Favignana and Levanzo look like they were made for a boat day. This Shalimar IV excursion strings together snorkeling coves and real time on the islands, starting and ending in Trapani. I like the simple rhythm here: sail, swim, eat, wander, then sail back with the day still feeling relaxed.

Two things I truly enjoy: the snorkeling equipment and masks are included, and the lunch is built for the sea day, with a Trapanese rustic appetizer and a pasta course that comes with water and wine. I also like that you get more than one chance to get in the water, plus a good chunk of time at Favignana’s port area.

One thing to consider: this is not a luxury yacht vibe. The captain can feel more strictly professional than warm and chatty, so if you want constant storytelling from the helm, you may wish the tone was a bit lighter.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Snorkel gear is included (mask, snorkel, fins), so you can pack lighter and get moving faster
• Two main swimming chances: one in the sheltered Favignana area and another on Levanzo
• Lunch is included on board with a full meal plan and drinks with the meal
• A real Favignana break: about 2 hours at the port for strolling and grabbing an extra snack if you want
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 28 people
• Marine protected area fee is not included, so budget €5 per person

Why a Shalimar IV day trip works so well in Sicily

This excursion is a classic Egadi Islands setup: you trade bus lines and parking headaches for a long, scenic day on the water. The route focuses on the coves between Favignana and Levanzo, which is exactly where the best snorkeling and swimming tend to happen on the islands.

The timing also makes sense. You start at 9:30am, get out to the first protected cove about an hour after departure, then you’re back toward Trapani by roughly 5:30pm to 6:00pm. That’s long enough to feel like an actual day trip, but not so long that you’re exhausted before dinner.

The full itinerary, stop by stop (and what to watch for)

Leaving Trapani and the first sheltered cove swim

After boarding in the morning, the boat spends the early stretch sailing between Favignana and Levanzo. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the island’s famous-looking coastal spots, with names like Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, and Lido Ravine listed as part of the route.

About an hour in, you reach Favignana and the crew steers you toward a cove that’s sheltered from the island’s prevailing winds. That detail matters. On these islands, wind can turn the water choppy fast, so swimming in a calmer cove makes the whole experience feel more comfortable and more fun.

This is your first swim with snorkeling activities, and the crew provides masks and snorkels. If you’re planning to snorkel, this is the stop where I’d prioritize it. Water conditions are usually freshest early in the day, and you’ll have energy after the morning sail.

Cala Azzurra: a straightforward bathing stop

Next comes Cala Azzurra, with another about-one-hour stop for bathing. This one is less about a long port visit and more about simple water time. Expect a chance to cool off, hop in if you’re comfortable, and enjoy the shoreline views from the boat.

Practical tip: bring a plan for transitions. You’ll go from sun to water to back to sun again, so once you’ve found a routine that keeps you comfortable, stick with it.

Favignana for lunch: eat while you’re still in the sea mood

Then you get back to Favignana timing for lunch. Lunch is served on board, typically around the Favignana and Levanzo coves, not as a restaurant meal on shore. The included menu includes a Trapanese rustic appetizer and a pasta first course featuring fresh mint and capers, plus tomato tuna. There’s also seasonal fruit, and you’ll have water and wine with the meal.

This is one of the best value parts of the day. You avoid the common problem of boat tours where food is either overpriced or basically missing. Here, it’s included and it’s substantial, so you don’t lose most of your time hunting down a place to eat.

One consideration: you’ll be in and out of the sun all day, so eat earlier on the lunch break if you tend to get sluggish after warm food.

Favignana port: about 2 hours for real strolling time

After lunch, you have a longer Favignana port stop of about 2 hours. This is your chance to get off the water, breathe some island air, and walk around at a human pace.

You’ll want to use this time intentionally. If you love photo stops, pick a few spots and do them well, because the day’s next move is already waiting. If you want a snack beyond the included lunch, this port window is where you can do it.

I like this port segment because it gives balance. You still get the classic boat-cove experience, but you also get a real island pause instead of only hopping between swims.

Levanzo: the second snorkeling-style swim time

Next, the boat heads to Levanzo for about an hour, with a stop for bathing at either Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula. Like Favignana’s first swim, the goal here is time in the water and a chance to snorkel if conditions and comfort allow.

Levanzo’s appeal here is the feel: it’s described as having a different scenic beauty and keeping its nature more intact. Whether or not you go deep into sightseeing, you can at least see the island’s character from the water and from the shore line you can reach during the stop.

Return to Trapani by late afternoon

By about 5:30pm to 6:00pm, you’re scheduled to return to the port of Trapani. This means you can still plan an evening after the tour without needing a second night on the island.

What you get on board: comfort, food, and the small annoyances to plan around

The boat setup: sun mattresses and lounge cover

On Shalimar IV, you can sunbathe on the mattresses and relax in the lounge, which has a covered area. That matters more than people think. In late-morning sun, a shaded spot is not a luxury. It’s a sanity saver.

Also, this is a yacht excursion, not a luxury yacht. So expect a practical setup: great views and sea time, plus comfort that keeps you functional, not a full five-star service machine.

Included snorkeling gear (and who it’s best for)

You get snorkeling equipment: tube and fin mask. That’s ideal if you don’t want to buy or carry your own gear.

But the experience does depend on your comfort in the water. It is not suitable for people who cannot swim, and it’s not recommended for people with walking problems or limited mobility. The trip also lists moderate physical fitness as the sweet spot. For most people, that means you’ll be fine if you can handle moving around the boat and getting in and out of the water safely.

Lunch: Trapanese comfort food that fits a sea day

The lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this option. The included meal is clearly designed for this route: hearty appetizer, pasta with mint and capers, tomato tuna, and fruit, plus water and wine.

If you tend to get hangry on tours, this is your fix. You don’t have to gamble on finding good food after a swim. You just eat, recover, and keep enjoying the day.

The vibe: friendly crew, but don’t expect the captain to entertain

One part that can affect your mood is the onboard personality. The crew is generally friendly and attentive, and one crew member, Marianna, is singled out for her kindness and welcoming feel.

The captain, on the other hand, can come across as serious and less engaging. You’ll still feel safe because the operation is clearly professional. Just know the atmosphere may not be the super chatty, joke-filled kind of day.

Music and smoking: small comfort issues

A couple of practical notes from real onboard experiences: music can be loud at times, and the crew has adjusted it when asked. If you’re noise-sensitive, be ready to ask early rather than waiting until it gets annoying.

Also, crew smoking has been mentioned as happening nonstop on board, which can cut into the comfort factor for some people. If smell is a deal breaker for you, keep that in mind when deciding.

Pricing and value: is $108.37 a good deal?

At $108.37 per person for an approximately 8-hour outing, the value hinges on what’s included. Here’s the math that matters to you:

• Snorkeling gear included
• Lunch included, with an actual meal and drinks with the meal
• Time on Favignana (about 2 hours at the port)
• Two swim opportunities plus panoramic views while sailing

When a tour charges around this price but leaves you to pay separately for food and basic gear, it can feel like you’re funding someone else’s margin. This one feels closer to a full package. The main extra cost to budget for is the marine protected area fee of €5 per person, since that is not included.

So for most people who want a sea day with swimming and not a lot of extra spending on site, this looks like solid value.

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

This fits best if you:

• like water time and you’re comfortable swimming
• want at least one proper island port break, not only anchor-and-go
• prefer having lunch handled without planning
• don’t mind a more practical, not ultra-luxury, boat setup
• can handle stairs if you need the toilet (the bathroom is downstairs with high steps)

I’d be cautious if you:

• cannot swim
• have walking issues or difficulty with stairs
• need a fully accessible layout on board
• are traveling with kids under 5 (not recommended)
• are older with difficulty walking

Tips to make your day easier

A few small moves can dramatically improve how you feel on this kind of excursion.

• Bring a swimsuit you like and plan to wear it under cover until you’re ready to swim.
• Use sunscreen early, then reapply. You’ll be outside for multiple hours plus water exposure.
• Ask about music volume if it’s too loud.
• Choose your swim stop preferences: if you snorkel, prioritize the first sheltered cove and the Levanzo stop.
• Budget the €5 marine protected area fee so it doesn’t surprise you later.

Weather matters too. This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Shalimar IV excursion?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for an easy, high-value day: snorkeling gear included, a real included lunch, time at Favignana port, and a second swimming stop on Levanzo. The route makes sense, the timing gives you variety, and the capped group size keeps it from feeling chaotic.

I wouldn’t book it if you need a fully accessible boat day, you can’t swim, or you’re hoping for a luxury-style vibe with constant captain storytelling. Also, if you strongly dislike loud music or smoke on board, this is worth factoring in before you pay.

If you want the Egadi Islands in one day and you’re comfortable with the sea-water rhythm, Shalimar IV is a practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the yacht excursion Shalimar IV?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:30am.

Where does the tour meet, and does it end in the same place?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment including tube and fin mask.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided on board, including a Trapanese rustic appetizer and a pasta first course with fresh mint and capers tomato tuna, plus fresh seasonal fruit and water and wine with the meal.

How much time do you get in Favignana port?

You get about 2 hours at Favignana port.

Do you stop in Levanzo too?

Yes. There is a stop on Levanzo with bathing at either Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula, for about 1 hour.

Is there an extra fee for the marine protected area?

Yes. A marine protected area fee of €5.00 per person is not included.

Is bar service included?

No. Bar service is not included.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not recommended for children under 5, for disabled people or those with walking problems, for older people who have difficulty walking, and it is not suitable for people who cannot swim. The toilet is downstairs with high steps.