Island-hopping by catamaran feels like Sicily’s best cheat code. This private 8-hour sail from Trapani takes you to the remote islands of Favignana and Levanzo, with real time in the water at planned coves and natural cave areas. I especially like the sleek catamaran setup and the fact the day is structured around multiple swim/snorkel moments, not just sitting and staring. One thing to keep in mind: this tour needs good weather, so if conditions are rough, the day can be adjusted or swapped.

I also like how personal it feels. Since it’s private for your group of up to 12, you’re not packed into a cattle-style schedule, and the captain’s local know-how shows up fast. Names come up like Federico, Marcello, and Alberto—people praised for smooth boat handling, sharing local context, and steering you toward solid lunch choices on Favignana.

It’s not a cheap splurge, but I think the value math works best when you fill the group. At the full 12-person size, you’re roughly in the neighborhood of $115 per person for an all-day private catamaran outing with wine, snorkeling gear, and multiple island stops.

Key things I’d plan around

• Private catamaran, up to 12 people: easier flow, less waiting, and more flexibility for your group.
• Multiple swim stops + snorkeling gear: you’re not stuck with one quick splash.
• Favignana lunch and village time: enough time to eat, walk, and then get back to the sea.
• Levanzo on foot for a short village look: quiet streets, white-and-turquoise terraces, and simple island life.
• Smooth sailing as part of the pitch: captains here are praised for competent boat handling.

Why a private catamaran day from Trapani is worth it

Starting in Trapani at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18 (with pickup/meet right near the action), you get a full day at sea without the “long ferry, long wait” feeling. The tour leaves at 9:30 am and runs about 8 hours, which is a smart length: you get real island time, plus multiple stretches on open water.

The big reason this works is the mix. You’re not choosing between “scenic boat ride” or “actual time at destinations.” You’re doing both, with swimming built into the day: Cala Azzurra first, Cala Rossa next, and then Cala Fredda later for snorkeling and fish viewing.

Then there’s the comfort factor. This is a catamaran setup, with praise for being very clean and comfortable. One review also called out that the crew does a good job avoiding unnecessary wakes from other boats—small detail, big difference when you’re trying to keep the day relaxing.

The full route: Favignana swim coves, lunch, then Levanzo streets

Here’s how the day typically flows, and why the order matters.

You start with time at Cala Azzurra (about 2 hours). The next stop is Cala Rossa (about 1 hour). After those water breaks, you head to Favignana’s port area for sightseeing and lunch, with time to visit the Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica area and then eat in the village. From there, you go to Levanzo (about 1 hour on foot), and later you finish with another water stop at Cala Fredda (about 1 hour) before returning to Trapani.

This sequencing is practical: it front-loads the swimming while everyone’s still fresh. It also keeps the “walk around” portions compact, which helps if you don’t want to spend most of your day climbing around.

Stop 1: Scogliera Cala Azzurra for the long first swim window

Cala Azzurra is your first water stop, and you get roughly 2 hours there. That’s valuable because it turns the stop from a quick photo break into real hang-time. You can plan a relaxed swim and settle in long enough to find a spot that matches your comfort level.

The cove is named after the water-color effect, and the idea here is simple: this is about enjoying the clarity and the calm feel of anchored time. If you like taking your time—snacks, sunscreen re-application, floating for a while—this first stop gives you room.

A quick consideration: long swim windows mean you should pack like you’re going to be in the sun for hours. Even with shade on board, you’ll likely be exposed during your time at anchor.

Stop 2: Scogliera di Cala Rossa for a faster beach-and-water moment

Next comes Cala Rossa, with about 1 hour. Compared to the first stop, it’s shorter, so treat it like a concentrated dose. The water here is described as crystal clear, with fish around the area—so it’s a great fit if you want to see marine life and then move on.

This short timing can be a plus. If you’re the type who gets antsy sitting still, you’ll appreciate the change of pace. If you’re hoping for a long, beach-style afternoon, you might feel you want more time, but that’s balanced by the later snorkeling stop at Cala Fredda.

Favignana port time: Ex Stabilimento Florio + village lunch

After the swimming breaks, the day turns land-friendly with a stop at Favignana’s port. You get about 2 hours here, which is a solid chunk for a port town day without it turning into a rushed dash.

You’ll have a visit as part of the Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica area, and then time to eat lunch in the village at typical gastronomy shops. This is one of the parts I like most, because it breaks the day into two moods: saltwater time, then food-and-walking time.

There’s also a smart advantage to eating here: captains are local to the area and can steer you toward lunch choices that fit what you actually feel like. In the guidance people described, the captain often points you to good options—things like well-loved sandwiches and regional favorites. You’ll still choose, but you’re doing it with a local’s shortcut.

Tip: if you want photos, do them before your meal. Once you’re seated, you’ll get distracted the way all of us do.

Stop 4: Levanzo for quiet streets and the only inhabited vibe

Levanzo is handled differently than Favignana. Instead of a long port town moment, you get about 1 hour to step from the dock and walk the village streets.

The description is clear: Levanzo is the only inhabited part of the island, with simple white and turquoise terraced houses you can see as you move along the few quiet streets. That makes Levanzo feel like the slower, calmer sibling to the busier-feeling island towns.

What I like about this stop is the pace. One hour is enough to enjoy the look of the place without turning it into a full trekking event. It’s also a good way to break up the day after earlier water time—your eyes reset.

Possible drawback: if you love long wandering sessions, you might wish for more time. But the tradeoff is that the day still includes time back in the water afterward.

There’s also a scenic passage by one of Levanzo’s bays without stopping. Think of it as a bonus viewing moment while you’re already traveling.

Stop 5: Cala Fredda snorkel time and fish viewing

Cala Fredda is your final swim/snorkel stop, with about 1 hour. This is the moment when snorkeling equipment becomes genuinely useful, not just “something on board.” The stop is specifically framed around seeing fish around the cove, and that’s why it lands near the end of the itinerary—it gives you one more chance to connect with the water once the island walks are done.

This is also a good time to settle into the gear. If your group includes different experience levels, you can adjust: some people snorkel, others stick to floating and watching from the surface.

Practical note: snorkel time is best when you’ve got your basics covered—dry bag for phone, sunscreen ready, and a quick rinse strategy back on board (even if it’s just water on hand).

On-board comfort: drinks, restroom, and snorkeling kit

This tour includes a few things that make the day smoother. You get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda/pop. Alcoholic drinks are included, with wine listed as part of the deal, plus restroom access on board.

The overall vibe from reviews is that the catamaran is clean and comfortable, and that the crew runs a well-managed trip. One review highlighted that the crew served items like fruit and biscotti along with wine, though that’s best treated as a possible extra rather than a guarantee for every sailing.

The important part for your planning: you don’t need to buy drinks during the day, and you’ll have the essentials to make snorkeling workable. If your group includes kids or casual swimmers, a restroom on board and bottled water can make the difference between a good day and a stressful one.

Price and value: $1,385.50 per group (up to 12)

The total price is $1,385.50 per group for up to 12 people. That sounds like a lot until you do the math and realize it’s a private catamaran day with a full itinerary, swim gear, and included basics.

If you fill the group size, that works out to around $115 per person. Even without doing exact per-person math, the value logic is straightforward: you’re paying for private access to both islands plus multiple anchored swim moments, not just one stop.

So who gets the best value? Groups of friends, families, and anyone traveling in a pack that can realistically fill most of the 12 seats. If you’re traveling solo or as a small couple, it may feel like an expensive way to buy time on the water, even if the experience is high quality.

One more value point: the tour includes all fees and taxes, and admission tickets are included for specific stops. Favignana’s Ex Stabilimento Florio portion is listed as admission free, while other stops specify admission ticket included.

Booking timing and what it means for your plans

This tour is commonly booked about 77 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that good-weather days get claimed fast—especially for private sailings when demand is high.

You start at 9:30 am, so you’re choosing an active morning. If you’re planning other Trapani activities, remember this day likely takes most of your daylight hours.

Also, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a confirmation after booking. There’s a mobile ticket as well, which keeps things simple when you show up at the meeting point near public transport.

Who this tour suits best (and who may want a different style)

This private sail works best if you want sea time with structure. You like swim stops, you want included snorkeling gear, and you want island walking that stays short and sweet.

It also sounds family friendly in practice, with the trip framed as suitable for most travelers. That usually means: your group can be mixed ages, and the day still functions with manageable walking time.

I’d be cautious if you’re the type who needs lots of uninterrupted land time. Levanzo is just about 1 hour on foot, and Favignana’s lunch/sightseeing block is about 2 hours. It’s not a slow “live here for a while” island day. It’s a best-of day out.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How long is the boat tour?

It lasts about 8 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start in Trapani?

It starts at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 18, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

What’s included for snorkeling?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Lunch isn’t listed as a standalone inclusion item, but there is a stop in Favignana with time to have lunch in typical gastronomy shops.

What drinks are included on board?

You’ll have bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages including wine.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for some stops (Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa, Levanzo, and Cala Fredda). The Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica stop is listed as admission free.

Should you book this Trapani-to-Favignana-and-Levanzo sail?

If you’re aiming for a classic Sicilian day with sea time built in, I’d book it—especially if you can fill enough seats to make the private-group cost feel fair. The itinerary makes sense: long anchor time first at Cala Azzurra, then a shorter Cala Rossa stop, followed by Favignana for food and sightseeing, then Levanzo for an hour of village wandering, and finally Cala Fredda for snorkeling.

You should think twice only if bad weather would ruin your mood. This experience requires good weather, and it’s run with that reality in mind. If the forecast looks solid and your group wants an easy, well-timed island day, this is the kind of outing that turns Sicily from a list of places into a day you’ll remember.