Reviewed · MARSALA WINE & WESTERN SICILY TOURS
Favignana, Excursions by Dinghy from Marsala
Coves that big boats cannot reach. A small-group day out of Marsala, built around snorkeling gear and multiple stops in Favignana and Levanzo’s most secluded bays. You also get hands-on Sicilian food and drink timing, so the day does not feel like constant travel with no payoff.
I especially like how the boat schedule strings together the best water spots back-to-back, including Prosecco moments, not just one quick swim and back to the harbor. One possible drawback: it is a long 9 hours on the water, and many stops are swim-and-snorkel focused, so it is not a great match if you want a mostly land-based, low-movement outing.
Key Things I’d Watch For

- Small-group limit of 12 helps you move as a unit and keeps the boat vibe calm
- Bue Marino artificial caves are the kind of scenery you only get from the sea
- Cala Rossa Prosecco stop times the drink when the sea view is at its best
- Favignana port time lets you add a tuna fishery and the archaeological museum at Palazzo Florio
- Multiple snorkeling moments across different coves, with gear included
Marsala Departure: Pier B, Plus a Smooth Boat Start

Your day kicks off in Marsala at Lungomare Mediterraneo 59. You meet by walking into the yellow iron fence area, then head to pier B for boarding. If you are the sort who likes to arrive early and get your bearings fast, you will feel right at home here.
What makes this setup feel good is the small-group approach. With a maximum of 12 people on board, the crew can get everyone organized without the frantic herding you see on larger tours. The tour runs a full day, typically 09:00 to 18:00, with boarding around 09:30 and return around 17:30 to 18:00.
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The Speedboat Experience: Super Comfort, Sun Protection, and Quick Transfers

This is a dinghy-style speedboat day, and the comfort matters because you spend hours in motion. The boat is described as super comfortable with sun protection, so you are not baking in direct glare while you transit from cove to cove. Transfers are short enough that you spend more time at the good views than trapped between ports.
You also get the specific routing idea: reaching bays that are not accessible to larger boats. That is the point of doing this by small boat, not ferry-hopping and hoping for the best.
Bue Marino Beach and the Artificial Caves Stop

First proper stop is Bue Marino, around late morning. This area is famous for artificial caves, and that detail is not just trivia. It signals that the seabed and underwater structure are interesting, which is what makes the snorkeling and water time feel worth it rather than just a quick dip.
Expect this stop to include a mix of photo breaks, sightseeing from the boat, and time in the water. The schedule gives you about 30 minutes for this main Bue Marino swim-and-snorkel window. It is a good “warm-up” stop before the later, more scenic beaches.
Practical note: bring your goggles (they are listed as what to bring, and snorkeling is a major part of the day). If you are even slightly picky about fit, take a second at the start to adjust before you hop in.
Cala Rossa in Favignana: Cliffs, Tuff Quarries, and a Prosecco Moment

Cala Rossa is one of the headline beaches, and the description tells you why: clear water framed by cliffs and tuff quarries. This is the kind of coastline where photos look like they were taken from a postcard stand, because the colors and shapes are doing the work.
Here you get a longer stop, about an hour. You can swim and snorkel, plus there is a wine or welcome refreshment moment timed into this part of the day, including Prosecco tasting. That matters because it helps you enjoy the break without feeling like you are rushing straight past the best view.
If you are prone to getting too hungry during tour days, this is a smart point to fuel up. You will likely be working up an appetite again as the boat keeps moving.
Levanzo: Small Island Energy and Two Cala Names You Can Target

Next you head toward Levanzo. The route includes a stop route that mentions Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola, and you also get a stop at Levanzo itself. The vibe here is quieter by design, since this is one of the smaller Egadi Islands.
The plan gives you about 30 minutes of water time for Levanzo, plus time that includes swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing from the boat. It is not long, but for a small island it is the right length to enjoy a view and still keep the day moving.
If you like variety, Levanzo works because it breaks up Favignana time. You are not doing the same cove style back-to-back all afternoon.
Favignana Port Time: Tuna Fishery, Palazzo Florio, and Lunch

At about midday, you land on the island of Favignana and get real port time. The small harbor is part of the charm, because it is not just a transfer point. Here you have about 1.5 hours for a mix of activities, including lunch and wine tasting.
You also get the chance to visit the tuna fishery and the archaeological museum inside the former Palazzo Florio. That is a nice balance if your main goal is nature, but you still want one culture layer during the day. Even if you only do a quick look, it gives context for why this island’s seafood history is so central.
This is also the time when you should slow down and actually regroup. After several swim stops, a land break helps you reset for the cave and arch areas later.
Grotta degli Innamorati: The Cave Stop Built for Snorkeling Lovers

In the mid-afternoon, the tour takes you to Grotta degli Innamorati. The legend is part of why the stop is memorable, with old sailors telling a story about young lovers who escaped family restrictions and ended up reaching the cave. Whether you treat it as folklore or just enjoy it as atmosphere, it sets the tone for why people look forward to this water moment.
The schedule gives you a 30-minute window here with a photo stop and swimming or snorkeling time. This is listed as perfect for snorkeling lovers, which usually means the seabed and cave area are set up for clear viewing and manageable entry.
If you want the best experience, move calmly in the water and take it slow with your gear. With a short time slot, quick changes matter.
Cala Rotonda and the Arch of Ulysses

After the cave, you reach Cala Rotonda, described as having an imposing stone arch called the Arch of Ulysses. This is one of those stops where the geology is the feature. When the arch is the main attraction, snorkeling feels more like exploring a natural shape than just hovering over sand.
You get a break time plus swimming and a snorkeling window of about 30 minutes. Another detail that makes Cala Rotonda appealing is that it is a natural port, protected from winds. That protection can mean more comfortable water during the stop, which is a big deal on an island day.
If you are sensitive to rougher conditions, choosing a sheltered cove like this in the plan is smart.
Cala Preveto: A Valley End and a Relaxation Stop

Cala Preveto is listed at the end of a valley, overlooking intense blue water. The description also calls it perfect for relaxation, and that is exactly how I would use the time. You get a 30-minute water-focused window with photo moments, and then you can treat the rest of your stop as a cooldown.
This is one of the spots that balances the more dramatic cave and arch areas. Instead of chasing only the most dramatic shapes, you get a softer, calmer stop to enjoy the view without feeling like you must sprint through the water time.
Cala Azzurra: South-Eastern Blue Water and Another Prosecco Tasting
The last beach stop is Cala Azzurra, on the south-eastern part of Favignana. You get time for photos, a Prosecco tasting, and another swim-and-snorkel window, listed as about 50 minutes. That longer slot is great because it gives you a more flexible pace, especially if you want to linger a little longer with your snorkeling gear.
It is also a helpful “end-of-day” moment. You get one more chance to enjoy the water when you are usually more tired. The Prosecco timing here also makes the final stretch feel like a celebration instead of a countdown.
What’s Included, What’s Not, and Your Packing Checklist
This tour includes a lot of the stuff that usually adds friction to a boat day. You get tour time on the boat around Favignana, plus tastings, snorkeling equipment, and photos and video sent to a group contact person.
Included food and drink points you should expect:
- Pane cunzato prepared by bakers, plus typical Sicilian products
- Wine tastings during the day
- Prosecco tasting at Cala Rossa and again around Cala Azzurra
What you should bring (based on the provided guidance):
- Passport or ID card
- Hat and sunscreen
- Beachwear
- Goggles
And for comfort and practicality, I’d add this mindset: keep your things simple. You will be changing from boat to water and back, so fewer items is better.
What is not included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
So you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Lungomare Mediterraneo 59 in Marsala.
Price and Value: Why This Day Costs What It Costs
The price is listed at about $101.96 per person, with 9 hours on the water. For a full-day small-group boat tour, the value is mostly in three areas: limited group size, repeated snorkeling access, and included tastings.
Compared to trying to plan a DIY day, you are paying for:
- A route that includes multiple named coves and snorkeling-ready stops
- Snorkeling equipment provided, so you are not renting it or hunting it down on arrival
- Food and drink moments, including pane cunzato and Prosecco tastings
The boat day setup is also doing the heavy lifting. You do not spend your energy figuring out which beaches are realistically accessible, since the route is designed to reach bays that larger boats cannot access.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
This is a great fit for you if you like:
- Water time and snorkeling-focused itineraries
- Seeing multiple coves in one day instead of choosing just one beach
- A small-group experience where things feel organized and calm
It is not a great fit if you need accessibility support. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it also lists restrictions for pregnant women and for people over 95 years. There is also a weight limit listed at 309 lbs (140 kg). If any of these apply, it is worth choosing a different type of excursion.
It is also a full boat day. If you hate the idea of changing environments often, you might find the constant short stops tiring. But if you enjoy variety and can handle swim-focused windows, this schedule is built for you.
Should You Book the Favignana and Levanzo Dinghy Tour?
Book it if your top goal is to get to the best-accessible coves around Favignana and Levanzo without the hassle of coordinating everything yourself. The small-group cap is the big reason this feels special, because it pairs well with the plan: you are not just riding a boat, you are getting time at multiple standout water spots.
Skip it if you want a slow, mostly land-based day, or if you need more accessibility than what is described. Also, if snorkeling is not your thing at all, you might feel like too much time is spent on water activities.
If you go in expecting a well-paced day at the sea, with good Sicilian food and Prosecco timed into the scenery, you will likely feel like the price is doing its job.
FAQ
How long is the Favignana and Levanzo dinghy excursion from Marsala?
It lasts about 9 hours. The day typically runs 09:00 to 18:00, with boarding and departure around 09:30 and return around 17:30 to 18:00.
Where do I meet for the tour in Marsala?
You meet by entering the yellow iron fenced area, then walking to the pier B. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of up to 12 participants on board.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as part of the tour.
What food and drinks are included?
You get tastings of Pane cunzato and typical Sicilian products, plus wine tastings. Prosecco tasting is included, including during the Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra portions of the day.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Marsala.
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