Egadi Islands without the usual tour shuffle. This private charter lets you tailor your day across Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, with a skipper guiding every leg. You also choose the boarding point and the boat setup, so the experience feels made for your group, not scheduled for the masses.

I love the mix of freedom and support: you’re private, but you’re not left on your own. Two things I especially like are the included fins and masks for easy swimming and the Marine Protected Area authorization for Zones B, C, and D, which matters when you want to reach the good waters legally.

One drawback to consider is that the sea can be rough on the open crossing (Trapani to Favignana in particular), so you may want to plan for seasickness even if the stops are calm and beautiful.

Key highlights that make this charter feel easy

• Private group up to 8: you set the pace.
• Skipper with you the whole time: route, timing, and swim help.
• Boat choice from an actual fleet: match comfort to your group.
• Masks and fins included: no last-minute packing.
• Ice-cold drinks on board: the little thing that keeps the day happy.
• Protected-area access: you’re allowed where the best water is.

Private charter Egadi Islands: the real payoff is choice

What makes this charter stand out is that you can shape the day around your group. The Egadi Islands are close to Trapani, but different coves and islands feel totally different depending on wind, sea state, and your own energy level. With a private setup, you’re not stuck watching the same hard schedule play out for everyone else.

You can start from Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo, and you’ll be picked up by dinghy from whichever port you’re using. That flexibility is a big deal if you’re already bouncing between towns on Sicily and don’t want to “backtrack” just to catch the boat. It also makes it simpler to combine island time with time in mainland Trapani.

This is also a good match for groups who want to feel like they’re part of the islands rather than just passing through. A skipper is always with you, and that changes the whole vibe. You get help with where to swim, when to move, and how to read the water quickly.

Picking the right boat: from Stingher GT800 to Icon 40 GT

You’ll choose from a fleet of boats ranging from about 8 meters up to around 10 meters, and the engines vary by model. If you book directly here, the assigned option is the STINGHER GT800, an 8-meter boat with a Suzuki 300 engine (2007).

Here’s what the fleet list signals for you in plain terms:

• The smaller option (like the 8m Stingher) can feel more “snappy” for quick cove hopping with fewer people on board.
• The larger, twin-engine boats (like the 9m and 10m Capelli models, plus the Icon 40 GT) tend to offer more comfort when you’re planning a longer day or when conditions push you to move efficiently between islands.

From what you can infer about the operation, boat comfort matters most when you’re out for hours. One family described how a skipper paid attention to shade and water/drinks, which is exactly the kind of practical care you want on a private day. If you’re traveling with kids, the extra space and smoother handling can also make swimming stops less chaotic.

You don’t have to be a boat nerd to make this choice. If you’re a group that values space, stability, and shade, lean toward the bigger models. If you want a more compact, casual day with easy movement between stops, the smaller boat can feel perfect.

What the day feels like on the water (including the choppy moments)

Let’s talk reality. The Egadi Islands look calm in photos, but the sea can change fast. One practical tip from the experience: the crossing from Trapani to Favignana can be rough. That doesn’t mean your day is ruined, but it does mean you should plan for it if you’re even mildly sensitive to motion.

If you get motion sickness easily, bring medication you’re comfortable using and follow the label. A smart move is to ask your skipper what conditions look like before you settle in for the ride to Favignana. You’re private, so you can adapt in real time instead of “hoping for calm” the way you do on group tours.

The good news is that once you’re on the right side of the island geography, the swimming can feel like a different world. People describe the water as extremely still at the swim points, and that fits with why this itinerary style is so popular: you spend your energy in the places that are actually swimmer-friendly.

Also, you’re not stuck waiting in long lines or fighting for position. Your skipper can adjust the day if a stop is crowded. In one case, a group asked to skip a busy spot and the skipper showed alternate coves and caves instead. That’s the kind of “flex” you can’t really count on with fixed schedules.

Swimming gear and protected-area access: the stuff that actually saves time

This charter includes fins and masks, which is a practical win. You can show up, get in the water, and go. No hunting for rentals, no delaying the first swim while someone runs back to the car. If you already own your own gear, you can still bring it, but having what you need included makes the start of the day smoother.

You also get an igloo with ice plus soda/pop. That means you’re not stuck with warm drinks after an hour on the water. On long days, small comfort details matter more than people think.

Another inclusion that’s easy to overlook: authorization for the Marine Protected Area for Zones B, C, and D. In practice, that means you can access certain waters where you want to swim without worrying you’re out of bounds. It’s a quieter kind of value, but it’s real, especially in areas where rules exist for conservation.

One more tip: if you’re doing swimming with kids or people who are less confident in open water, keep an eye on distance and drift. In one story, a skipper jumped in to “taxi” a youngest granddaughter back toward the boat when she drifted too far. That’s not something you should rely on, but it does show the level of hands-on attention you can benefit from.

Favignana coves: where the swimming stops do the heavy lifting

Favignana is often the center of gravity for the day because it has plenty of places to stop, swim, and explore in short bursts. In the experiences described, skippers commonly put groups into two beautiful coves in the morning, handing out masks for snorkeling and letting you enjoy the water without complexity.

What I like about these cove-style stops is that they match how most people actually want to spend their time. You swim, you float, you take photos, then you move on before the water gets boring or the sun gets too intense. It’s a cycle that keeps the day feeling light instead of dragged-out.

Caves and shoreline scenery also show up in the mix. One skipper took a group to a sea cave, which is the kind of sight that’s hard to get any other way from land. If you love “one good photo” moments, you’re likely to get them here.

If you’re traveling with families, pay attention to how the boat and crew handle logistics. One charter described the floating mat being deployed at swim locations so kids had an easy way to play in the water near the boat. That kind of support makes the difference between a day that feels fun and a day that feels like constant managing.

The one drawback with Favignana-area stops is the chance of crowds at popular swim points. When a stop got busy, the group asked to skip it and the skipper provided alternative locations. That flexibility is one of the reasons a private charter is worth it.

Levanzo lunch and cave time: a slower island break

Levanzo is where the day often shifts from pure swimming to a more island-feeling break. In one described full-day pattern, the skipper dropped people at Levanzo for lunch, and the restaurant choice was right at the dock with views over clear water.

That dockside detail matters because you’re not just eating. You’re resting between swim sessions with a view that feels like part of the vacation, not like a chore. For groups who want a real midday reset, a Levanzo lunch stop is a smart choice.

Levanzo can also be a good place for anyone who wants caves and coast rather than a big “tourist town” scene. One skipper showed alternate caves after a crowded stop got skipped, and that kind of swap often means better water and a more relaxed vibe.

If lunch is important to you, remember lunch is not included. Plan for it like you would on land: choose your budget, keep time for ordering, and don’t expect the boat to wait forever if the group runs late.

Marettimo option: more dramatic coast, but arrange pickup

Marettimo can add a different flavor to the day, more rugged and far-feeling than its neighbors. The key practical point from the provided details is that pickup for Marettimo requires arranging by telephone before booking.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid it. It just means you need to think ahead and communicate clearly so the dinghy handoff works smoothly. If you’re the type who likes to decide last-minute, you might prefer starting from Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo instead.

From a planning standpoint, Marettimo is the option you choose when you want the trip to feel more like an “island day” than just a series of swim stops. The payoff is in the scenery and the sense of getting out to a more remote setting.

Price and logistics: does $844.76 per group make sense?

The price is $844.76 per group, up to 8 people. That’s where the value math kicks in. If you spread it across a full group of eight, it can feel similar to what you’d pay for multiple seats on a higher-end private experience elsewhere. If you’re only two or four people, the per-person cost rises fast, so it’s best for families, friend groups, or multi-generational travel where everyone chips in.

What helps justify the price is what you actually get included:

• Fins and masks (so your first swim is frictionless)
• Soda/pop plus an igloo with ice
• Authorization for protected-area zones
• A private setup with a skipper guiding the day

Also note the practical duration flexibility: it lists 1 to 8 hours (approx.). A longer day usually makes the charter feel like a “full experience,” while shorter options can be a great fit if you’re already island-hopping and just want a focused swim-and-scenery outing.

One more value sign: on average, this is booked 121 days in advance. That suggests demand, and it’s often a sign you’ll want to lock in dates early if you’re traveling during peak season or on a weekend.

Who this charter suits best (and who should consider another plan)

This charter is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids who need a skipper to keep swimming safe and fun
• Friend groups who want to choose stops without asking permission
• People who care about comfort details like shade, cold drinks, and smooth handling
• Anyone who wants a private day centered on real water time, not just sightseeing photos

It can also work well for divers or people doing underwater challenges. In one described situation, a diving competition happened off the boat, and the crew responded quickly and joined in with the activity. That tells you the team is used to water-focused plans.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you can still do it, but you’ll want to be honest about cost versus payoff. For a solo traveler, a private charter can be pricier than necessary unless you’re aiming for a very specific schedule or boat type.

If you’re planning on staying out all day, remember lunch isn’t included. If your skipper decides to anchor near a lunch-ready dock on Levanzo or another island stop, great. If not, you’ll need a simple backup plan for food.

Should you book Egadi Charter & Tour?

If your dream is a private day across the Egadi Islands with a skipper, swim gear handled, and protected-area access, I think this charter is worth considering. The biggest reason is the combination of choice (boarding point, boat options, and pacing) with care (skippers who actively help with safety, comfort, and stop decisions).

Book it if you’re traveling in a group that will actually use the private setup, or if you value flexibility enough to pay for it. Skip it if your budget can’t stretch to a full-group charter, or if you know you’re very sensitive to choppy crossings and you’re not willing to plan for seasickness.

FAQ

What’s the group size for this private Egadi Islands charter?

It’s a private experience for your group, with pricing listed per group for up to 8 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Vento Di Maestrale Srl in Trapani and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the charter start?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

Do you offer pickup from other islands?

Yes. If you’re in Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo, pickup is arranged by dinghy from your port. For Marettimo, you need to arrange pickup by telephone before booking.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Fins and masks are included.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes. There’s an igloo with ice, and soda/pop is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What areas of the Marine Protected Area are you authorized to access?

The authorization includes Marine Protected Area Zones B, C, and D.

What boat is assigned if I book directly?

If you book directly, the assigned vehicle is the STINGHER GT800.

Is the tour private or shared?

It’s private. Only your group participates.