Excursion on Luxury Yacht Shalimar IV

An Honest Look at the Luxury Yacht Shalimar IV Excursion in Sicily

If you’re eyeing a day on the water off Sicily, the Luxury Yacht Shalimar IV offers an experience worth considering. Designed for those who want to explore the islands in a relaxed, intimate setting, this tour aims to blend comfort, natural beauty, and good company. While we haven’t been aboard ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture.

What we really like about this excursion is the family atmosphere onboard — it’s not a giant, crowded boat where you feel lost in the crowd. The smaller group size and friendly crew tend to foster a more personal vibe. Plus, the inclusion of a lunch on board and plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel make it feel like a well-rounded day. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is best suited for those comfortable with boat trips and in good health, due to some walking and swimming involved.

This trip is especially suited for travelers who love the idea of a laid-back day, enjoying stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of larger tour boats. It’s a nice choice if you’re after a bit of peace, beautiful marine views, and a taste of local Sicilian charm without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Small, intimate group creates a more personal experience.
• Includes lunch and snorkeling gear, making it convenient and cost-effective.
• Beautiful stops around Favignana, Levanzo, and Trapani.
• Relaxed pace with plenty of swimming, sunbathing, and picturesque views.
• Weather-dependent — good weather is essential for a smooth trip.
• Suitable for travelers comfortable with boat trips, not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect from the Shalimar IV Yacht Tour

When considering a boat trip like this, it’s useful to understand what the day entails — both the highlights and the small potential frustrations.

Starting Point and Duration

Your adventure kicks off at 9:30 am from the meeting point at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 94, Trapani. The total duration is about 8 hours, which sounds like a good chunk of the day to fully enjoy Sicily’s waters and islands. The trip ends around 5:30 to 6 pm, giving you plenty of time to relax afterward or explore more of Trapani.

Small Group Vibe

One of the most praised aspects is the small group size — typically up to 30 travelers. Many reviews mention how the crew makes everyone feel at home, with a few even highlighting the friendly, helpful staff and the captain, Mr. Toto, in particular. This makes the experience feel less like a touristy rush and more like a day spent with friends.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Cala Rossa and Nearby Covess

The day begins with sailing between Favignana and Levanzo, passing by some of Sicily’s most celebrated coves, such as Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, and Cala Minnula. These spots set the tone for a day filled with stunning sea views and natural beauty.

After about an hour, your boat approaches Favignana. The crew navigates to a cove protected from the wind — perfect for your first swimming and snorkeling activity. Masks and snorkel gear are provided, making it easy for everyone to dip into the clear waters and explore the seabed. Favignana, famous for its geomorphology, offers both beaches and caves, so this is a highlight for anyone interested in marine life and scenic landscapes.

Stop 2: Cala Azzurra

The second stop is at Cala Azzurra, renowned for its calm, inviting waters—ideal for bathing and soaking up the sun. Many reviews praise the peaceful, picture-perfect scenery here, emphasizing how relaxing it is to float in such a pristine environment.

Stop 3: Lunch at Favignana or Levanzo

The best part? The lunch is served on board. Expect a rustic Trapanese appetizer, fresh pasta with a mint and capers tomato tuna sauce, seasonal fruit, water, and local wine. Many travelers comment on how surprisingly good the meal is considering it’s included in the price. It’s a lovely chance to unwind, refuel, and chat with fellow travelers.

Stop 4: Favignana Port

After lunch, you get about two hours at the port of Favignana. This gives you the opportunity to walk around, explore quaint streets, or relax onboard longer if you prefer. Some reviews mention how the crew is flexible, allowing guests to decide whether to stay on the boat or explore ashore.

Stop 5: Levanzo’s Cala Fridda and Cala Minnula

Next, the party heads to Levanzo, where stops for swimming are planned at Cala Fridda or Cala Munnula. Here, the waters are said to be especially clear and inviting, perfect for a refreshing swim to beat the summer heat.

Return to Trapani

The trip winds down with a scenic cruise back to Trapani, arriving around 5:30-6 pm. The journey back is usually relaxed, with plenty of time to take in the coastline or reflect on the day.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many guests appreciate the professionalism and warmth of the crew, highlighting the helpful attitude and good humor. One reviewer mentions how they felt “pampered and spoiled,” thanks to attentive staff like Vito and Totò, who go beyond to make everyone comfortable.

The value for money is another common theme. For just over $90, you get not only a full day of sightseeing and swimming but also lunch, snorkeling gear, and access to some of Sicily’s most beautiful islands. Several reviews describe the experience as “a wonderful day” and “perfect,” with many saying they would do it again.

However, there are some caveats. One reviewer experienced a cancellation, which caused disappointment, highlighting that weather or minimum group size can affect the trip. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 or people with walking difficulties, so discretion is advised if traveling with very young kids or mobility concerns.

The Downsides

While the overall feedback is positive, a couple of reviews mention issues like cancellations or logistical hiccups, which are beyond the operator’s control. Also, bar service is not included, so if you want drinks beyond water and wine, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

• Price: About $91.71 per person, which, considering includes lunch and snorkeling gear, offers good value.
• Group size: Maximum of 30 travelers, keeping the experience intimate.
• Duration: 8 hours, with some stops lasting around an hour or two.
• Included: Snorkeling equipment, lunch, fuel, crew, scenic views, and a marine protected area fee.
• Not included: Cabin accommodations or bar service.
• Accessibility: Not recommended for children under four or those with mobility issues.
• Weather dependence: Good weather is crucial; cancellations due to poor conditions are possible, with full refunds or rescheduling offered.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a calm, personalized day exploring Sicily’s iconic islands, this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising, and appreciate good food and friendly staff. It’s not the best choice if you’ve got very young children or mobility concerns.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, well-organized day with a small group in stunning waters, this tour offers solid value and an authentic experience. You’ll love the views, the marine activities, and the hospitality—plus, the chance to enjoy Sicily’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically advertised as family-oriented, it can work for families with older children who are comfortable with swimming and boat trips. It’s not recommended for children under 4 or those with walking difficulties.

How long is the trip?
The entire excursion lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning around 5:30-6 pm.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling equipment, a traditional lunch with drinks, fuel, crew service, and scenic views of the islands. There’s also a small marine protected area fee.

Can I swim during the stops?
Yes, each stop allows for swimming from the boat, with ladders provided for easy access. Snorkel masks and fins are included.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Walking is minimal, mainly during port stops if you choose to explore ashore. The boat is accessible for swimming and sunbathing.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Since food and drinks are provided, there’s no need to carry a lot onboard.

Are there any cancellations I should be aware of?
Cancellations can happen due to weather or minimum group size. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled.

How crowded is the boat?
The maximum is 30 guests, so it’s a comfortable size that allows for privacy and relaxation.

Can I book last minute?
Most bookings are made around 28 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on conditions and group size.

To sum it up, if you’re seeking a laid-back, scenic adventure in Sicily with friendly staff, good food, and the chance to explore some truly beautiful islands, the Shalimar IV yacht tour could be a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a more intimate experience and don’t mind relying on weather conditions. Just remember, it’s not designed for the very young or those with mobility issues, and cancellations are possible if weather turns foul. With its combination of marine activities, picturesque scenery, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a day that many travelers seem to cherish.