A small-boat day beats big-bus days in Sicily. This private sailboat tour takes you from Trapani out to the islands of Favignana and Levanzo, with real time on the water and planned swim and snorkel stops in calm coves. You also get onboard wine, plus a comfortable ride on an elegant catamaran that feels relaxed from the first minutes out of the marina.

What I like most is how the schedule gives you actual moments to be in the sea, not just to look at it from a distance. And the captains named in past trips, like Federico, Marcello, and Alberto, consistently come across as friendly and practical, sharing local stories and steering the boat with care.

The only catch is weather. This kind of sailing day depends on conditions, so if the sea is rough, you may need to shift plans.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Private group up to 12 means you can keep your day paced to your crew, not a crowd.
• Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa are built into the day for long enough swim time that you can actually enjoy the water.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can go straight from the dock to the job.
• Favignana village time plus lunch stops makes the day feel like an island outing, not only a tour.
• Levanzo is small and quiet, with a short walk through the white and turquoise terraced houses.
• Wine and drinks on board help make the day feel special without turning it into a fancy add-on nightmare.

A Really Good Reason to Base in Trapani

If you are staying around Trapani, this tour is a smart move because it turns your location into access. You are not just visiting one island, you are sampling two with different vibes: Favignana feels more connected and practical for village life and lunch, while Levanzo is the quieter, smaller counterpart.

The other reason this day works is pacing. The schedule is not built around sprinting between photos. You get anchored time, then time on land, then more water time. That mix matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

Your Ride: Catamaran Comfort From the Start

You meet at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, in Trapani, starting at 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. From there, you are heading out on an elegant catamaran for about 8 hours total.

The big practical point here is space. Past groups have highlighted that the boat feels clean, comfortable, and not cramped. In a private setting with up to 12 people, that matters. You want room to move between shade and sun, to handle snorkeling gear, and to relax when the boat is steady.

Also, you are not just along for transport. The boat handling gets mentioned for a reason: a smooth ride makes those swim stops feel better, and it keeps the day enjoyable even when the wind is doing its thing.

Stop 1: Cala Azzurra, the First Real Water Time

The day begins with Scogliera Cala Azzurra, a cove stop where you can get into the water from a spot that matches the cove’s name. You are given about 2 hours here, which is a gift. It is long enough to swim at your own pace, not long enough to feel trapped or bored.

What you should plan for:

• You will likely want swim shoes or at least something comfortable if the boarding area is rocky.
• Treat the first stop as your warm-up. Once you are in the rhythm, the later coves feel easier.

From the way the stop is described, this is meant to be a signature sea moment early in the itinerary, not a quick dip before the next thing.

Stop 2: Scogliera di Cala Rossa for Clear Water and Fish

Next up is Scogliera di Cala Rossa. The schedule gives you about 1 hour here, anchored at a spot described as one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and fish.

One hour might sound short, but in practice it can be the perfect length for a focused swim, especially if you use it for snorkeling or just floating with the water clarity. This stop works best if you are ready to be decisive. Go in, swim the swim, then pull out before you feel rushed.

If you are the type who likes to photograph instead of swim, you still get something here because the water and fish make for good viewing. Just remember your time is limited, so bring your attention, not just your camera.

Favignana After the Sea: Port Walk, Tuna Site, and Lunch Choices

After the swimming stops, the tour heads to Favignana for a land and village stretch. There are two parts to this phase that you will appreciate:

First, you stop at Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica. The wording points to the former Florio tuna processing establishment tied to the island’s tuna history. Even if you do not read every sign, you get a sense of place because it is not a random detour. It’s part of why Favignana exists as it does.

Second, you continue to the port of Favignana, where you have about 2 hours. This is your lunch window, with time to eat in typical gastronomy shops. Importantly, lunch is not listed as a provided inclusion, so you should expect to pay for your meal choices once you’re there.

This is also where captain advice becomes useful. In past trips, the captains Federico and Marcello specifically got praised for steering people toward the best lunch options on Favignana, including favorites like a fresh tuna sandwich. If you want a low-stress lunch, ask the captain what they would choose in that moment, then go do it.

Stop 4: Levanzo Village Time on Small Streets

Then you shift to Levanzo. The stop includes time to reach the port of Levanzo, then enjoy the view of the Mediterranean village, described as the only inhabited part of the island.

Levanzo is easy to experience because it is compact. The terraced houses are described as white and turquoise, and you walk a few quiet streets to go deeper into the town. This is not a long sightseeing marathon. It is a calm island wandering moment.

What makes this valuable is the contrast with Favignana. Favignana is where you eat, regroup, and use the port. Levanzo is where you slow down. If you like the feel of small places, this part tends to stick with people long after the boat is gone.

Stop 5: Cala Fredda for Snorkel Time with Fish

After the village time, the tour includes Cala Fredda, another swim and snorkel stop. You get about 1 hour here, with snorkeling equipment provided.

This is a good stop for two reasons:

1. You already know you like the coves, because you had Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa earlier.
2. The snorkel equipment is included, so you can use it without hunting for rental gear.

If you are prone to getting tired underwater, treat this as a paced hour. One good swim around, a pause at the surface, and then head back before you burn energy. The point is to enjoy the fish and the water clarity, not to win a competition.

The Onboard Touches: Wine, Soda, and Basic Comfort

This tour is not listed as a stripped-down bare boat. It includes bottled water, soda or pop (listed as Coke), and wine. There’s also a restroom onboard, plus restroom access matters more than most people think on long boat days.

You also get snorkeling equipment. That removes one of the most annoying travel frictions. Instead of searching for gear, you go straight into the water time.

Alcohol is included as wine. I’d suggest you treat it like part of the experience, not the plan for the whole day. It is a sailing outing, and you will enjoy it more if you stay clear-headed for the walk around Levanzo and for moving around the boat safely.

Price, Group Size, and Why This Can Be Good Value

The price is $1,385.50 per group, for up to 12 people. That is the headline number, but the real value question is what you get for that group fee.

Here is how I see it as a value play:

• You get an entire private boat experience for your group size cap, not a seat-by-seat model where you might pay more for less personalization.
• You get multiple organized swim/snorkel stops plus time on both islands.
• Wine, water, soda, and snorkeling equipment are included.
• You are paying for time on the water with someone steering the day and keeping things moving at a good pace.

For families and small groups, private sailing can be a strong deal when compared to piecemeal options like separate day tours, paying for gear, and then eating expensive island lunches without local guidance. In other words, the group fee is not just for the boat, it is for the full flow of the day.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, it can still be worth it if the private experience matters to you. But you should do the math based on how many people are sharing the group cost.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private catamaran day with planned sea time and optional snorkeling.
• A balanced mix of water and land, so your day has variety.
• Captains who share local history and practical tips, including lunch suggestions on Favignana.

It also seems like a good fit for families, based on how people describe the day as family-friendly and the overall comfort and friendliness onboard.

Who might not love it:

• If you only want a long, uninterrupted island walking day and would prefer fewer sea stops, this schedule is designed for water lovers as well.
• If you are easily seasick and are sensitive to weather, you should think carefully, because sailing conditions can change.

Small Practical Notes That Make the Day Easier

A few choices will help you enjoy the day more:

• Go into the day ready to get wet. There are multiple swim and snorkel periods.
• Plan your pace for an 8-hour outing that includes both anchored sea time and island walks.
• Use the captain’s local advice for lunch in Favignana. That is one of the most praised parts of the experience in the past.

Also, note that private parking inside the marina is not included. If you are driving to the meeting point, you’ll want to plan parking separately.

Should You Book This Private Sail Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a true island day from Trapani with real swim time, simple logistics, and a private-group feel that does not feel chaotic. The combination of Favignana plus Levanzo gives you both a lively port island experience and a quieter village contrast, and the onboard inclusions like wine, water, soda, restroom access, and snorkeling gear make the day feel complete.

I would pause before booking only if you know your schedule is tight and you would struggle if conditions force a change, since sailing days depend on the sea.

If you can work with the day’s conditions, this is the kind of Sicilian experience that turns into a favorite, not just a line in your photos folder.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where do we meet in Trapani?

You meet at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What language is offered?

The tour is offered in English.

Is a mobile ticket provided?

Yes, you receive a mobile ticket.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is wine included onboard?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages like wine are included, along with bottled water and soda or Coke.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also depends on good weather.