Private charter Egadi Islands

The best feature here is control. You get a private boat, your own skipper, and the freedom to shape the day around Favignana, Levanzo, or Marettimo. You can leave from Trapani or arrange pickup from an island port, then spend your time swimming, visiting caves, or stopping for lunch.

I like the small private group and the practical extras: masks, fins, a cooler with ice, soft drinks, and permission for the Marine Protected Area are included. I also like the crew’s family-friendly approach. Antonio, Pepe, Dino, Rosario, Marco, and other skippers are repeatedly praised for being attentive and easygoing.

The main consideration is the sea crossing. The water around the islands can be calm, but the run from Trapani to Favignana may feel rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medicine. Lunch is not included, and the advertised duration ranges from one to eight hours, so confirm the exact plan before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight: You get the boat and skipper for your own group, not a shared excursion.
• Pickup from several ports: Boarding can be arranged in Trapani, Favignana, or Levanzo. Marettimo requires a phone arrangement before booking.
• Swimming gear included: Masks and fins are supplied, along with an Igloo cooler, ice, and soft drinks.
• Flexible stops: Your skipper can adjust the route, skip a crowded cove, or find another swimming spot when conditions allow.
• Several boat choices: Direct bookings are assigned the eight-meter Stingher GT800, while larger boats may be available by request.
• Good for mixed ages: The crew has experience helping young children, older family members, and swimmers who need a little extra assistance.

What this private Egadi charter is really like

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a large group and a rigid script. It is a private boat day built around your party. You decide where to board, which island suits your plans, and how much time to give to swimming, sightseeing, and lunch.

The advertised cost is $844.76 per group of up to eight people. That is a serious price for two or three people, but the calculation changes when you fill the boat. Split eight ways, the listed price works out to about $106 per person before lunch. You are paying for privacy, a skipper, fuel, Marine Protected Area access, and the ability to shape the day rather than simply buying a seat.

The normal start time is 10:00 a.m., with the outing returning to its meeting point. The listed duration is flexible, from roughly one to eight hours, so do not assume every booking is a full-day charter. Some plans may be short, while others allow time for several coves and a meal stop. Ask for the exact length and route before confirming.

Choosing Trapani, Favignana, Levanzo, or Marettimo

Trapani is the simplest starting point if you are staying on the mainland. The meeting point is Vento Di Maestrale Srl on Via dei Gladioli. From there, the boat can take you toward the Egadi Islands and their swimming coves.

Favignana is a strong choice if your priority is clear water and several swim stops. It is also useful if you are already staying on the island, since the crew can collect you directly by dinghy from the port. One family plan began in Favignana, stopped at two coves, paused for lunch on Levanzo, and then continued to more swimming spots.

Levanzo offers a smaller-island feel and works well as a lunch stop. In the family outing described above, the boat left the group at the dock, where the restaurant looked over the water. That kind of stop gives you a break from the boat without wasting much time on transport.

Marettimo is also possible, but it needs more planning. Pickup there must be arranged by telephone before you book. It is not the same easy port option offered in Trapani, Favignana, and Levanzo, so confirm the meeting details first.

Swimming coves, sea caves, and time on the water

The heart of the charter is the swimming. Your skipper takes you to attractive coves and lets you decide how long to stay, within the limits of the day’s route and sea conditions. Masks and fins are included, so you do not need to bring your own snorkel equipment.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, and several outings include stops near caves. One skipper, Pepe, changed the plan when a scheduled cove was too crowded and took the group to two other locations with interesting caves instead. That is a real benefit of a private boat. You can avoid a spot that does not suit your group rather than waiting for a large boat to move on.

A floating mat may also be available. Pepe used one for children during the swimming stops, which made the boat more useful for a family with young granddaughters. The crew also helped a child return to the boat when part of the group drifted too far away.

Still, this is a sea outing, not a protected pool. Swimming ability matters, and children need close supervision. A crew member may assist, but you remain responsible for your group. Jellyfish were encountered during one trip, and Marco provided first aid. That does not mean you should expect jellyfish on your day, but it is a reminder to pay attention to local advice and tell the crew quickly if someone is stung.

Skippers who shape the day

The skipper can make or break a private charter. Here, the named crew members receive especially warm praise for their attitude and care.

Antonio is described as kind, helpful, and good at making the day feel easy. He has worked well with families and helped turn a standard boat trip into something more personal. Dino is noted for answering questions and keeping a cheerful mood. Giuseppe is described as friendly and personable, while Alessandro is praised for making sure the group was well cared for.

Pepe is a particularly good fit for families. He shared information about the islands, helped with younger members of the group, adjusted the route when a stop was crowded, and kept the atmosphere relaxed. Rosario also appears in family outings, including one where he and Antonio worked well with two boys aged four and six and with older parents.

Marco’s attentiveness included checking that people had enough shade and drinks. He also handled first aid after jellyfish stings. These details matter because a private charter gives the skipper more responsibility for your comfort than a standard ferry or large group cruise.

The crew’s role is not limited to steering. You can ask questions, request a different swimming stop, discuss lunch, and explain the needs of children or older relatives. At the same time, exact skipper assignment is not guaranteed in advance from the information provided, so ask who will be guiding your trip if that matters to you.

The boat selection and what it means

A direct booking assigns the Stingher GT800, an eight-meter boat with a Suzuki 300 engine. The operator also lists several larger or newer options:

• Kardis Apache, 8.80 meters, with a Suzuki 300 engine
• Capelli Tempest 900, nine meters, with two Yamaha 250 engines
• Capelli Tempest 1000, ten meters, with two Yamaha 250 engines
• Icon 40 GT, ten meters, with two Yamaha 300 engines

The fleet list gives you useful choices, but it does not state that every model is available for every date. Contact the operator if you want a particular boat or need more space. One group received a free upgrade to a larger boat, but you should treat that as a pleasant possibility, not a booking promise.

The assigned Stingher is already large enough for a group of eight, yet comfort depends on how much gear and shade your party needs. Larger boats may be worth asking about for a full-day plan, older relatives, or a group that wants more room to move around.

Food, drinks, shade, and the practical details

Soft drinks, ice, masks, and fins are included. The cooler is useful on a hot day, especially when you are moving between coves and do not want to return to shore for every drink. Fresh fruit was also provided on one outing, but it is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so bring your own snacks unless the operator confirms food.

Lunch is not included. If your plan includes a stop on Levanzo or another island, you will pay for that meal yourself. Ask where lunch is planned and how much time you will have. A dockside restaurant can be a pleasant change from the boat, but a meal stop also reduces swimming time.

Shade is worth discussing before departure. Marco made a point of checking that everyone had enough cover, but boats differ in their seating and sun protection. If someone in your group is sensitive to heat, tell the crew at the start and bring sunscreen, hats, and a cover-up.

The Marine Protected Area authorization for Zones B, C, and D is included. That matters because the Egadi waters are managed, and the boat can operate in the permitted areas without you having to arrange access yourself.

Getting there, pickup, and motion sickness

The standard meeting point is in Trapani, and the activity ends back there. If you are already in Trapani, this is the most straightforward arrangement. If you are staying on Favignana or Levanzo, the crew can pick you up directly by dinghy from your port.

Marettimo is different. You must arrange pickup by phone before booking, so do not rely on the general port-pickup wording. Get the exact dock, time, and transfer plan in writing.

The ride from Trapani to Favignana can be rougher than the water around the islands. One outing had calm conditions near the islands but a choppy crossing from Trapani. If motion sickness is a concern, bring Dramamine or another medicine you normally use, and follow medical advice about taking it.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted under the stated policy.

Who will get the most from this trip

This charter suits a family that wants to keep children and grandparents together without the noise of a large boat. The crew has shown patience with young children, helped swimmers back to the boat, and used a floating mat for play.

It also fits couples or friends who care more about privacy than the lowest price. With eight people, the cost becomes easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise buy several seats on a group cruise and still follow someone else’s schedule.

Swimmers will get the most from the day, since the main appeal is time in the water. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable following the skipper’s instructions and staying near the boat. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the scenery, caves, and boat ride, though the outing is centered on swimming.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed, hour-by-hour sightseeing program or a cheap way to reach one island. The route is flexible, and the price reflects a private boat rather than simple transportation.

Should you book the Egadi private charter?

Book it if you want a personal sea day, have a group large enough to share the cost, and value the freedom to change the route. The strongest reasons are the private setting, helpful skippers such as Antonio and Pepe, included swim equipment, and pickup options from several ports.

Before booking, confirm four things: the exact duration, the departure port, the boat assigned, and whether lunch will be part of your plan. If you are leaving Trapani, prepare for a possibly rough crossing. If you are going to Marettimo, arrange the details by phone first.

For a group of six to eight, this is a strong-value way to see the Egadi waters. For one or two people, the same price is harder to defend unless privacy and a custom route matter more to you than budget.

FAQ

How much does the private Egadi Islands charter cost?

The listed price is $844.76 per group of up to eight people.

Where does the tour start?

The standard meeting point is Vento Di Maestrale Srl on Via dei Gladioli in Trapani. Pickup can also be arranged from Favignana or Levanzo.

Can I start from Marettimo?

Yes, but Marettimo pickup must be arranged by telephone before booking.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the charter last?

The listed duration is approximately one to eight hours. Confirm the exact length when arranging your booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price.

Are masks and fins provided?

Yes. Fins and masks are included.

Are drinks provided?

Yes. Soft drinks are included, along with an Igloo cooler and ice.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.