with food and a town walk? Often, it’s competitive.

Also, you’re not just paying for the ride. You’re paying for the timing. The stops are designed so you’re swimming in different spots across the day instead of waiting around.

Weather, wind, and seasickness: the two real variables

The tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund. That’s a key point for planning your week in Sicily—don’t book this as your only open day.

Wind matters too. Reviews describe days where wind allows more sailing and even moments where the engine is turned off. Other days may mean the route feels more motor-driven and the number of coves you hit could adjust.

Then there’s seasickness. The operator explicitly says it’s not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness. Their practical tip is dry breakfast with something salty if you’re unsure. If you know you’re sensitive, take that seriously.

Who this tour suits best (and who might not love it)

This is a strong match if you:

• want many swimming stops without planning transfers
• like small groups and a more personal feel
• want a day that includes both sea time and a town break
• prefer a skipper who gives clear guidance in English

It’s less ideal if you:

• get motion sick easily
• want lots of long, unstructured time on one beach
• hate changing locations every hour

Should you book this boat tour?

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who wants a full Egadi day with minimal logistics. The small group size, multiple swim coves, and the fact that Favignana includes a real town window make this feel like more than a simple excursion. If you’re comfortable on boats and you’re going for sea and swimming variety, it’s an excellent use of a day around Trapani.

Skip it, or at least think twice, if seasickness is a strong issue for you. And if your schedule is tight, remember weather can shift plans.

If you can be flexible and you want a relaxed day with a skilled skipper and a friendly onboard vibe, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

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

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point in Trapani?

You’ll meet at Mare and More – Escursioni in barca Favignana e Levanzo da Trapani, at Marina di Levante, Via Ammiraglio Staiti 18, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Do you get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

Is the swimming and tour time included at each stop free?

The stops listed in the itinerary show admission ticket free for each swim or sightseeing stop.

Is lunch or food provided onboard?

Multiple reviews mention pasta and other onboard food (for example seafood pasta, fruit, and cantucci). The exact meal can vary, but it’s a consistent part of the experience in feedback.

What if I get seasick?

It’s not recommended if you suffer from seasickness. If you’re unsure, the guidance given is to eat a dry breakfast, possibly salty.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance do people usually book?

On average, it’s booked about 15 days in advance.

How soon will I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.