The Egadi Islands feel made for boat days. On the Shalimar IV yacht excursion, I like the snorkeling gear the crew provides and the included Trapanese lunch served while you cruise between Favignana and Levanzo. One watch-out: the captain’s demeanor can feel a bit cold compared with the friendlier, more welcoming crew.

It’s a full 8-hour outing that starts at 9:30 am and keeps things moving with several swim breaks, plus a couple hours in Favignana’s port. With a max group size of 28 and a covered lounge, it works well if you want a sea day without a huge-tour crowd feel.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Snorkeling equipment included: you’re provided with a mask, snorkel tube, and fins.
• Multiple swim stops across sheltered coves near Favignana and Levanzo.
• Lunch is part of the price with a Trapanese rustic appetizer, pasta with fresh mint and capers, tomato tuna, seasonal fruit, plus water and wine with the meal.
• Smallish group (max 28) with sunbathing mattresses and a covered lounge for shade.
• Favignana port time gives you about 2 hours on land, not just a quick stop.
• Don’t forget the add-on: the Marine Protected Area fee is €5 per person and isn’t included.

Shalimar IV on the Egadi: why this route works so well

This is the kind of day trip that matches the islands’ best feature: the coastline. Instead of spending your time driving and waiting around, you’re out on the water for big stretches, with chances to get into the sea when the boat is positioned for it.

You’re sailing between Favignana and Levanzo, so you get that “two-islands” feel without needing separate tickets. And because the schedule mixes snorkel stops with time in port, it’s not all floating and it’s not all walking either.

Also, it’s a real yacht outing, not a tiny speedboat with no comfort. You’ll have a covered lounge area, plus room to sit or lie down on the sunbathing mattresses.

Price and what’s actually included in the $108.37 day

At $108.37 per person for about 8 hours, the value comes from three things you’d otherwise spend money and time on: snorkeling equipment, lunch, and boat transportation.

Your lunch is included and it’s not just a snack. Expect a Trapanese rustic appetizer, a pasta first course with fresh mint and capers, tomato tuna, fresh seasonal fruit, and water and wine with your meal. That’s a meaningful chunk of the experience, especially if you’re doing this day trip from Trapani and don’t want to hunt down food between stops.

What’s not included is important to budget for:

• Marine Protected Area fee €5 per person
• Bar service (not included)
• Any extra drinks beyond what’s provided with the lunch meal

If you’re the type who likes to show up, swim, eat, and go, this price structure makes sense.

The day’s rhythm from 9:30 am to late afternoon

You start at 9:30 am, and the day is paced around the coastline, not a long lecture. After departure, you reach the island of Favignana in about an hour, then you start stacking swim stops.

From there, you keep moving. There’s a bathing stop at Cala Azzurra, lunch served onboard sometime mid-day, and then time in Favignana Port for about 2 hours. Later you head over to Levanzo for another bathing stop around Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula, before returning to Trapani around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Short stops are a feature here. You get multiple chances in the water, but you also avoid that “we’re here, now wait” feeling that can happen on some island excursions.

Stop 1 near Favignana: sheltered coves and your first snorkeling session

Your first big moment is the swim/snorkeling stop near Favignana. The boat sails between Favignana and Levanzo and passes and explores coves along the way—names you might hear include Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, and Lido Ravine, plus others such as Cala Fridda, Cala Minnula, and Cala Tramontana.

Once you get close to Favignana, the crew positions the yacht toward the most sheltered cove for the day’s conditions, so you can swim comfortably rather than fighting wind and chop.

This stop is designed for snorkel time. Masks and snorkels are provided by the crew, so you don’t need to bring your own gear to get started. And Favignana is known for its geomorphological setup, with beaches and caves that support plenty of coastal life—so even if you’re not an expert snorkeler, the setting gives you a good reason to look around.

If you’re prone to overthinking snorkeling, keep it simple: put the mask on, breathe, and focus on what’s right in front of you.

The Cala Azzurra hour: a straightforward bathing break

After the Favignana swim, the schedule includes a stop at Cala Azzurra for about 1 hour of bathing. This is less about equipment and more about letting the water reset you.

This kind of stop is useful for two reasons. First, it breaks up the day so it doesn’t feel like back-to-back snorkeling. Second, it gives you time to enjoy the cove atmosphere—especially if you’d rather float than swim continuously.

If you want a calmer pace, treat this as your catch-your-breath stop.

Lunch onboard: Trapanese comfort at sea

Lunch is included onboard, and it’s not some random sandwich-in-a-bag situation. You’re served a Trapanese rustic appetizer, then a pasta first course featuring fresh mint and capers, with a tomato tuna element, followed by fresh seasonal fruit. Water and wine come with the meal.

What I like about lunch here is the timing. You’re already surrounded by the islands, and you’re not wasting time commuting back to land just to eat. The crew also handles the flow, so you don’t spend your break waiting for plates.

One thing to plan around: the day includes swimming and sunlight, so the best approach is to eat normally and avoid trying to time everything perfectly. You’ll come back in the water when it suits you.

Favignana Port: about two hours to actually experience the island

After earlier swim stops and bathing time, you get roughly 2 hours at Favignana Port. This is the part of the day that turns it from pure sea time into a real island visit.

Two hours is short, but it’s long enough to do something concrete—like grab a coffee nearby, walk around to get your bearings, or simply watch boats coming and going. Even if you only do a small wander, it helps you connect what you saw from the water to what the island feels like on land.

It also helps you understand why Favignana is famous for caves and coastal variety. When you see the port and the shoreline up close, the geography makes more sense.

Levanzo’s calmer side: Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula

Later in the day, you depart for Levanzo and stop for bathing at Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula, again for about 1 hour.

Levanzo is described as keeping a more intact, wild feel, with a different kind of scenery compared to Favignana. On a boat day, that difference is often noticeable in the way the coves look and how the coastline sits against the water.

This final swim stop is a great closer because it usually feels fresher than the first one—partly because you’re later in the day and partly because your brain has already learned the rhythm: move, swim, rest, repeat.

When you’re done, you’ve still got the smooth finish: returning to Trapani around 5:30 to 6:00 pm.

What the crew experience is like: friendly, but watch the vibe

The crew tends to be the highlight. You’ll likely see a warm, attentive approach from the staff—one name that comes through clearly is Marianna, who’s described as especially kind, smiling, and welcoming.

That warmth can make a difference on a day trip like this, because you’ll be spending hours in close quarters with the same group. A crew that checks in, helps with gear, and keeps things running smoothly changes the whole day.

The one less pleasant note is that the captain can feel more formal and less engaged than you’d expect for a leisure outing. Safety and professionalism matter most, but on a relaxed day you may wish for more warmth and lighter interaction from the person running the show.

Also keep in mind there’s sometimes a less-than-pleasant boat atmosphere element: crew smoking has been mentioned as non-stop, and music volume can be loud at times (with adjustments possible). You’ll probably want to pick your spot with comfort in mind—get shade if you want quiet, and don’t pick a seat closest to where smoke drifts.

Snorkeling and swim rules you should treat seriously

This excursion is not suitable for people who cannot swim. It’s also not a good fit if you have limited mobility, since getting around the boat and reaching facilities can be tricky.

You do get the gear you need—mask, snorkel tube, and fins—so your main job is to feel comfortable with the water and to follow the crew’s cues.

The yacht also has a toilet downstairs with high steps, which can be difficult if you have walking problems or prefer easier access. If you’re sensitive to that kind of step situation, plan accordingly.

And one more practical rule: it’s forbidden to bring alcohol or hard alcohol on board. Bar service isn’t included, so the best plan is to focus on the included meal rather than expecting to buy drinks during the trip.

Who this yacht trip is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great choice for you if you want:

• a sea-focused day with multiple chances to swim/snorkel
• included lunch that’s more than a snack
• time on land in Favignana port without committing to an all-day walking plan
• a smallish group size up to 28

Skip it if you:

• can’t swim
• travel with accessibility needs that require easier movement around high steps
• are traveling with small children (it’s not recommended for children under 5)
• are older and have difficulty walking (also not recommended)

If you’re moderately comfortable moving and you genuinely want water time, this fits well.

Practical tips to make the day feel easy

Because the day is built around swim stops, your success depends on being ready for water and sun.

A few things that follow directly from how the day is structured:

• Wear swim-ready clothing so you can get into the water quickly when the boat reaches the coves.
• Use the included snorkeling gear, and be sure you know how to adjust the mask fit before you start moving around.
• Budget for the €5 Marine Protected Area fee per person, since it’s not included.
• If you’re sensitive to smoke or loud music, choose your seating area with shade and distance in mind, and ask for adjustments if sound gets too loud.

Also, bring a realistic expectation: this is an 8-hour outing with several swim blocks, not a slow sightseeing cruise with long explanations of island history. If you want detailed island background, you can add that through your own time on land.

Should you book Shalimar IV with Egadi Explorer?

I think you should book this trip if your priority is time in the water plus an included lunch, with just enough land time to feel like Favignana and Levanzo aren’t only names on a map.

It’s good value when you want snorkeling gear taken care of, don’t want to plan meals mid-day, and like the idea of a route that sails between the islands rather than bouncing only from one beach to another.

But if you care deeply about a very warm captain-led vibe, or you’re sensitive to onboard smoke and music volume, go in with your expectations set. The crew friendliness—especially with staff like Marianna—can be the difference maker, yet the captain’s tone is still part of your experience.

If you’re flexible, you can also watch the weather. This outing requires good conditions, and if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Shalimar IV yacht excursion start?

The activity starts at 9:30 am.

When does the tour return to Trapani?

Return to the port of Trapani is scheduled for about 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

How long is the trip?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

How many people are allowed on board?

The yacht excursion has a maximum of 28 travelers.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You’ll have use of snorkeling equipment including a tube and fin mask, provided for you during the swim/snorkeling stops.

What lunch is included onboard?

Lunch includes a Trapanese rustic appetizer, a pasta first course with fresh mint and capers tomato tuna, fresh seasonal fruit, and water and wine with the meal.

Is there an extra fee for the Marine Protected Area?

Yes. The Marine Protected Area fee is €5.00 per person and is not included.

Can I bring alcohol, and is there a bar service?

Alcohol or hard alcohol is forbidden on board. Bar service is not included.

Is a toilet available, and is it easy to reach?

There are sanitary facilities (toilet) downstairs, but it involves high steps, which can be difficult for people with walking problems.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.