Small-boat days in Sicily feel like freedom. This RIB trip from Trapani strings together Favignana and Levanzo with lunch and an aperitif by the sea, plus guided stops for swimming and snorkeling around standout coves.

I like the fast, flexible feel of a 12-seater RIB. You get multiple real water stops, then a proper break in port for lunch on board and time to wander Favignana at your own pace.

One thing to consider: on a fast dinghy, you can end up getting wet, and the day may feel more Italian-focused depending on how the guide manages languages and the group.

Key points to know before you go

• 12-seater RIB means you spend more time moving through coves and less time waiting around
• Lunch on board plus snacks makes the day easier if you hate hunting for food between swims
• Guided photo stops + swim/snorkel windows keep the pacing lively without turning into a lecture marathon
• Favignana and Levanzo in one day is a strong way to taste the Egadi Islands fast
• Skippers like Pasquale and Santo get praise for keeping things friendly and professional
• Weather can change the plan, so go with a flexible mindset on sea days

Egadi Islands by RIB: what you’re really signing up for

This is a full 8-hour coast-hopping day built around short stretches of speed, then pauses where you can actually get in the water. The boat is a small RIB for up to 12 people, so the experience doesn’t feel like you’re trapped in a big group routine. You’re bouncing between coves, and that’s the whole point: the Egadi Islands look best from the sea, and the boat lets you reach places that feel far away from any road.

You also get food and sea-time in the same rhythm. Lunch is included on the day, and there’s an aperitif by the sea later, plus wine at Levanzo. In practice, that means fewer “what do we do now?” gaps, and more of the day stays light and social.

From Trapani to the harbor: meeting at Mare e Vento di Favignana

The meeting point is inside Mistral Wind Harbor in Trapani, at Mare e Vento di Favignana. There’s free parking nearby, which matters because Trapani isn’t always the easiest place to wing it with limited bus schedules.

My advice: arrive early enough to park calmly and take your time putting your shoes and sunscreen in order. Water shoes are one of those items that suddenly become important the second you step off a boat, and you don’t want to be fumbling while everyone else is lining up.

Once you’re at the harbor, the vibe is practical and ready-to-go. You’ll board the RIB and then start with a short run over to Favignana.

The 8-hour rhythm: speed, swim stops, and land time that isn’t rushed

The structure of the day is simple:

• A speedboat transfer (about 30 minutes) to get you into the islands fast.
• Several coves with photo stops, guided pointers, and time to swim or snorkel.
• A long port break in Favignana with lunch and then a self-guided hour.
• A shift to Levanzo with more swim stops, plus wine time.
• Return by speedboat (another 30 minutes).

This pacing is a good match for people who want variety. You’ll be on the water enough to get that “we’re really going somewhere” feeling, but you’ll also get enough on-land time to reset and wander rather than just hopping off and back on repeatedly.

Favignana swim coves: Cala Azzurra to the Lovers’ Cave

Favignana is where the day gets its biggest “wow” factor, mostly because the coastline is all about small, sheltered breaks. You start with a stop at Cala Azzurra for a swim/snorkel window and photos. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, this is a perfect first splash because the boat lets you get in quickly and then you can decide if you want to stay floating or explore more.

Next is Bue Marino. You’ll get another guided moment and a chance to swim and snorkel again. This stop is worth treating like a mini break: the sea time feels like a reset button, and the RIB format keeps it from turning into a long wait.

Then comes Cala Rossa on Favignana. This is one of those areas that feels designed for photos and short swims. Plan for sun and bring your eye protection. If you’re going to snorkel at all during the day, do it when you still feel fresh, because later you’ll be mixing water with lunch and land time.

Finally, you’ll reach Grotta degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Cave). You get a photo stop plus a guided look, and then another swim/snorkel window. This is the stop people often remember because it feels more dramatic than a standard beach. It also tends to be a good moment for couples and anyone who wants that “movie scene” coastline without needing a helicopter.

Small drawback to keep in mind on Favignana stops

The schedule moves. Each swim/snorkel window is typically 30–45 minutes, so if you like to stay in the water for an hour+ at a time, you may feel slightly rushed. On the flip side, that’s also what keeps the day from feeling like one long slog in the sun.

Favignana port break: lunch, tasting, and that one hour of real wandering

After the coves, you’ll head to Favignana port for a longer break (about 1 hour) that includes lunch and food tasting. This part matters more than it sounds. A boat day without a proper meal turns into an all-day snack hunt, and this avoids that.

From what I see in the experience, the lunch is often described as simple, authentic, and genuinely good, with a street-food vibe. That’s a big plus in a place where you might otherwise spend the day too full of gelato and coffee to enjoy the sea stops. You’re not dressed down to eat either: it’s relaxed, but it’s still a real meal, not just a packaged bite.

Then you get another block of time back on Favignana (about 1 hour) for walking, shopping, sightseeing, and a self-guided stroll. This is your chance to cool off, get a feel for the island town, and pick up a small souvenir or a snack for later. If you want something slightly slower than boat life, this is it.

Levanzo: fewer crowds feel, more pocket beaches

Levanzo is where the day changes tempo. You’ll make your way from Favignana to Levanzo and then start the next set of coves.

First up is Cala Dogana. Expect the same format: photo stop, guided tour, and time to swim or snorkel. If you’re starting to feel the full-day sun, treat this as your second wind stop.

Then you move to Cala Cold / Cala Fredda (the day plan lists Cala Cold, while the highlights refer to Cala Fredda). Either way, it’s a beach stop built for water time, with guided context and another swim/snorkel window. If you’re prone to sea-shoes issues, keep your water shoes handy. Levanzo and Favignana coves are worth it, but footing can be unpredictable around the edges.

Next is Cala Minnola, another guided photo stop plus swim/snorkel time. This is the kind of place where the water looks clear enough that you’ll want to pause and just look down for a minute before you commit to snorkeling.

In the middle of Levanzo time, there’s also a wine break (about 30 minutes). This is the social part of the schedule that keeps things from turning into a pure “swim, repeat” day. It also gives you a calm moment if the morning sun already feels intense.

Snorkeling and the Marine Protected Area: how to use the included access

The day includes access to the Marine Protected Area. While the details of the rules aren’t listed here, the practical takeaway is simple: the itinerary is built around protected waters and natural coves, so you’re more likely to be directed toward areas where the experience is meant to be respectful and nature-focused.

What you should do is plan your gear so you can take advantage of the time you get in the water:

• Wear beachwear you don’t mind getting sandy.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen so you can dry off and reset after each stop.
• Use water shoes for easier stepping around boarding areas and rocky edges.

Also, don’t forget sunglasses and a hat. On small boats, shade is limited, and you’ll feel it even if you’re not baking on shore.

One more real-life note about the RIB ride

This is a speedboat on open sea, so you can get spray. One review mentioned they ended up wet despite having towels and shirts ready. If you’re the type who hates getting soaked, consider bringing a light extra layer that you can keep in a dry bag.

What the guides are like: learning names, not just facts

This tour includes a live tour guide in Italian and English. In real life, that can range from very chatty to more info-at-each-stop focused. I like that the day isn’t just sightseeing from the rail; you get guided moments during the photo stops, which helps you understand what you’re looking at.

Skippers are a big part of the vibe, and you’ll see strong praise for people like Pasquale and Santo for being friendly, helpful, and professional. If you care about clear explanations, I’d treat the first stop as your chance to ask a quick question about language and timing so you know what to expect for the rest of the day.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This day trip is a great match if you want:

• Family time with active stops, since multiple reviews mention it working well even with children
• A couple-friendly day with scenic coves and romantic-feeling moments like Grotta degli Innamorati
• Friends who want variety: speed, swims, lunch, and a relaxed wine break

It’s not a match for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 2
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments

If you’re in one of those categories, look for a different format that’s easier for boarding and movement, like a slower boat or an on-island beach plan.

Value for your day: what you get beyond the boat ride

Even without a stated price here, you can judge value by what’s included. This trip stacks several things most “boat days” charge extra for:

• Multiple curated stops with guided segments
• Swimming and snorkeling time built into the schedule
• Lunch on board plus local snacking
• An aperitif by the sea
• Wine time at Levanzo
• Access connected to the Marine Protected Area

In other words, you’re not just buying transportation. You’re buying time structure. That’s a real value because it reduces decision fatigue, especially when sea days can throw weather variables at you.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

Bring the essentials listed by the operator: sunglasses, hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and water shoes. This isn’t the place to rely on flip-flops and hope for the best.

Also note what’s not allowed: weapons or sharp objects and glass objects. If you’re bringing a drink or personal items, keep it simple and plastic-friendly.

And go in with a flexible mindset. The itinerary can change due to sea weather. If conditions don’t allow the tour to run, a full refund is offered.

Should you book the Egadi Islands RIB tour to Favignana and Levanzo?

Book it if you want a single-day taste of the Egadi Islands with enough stops to feel like you saw multiple coasts, not just one beach. I’d especially recommend it if you like boat access and you’re happy spending your “sightseeing time” in the water as much as on land.

Skip it or choose a different option if you’re very sensitive to getting wet, need lots of nonstop explanation in your preferred language, or you’re not comfortable with the mobility demands of boarding and stepping around a small RIB.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Trapani?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Trapani?

You meet inside Mistral Wind Harbor in Trapani, at Mare e Vento di Favignana.

Which islands are visited?

The tour visits Favignana and Levanzo.

What food and drinks are included during the day?

Lunch is included on board, along with an aperitif by the sea. There is also wine during the Levanzo part of the itinerary.

Will there be time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. The schedule includes multiple stops with swimming and snorkeling time.

What should I bring for the boat and beach stops?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and water shoes.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments.

Can the plan change due to weather?

Yes, the itinerary may change due to sea conditions. If bad weather prevents the tour from taking place, you receive a full refund.