Two islands, one boat, and serious Sicilian views. From Trapani, this Egadi Islands cruise ties together Favignana and Levanzo with that classic on-the-water feeling, plus a day that’s well paced for sightseeing. I especially like the friendly captain/crew and the typical Trapani lunch on board, which comes with water, wine, and fruit. Still, it can get crowded, and the swimming stop is more limited than you might expect.

This is an about-8-hour outing that runs on a set schedule: you’ll depart at 9:30 am from Trapani, then work your way from Favignana to a cove swim and over to Levanzo before heading back by about 17:00–18:00. With a max of 150 people and English offered, it’s a good fit if you want a straightforward day trip, not a slow, private charter.

Key highlights

• Favignana free time that feels useful: village wandering, shopping, and time for the Ex Stabilimento Florio museum.
• A cove cruise plus a swim break: stops along the Favignana coast, including Cala Rossa and other named coves.
• Typical Trapani lunch served on board: pasta and melon, with water, wine, and fruit included.
• Levanzo for the village vibe: a short but pleasant hour on the island before the boat tour runs again.
• Faraglioni and coves off Levanzo: the ride gives you that rocky coastline view without needing to hike.

Egadi Islands day trip: Favignana and Levanzo in one go

If you’re staying in western Sicily, the Egadi Islands are the kind of day trip you remember. Favignana brings the more “lively” island experience, with an inhabited village and a strong connection to the sea. Levanzo is smaller and calmer, which is exactly why the pairing works: you get both energy levels in one day.

This tour is designed for people who don’t want to fuss with ferries and transfers all day. You board in Trapani, do your sightseeing by boat, then get scheduled free time to explore on land. The timing is tight enough to feel efficient, but long enough to still buy a snack, poke around, and sit for a bit.

The 9:30 am Trapani departure and how the timing really feels

The day starts at the Trapani port with boarding beginning about 30 minutes before the 9:30 am departure. That matters because ports run like ports: lines, stowage, and the usual “we’ll go when everyone’s settled” vibe. Aim to arrive early so you’re not juggling bags while everyone else is already seated.

Once you’re off, the ride to Favignana takes about 40 minutes, so you’re not stuck on the water for half the morning. You arrive around 10:20, giving you a chunk of time before lunch and the later coast cruise.

The schedule is built to keep you moving: Favignana free time, then back on the boat around 12:30, then Levanzo, then the final return to Trapani by about 17:00–18:00. If you hate rushed transitions, you’ll still enjoy the scenery, but you’ll want to keep your “check out everything” expectations realistic.

Favignana island time: village stroll, Ex Stabilimento Florio, and beach access

Favignana is where you’ll spend the most time on land—about 2 hours. That’s enough to do the core things without feeling like you must sprint. You can wander the inhabited village, shop for small island items, and visit the museum Ex Stabilimento Florio.

The museum stop is a smart inclusion because it gives context. You’re not just floating around pretty coves; you’re learning why this island has a distinct identity tied to the sea and local industry. If you’re a museum person, plan to spend at least part of your free time there rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

Then there’s the beach time. The tour gives you the option to swim in front of the port. This is where you’ll feel the difference between “boat day” and “beach day,” because the shore areas on islands are often rocky or compact compared with mainland beaches. Bring swim shoes if you have them, just to make it easier once you’re off the boat.

If you want more than a simple stroll in the limited 2 hours, you might find a small paid train option on Favignana is a time-saver. It’s not required, but it can help you cover more ground fast if your goal is views over lingering.

Coastal cruise on Favignana: Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, and the lunch cove

Back on board around 12:30, the tour shifts into a coast-hugging mode. You’ll cruise along Favignana’s shoreline and pass several named coves, including Scalo Cavallo, Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, and Cala Azzurra. Even if you only recognize a couple of those names, the point is the same: you’re getting repeated “look at this” views without needing to navigate the island roads.

At some point during this section, the boat stops so you can take a bath. This is one of the tour’s biggest draws, since it changes the day from sightseeing to something physical and fun—saltwater, sun, and that Mediterranean reset.

A practical note: one negative review flagged that swimming can feel tight on the boat’s stop, with a small area and lots of rocks rather than easy sand. So while swimming is included, it may not be the kind of carefree beach swim you picture. If that’s your priority, go in expecting a short, concentrated swim break more than an all-day swim setup.

Lunch is served onboard during this segment—typically Trapani-style (pasta alla Trapanese) followed by juicy melon. You also get water, wine, and fruit included. That’s a big deal on a day trip, because it saves you time and removes the pressure of finding a restaurant with a view at the exact right moment.

Levanzo in one hour: village time, plus Faraglioni and coves by boat

Levanzo is the smaller payoff and the quieter mood shift. You’ll head there after the Favignana coast part, then get about 1 hour of free time on the island’s village. This is short by design, but it’s often enough to soak up the slower pace: walk a few streets, look at the sea from town edges, and enjoy the fact that you’re not fighting crowds for every view.

Levanzo also gets its “wow factor” from the water. After your hour, the boat tour continues with views of the Faraglione di Levanzo and other picturesque coves such as Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola. This is the moment when you stop thinking about schedules and just watch the coastline slide by.

If you love “rocky coast” scenery, this part delivers. If you were hoping for long beach time on the island itself, your schedule won’t support it. You’re here for views, short village time, and a boat tour that keeps the day moving.

Lunch on board: what to expect from typical Trapani food

The onboard lunch is a clear highlight for many people. The usual pattern is pasta alla Trapanese, then melon. It comes with water, wine, and fruit, which means you don’t have to spend part of your day hunting down lunch.

That said, food on shared excursions can vary in perception. Some guests call it good and filling; one guest was blunt that it felt basic and not worth the money. So I’d set your expectations like this: it’s a practical included meal that keeps you from starving, not a gourmet restaurant experience.

If you’re picky about meals, it can help to pack a small snack too. You’re not told about any extra meal options, so having a backup bite can make the day feel smoother if lunch isn’t your style.

Price and extra fees: is $54.31 good value?

The published price is about $54.31 per person, and that already includes the big-ticket parts you’d otherwise pay for on your own: boat transport, restroom access onboard, and lunch with drinks plus fruit. It also includes free time on both islands.

Now for the catch: entrance fees are listed as additional. There’s a €5.00 per person entrance fee payable before boarding, and there’s also a €5.00 per person fee for the Egadi Islands Marine Nature Reserve. Based on how it’s written, you may be looking at around €10 total in add-ons, depending on whether those items are distinct on the day you book.

So the real value question is: do you want a guided, scheduled day that covers both Favignana and Levanzo with lunch included? If yes, the total can still feel reasonable because you’re buying convenience plus time on both islands. If you’re mainly interested in one island or you prefer to build your own ferry day (and bring your own food), then the extra fees and set schedule may feel limiting.

Crowds, swim space, and the boat-size reality

This is a big-boat outing with a maximum of 150 people. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it explains why the mood can swing from fun to cramped depending on the day and weather.

The most repeated “watch-outs” from feedback are about crowding and swimming. One complaint described an overcrowded boat and a swim stop that felt too small and rocky, with no sand. Another concern was more about pacing: the Favignana free time can feel short if you want to do everything at once (museum, shopping, bathing, and a fuller island loop).

There’s also a concern raised about life jackets on at least one sailing. The only responsible way to handle this is simple: treat safety gear and swim conditions as something to check on the day you board. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re not a strong swimmer, you should think twice and consider a smaller-group option that’s built for more frequent, better-supported water time.

Who should book this Egadi Islands tour (and who might pass)

This tour suits you if you want:

• A simple day plan from Trapani with both islands
• Lunch included so you don’t spend your day budgeting meals
• Free time on land (2 hours Favignana, 1 hour Levanzo) plus boat viewing for the rest
• A boat-based view of coves and Faraglioni without committing to hikes

You might want a different plan if:

• Swimming is your main goal and you picture long, easy beach time
• You’re sensitive to crowding on large boats
• You dislike fixed schedules and prefer flexible ferry-and-stroll days

The best move is to match your expectations to the format. This is a classic “cover the highlights” excursion, not a private, long-stay island retreat.

Should you book the Egadi Islands tour with lunch on board?

I’d book it if your priority is a well-structured day that hits Favignana and Levanzo with food included and a coast cruise that shows you the Egadi from the water. The friendly crew and big scenery factor are exactly what make this kind of trip worth doing.

Before you book, do two things: plan to arrive early for the 9:30 am departure, and mentally budget the extra entrance fees (the €5 item(s) are listed clearly). Then set realistic expectations about swimming. You’ll likely get a swim break, but it may be short and not beachy.

If you’re okay with that trade, this tour is strong value for a one-day taste of the Egadi Islands.

FAQ

What time does the Egadi Islands tour leave Trapani?

The boat departs at 9:30 am from the port of Trapani. You should plan to be there about 30 minutes before departure for boarding.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 93a, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as a typical Trapani lunch, plus water, wine, and fruit.

Do you get free time on both islands?

Yes. You get free time on Favignana (about 2 hours) and on Levanzo (about 1 hour), plus a boat tour of coves around Levanzo.

Are there entrance fees you should pay before boarding?

Yes. An entrance fee of €5.00 per person is listed as payable before boarding, and there is also a €5.00 per person fee for the Egadi Islands Marine Nature Reserve.

Does the tour include swimming?

The schedule includes a stop for a bath during the Favignana coast section, and Favignana also includes time where you can swim in front of the port.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.