Clear water beats any beach day plan. This small-group cruise from Marsala blends sailing, timed swim stops, and a bit of island wandering that feels more personal than the big-boat scene. You’ll also get plenty of time in the water—snorkeling gear is provided—without turning the day into a race.

I especially love the multiple swim stops. You’ll go in and out of the sea at several bays around Favignana, then again near Levanzo, and finish with one last chance for snorkeling. I also like the meal plan: breakfast croissants and coffee, plus snacks and a full onboard lunch with eggplant caponata, seafood salad, pecorino, olives, and pasta options.

One drawback to plan around: the whole day depends on good weather, and your time exploring Favignana town is limited to about one hour.

Key things I’d plan for

• Small-boat, max 20 people: Captain Jonny and his crew keep it family-style and easy to manage.
• Breakfast right away in Marsala: Croissants and coffee are served as soon as you depart.
• Snorkeling gear included: Kits are available on board free of charge.
• Three swim phases: Favignana bay swimming, then Levanzo, then a final stop back in Favignana waters.
• One-hour Favignana town break: Enough time to wander, not enough time to slow-walk everything.
• Sicilian food that does not feel like a snack: Lunch is served around 1:30 pm with multiple local dishes and fruit.

Why This Marsala-to-Favignana Boat Day Feels Like the Right Length

This is a smart choice if you want Egadi Islands water time without losing your whole day to logistics. The schedule is built around movement, not standing around: you leave at 9:00 am, reach Favignana after about an hour on the water, and you’re back in Marsala around 17:30. That pacing keeps the day from dragging, while still giving you several real chances to swim.

You’re also not stuck with one single stop. The route typically lines up swimming opportunities in different bays, so you can get more than one type of shoreline view and water experience. And when it’s time to switch gears, you get an hour in Favignana town—enough to grab a coffee, browse, and see the island’s everyday rhythm.

There’s a reason people love the smaller-crew setup here: it’s easier to ask questions, get help with snorkeling equipment, and adjust if you’ve got kids or you just want a slower swim. Captain Jonny and his family run the day, and Marco is part of the crew that keeps things moving smoothly.

Getting On Board at Marsala: Croissants, Coffee, and a Friendly Captain

Your day starts at the Holiday Sea and Foodpresso porticciolo turistico on Via Vincenzo Florio in Marsala. The big win is how early it kicks in: as soon as you leave the marina at 9:00 am, breakfast is served. That matters because it means you’re not hungry while you’re waiting for the first swim stop.

Expect croissants in various flavors plus coffee. Then the boat continues toward Favignana with the kind of relaxed rhythm that works well for a mixed group. This is also offered in English, and the group stays limited, with a maximum of 20 people, so you’re not fighting for attention.

Practical tip: bring sun protection and a cover-up for between swim stops. The itinerary moves from sailing to swimming to eating, so you’ll likely be sun-exposed in short bursts. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider what you usually take on boats, since you’ll be on the water for multiple hours.

Favignana’s First Bay Swim: Cala Rossa or Cala Azzurra

After about an hour of navigation, you get your first stop for roughly 40 minutes in a bay. Depending on conditions, this is set up as a bathing and free snorkeling window in areas like Cala Rossa or Cala Azzurra.

This is exactly the kind of first stop I like on island cruises. It gives you an immediate payoff—get in the water while the day is fresh—and snorkeling gear is available on board free of charge. You’re not scrambling to find equipment on arrival, and you’re not paying extra for the privilege of seeing what’s right there beneath the surface.

What to watch for: because the bay choice can vary, don’t plan your day around one specific view. Instead, think of it as a chance to get in the water first, then build from there. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy having time to actually explore at your own pace during that 40-minute window. If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll still have enough time to get comfortable and try it without feeling rushed.

Favignana Town for About an Hour: See the Island, Not Just the Waterline

Once you’ve had your initial swim, the cruise heads toward the port of Favignana. Then you get a stop for a free visit of the island’s town area for about one hour.

This is short, so the best strategy is to pick one simple goal before you go ashore: a quick wander for views, a walk near the harbor, and maybe a snack or gelato break if you feel like it. You won’t have time to tour museums or do anything that requires careful planning, but you can still get the feel of the place: how Favignana lives, not just how it looks from a boat.

One nice touch is that the cruise passes notable sights along the way, including the Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica and Palazzo Florio. Even if you’re not stopping for long, it helps you connect what you see on shore with the island’s past and how locals worked the sea.

Then when you reboard, you’re back into the rhythm: snacks, sailing, and the next swim phase.

Levanzo Pass-By and Bay Time: A Slower Side of the Egadi

After lunch, you shift from the busier feel of Favignana to the quieter mood of Levanzo. The day includes a slow passage in front of Levanzo’s small port and fishing village area, which is a nice way to “arrive” by sight before you actually stop for water time.

Then comes another swimming and free snorkeling stop in a Levanzo bay, such as Cala Fredda or Cala Minnola. This second swim window is valuable because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive. You’ll get a different coastline feel, a different bit of underwater exploration, and another chance to refresh after lunch.

If you like gentle pacing, this is the part of the itinerary that tends to feel most relaxed. You’re not just jumping between places; you’re also getting that slow cruise-by view of the village, which helps you understand why some people like Levanzo for a quieter island day.

Grotta del Bue Marino and Other Seaside Views You’ll See From the Boat

The itinerary includes time around scenic coastal points and caves, including Grotta del Bue Marino and areas like Capo Boeo and Scogliera Cala Azzurra. The exact way you experience these depends on timing and how conditions are, but the key benefit is that you’re getting the coastline context without doing a full day on land.

This is one of those “you can’t really get this from the road” advantages. From the water, you notice shape and scale—how cliffs meet coves, where the sea opens out, and where the light sits on the water surface. Even if you’re not snorkeling the entire time, you’ll still come away with stronger island imagery than a strictly land-based plan.

Food and Drinks at Sea: What’s Included (and Why It’s a Big Deal)

Let’s talk about the part that actually makes this day feel worth it: the onboard food and drink. This cruise includes more than the basics.

Breakfast: croissants in various flavors and coffee served right when you depart Marsala.

Snacks: you get slices of rianata/margherita pizza, bruschetta mixed with matarocco and sun-dried tomato pâté, chips, and other savory items. These snacks are paired with excellent locally produced prosecco.

Lunch (served around 1:30 pm): eggplant caponata, seafood salad, sun-dried tomatoes, local pecorino cheese, seasoned green olives, and pasta with seafood or vegetable options or fish couscous. You also get seasonal fruit.

Drinks: free water all day, and wine with meals. Alcoholic beverages are included only to travelers 18 years and older; minors under 18 are served soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks beyond what’s included are not part of the package.

I like this setup because it’s not just a token “lunchbox” situation. You get multiple courses in a relaxed setting, and you can refuel between swim stops without leaving the boat. That makes the day easier if you’re short on time, and it helps keep the experience stress-free.

Two practical notes: first, eat before the next swim window if you can. Second, if you’re sensitive to wine or you want to stay totally alert, drink water between swim stops and pace yourself with whatever alcohol is offered.

The Final Swim Back in Favignana: One More Chance Before Returning

Toward the end of the day, you’ll head back to Favignana for the last swimming and free snorkeling stop. This final bay time is typically listed as places like Cala Rossa or Bue Marino (so again, the exact bay may vary).

This last swim is a great match for the day’s rhythm: you’ve already done town time and the Levanzo segment, and now you get one final stretch in the water. Even if you snorkel earlier, you can treat the final stop as a slower session—some people re-check spots they liked, while others just float and enjoy the lighter, late-day sun.

Then you start sailing back to the marina in Marsala, with arrival scheduled around 17:30. That timing is perfect for dinner planning afterward, since you’re not dragging into the night.

Price and Value: Is $90.51 a Good Deal?

At $90.51 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest option in the region, but it’s also not hard to justify. Here’s why I think it stacks up well for real-world value:

• You’re getting breakfast + snacks + lunch, not just one meal.
• Snorkeling equipment is included on board.
• You’re covering multiple areas: Favignana swims, Favignana town time, and Levanzo bay time.
• Drinks are partly included too: free water all day, wine with meals, and prosecco with the snack spread.

If you tried to cobble this together on your own—transport, boat rental, lunch, and snorkeling gear—costs add up fast. This option also saves effort: you don’t have to coordinate timing between island hops, and you’re not searching for a place to eat while everyone else is scrambling.

So the value answer depends on you. If you want a structured day with food included and you’re excited to swim, it’s a strong deal. If you mostly want land time and museums, you might find the schedule too water-focused for your style.

Who This Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This cruise fits well if you want a “do it all” island day without turning it into homework.

It’s especially good for:

• Families who want a boat day with multiple swim chances and attentive hosting.
• People who enjoy snorkeling but don’t want to bring gear or manage logistics.
• Travelers who want a small-group feel, with a captain and crew who take care of the day.

The vibe is family-run and personal. Captain Jonny and his crew, including Marco, keep things welcoming. That matters on a cruise like this, where the whole day works like a sequence: eat, sail, swim, explore a bit, eat again, swim again.

If you’re the type who wants hours and hours in one place on land, you might feel the Favignana town window is too short. It’s about island time from the water first, then a brief town taste.

Should You Book This Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re planning a Sicily trip and want an efficient, enjoyable way to experience the Egadi Islands by boat. The combination of multiple swim stops, free snorkeling equipment, and a proper onboard lunch is the big selling point. Add in Captain Jonny’s family-style service and Marco’s crew support, and you get a day that feels cared for rather than processed.

Book it now if your main goal is water time with minimal hassle. Skip it (or consider something else) if your top priority is long stretches on land or you dislike schedule-based days.

Finally, keep in mind the day requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the cruise may be offered on a different date or refunded.

FAQ

How much does the 1-Day Cruise with Lunch and Snorkeling cost?

It costs $90.51 per person.

What time does the cruise start and when do you return?

It starts at 9:00 am from the Marsala marina and returns around 17:30.

What meals are included during the cruise?

Breakfast includes croissants and coffee, and lunch is served on board around 1:30 pm. You also get onboard snacks, plus seasonal fruit with lunch.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. You can use snorkeling equipment, and snorkeling kits are available on board free of charge.

Where will we swim and snorkel during the day?

You’ll have swim and snorkeling stops in bays near Favignana (such as Cala Azzurra or Cala Rossa), in a Levanzo bay (such as Cala Fredda or Cala Minnola), and a final swim and snorkeling stop in Favignana (such as Cala Rossa or Bue Marino).

Is the tour in English, and what is the group size?

The tour is offered in English, and it has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is alcohol included?

Wine with meals and locally produced prosecco with snacks are included. Alcoholic beverages are served only to travelers 18 years and older, while minors under 18 are served soft drinks.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Bali: Snorkeling 3 Spots with GoPro & West Penida TourDolphin and Snorkeling Trip with Costa Rican Companies2.5 hour Glass Bottom Boat Trip, Snorkeling, Sliding and Fun5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling: Turtles, Reef, Musa, Shipwreck, Cenote