A day on the Shalimar IV is built for sea time. You get snorkeling gear plus a free on-board lunch, and the route is timed so you’re not stuck staring at the horizon all day.

I also like that the pacing gives you both quick swims in sheltered coves and a real pause on the islands themselves. One thing to weigh: the tone can depend on the captain, and some folks have felt the atmosphere was less friendly than you’d expect for a relaxed day trip.

Key points to know before you go

• Multiple swim stops in Favignana and Levanzo coves, with snorkeling supported by the crew
• Lunch is included, with a Trapanese rustic appetizer, pasta, fruit, water, and wine
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 28 people on board
• Comfort details matter: covered lounge area, sunbathing mattresses, and panoramic views while sailing
• Two hours of port time in Favignana lets you switch from boat mode to island mode

Shalimar IV on the Egadi Islands: the vibe and the real payoff

This is an 8-hour yacht excursion out of Sicily that focuses on what you actually came for: sea coves, quick snorkeling, and a straightforward day plan. At 9:30 am start, you get a full morning and early afternoon on the water, then you still have enough island time to feel like you left the marina for more than just scenery.

The boat itself is described as comfortable but not “luxury yacht” style. Translation for your planning: it’s a fun day vessel, not a high-end floating hotel. You’ll spend time lounging (there’s a covered lounge area) and using the sunbathing mattresses when conditions allow. If you want shaded seating, you’ll be glad that’s part of the setup.

The other big “vibe” piece is the crew. One name that came up with real warmth is Marianna—people noted her kindness and ability to make groups feel welcome. Even if the captain is more no-nonsense than chatty, it’s the crew’s friendliness that often keeps the day feeling easy.

Favignana and Levanzo coves: how the itinerary keeps you moving

The route is designed around the wind and shelter. You sail between Favignana and Levanzo, stopping in coves known for their underwater life and rock formations. You’re not just going from one stop to another—you’re doing it in a way that aims to make swimming feel doable even when island conditions vary.

Stop 1: Cala Rossa and nearby gems between Favignana and Levanzo

After about an hour from departure, you reach Favignana and approach the cove considered most sheltered from the island’s prevailing winds. That’s a practical choice. If you’ve ever tried to swim somewhere choppy, you know shelter changes everything.

Once you’re anchored, it’s your first swimming-and-snorkeling slot. Masks and snorkeling equipment are provided by the crew. Favignana is famous for its geology—beaches and caves in close proximity—so this is a good moment to look beyond “pretty water” and pay attention to how the coastline changes. If you enjoy biodiversity and rock-and-sand underwater textures, this stop is the one you’ll remember.

After your swim, you sail along the coast and move toward the next set of coves. Lunch is free on board, and it’s positioned in the day so you’re not starving between swims.

Potential drawback: this first swim stop is early enough that you’ll want to be ready. If you’re the type who needs a long warm-up, plan to take a slow start once you’re on the water.

Stop 2: Cala Azzurra for another swim break

Next up is Cala Azzurra, another dedicated bathing stop. This one is shorter in the itinerary flow, but it’s still time in the water rather than just a view from the deck.

The value here is simple: two snorkeling moments give you options. If the first cove conditions don’t feel perfect, you’ve got a second chance later.

Stop 3: Favignana time (lunch stop in the Cale area)

You’ll pause in one of the Cale di Favignana or Levanzo for lunch. It’s on board, and it’s structured as a Trapanese rustic meal rather than a token snack.

This is a nice middle-of-the-day reset. You eat, drink water and wine with the meal, and you can decide whether you feel like another round in the afternoon waters.

Stop 4: Favignana Port for about 2 hours

After the swim and lunch rhythm, you get a more grounded chunk of island time at Favignana port. About two hours is enough to do something real: walk around the port area, grab a coffee if you want (there’s no bar service on board, so you may want to plan accordingly), and get a sense of how the islands actually feel away from the boat.

This port stop is also useful if you want a break from salt air and sun. You can cool down, take photos, and pace your day instead of rushing from one anchored stop to the next.

Stop 5: Levanzo (Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula)

Then it’s back to the sea for a final bathing/snorkeling stop on Levanzo. Levanzo is described as keeping its nature intact and feeling wilder in character than Favignana. Even without turning this into a biology lesson, that difference tends to show up in how the coast looks and how you feel on shore.

This is a good time to snorkel with fresh energy, since you’ve already done the rhythm once. If you’re going to try the water again, aim to focus on a few key things—how clear it is, where rocks meet sand, and how the coastline curves.

Stop 6: Trapani return around 5:30–6:00 pm

You return to Trapani late afternoon, with a scheduled arrival around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm. For me, that makes the day feel self-contained: you’re not committing to a full evening drive back and then doing “tourist mode” all night.

Food on board: Trapanese lunch value and what to expect

Lunch is one of the best parts of the price package here, because it’s not just pasta and bread. You’ll get a Trapanese rustic appetizer, a first course of pasta with fresh mint and capers tomato tuna, plus seasonal fruit. Water and wine come with the meal.

This is a real benefit if you’d rather not hunt for food between swims. Also, having lunch served on the boat helps you keep momentum. You’re not leaving the sea for a restaurant with unpredictable timing.

Two practical thoughts:

• There’s no bar service included, so if you want extra drinks beyond the meal setup, you’ll need to plan for that.
• It’s forbidden to bring alcohol or hard alcohol on board, so don’t try to self-upgrade.

Snorkeling gear and swim-readiness: small details that matter

You’re provided snorkeling equipment, including the tube and fin mask setup used for the swim. That reduces hassle because you don’t have to track down gear before you leave.

That said, this trip isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable if you cannot swim, and it’s not recommended for people with walking problems or those who have trouble handling steps. The toilet is downstairs with high steps, so you’ll want to mentally account for that before you board.

Also, the experience has a moderate physical fitness level requirement. Most of the day is boat time, but getting to and from swim areas and handling the boat’s movement can still be tiring for some people.

If you’re going with kids: it’s not recommended for children under 5 years. If your child is older but still new to open-water swimming, make sure you’re comfortable with the situation rather than assuming it’ll be “easy snorkeling.”

Comfort aboard: lounge shade, sun mattresses, and the music factor

The Shalimar IV setup includes a covered area in the lounge and open deck time for sunbathing on mattresses. That mix is helpful. You can follow the shade when the sun gets intense, then shift back out when you want a tan and a breeze.

Two things to keep in mind from real-world experience:

• People have noted that crew smoking can happen on board. If that bothers you, bring patience and consider stepping into covered areas when you can.
• Music can get loud at times. The crew may turn it down if asked, but you should still be ready for moments where sound isn’t subtle.

It’s also not marketed as a guided lecture trip. One person wished there was more introduction about the islands’ history. So if your main goal is storytelling, treat this as a scenery-and-water day, not a classroom.

Price and what you’ll actually pay in practice

At $108.37 per person, the value is mostly in three things: snorkeling equipment, a proper included lunch, and the fuel/crew cost that typically adds up on sea excursions.

There is one extra fee you should plan for: a Marine Protected Area fee of €5.00 per person, not included. That’s the kind of add-on that can catch you if you’re budgeting tightly, so it’s worth factoring it in early.

Also note what’s not included:

• No cabin for sleeping (this is a daytime excursion—fine, but don’t expect overnight comfort)
• No bar service included
• Alcohol or hard alcohol is not allowed on board

When I think about value, I look at whether you’d pay for these separately if you booked them on your own. Here, the boat ride plus lunch plus snorkeling gear are bundled into one price. If you can’t (or don’t want to) manage a rental boat or independent snorkeling logistics, this kind of package is often the easiest route to a low-stress day.

Who this yacht excursion is best for

This trip fits well if you want:

• A structured day with multiple sea stops rather than one long anchoring session
• Free lunch with local-style food
• A mix of boat time plus actual port time in Favignana

It’s also a good fit for couples, friends, and small groups because it’s not huge—maximum 28 people—and you can move between lounging, sun mattresses, and swim moments.

It’s not a great fit if:

• You cannot swim
• You have significant walking limitations, because the toilet involves high steps and the swim logistics can be physical
• You’re traveling with children under 5
• You need a super chatty captain experience. The captain can be professional and safety-minded, but some groups have found the tone less welcoming than the crew.

Should you book Shalimar IV with Egadi Explorer?

If your top priorities are sea coves, snorkeling opportunities, and lunch handled for you, then this is an easy yes. The itinerary gives you more than one water moment, and the included meal is substantial enough that you won’t feel short-changed midway through the day.

I’d especially consider booking if you’ll enjoy Favignana’s caves and coastal shape and you’re interested in Levanzo’s wilder feel. The combination of sheltered coves, port time, and on-board comfort makes it a solid, practical day out.

Skip it or choose another format if you’re sensitive to boat noise and on-board smoking, or if you need heavy accessibility support. Also, if you want a deeply guided historical tour, you might find the day leans more toward the experience than the explanations.

FAQ

How long is the yacht excursion Shalimar IV?

It’s about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the tour depart from and where does it end?

It departs from and ends back at the meeting point in Trapani.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment, including tube and fin mask, plus the crew provides masks and snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included on board: Trapanese rustic appetizer, a pasta first course with fresh mint and capers tomato tuna, fresh seasonal fruit, and water and wine with the meal.

Is there a bar service on board?

Bar service is not included.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. There’s a Marine Protected Area fee of €5.00 per person that is not included.

Are there restrictions for children or swimming ability?

Children under 5 are not recommended, and it’s not suitable for people who cannot swim.

What about toilets and accessibility?

There is a toilet downstairs with high steps, which can be difficult for people with mobility issues.

Is the trip affected by weather?

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

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