Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

This tour is interesting because you get the Egadi Islands by small-boat speed plus multiple swim stops, not just one scenic photo layover. I love the 12-person limit, which keeps the day social without feeling chaotic, and I love that the crew steers you toward calm, safe places to float and snorkel. The main drawback is that you can be exposed to sun and salt for hours, and the boat setup may feel tight for anyone with mobility issues.

What makes it work well is the pacing. You bounce between coves with short, clear windows for swimming, then you get a proper chunk of time on Favignana to walk and eat. If sea conditions get rough, the captain may adjust, including skipping the Lovers Cave swim when it is not safe.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group of up to 12 for easier boarding, less waiting, and a friendlier vibe
• Snorkel equipment included, plus crew tips on where the water is calm and clear
• Multiple free swim stops with around 40 to 50 minutes at each cove
• Favignana stop for 1.5 hours to wander the village and choose a lunch spot
• Levanzo plus two coves (Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola) for quieter swimming at the end of the day
• Drinks and snacks on board, with a party-like mood when the water is perfect

Why This Favignana and Levanzo Speedboat Tour Feels Different

This is not one of those long, slow boat days where you spend more time waiting on deck than in the water. The speedboat format helps you reach coves early, so you are not always battling crowds for the best swim spots.

The 12-person cap changes the feel. You hear conversations, you make quick connections, and the crew can actually keep an eye on everyone while you hop in and out. I also like that the staff treats the day as both fun and practical, including safety when conditions shift.

One more thing I like: the tour is built around real seascapes, not just “pretty coastlines from the boat.” You get named stops like Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, and later Levanzo coves, so you can tell where you are and what you are seeing.

Value for Money: What You Get for $114.88

At $114.88 per person, this can feel pricey until you look at what is included. You are paying for fuel, captain, all fees and taxes, snorkel gear, snacks, and a selection of soft and alcoholic drinks. In practice, that means fewer extra purchases once you are already on the water.

The time value is real too. The day runs about 8 hours with multiple swim opportunities, plus an island visit on Favignana and then Levanzo. If you tried to DIY this, you would still be paying for boat transfers, trying to coordinate stops, and taking on the risk of timing that is out of your control.

My practical take: this is best value when you want a full day outside the lines, with swimming built in. If your idea of a perfect day is mostly land time and minimal water time, you might feel the cost more than the payoff.

Getting On Board in Trapani: Meeting Point and Pickup

You start and end back near the meeting point in Sicily, Italy. Pickup is offered, so if you are staying a bit away from the port area, this can cut your stress.

The meeting point info you will want to watch closely is Columbus Yachting, under the statue of Madonna. One useful tip from prior riders: go around the back of the bar or cafe and through to the waiting area, because it is not always obvious from the front.

Also, bring your eyes and your phone. You get a mobile ticket, and the day moves quickly, especially when the captain is trying to beat wind and crowds at each cove.

Your Day at Sea: Swim Time, Snorkel Gear, and Drinks

The tour is designed around repeated short swims. At each stop you typically get about 40 to 50 minutes to get in, snorkel if you want, and dry off enough to enjoy the next hop.

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to haul your own gear. I still suggest you pack light, because you will want your day bag to stay small. A swimsuit, sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes help a lot since you will likely splash more than once.

Then there is the onboard vibe. You get soda or pop plus snacks, and the drink selection includes alcoholic options. Reviews mention Prosecco and beer, and the mood can turn into a full-on danceable soundtrack day, with music in the mix. It makes the boat feel like a floating hangout, not a chore.

Stop 1: Scogliera Cala Azzurra and the Blue-Water First Impression

Cala Azzurra is a classic “intense blue” kind of stop, the type of water that looks unreal until you see it up close. You will have around 50 minutes here, which is plenty of time to swim once, then come back and snorkel for a bit.

Why this matters: your first cove sets the tone for the whole day. If the water is calm and you are comfortable with the rhythm of hopping in and out, the rest of the itinerary feels easy instead of tiring.

Practical thought: wear something that dries fast if you do not want to sit in damp fabric while cruising to the next stop. You will also want sunglasses, because the glare can be intense on bright days.

Stop 2: Bue Marino Beach and Ancient Tuff Quarries by Sea

Bue Marino adds a geological twist. You are looking at ancient tuff quarries that sit right above the water, so the shoreline feels sculpted, not just sandy.

You get about 50 minutes. That is long enough to swim, then spend a bit of time staring at the rock formations and how they meet the sea.

One caution: this is a “look and swim” stop, not a land-walk stop. If you want long beach lounging, this style of cove time is more active than lazy.

Stop 3: Scogliera di Cala Rossa for Snorkeling in Clear Turquoise

Cala Rossa is the kind of place where the water’s color does the selling. Expect crystal clear turquoise water and a strong chance to snorkel in good visibility, especially when the weather is kind.

You get about 50 minutes. I like this stop because it is a “do it your way” moment. You can swim gently, you can float with snorkel gear, or you can just enjoy the view and hop back on without trying to turn it into an adventure sport.

A real-life note from previous riders: sometimes the water is cooler than expected, even in warm months. If you are sensitive to cold, you will still probably enjoy the swim, but you might want to go in gradually and keep sessions shorter.

Favignana Island Time: Village Walk, Florio Trap, and Lunch Choices

Favignana is where the day shifts from open-water fun to island time. You moor at the port and get around 1 hour 30 minutes ashore, with options that can include wandering the village, seeing the ancient Florio trap, or choosing lunch at typical local restaurants.

This stop is valuable because it breaks up the boat rhythm. You get a real taste of daily life, not just sea scenes. You can also pick lunch based on your energy level, from a quick bite to a sit-down meal.

Two practical points. First, plan your priorities fast when you arrive, because 1.5 hours goes by quickly. Second, keep expectations realistic about shade. One rider wished the Favignana stop could be shorter on an extreme heat day, since there is not always a cool escape from the sun.

If you want a good meal, ask the crew for what to order. Solo riders have mentioned excellent lunch recommendations, including tuna tartare.

Grotta degli Innamorati: The Lovers Cave Swim Moment

Grotta degli Innamorati is famous for a reason: it is a cave where you can swim inside and view a small hidden beach tucked behind rocks. The scheduled stop is about 40 minutes.

Here is the honest part. This is also the kind of location that depends heavily on sea conditions. One traveler said it was skipped because the captain judged it unsafe due to the sea state, and they preferred that to taking a risk.

So if Lovers Cave is high on your list, keep a flexible mindset. If conditions allow, it is a strong “wow” moment. If not, you still get plenty of other coves and swims to make the day feel full.

Levanzo Arrival by Cliffs: A Smaller Island Mood

Levanzo is a step down in scale from Favignana, and that changes the mood fast. The boat heads toward Levanzo while skirting imposing cliffs, then you reach the port area and get about 50 minutes.

You can admire the small port area and then move on at a relaxed pace. This is a good moment to slow your brain down for a bit, since the earlier part of the day is nonstop water time.

If you like quieter islands, Levanzo is where that usually shows. Even without renting a car, the island vibe feels simpler and less “tour by the numbers.”

Cala Fredda: Posidonia Seabed and a Pebble Beach Reachable by Swim

Cala Fredda is built for swimmers. You are looking at a wonderful bay with a seabed covered in Posidonia, and there is a pebble beach you can reach by swimming.

You get about 50 minutes, which is enough time to do a proper swim out and then settle for a bit in the water. This stop is also a nice change from the “jump in, snorkel, jump out” rhythm because it feels like a mini destination.

Practical tip: pebble beaches can be hard on bare feet. If you have water shoes, they can make the landings more comfortable. If you do not, watch where you step when you climb back out.

Spiaggia di Cala Minnola: Pine Forest Views and a Final Quiet Cove

Cala Minnola is a calm finish. You head there after about 40 minutes of cruising time, and you get around 50 minutes in a quiet cove where a pine forest overlooks the sea.

This is the stop that often feels like the day’s exhale. After earlier coves, Minnola can feel softer and less frantic, with a more relaxed swimming window.

If you are traveling with friends, couples, or solo, this is also a great moment to soak in the views while the boat transitions from “activities” to “wrap up.” Bring your camera, but also remember that you will want hands free for the swim and snorkel gear.

Crew and Vibe: From Tony to Vito, Francesco, Mauro, Dino, Mario, Danielle, and Chisco

The crew is a huge reason people rate this so highly. Across rides, names pop up like Tony, Vito, Francesco, Mauro, Dino, Mario, Danielle, and Chisco. The pattern is consistent: the captain keeps the day moving on time, and they make sure the group stays included.

I especially like the “local knowledge” angle. The staff knows where the water is safe to swim and where snorkel visibility is likely to be best. They also respond quickly when something changes, including how they handle rougher conditions or onboard incidents while keeping safety as the priority.

Music is part of the vibe too. Riders mention a mix of American and Italian classics plus newer tracks, and the general mood can swing from chill to party depending on the day’s energy and weather.

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere but still want small-group attention, this tour nails that balance.

What to Bring, and What to Rent

This is a water-heavy day, so pack for being wet. You get snorkel equipment and refreshments, but you still need your own essentials.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A small change of clothes in a dry bag
• A towel if you do not plan to rent one

Towel rentals are available upon reservation, so if you travel with carry-on only, you can plan around that. If you forget a towel, you will still be able to handle it, but renting ahead keeps things smoother.

Also, expect to spend time in sun and wind. One rider noted limited sun protection on the boat, and some seating can mean you are closer to open air. If you burn easily, plan to be proactive.

Should You Book This Egadi Islands Boat Tour?

Book this if you want a full, active sea day from Trapani, with snorkeling included and real time on both Favignana and Levanzo. It is a strong choice for couples, friend groups, and solo travelers who want an easy way to meet people without forced activities.

Skip it or consider an alternative if your priority is long, shaded land lounging, or if you have mobility concerns that make getting on and off the boat difficult. The boat is set up for action, and one review specifically warned that it may be uncomfortable for older riders due to seating layout and lack of sun cover.

If you go in with the right mindset, you will likely love it: swim when the water is good, walk when the islands offer shade and time, and trust the crew to keep the day enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the Favignana and Levanzo tour from Trapani?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $114.88 per person.

How big is the group?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is pickup available from hotels or nearby areas?

Pickup is offered.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the captain, all fees and taxes, snorkel equipment, soda or pop, a selection of soft and alcoholic drinks, and snacks are included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a beach towel?

Snorkel equipment is provided. Beach towels can be rented upon reservation.

Where does the tour stop and how long do you spend at each place?

You visit several swim stops plus island time on Favignana and Levanzo. The stops listed are Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, Favignana, Grotta degli Innamorati, Levanzo, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnola, with stop times around 40 to 50 minutes at most swim locations and about 1 hour 30 minutes on Favignana.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.