Sicily by boat, with swim breaks built in. This Shalimar IV excursion strings together coves between Favignana and Levanzo, adds snorkeling equipment, and keeps food simple with a free on-board Trapanese lunch. The day runs about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am, and you get a couple of real island breaks instead of nonstop cruising.

I particularly like that the crew sets up the swimming around sheltered coves, plus you get a covered lounge and sunbathing mattresses so you’re not stuck standing in the sun. One thing to weigh: the experience seems to depend on onboard mood, and at least one group found the captain unusually cold and unengaging compared with a very warm crew (shout-out to Marianna).

Key things to know before you go

• Snorkeling gear included: masks and snorkels are provided by the crew for the swim stops.
• Coves chosen for comfort: the first stop is aimed at the cove most sheltered from the island winds.
• Free lunch with a Trapanese menu: rustic appetizers, pasta with mint/capers, tomato tuna, seasonal fruit, plus water and wine.
• You get both islands: Favignana and Levanzo each get their own swimming moments and scenery.
• Two hours in Favignana port: enough time for a break on land without turning the day into a full land tour.
• Small-ish group size: maximum 28 travelers, with covered space for downtime.

Shalimar IV: an 8-hour Egadi Islands plan that feels unhurried

This is the kind of day trip you want when you’re in western Sicily and you don’t want to fuss. You set out from Trapani at 9:30 am and come back late afternoon (around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm). The route is built around time at sea plus swim stops, with the right mix of movement and breaks.

The best part is that it’s not only about the boat ride. You’re going to Favignana and Levanzo, two islands that look similar on a map but feel different up close. Favignana is tied to beaches and caves and tends to reward you for paying attention to the shoreline. Levanzo feels wilder and more natural, with a calmer pace once you’re there.

As for comfort, the yacht is not trying to pretend it’s a floating palace. Still, the practical setup helps: you’ll have a covered lounge, plus sunbathing mattresses so you can relax when you’re not in the water. That matters because an 8-hour outing can feel long if the boat is cramped or if there’s nowhere to sit.

One more reality check: this is designed for people who can handle boats and swim-based stops. It’s not suitable for people who cannot swim, and the day isn’t a great match if you have trouble with steps—more on that later.

Morning departure from Trapani: your first sheltered swim at Cala Rossa

Right after departure, the trip heads toward the area between Favignana and Levanzo, where you’ll sail past several coves you can admire from the water. The names you’ll hear are part of the fun: places like Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Lido Ravine, Cala Fridda, Cala Minnula, and Cala Tramontana. Even if you don’t remember every name, you’ll notice the coastline rhythm—rocky edges, pockets of water, and a lot of inviting inlets.

About an hour after leaving, you’ll reach Cala Rossa (the first stop). The key detail here is not just the color of the water. It’s the way the crew chooses where to stop: they aim for the cove most sheltered from the predominant winds, so the swim tends to feel easier and calmer than if you were dropped into rougher conditions.

This is also where the snorkeling starts. The crew provides masks and snorkels, so you’re not spending your vacation hunting for gear. Expect a mix of swimmers: some people go right in and some just float and look. What I like about the structure is that it doesn’t feel like a forced activity block. It’s a swim break with equipment, not a lesson.

After the swim, you keep moving along the coast. And yes, you’ll have a free lunch later, so you’re not stuck with the worry of finding food immediately.

Favignana and Levanzo: why the route works (and where it can drag)

The day is basically a sequence of scenery + water time + small land breaks, and that works well if you like variety. You’re sailing around coves and then switching focus once you reach each island.

On Favignana, there are two things to understand. First, it’s famous for geomorphology—meaning the island’s shape includes both beaches and caves. That’s why approaching from the sea feels different from arriving by bus. Second, Favignana is where you’ll get more actual time on land: you stop at the Favignana port for about 2 hours later in the day (that’s one of the clearest “hang out” windows).

On Levanzo, the pitch is less about hustle and more about nature that stays intact. The island is known for keeping a more wild feel, and your plan reflects that with another swimming stop rather than a long structured walking portion. The itinerary’s balance is smart: you don’t spend the whole day on land, so you avoid the heat-and-steps problem that can hit in August and September.

Where it can feel less ideal: the day has a lot of short transitions and timed stops. If you’re the type who loves slow roaming and long conversations on shore, the schedule may feel a bit tight. The tradeoff is you’re getting sea views and two island vibes, which is hard to replicate with public transport in a single day.

Cala Azzurra and the second snorkeling break

Midday brings another swim stop: Cala Azzurra. You’ll have a dedicated about 1 hour for a break there. The name matters less than the practical value: another chance to get in the water, reset your legs, and see how conditions differ from the first cove.

This part is a good example of what you’re really paying for. A lot of boat trips in coastal Italy promise snorkeling but don’t supply gear or don’t give you enough time to use it. Here, you get equipment and enough time to actually do something with it—swim, put your face in the water, watch, and then climb back up when you’re ready.

If you’re not the strongest swimmer, don’t assume every cove will feel identical. Water depth and entry points are not listed in the details you have, so use your own judgment and stick close to the crew’s zone when you get in.

Also, bring a little patience for boarding logistics. Yacht days can be smooth or chaotic depending on how quickly everyone moves, and the best results come from being ready to swim when the boat stops.

Lunch on board: Trapanese rustic comfort (and wine if you want it)

Food is one of the biggest value drivers on this trip. Lunch is included and is described as a Trapanese rustic appetizer, followed by a pasta first course with fresh mint and capers, then tomato tuna, with fresh seasonal fruit. You’ll also have water and wine with the meal.

That’s a real win for most day-trippers. Buying lunch in Favignana or around Trapani can add up fast, and you’d lose time. Instead, you get a full meal without leaving the boat and without hunting for a table.

A couple of practical notes. You’re not allowed to bring alcohol or hard alcohol on board. Bar service is also not included, so if you want extra drinks outside the lunch plan, you’ll need to budget for that separately.

For me, this lunch setup signals the kind of day the operator wants: comfortable but not fancy. It’s meant to keep you fueled for swimming, not turn the day into a slow dining experience. If that’s your style, you’ll be happy.

The crew vibe on Shalimar IV: great service, mixed onboard atmosphere

This is where the reviews become especially relevant—not because the boat is perfect, but because the human touch matters on a day like this.

The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with Marianna singled out for kindness and for making people feel welcome. That kind of tone can turn a basic day trip into a day you remember for the right reasons.

At the same time, at least one group felt the captain was noticeably less warm and more serious than they expected. Safety was still seen as professional, but the emotional tone of the trip can vary. If you’re the type who likes an upbeat, chatty captain, keep that in mind and don’t judge the whole operator based solely on one person’s style.

One more operational concern from reviews: smoking on board. If smoke bothers you, you’ll want to choose your seating spot carefully and consider bringing a thin layer or scarf for comfort.

Music comes into play too. The boat day isn’t quiet by default, and at least one group found it could be loud sometimes, though it was adjusted when asked. If you’re sensitive to sound, consider earplugs. It’s a small thing, and it can save the afternoon.

Favignana port time: use the 2 hours well

After swimming and cruising, you’ll get a 2-hour stop in Favignana port. This is the moment to do one of two things: either wander at an easy pace, or plan a short, efficient errand list (coffee, a gelato, a quick look around, a few photos) and be back before you feel rushed.

Two hours is long enough to get off the boat and reset, but not long enough to treat it like a full walking tour. I recommend you decide in advance what you want. If you want a quick photo circuit of the port and nearby streets, you’ll have time. If you want a long countryside walk, you won’t.

Also, remember that this is a boat day. That means you’ll likely be moving back and forth between sun and shade and between walking and waiting. Wear shoes that handle uneven pavement or port surfaces. And if you’re sun-prone, take care early—by the time you’re on land, the heat can catch up fast.

Levanzo swim stop and the “last stretch” mindset

As the day winds down, you’ll head to Levanzo for one more swimming stop—often around Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula—with about 1 hour allocated. This is a nice finish because it gives Levanzo its own “water moment” rather than ending the day right after Favignana.

Once you’re done here, the schedule becomes the home stretch: you return to Trapani around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Mentally, I think of the last swim stop as the one where you should go easy. By then, you’ve already had earlier water time, lunch, and sun exposure. It’s a good moment to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and avoid the temptation to rush through the water just to squeeze in more snorkeling.

Practical tips for your day on Shalimar IV

A few small things will make the day feel smoother.

Bring swim-ready gear you’re comfortable with. You’ll get snorkeling equipment, but you control what you wear and how you feel in the water.

Plan for steps. Toilets are downstairs with high steps. If steps are a problem for you, this matters more than it sounds.

Don’t ignore the swim requirement. The excursion is not suitable for people who cannot swim. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can enjoy the water stops. If you aren’t, don’t gamble.

Keep an eye on ages and mobility. It’s not recommended for children under 5, and it’s also not recommended for disabled people or those with walking problems (and not for older people who struggle with walking).

Know about the protected area fee. You should expect an additional marine protected area fee of €5 per person, which is not included. It’s small, but it’s still money you want to be ready to pay.

Check the weather reality. The experience runs only when conditions are workable. It’s explicitly weather-dependent; if poor weather cancels it, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Shalimar IV yacht excursion?

I’d book it if you want a day that mixes two islands, real snorkeling time, and a included lunch without turning your schedule into a logistics puzzle. The price of $108.37 per person starts to make sense when you factor in snorkeling gear, lunch with wine and water, and the fact that you’re getting multiple swim stops plus a 2-hour port break.

I’d think twice if any of these are true for you: you can’t swim, steps are difficult, you need a quiet boat experience, smoke bothers you, or you’re hoping for a captain-led island lecture. This isn’t sold as a full guided history experience, so if you want lots of storytelling, you might find the day more focused on water and scenery than on explanations.

If you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family with older kids who can swim, it’s a strong fit. If your priority is a deep land itinerary, you’ll probably prefer a different style of trip.

FAQ

How long is the Shalimar IV excursion?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the trip start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment including a tube and fin, plus a mask.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Lunch is included. It’s 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.

Do I need to pay an extra fee for the marine protected area?

Yes. There is a marine protected area fee of €5.00 per person that is not included.

Is there a bar on board?

Bar service is not included.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or children?

No. It’s not suitable for people who cannot swim, and it’s not recommended for children under 5 years.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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