Egadi Islands by boat is one of those days that feels custom. This private charter lets you pick your boarding point around Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo, then spend the day with a skipper steering your route. Private skipper guidance means you are not stuck following a rigid schedule, and you can build in swimming breaks where the water looks best.

I love that the setup is built for getting in the water quickly: fins and masks are included, plus there is an igloo with ice and soda/pop aboard. For most people, that combination makes the day feel effortless and more about time in the coves than logistics on shore.

One consideration: the open-water crossing can feel rough depending on where you start. If you are sensitive to motion, plan for it, because getting from Trapani toward Favignana has been reported as choppy.

Key Things I’d Focus On Before You Book

• Where you board from matters: you can start from Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo, with pickup by dinghy.
• Swim-first convenience: fins and masks plus an ice-filled cooler mean you can jump in fast.
• Protected-area access is handled: you get authorization for Marine Protected Area Zone B, C, and D.
• Your boat choice is part of the comfort plan: different vessel sizes and twin-engine options can change how smooth the ride feels.
• Skippers drive the vibe: named skippers in recent experiences include Antonio, Dino, Pepe, Rosario, Giuseppe, Andrea, Marco, Alessandro, and Dino, and the recurring theme is calm, attentive guidance.

Why the Egadi Day Feels Private, Even If You Are Not in Trapani

You do not have to treat this like a “drive in, wait around, follow the crowd” kind of day. The charm here is flexibility. If you are already on Favignana or Levanzo, you can meet your skipper there, and then the boat day keeps rolling without you re-planning your whole trip.

That private format is more than a marketing line. “Only your group participates” changes everything about pacing. You can ask for a slower swim stop, more time near a cave, or a quick adjustment if you are traveling with kids or older family members. In the best examples, the skipper stays actively engaged, not just steering from a distance. That is how you end up with a day that feels tailored, not pre-packaged.

Boat Fleet Options and How to Choose for Your Group

This charter is built around a fleet of motorboats, and the boat you get can affect comfort, speed, and shade. If you book directly here, the assigned vessel is our STINGHER GT800 (8.00 m) with a Suzuki 300 engine, 2007. Other options range up to larger 10.00 m boats with twin Yamaha 250 or Yamaha 300 engines, newer model years, depending on availability and your request.

Here is what that means in real terms for your day:

• If you want a smoother, steadier ride and more space to spread out, ask about the larger configurations (the 10.00 m options are the biggest in the listed fleet).
• If you are traveling as a smaller group, you may not need the largest boat to have a great day. Your skipper can still keep you comfortable with good positioning, time in the shade, and regular breaks.

Also, one nice surprise that has come up in real outings is the possibility of an upgrade to a larger boat when conditions allow. It is not something you should count on, but it is a good sign that they care about getting the right vessel for the day.

Marine Protected Area Zones, Authorization, and What That Buys You

The included authorization for the Marine Protected Area, Zones B, C, and D matters more than it sounds. It signals that your route and stop choices are not just “wherever we feel like stopping.” You are set up to spend time in regulated areas that are part of why the Egadi waters are so special.

Practically, that usually translates into fewer awkward moments like getting close to a spot and then realizing you are not supposed to be there. You can plan your day with more confidence, especially if your group cares about seeing the coves, underwater sights, and shoreline features without running into permissions issues.

How Your Skipper Builds the Day: Coves, Swims, and Cave Stops

Your day on the water is not just “go from A to B.” It is structured freedom, guided by the skipper. You decide boarding point and preferred transport, then your skipper stays with you and shapes the route based on weather, timing, and what your group wants.

Across recent experiences, the pattern looks like this:

• You leave port and head to swim-friendly coves where masks and fins come into play right away.
• Stops are timed so you get multiple chances to swim rather than one rushed dip.
• If your group is drifting too far from the boat, a good skipper corrects fast. One family experience even included a skipper physically bringing a child back toward the boat when everyone got spread out.
• There are often visits to interesting coastal features, including caves and other shoreline formations.

One extra detail worth knowing: the “fun at sea” part is supported by gear. Fins and masks are included, and skippers have also deployed a floating mat in some group setups, which can be a big hit for kids who want to play without fully swimming off on their own.

Levanzo Lunch Option You Can Plan Around

Lunch is not included, but you can build it into your route. In at least one full-day style outing, the skipper dropped the group at Levanzo for lunch at a dockside restaurant overlooking clear water, then took everyone back out for more swimming afterward.

If you like eating with a view, this is the kind of day where dockside dining can feel like part of the itinerary instead of a stop you have to tolerate. Just remember: lunch is on you.

Picking Up From Ports: Trapani, Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo

This is where the practical value really shows. You have options.

Trapani, Favignana, and Levanzo

If you are starting in Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo, pickup is arranged directly by dinghy. In plain terms, you do not need to solve the “how do we get everyone onto the main boat” problem on your own. The team handles getting you from your port to the charter vessel.

Marettimo

Marettimo requires extra planning. Pickup for Marettimo needs to be arranged by telephone before booking. If Marettimo is a must for you, contact them early so the logistics line up before you lock in dates.

Meeting Point and Timing

The meeting point listed is Vento Di Maestrale Srl, Via dei Gladioli 15 and 16, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy. Start time is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What Your Included Gear Actually Means on the Water

The included items are small, but they add up to a smoother day:

• Fins and masks: you get right to swimming without adding rental stops.
• Igloo with ice: you have a cold spot for drinks, which matters when the sun is strong.
• Soda/pop: simple, but it prevents the “did we remember water” scramble.
• Marine Protected Area authorization: helps you stay within the right zones.

If you are traveling with kids, the gear and pacing matter even more. A lot of boat days fail because the adult plan assumes everyone can handle long stretches in the sun. Here, the most successful experiences emphasize attentive skippers keeping shade in mind and checking that people stay comfortable with water and drinks.

Weather, Sea State, and a Quick Reality Check on Motion Sickness

This is one of the most honest parts of boat travel: conditions matter. In one reported experience, the water was extremely still, yet the crossing from Trapani to Favignana was rough. That is exactly why you should not assume every segment will feel the same.

If motion affects you, bring medication that you are comfortable using, like Dramamine, and use it before you feel sick. That is not a scare tactic. It is basic comfort planning.

Also, pay attention to shade. One skipper was praised for making sure everyone had enough shade and access to water and drinks. If your group is heat-sensitive, shade awareness is a real quality marker.

Safety, First Aid, and How Attentive Skippers Change the Day

Boat travel has risk, but your experience often depends on how a crew responds when something happens.

In one outing, two guests were stung by jellyfish, and the skipper provided first aid on board. That kind of readiness does not guarantee nothing will ever go wrong, but it does suggest you will not be left scrambling if a minor injury happens.

The best skippers also stay socially attentive. Multiple named guides were described as kind, helpful, and quick to answer questions. That matters because it turns “a boat ride” into “a day with an instructor who also knows how to have fun.”

Price Per Group: When $844.76 Makes Sense for Up to 8

At $844.76 per group for up to 8 people, this charter is not priced like a public ferry. It is priced like a private service: skipper, boat, and protected-area authorization included.

When it becomes good value is when you actually fill the capacity. If you are a family or a small group of friends traveling together, the cost spreads out. If you are only a couple, it is still a great experience if your group prefers privacy and flexibility enough to pay for it. But you should expect it to be a premium compared with shared tours.

Duration is listed as 1 to 8 hours, so pricing also depends on how long you want to be out. If you are trying to maximize time in the water, a longer day is usually where the money feels most justified.

My advice: decide your “minimum happy day.” If you need multiple swim stops and a relaxed pace, you will likely want more than the shortest option.

Who This Charter Fits Best

This private charter is a strong fit if:

• You want privacy and control over pacing.
• You are traveling with kids or older family members who benefit from attentive guidance.
• You care about swimming and want fins and masks included.
• You do not want to fight with complicated logistics to reach a boat.

It is also a good choice if you are planning around a specific port. Starting from Favignana or Levanzo can make the whole day simpler than starting from Trapani and then spending time moving again later.

Should You Book This Private Egadi Islands Charter?

Book it if you want a real private boat day, with a skipper guiding the route and swim breaks built into the day. The combination of included swim gear, the Marine Protected Area authorization, and the option to start from multiple ports makes it feel practical, not just scenic.

Hold off or ask more questions first if you are very sensitive to choppy crossings, or if Marettimo is your priority, because pickup from there needs pre-arrangement by telephone. Also, since lunch is not included, plan where you will eat and budget for it, especially if you want that dockside lunch moment.

If you match the vibe, this is the kind of Egadi day you will remember for the water time, not the waiting time.

FAQ

How much does the private Egadi Islands charter cost?

It costs $844.76 per group, up to 8 people.

What is included in the price?

The charter includes fins and masks, an igloo with ice, authorization for the Marine Protected Area Zone B, C, and D, and soda/pop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The meeting point is Vento Di Maestrale Srl, Via dei Gladioli 15 and 16, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy. The start time listed is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can you pick us up from Favignana or Levanzo?

Yes. Pickup is available directly by dinghy from Trapani, Favignana Island, or Levanzo Island.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.