Crystal water and quiet coves await.

This shared day aboard Yacht Shalimar IV in the Egadi Islands is all about short, easy jumps into clear water, with snorkeling gear and multiple bathing stops. I love the small-crew vibe, and the way the route focuses on coastlines and coves instead of rushing from one photo spot to another.

Two things I really like: the lunch on board and the built-in time in Favignana. One detailed review even called out a pasta and tuna meal with sides, and that kind of proper lunch matters when you are out on the water for hours. Then you get a 2-hour stop in Favignana to shop and wander the island at your own pace.

One possible drawback: this is a sea-day, so it can change with conditions, and snorkeling wildlife is not guaranteed. In one review, a guest said fish were hard to spot, so if your main goal is guaranteed sightings, go in with a flexible mindset and enjoy the water and scenery even if the fish count is low.

Key highlights that make this day work

• Small-group feel on a comfortable yacht: the boat is described as not very full, with room to move.
• Snorkeling kit is provided: mask and snorkel so you can try spotting underwater life.
• Levanzo first, then Favignana: two islands with different coastlines and bathing spots.
• Lunch included, not just snacks: one review specifically mentioned pasta and tuna with sides.
• Marine Protected Area rules and a small extra fee: €5 per person paid at the ticket office before boarding.
• Multiple swim stops: enough time in the water to make the trip feel worth it.

Yacht Shalimar IV and what a shared day on the Egadi Islands feels like

This is a classic Trapani to the Egadi Islands style outing, but with a calmer pace. You spend your time moving between the islands, stopping for swimming, and using the boat like a floating base camp.

The “shared tour” part matters. You are not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and that makes it easier to enjoy the water, rinse off, and actually relax between swims.

Getting to Trapani early, and checking in without stress

You depart from Trapani at 9:30 am, and check-in is 1 hour earlier. If you are driving and need parking, plan to be there no later than 8:30 am, because arriving late can turn your morning into a scramble.

Your meeting point is the Egadi Explorer ticket area: Box ticket office no. 4, near the white tensile structure and close to the Fire Brigade barracks. The address is Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 94, and the coordinates are 38.01348876953125, 12.514264106750488.

This sounds small, but it changes your day. Showing up on time helps you get settled, get your marine protected area tax handled, and avoid starting the day flustered.

Levanzo stop: 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling

The day begins with Levanzo, where the first swim time is about 1 hour. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you can slide into the water for a look at what is below.

Levanzo’s underwater reputation is the kind you hear about when people talk about treasures in the seabed. Even if you do not see every species you expect, Levanzo’s clear visibility is usually what keeps people smiling, and the stop is short enough that you do not feel like you are waiting for the boat to move.

Practical tip: put on your sunscreen and suit before you arrive at the dock. The tour asks for biodegradable sunscreen, and you will be grateful not to rush once you are on board.

Favignana swim time plus the snorkeling kit advantage

After Levanzo, the boat heads to Favignana for a longer water stop, roughly 1.5 hours of swimming and snorkeling. This is your chance to focus on underwater life with the provided gear.

You are given a snorkeling kit that includes a mask and snorkel, which makes a huge difference if you do not want to carry your own equipment. The idea is to try spotting things like groupers, scorpion fish, moray eels, octopuses, and cloud gills. I would treat those as possibilities, not promises, but the kit gives you the best shot.

What I like about this setup is timing. You get a second, longer chance after the first short Levanzo stop, so even if your first swim is more about warming up, you still get time to enjoy the clearer window on Favignana.

Lunch on board in the middle of the day

Lunch comes on board with a meal time of about 30 minutes. You are not eating later after you feel tired and salty, you are eating right when you still have energy to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

One review specifically described a lunch of pasta, tuna, and sides. Whether your lunch matches that exact menu or not, the important point is that you are not left hunting for food immediately after your first swim.

This is also a smart pacing move for the sea. A proper break helps prevent the classic “I am hungry and sunburned and cranky” combo that can ruin the last part of a boat trip.

Favignana free time: 2 hours for exploring, shopping, and cooling down

Once lunch is done, you get a 2-hour stop in Favignana for free time and shopping. This is the part of the day that shifts from water-focused to island-focused.

Two hours is a practical amount. It is enough to wander, grab a snack or drink if you want, and take a slower pace than you can while bouncing between swim coves. It also means you get a break from the sun between swims.

What you should keep in mind: the schedule is built around boat stops, so your free time is not meant for a long inland trek. Think coastline strolls, quick exploring, and simple browsing.

Another swim stop and the Scalo Cavallo finish

After Favignana free time, you have another swimming and snorkeling window, listed as around 40 minutes, and the day also includes a stop at Scalo Cavallo for a nice swim before returning to Trapani. The return to Trapani is around 6:00 pm.

This last water moment is important because it helps the day feel complete. You are not spending the whole trip in the early half, then packing up dry land plans later. It gives you one more chance to enjoy the protected-water vibe before heading back.

If you are the type who always wants “one last dip,” this is for you. If you are tired easily, use this stop to stretch, float, and enjoy the view without pushing yourself too hard.

Snorkeling in a Marine Protected Area: what you can expect

The route sails in the marine protected area of the Egadi Islands, and that matters. Protected waters tend to support healthy underwater life, and clear conditions are part of why people pick this kind of trip.

That said, snorkeling has real-world variability. In one review, a guest noted they did not see fish, even though it was still a good bathing tour. So I recommend you go for the full package: clear water, shoreline beauty, and trying snorkeling with the gear provided, instead of expecting the same sightings every time.

A smart approach:

• Keep your mask snug and take a few calm breaths before you start looking around.
• Focus on slow movements. Many marine animals do not react like people in a tour boat video.
• If you are not seeing fish quickly, switch your attention to texture and color on the seabed. You can still have a satisfying snorkel even without a big moment.

Marine Protected Area tax and what it means for your budget

There is an extra Marine Protected Area tax of €5 per person, and it is paid at the ticket office before boarding. It is not a hidden fee later in the day, but it is something you need to factor in.

In terms of value, I see it as a small price for the privilege of sailing and swimming in protected waters with rules in place. If you are already planning to snorkel and spend your day at sea, this tax is one more reason the outing feels like a real Egadi experience, not a casual coastal cruise.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This is a good match if you want a boat day with swimming, snorkeling gear, and limited time wasted. It is also a smart choice if you like the idea of multiple bathing stops instead of one quick swim before the boat moves on.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 5
• Babies under 1
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness
• Unaccompanied minors

So if you are even slightly uncertain about motion on the water, take that seriously. The tour is structured for swimming and time in the open sea, so seasickness is not a minor inconvenience here.

What to bring, and what not to bring

Bring the basics that make the day comfortable:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear

The tour also lists clear no-go items. You cannot bring baby strollers or baby carriages, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Electric wheelchairs are also not permitted.

This is one of those details that helps the day stay smooth for everyone, especially around boarding and swim transitions.

Service, languages, and the pace of the day

The crew supports English and Italian, and the experience includes an instructor. Check-in is described as relaxed, and one review highlighted that the overall flow felt comfortable from start to finish.

The pace is built into the schedule: departure at 9:30 am, three swim moments spaced across Levanzo, Favignana, and Scalo Cavallo, plus lunch and a Favignana wandering window. If you like structured time with clear swimming blocks, this works well.

Price and value, what you actually get for your day

Even without seeing a single fixed number here, I can judge the value by what is included. You get multiple swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch on board, and time to explore Favignana in one ticketed day.

Then there are the small extras that matter for planning, like the €5 Marine Protected Area tax you pay at the office before boarding. If you are comparing alternatives, this included kit plus the meal often makes this feel closer to an all-in boat day rather than a barebones cruise.

Should you book this Favignana and Levanzo shared yacht tour?

Book it if your priority is a boat day focused on swimming and snorkeling in the Egadi Islands, with enough time on Favignana to actually see the island rather than only pass it. The combination of snorkeling kit, lunch on board, and multiple water stops is exactly how you turn a half-day cruise idea into a full day at sea that feels complete.

Skip it if you fall into the tour’s “not suitable” categories, especially seasickness risk or mobility limits. And if your top goal is guaranteed fish sightings, go with a flexible mindset, because even within a protected area you can have days where visibility is good but wildlife spotting is slower.

If you want one straightforward way to do Favignana and Levanzo without over-planning, this shared yacht itinerary is a solid pick.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart and when do we return?

The tour departs from Trapani at 9:30 am. You return to Trapani at around 6:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point in Trapani?

Meet at Egadi Explorer ticket office box no. 4, near the white tensile structure and the Fire Brigade barracks, at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 94.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour provides a snorkeling kit with a mask and snorkel.

How long do you spend snorkeling on Levanzo and Favignana?

On Levanzo, the snorkeling and swim stop is about 1 hour. On Favignana, you have a 1.5-hour swimming and snorkeling stop, plus an additional shorter swim/snorkel stop later.

Is lunch included, and when is it served?

Yes. Lunch is served on board during a 30-minute meal period.

Do you have to pay the Marine Protected Area tax?

Yes. The €5 per person Marine Protected Area tax is paid at the ticket office before boarding.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.