From Trapani: Egadi Islands RIB Day Trip to Favignana & Levanzo — Review
What the tour is like
You meet at Trapani and board a gommone — a rigid-hull inflatable with 12 seats, an outboard motor, and basically no cabin. It’s fast and responsive. The skipper pilots you into narrow rocky channels and tiny coves where the ferry-sized boats park a hundred metres away. Ann (a reviewer) called the captain hospitable and friendly; Justine (French-speaking) started by saying the water was extraordinary but then noted that the skipper spoke mainly Italian and non-Italian speakers got little explanation. That’s an honest framing: the boat is great but it’s an Italian-language tour. You see the coves and swim; you don’t get a narrated geology lesson. Lunch is cooked aboard, simpler than the full-day boat but solid. The RIB rocks more in swell (it’s smaller), but regular swimmers barely notice.
What works
- 12 seats is genuinely intimate; you know everyone by the end of the day
- The boat is fast and responsive; it reaches coves the big boats can’t
- Ann called the captain hospitable and friendly; small boats often have better crew-guest relationships
- €89 is cheaper than the €105 full-day boat and faster to boot
- For Italian speakers, this is ideal; the intimate group and nimble boat shine
- The boat feels more connected to the sea than a ferry would
- 17 reviews means a tight-knit community of repeat bookers
Worth knowing
- Non-Italian speakers get little explanation; you’re on a boat ride, not a narrated tour
- No shade except a small sunbrella; summer sun exposure is real
- The boat rocks more in swell than larger boats; if you get seasick, this is tougher
- Lunch is simpler than the full-day boat; don’t expect a feast
- 12 people is too small for some; you can’t avoid anyone if there’s a personality clash
- Limited departures; fewer bookings mean fewer scheduled dates
Book this if you speak Italian or are comfortable without narration. Bring a hat and reapply sunscreen often; there’s minimal shade. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes; you’re in and out of the water often. The boat is more physical than the ferries, so good swimming fitness helps.
Who it’s for
Experienced travellers, swimmers, and Italian speakers who want intimacy and agility over narration. Couples and small groups comfortable being physically closer to the sea. Anyone who values nimble boat handling and cove access over big-boat comfort.
Not for you if: you don’t speak Italian and want detailed explanations, are prone to seasickness, or want extensive shade. The €99 day tour is more social and English-friendly. See all tours for other options.
Other tours to consider
Highest rated
Lunch includedFrom Trapani: Egadi Islands Boat Tour to Favignana & Levanzo
Most bookedFrom Trapani: Day Cruise to Favignana & Levanzo with Lunch
Frequently asked questions
What is a gommone?
An Italian word for rigid-hull inflatable — a boat with a rubber tube side and a solid bottom. Fast, nimble, seaworthy. Used by coastguards and dive operators. This one has 12 seats and an outboard motor.
Is the RIB safe?
Yes. Gommones are designed for open water. You wear a life vest and sit in padded seats. Ann said the captain was hospitable and everything ran smoothly. It’s not dangerous; it’s just less protected than a ferry.
What if I don’t speak Italian?
You’ll see the same coves and swim the same swims. But the skipper won’t explain Cala Rossa’s history or geology; you’re getting the boat ride, not the school. Justine (French) noted this fairly. If narration matters, pick the €99 day tour instead.
Can I get seasick on a 12-seat RIB?
More easily than on a ferry because the boat is lighter and rocks with swells. If you get carsick, take an acclimation medication an hour before departure. Sitting in the middle (not the nose) helps.
Why are there only 17 reviews?
Small operator, small boat. Most tourists book the famous €42 mega-cruise. This tour is a gem if you know to look for it. Limited bookings mean more control over schedule and less crowding.