Yacht excursion Shalimar IV

Sea, coves, and a plate of pasta. The Shalimar IV makes a full day of the Egadi Islands, sailing from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo for swimming, snorkeling, island views, and a two-hour stop ashore. I like the small maximum group of 28 and the fact that masks, snorkels, fins, fuel, crew, and lunch are included. The main trade-off is that this is a comfortable excursion boat, not a luxury yacht, and the onboard atmosphere can feel more practical than polished.

I also like the steady rhythm of the day. You get time in the water, a simple Trapanese meal, a proper stop in Favignana’s port, and a second swimming stop near Levanzo. The captain is reported to be professional and safety-minded, while Marianna has been praised for her warm, welcoming service. The possible drawbacks include loud music at times, crew smoking on board, and limited commentary about the islands.

Key points to know before booking

• Favignana and Levanzo in one day: You see both islands from the water, with swimming stops at each.
• Lunch is included: Expect a rustic Trapanese appetizer, pasta with tomato, tuna, fresh mint, and capers, seasonal fruit, water, and wine.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Masks, snorkels, and fins are available, so you do not need to pack your own equipment.
• Two hours in Favignana port: This is your main chance to step ashore, walk around, and get a break from the boat.
• Basic yacht comfort: There are sun mattresses and a covered lounge, but no sleeping cabin or included bar service.
• Extra marine fee: The Marine Protected Area charge is €5 per person, paid separately.

Starting from Trapani at 9:30 in the morning

The Shalimar IV leaves Trapani at 9:30 am and returns around 5:30 or 6:00 pm. That gives you about eight hours on the water, long enough to see two islands without rushing from one short stop to another.

The opening sail takes you toward Favignana, with views of coves between Favignana and Levanzo. The route can include Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, Cala Fridda, Cala Minnula, and Cala Tramontana. The exact feel of the ride depends on wind and sea conditions, since the crew chooses sheltered water for swimming.

I like this start because you begin with the scenery rather than a long wait for activities. You can settle onto a sun mattress, use the covered lounge if the sun becomes tiring, and watch the coast change from open water to pale coves and rocky inlets.

The boat holds a maximum of 28 people. That is not an intimate private charter, but it is more manageable than a large excursion vessel. If you want a completely quiet or luxurious yacht experience, adjust your expectations. This is best viewed as a practical day boat with enough room for swimming, lunch, and a little personal space.

Favignana’s coves and the first swim

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Favignana. The crew chooses a cove protected from the island’s prevailing winds, which matters more than it may sound. A sheltered bay usually makes getting into the water easier and keeps the first swim more comfortable.

Favignana is known for a mix of beaches and sea caves. Its coastline has an unusual shape, with exposed rock, clear-looking water, and small inlets that are best appreciated from a boat. The Shalimar IV does not simply take you to one beach and leave you there. Instead, you get a broad coastal view before stopping for swimming and snorkeling.

Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided. That saves you from packing bulky gear, though you may still want to bring your own mask if you need a very specific fit. The experience is not suitable for anyone who cannot swim, and the crew’s equipment does not change that basic requirement.

The first water stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time for a relaxed swim and some snorkeling, but not enough for a long independent exploration of the entire cove. I would treat it as a chance to cool off, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the setting rather than as a serious snorkeling expedition.

Cala Azzurra and the color of the water

The itinerary includes a swimming stop at Cala Azzurra, one of Favignana’s best-known coves. The name refers to the blue color of the water, and the appeal here is simple: you get a scenic place to swim without needing to organize transport to the shore.

This stop is another reminder that the day is built around water time. If you love being in the sea, the schedule gives you two main chances to swim plus the Levanzo stop later. If you prefer sightseeing from dry land, the schedule may feel heavy on swimming and light on walking.

The crew supplies the basic snorkeling equipment, while the boat carries fuel and handles the route between stops. Those inclusions make the $108.37 price easier to assess. You are paying for a full day on the water, not just a ferry ticket from Trapani.

Conditions can shape the experience. The boat may choose a different cove if wind or weather makes the planned location less comfortable. That is a sensible change, though anyone expecting every named cove to be visited should understand that these locations describe the sailing area, not guaranteed individual stops.

Lunch on board, with a Trapanese flavor

Lunch is served on board in one of the coves around Favignana or Levanzo. It includes a rustic Trapanese appetizer, a pasta first course with tomato, fresh mint, capers, and tuna, seasonal fruit, water, and wine.

This is a simple regional meal, not a formal yacht lunch. One account described it as uncomplicated, which is the right expectation. I like the fact that the meal uses local-style ingredients instead of turning the midday break into generic sandwiches or packaged snacks.

The lunch timing also works well. After swimming, you can eat without losing an hour to a restaurant visit. The boat remains part of the setting, with the coast close by and the sea around you. Wine is included with the meal, but you cannot bring your own alcohol or hard liquor, and the bar service is not included.

If you need frequent snacks, specialty drinks, or a choice of dishes, bring that expectation down to earth. The supplied information confirms the meal and beverages listed above, but not a full drinks menu or dietary alternatives. Pack only what is permitted and check any food concerns before departure.

Two hours ashore in Favignana port

The longest single stop is about two hours at Favignana port. This is valuable because many boat excursions show islands only from the deck. Here, you get a chance to step onto land and experience Favignana at walking pace.

Two hours is enough for a short stroll, a look around the port area, and a change of scene. It is not enough for an ambitious island tour, a long beach visit, and a leisurely meal away from the boat. Since lunch is served on board, your shore time remains available for exploring rather than finding a table.

You should keep the timing in mind. The boat’s schedule needs to continue to Levanzo, so do not wander far from the port or assume you can extend your stay independently. The attraction of this stop is its balance: you get a taste of Favignana on land, while the rest of the day focuses on its coves and coastline.

For me, this is one of the strongest parts of the trip. A full day spent only on a boat can become repetitive. The two-hour port stop breaks up the ride and gives you a small taste of island life.

Levanzo and the second swim

In the afternoon, the Shalimar IV continues toward Levanzo. Compared with Favignana, Levanzo is presented as quieter and more untouched, with a wilder feel along the coast.

The second swimming stop is planned for Cala Fridda or Cala Minnula. Again, the exact choice depends on conditions and shelter. You get about an hour in the water, with snorkeling equipment available from the crew.

This later stop gives the day a good second act. Favignana brings the larger coastal variety and the port visit, while Levanzo offers a calmer stretch of scenery from the boat. You can compare the two islands without booking separate trips or arranging your own boat connection.

There is no promise of a guided explanation of the islands’ past. If you want detailed background, bring your own guidebook or read about Favignana and Levanzo before departure. The experience is stronger as a scenic and swimming day than as a formal cultural tour.

What the boat feels like on a full day

The Shalimar IV has sun mattresses and a covered lounge area. Those features matter during an eight-hour trip. You can choose between open-air sun, a shaded place to sit, and time in the water.

The boat has a toilet downstairs, but it is reached by high steps. That makes it difficult for people with walking problems. The excursion is also not recommended for people with disabilities, older people who struggle with walking, or anyone who cannot swim.

Music may be played on board. One passenger found it loud at times, though the crew was willing to turn it down when asked. Crew smoking was also reported, so this may not be the best choice if you are highly sensitive to smoke or want a strictly quiet atmosphere.

The captain has been described as professional and focused on safety, but not especially warm or talkative. Marianna received particular praise for her kindness, smiles, and effort to make people feel welcome. That contrast gives you a useful picture of the service: attentive help is available, but you should not expect a polished entertainment team or a running commentary from the bridge.

Is $108.37 a fair price?

At $108.37 per person, the price is reasonable for an eight-hour boat day that includes fuel, crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, wine with the meal, the Favignana port stop, and views of two islands. The separate €5 Marine Protected Area fee should be added to your budget.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim several times and would otherwise need to book transport, equipment, and lunch separately. It is also useful if you want to see both Favignana and Levanzo without arranging multiple ferry or boat connections.

The value is weaker if your main goal is luxury. This is not marketed as a high-end yacht charter, and the onboard experience may include loud music or smoking. You are paying for access and convenience, not for a silent deck, fine dining, or a private crew.

The trip is generally booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 31 days. That suggests you should reserve early during busy periods, especially if your schedule in Trapani is tight.

Who should book the Shalimar IV?

I would recommend this excursion to confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a full day at sea without planning every detail themselves. It suits people who value swimming, island scenery, and a straightforward included lunch.

It is less suitable for children under five, anyone with limited mobility, people who cannot swim, and visitors who need easy restroom access. The downstairs toilet has high steps, and the boat does not provide a cabin for sleeping.

You should also choose another experience if you want deep historical interpretation, a luxury setting, or complete control over the route. The Shalimar IV is about seeing the Egadi coast, stopping in attractive coves, and enjoying the sea at a sensible pace.

Final call: book it for the sea, not the show

Book the Shalimar IV if your ideal day includes several swims, basic snorkeling, a regional lunch, and both Favignana and Levanzo in one outing. The two-hour port stop and the smaller 28-person limit add real value.

Skip it if onboard atmosphere matters more to you than the route. The boat is comfortable but not luxurious, the captain may be reserved, and smoking or music could bother some people. For a practical, scenery-first day from Trapani, though, it offers a solid way to meet the Egadi Islands from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Shalimar IV excursion begin?

The excursion begins in Trapani at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point around 5:30 or 6:00 pm.

How long does the yacht excursion last?

The trip lasts approximately eight hours.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Favignana and Levanzo, with views of both islands and stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided by the crew.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a rustic Trapanese appetizer, pasta with tomato, tuna, fresh mint, and capers, seasonal fruit, water, and wine with the meal.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. The Marine Protected Area fee is €5 per person and is not included in the listed price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cancel the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.