MARSALA-EGADI MINI CRUISE

If you’re considering a day trip to the Egadi Islands from Marsala, the Marsala-Egadi Mini Cruise might catch your eye. It promises a relaxing nine-hour voyage with stops at Favignana and Levanzo, both known for their scenic coves, charming villages, and laid-back vibe. While this tour offers a taste of island life with swimming, shopping, and a tasty Sicilian lunch, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for—especially when it’s not all smooth sailing based on recent reviews.

What we like about this experience is the opportunity to see two beautiful islands in one day, plus the chance to snorkel and enjoy a traditional meal onboard. The inclusion of snorkeling masks is a nice touch, making the water activities accessible without extra fuss. The lunch, described as delicious and local, is another highlight that adds value to the trip. However, a key consideration is the size of the boats and the crowd — some travelers found them a bit cramped and noisy, which can affect the overall enjoyment.

This cruise might be a good fit if you’re looking for a relaxed boat day with scenic swimming stops and a taste of local Sicilian cuisine. But if you’re someone who prefers more time on land or a quieter, less crowded boat, there are some points to keep in mind. It’s probably best for those who don’t mind a lively, sometimes busy environment, and who want a straightforward way to explore these islands without planning multiple logistics themselves.

Key Points

• Island hopping: Visit Favignana and Levanzo in one day, with swimming stops and free time
• Onboard lunch: Sicilian-style meal included, with local wine and fresh fruit
• Crowded boats: Small group size (max 8:45 a.m. check-in) can mean a full, lively experience
• Water activities: Snorkeling masks provided, swimming in picturesque coves
• Timing: Early start with a 9 a.m. departure and return by 6 p.m., allowing for a full day
• Mixed reviews: Some find the trip well-organized and enjoyable, others feel the island stops are too brief or the boat too crowded

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What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

This mini cruise kicks off bright and early at 9:00 a.m. from the Piazza Piemonte e Lombardo in Marsala. Expect to arrive at Favignana around 10:30 a.m., giving you just enough time to settle in and hop off the boat for some exploration or a quick look around. This island, often called the “butterfly on the sea,” is famous for its charming town, pastel-colored houses, and stunning coastlines.

Once in Favignana, the boat makes a stop for swimming in the most scenic coves. Travelers love these moments — the clear waters, the gentle waves — perfect for snorkeling or just floating around. One reviewer from Germany mentioned, “The stops on the islands and for swimming were plenty, and the lunch was surprisingly tasty,” highlighting that the water activities are a true highlight.

At about 11:15 a.m., you’ll have free time to disembark—so if you prefer to stroll, shop, or grab a coffee, now’s your chance. The tour offers some flexibility here, but keep in mind that the overall time on land is limited—roughly an hour and a half—and the island is small, so don’t expect to cover much ground.

Lunch on Board

Around 1:30 p.m., a lunch of local Sicilian fare is served on the boat. The menu includes a first course of Sicilian pesto, fresh fruit, water, and wine. This meal adds a pleasant touch to the cruise, especially since it’s included in the price. One traveler called the lunch “really tasty,” which is promising, especially after a morning spent swimming and exploring.

However, some reviews note that the quality of the meal may vary — don’t expect a gourmet feast, but more of a simple, authentic taste of Sicily. The inclusion of wine and water, served in disposable bottles and cups, suggests a casual, no-frills vibe. It’s a practical addition that makes the journey more enjoyable, especially after a swim.

In Levanzo: A Short Visit

After lunch, the boat heads to Levanzo, a smaller, less developed island known for its ancient fishing village and natural beauty. Here, again, there’s free time for shopping and sightseeing. The reviews indicate that the time here isn’t long — roughly an hour or so — and some travelers felt this was too brief to fully experience what Levanzo has to offer.

A swimming stop in a nearby cove in the early afternoon is also part of the plan, giving you another chance to cool off and enjoy the water. The landscape here is rugged and scenic, ideal for those who love peaceful, less crowded spots.

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Return and End of the Day

The tour wraps up with the boat returning to Marsala by 6:00 p.m., giving you a full, action-packed nine hours. The early start and late finish mean you’ll have a full day, but also a busy one—something to consider if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

The Water and Watercraft Experience

Snorkeling masks are included, which is a big plus if you’re into snorkeling or just want to splash around in the water. The stops in coves are generally appreciated, with many noting the crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to relax in a beautiful natural setting.

On the downside, some travelers, according to reviews, found the boats crowded and noisy. One review specifically mentioned that the boat was “relatively full and loud,” which could detract from the peaceful experience you might hope for in a scenic environment. If you’re sensitive to noise or prefer more space, this could be a drawback.

The Boats and Capacity

The cruise is operated on two motorboats, “Venus” and “Maria Madre,” both accommodating small groups. The maximum check-in time is 8:45 a.m., with a small group size that should keep things manageable, but the overall environment might feel lively, especially at peak times.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Island hopping: Covers both Favignana and Levanzo, giving you a snapshot of these iconic islands
• Included lunch: Simple but tasty, with local flavors and wine
• Snorkeling masks and swimming: Plenty of opportunities to cool off in gorgeous waters
• Flexible free time: Some moments to explore or shop on the islands
• Early start and late return: Maximize your day without feeling rushed

Cons

• Crowded, noisy boats: Some travelers felt the small boats could be a bit cramped and loud, affecting the peace
• Limited time on land: Brief stops mean you might not explore much beyond the immediate area
• Variable food quality: Lunch is simple, and reviews suggest it might not impress everyone
• Island visits are brief: Some found the time on Favignana and Levanzo insufficient for a thorough visit
• On-site taxes: An Egadi Islands landing tax of €5 per person (over 6 years old), payable on site

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, guided day out to see two beautiful islands with minimal planning. If you enjoy water-based activities, like swimming and snorkeling, you’ll probably get a lot out of it. The included lunch makes it a good value for a full day on the water, especially if you prefer to relax rather than be on your feet exploring.

However, if you’re a traveler who values more extensive land exploration or prefers a quieter, less crowded environment, this might feel rushed or overly lively. It’s also a good option for those who enjoy a casual, social atmosphere — just keep expectations realistic about the boat size and the time spent on each island.

Final Thoughts

The Marsala-Egadi Mini Cruise offers a straightforward, scenic way to visit Favignana and Levanzo, with swimming, shopping, and a local meal all included. Many travelers enjoy the opportunity to see these islands without the hassle of separate bookings or transportation, and the included lunch ensures you won’t go hungry.

That said, the experience can be a bit crowded and rushed, especially if you’re hoping for a deep dive into island life. The small groups and snorkeling options are definite plus points, but the short stops mean the trip is more about the journey and scenery than in-depth exploration.

If you’re after a lively boat day with beautiful water and islands, it’s likely worth considering. But if peace and quiet, or more extensive land visits, are your priorities, you might want to explore other options or plan a tailored trip.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 are included in the price, and snorkeling masks are provided. Remember, the trip involves boat rides and some short stops, so young children should be comfortable with water activities.

How long are the island stops?
You will have roughly an hour and a half on Favignana, and similar on Levanzo, which is enough for quick visits or a short walk, but not for extensive sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash for on-site taxes, and a charged smartphone are recommended.

Are the boats crowded?
Some reviews mention the boats can feel full and loud, but they operate with small groups, which keeps it manageable. Expect a lively atmosphere rather than a peaceful retreat.

Is the lunch worth it?
Most travelers find the onboard lunch tasty enough, with simple local dishes and wine included. Don’t expect gourmet food, but it’s a good, filling addition.

Can I shop on the islands?
Yes, you’ll have some free time for shopping and exploring the villages. Keep in mind the brief duration—don’t plan for in-depth sightseeing.

All in all, the Marsala-Egadi Mini Cruise is a solid choice for those seeking a fun, water-focused day trip with a touch of local flavor. It’s best suited for relaxed travelers who enjoy social boat trips and aren’t expecting a long stay on land. If you keep your expectations in check, you’ll likely leave with some lovely memories of these charming Sicilian islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: