Marettimo is the Egadi you almost skip. This day trip takes you to Sicily’s wilder side, with sea-cave time and swim breaks in secluded coves off Marettimo and Levanzo. I especially love how the route feels built for the water, not just for photos.

I also like the food setup: a typical lunch tasting on board, plus an onboard tasting of local specialties. In one sailing, the crew served favorites like Trapani pesto, and you get the sense they’re feeding you like a local day out, not like a cafeteria transfer.

One catch: your best swim moments depend on weather conditions and tidal currents, so timing can shift a bit.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Trapani departure at 09:30 with a 30-minute boarding presentation window
• Cave circuit around Marettimo including Cave of Cammello, Tuono, Bombarda, and Pipa
• At least two planned swimming stops (more if conditions allow)
• Lunch + an onboard local tasting, served while you’re still out at sea
• A final Levanzo swim before returning to Trapani
• Masks available for snorkeling on the boat (handy if you forget yours)

From Trapani Harbour to Marettimo’s Wild Coast

Your day starts at Trapani Harbour at 09:30, and you’ll want to arrive early because boarding includes a presentation about 30 minutes before departure. Once you’re underway, navigation runs for about 90 minutes, which is plenty of time to settle in and watch the coastline come and go instead of rushing straight to the first stop.

On the way, you pass interesting points like the Colombaia of Trapani and the small island of Formica. It’s a good “warm-up” stretch. You get oriented to the Egadi Islands area, and you’ll likely feel the day’s pacing click into place: this tour is less about standing around and more about being on the water when it counts.

The boat carries up to 30 travelers, which helps a lot. It doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in a packed cattle line. You’re still in a group, but it’s the kind of size where the crew can be attentive during the day.

Lunch on Board: A Real Sicilian Pause, Not Just a Meal

The biggest surprise for many people is that the “food break” isn’t just a quick stop. You get a lunch on board that’s described as a typical tasting offered by the crew. Translation: you eat while the adventure continues, which makes the day feel smoother and more continuous.

After lunch, the sea portion keeps going with more scenic coves such as Cala Bianca, Finocchio Marino, and Cala Conca. So lunch isn’t an end point. It’s a reset that keeps you cruising along the island edges.

And based on what I’ve seen people highlight, the onboard food can be genuinely satisfying. One traveler mentioned getting an extra round of pasta Trapani, and another called out a fresh vegetarian Trapani pesto. Even if your menu varies with season and supply, the overall pattern is consistent: you get local flavors, and you don’t have to track down a restaurant with limited time.

The Swim-Stop Plan: Coves, Currents, and Timing

You should expect more than one swim moment. The tour notes that there are at least two stops forecast with the possibility of swimming, and that depends on weather and tidal currents. That’s the reality of sea-cave cruising—conditions change, and the crew adjusts for safety.

Here’s how I’d think about it as a practical visitor: don’t treat this as a strict schedule of “I will swim at 11:45.” Instead, treat it as a day that gives you multiple chances. If the sea is cooperative, you’ll likely get longer water time and more cave exposure.

You’ll also have time to get in and out from the boat during these stops. The best part is that the swimming is woven into the route. You’re not driving somewhere and then waiting for the sea to behave. You’re already surrounded by it.

If you care about snorkeling, bring swim basics even if you don’t have your own kit. Masks are available on board, which means you can focus on enjoying the clear-water breaks without needing to pack everything.

Marettimo’s Cave Circuit: Cammello to Pipa

Once the coastal tour begins, the day shifts into full “sea caves” mode. The tour circumnavigates the entire island and visits main caves such as:

• Cave of Cammello
• Cave of Tuono
• Cave of Bombarda
• Cave of Pipa

This is where the whole tour earns its name. Marettimo’s caves aren’t staged like a roadside attraction. They feel rugged and coastal, and the boat route is designed to give you multiple views from the waterline.

What I like about this style is that you’re not just looking. You get the chance to swim near coves and experience the caves as part of the shoreline rather than a single photo stop. You’ll likely notice that the skipper/crew narration can make the caves click. One sailing mentioned the skipper was prepared and told the caves with passion, which really helps you understand why each formation matters.

A small practical tip: bring a dry plan for your phone/camera. You don’t want to be scrambling for your bag during the best moments, and the sea is the star.

Free Time on Marettimo: Village Walks and Quiet Water

There’s also time built in to explore the island itself, not just ride from cave to cave. After the cave circuit starts, you should have ample time to explore secluded coves and mysterious caves, and you may also have the option to spend time around the village.

This is a good part of the day if you want a breather between swimming and cave passes. Marettimo is described as untouched and less visited than other stops in the Egadi Islands, and that matches the feel of this kind of trip: you’re not constantly competing with crowds.

Keep in mind that “free time” on an island like this still means you’re working around the boat’s schedule and sea conditions. If you want the most time on shore, aim for the earlier part of each window rather than waiting until the last minute.

The Onboard Tasting Moment: Local Specialties at Sea

Midday and afternoon include a second food element beyond lunch: an onboard tasting of local specialties. The idea is simple—while you’re surrounded by the coastline and caves, the crew will treat you to local flavors.

People specifically call out Trapani pesto and pasta-style Sicilian comfort foods, and they also mention the tasting being paired with a more “vacation” vibe rather than a hurried snack. That’s exactly what you want on this kind of tour: you’re seeing wild coastlines and then getting fed without needing to disembark for a formal meal.

This part is also why the day feels complete. It’s not a pure “sightseeing boat.” It’s a day trip with rhythm—ride, swim, eat, cave, taste, repeat.

Levanzo in the Afternoon: One Last Swim and a Big View

After Marettimo, the tour heads toward Levanzo in the afternoon. The payoff here is simple: you get one last swim in a beautiful cove, plus a chance to relax while enjoying the panorama of Levanzo.

Levanzo is a nice contrast to Marettimo. If Marettimo feels rugged and wild, Levanzo often feels like a quiet wrap-up—still coastal drama, but more “slow your brain down” energy before returning to Trapani.

This final stop is also a morale boost when you’ve already spent the morning on caves and the midday eating and swimming loop. Even if you’re tired, a calm cove swim tends to reset you fast.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

The listed price is $112.59 per person for roughly 8 hours. That sounds like a chunk until you look at what’s bundled into the day.

You’re paying for:

• A full sea route built around Marettimo’s caves
• Multiple swimming stops (at least two forecast)
• A lunch tasting on board
• An additional onboard tasting of local specialties
• Time for exploration and a final Levanzo swim

On top of that, the tour includes the experience of being on the water long enough to feel like you did something substantial. Many “boat trips” are mostly transport with a token swim. This one is structured around water time and cave access.

There is also a separate cost: an entrance fee for the Protected Marine Area of the Egadi Islands of €5.00 per person, paid in cash at the ticket office before boarding. That’s a small amount, but I’d plan for it so you’re not scrambling right before departure.

When This Tour Fits Best (and When It Doesn’t)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want to see Marettimo—a less crowded Egadi island
• Enjoy swimming in coastal coves and cave areas
• Like food that’s part of the experience, not an afterthought
• Prefer a guided day at sea with small group size (max 30)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate waiting on sea conditions, since weather and tides affect swim stops
• Need a super fixed itinerary with no changes, because cave access and swimming timing are conditional

Should You Book the Marettimo Sea Caves Boat Tour?

If you’re aiming for an Egadi day that feels more like a boat outing and less like a checklist, I’d book it. The combination of sea caves, planned swim breaks, onboard food, and the added Levanzo finish makes this one feel like a full day out on the water.

My only “don’t book blindly” advice: be realistic about the sea. If the day is rough, you’ll still tour, but the exact swimming moments may shift. If you’re okay with that tradeoff, you’re in for a memorable Sicilian coastline day.

If your schedule allows only one boat tour on the Egadi Islands, this is the kind that can deliver the most “how is this real?” moments because the caves and coves are the whole point.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and what time is departure?

The tour departs from Trapani Harbour at 09:30. Boarding includes a presentation 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the Marettimo Sea Caves Boat Tour?

The duration is about 8 hours (approx.).

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

What ticket do I receive?

The tour uses a paper ticket.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes lunch and a typical tasting offered by the crew.

Is there an extra fee for the marine area?

Yes. There is an entrance fee for the Protected Marine Area of the Egadi Islands of €5.00 per person, paid in cash at the ticket office before boarding.

Are there swimming opportunities during the tour?

Yes. There are at least two forecast swimming stops, and swimming is possible depending on weather conditions and tidal currents. There is also time for swimming around Marettimo and a final swim at Levanzo.

Is snorkeling included or offered?

You can do snorkeling during the tour, and masks are available on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I need to cancel for personal reasons?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid is not refunded.