How much does a Favignana boat tour actually cost?
What you actually pay for a boat tour
The €42 mini-cruise includes lunch cooked on board (basic pasta), swimming stops, and ~3 hours between Favignana and Levanzo. The €99–€105 full-day tours include lunch too (sometimes ashore, sometimes on the boat), more time ashore, and a smaller group. What they don’t always mention: the ferry to Trapani from Palermo or other towns isn’t included, and once you arrive on Favignana, you’ll rent a bike (€5–€10).
The hidden costs
Getting to Trapani: if you fly into Palermo, Trapani, or Marsala, the ferry to Favignana is separate. Liberty Lines hydrofoils run from Trapani in about 30 minutes for roughly €12–€14. No direct boat from Palermo to Favignana — you ferry back to Trapani and travel overland.
Bikes: the island is small (~19 km²) and flat. Rental shops cluster at the port. A basic bike is €5–€10 a day; e-bikes and scooters cost more. Most visitors rent one. There’s no need for a car.
Lunch: the mini-cruise lunch is included (simple). Most full-day tours include lunch too. But if you book a private charter, check whether lunch is cooked on board or if you need to buy it in Favignana town.
Tap water: the mains water tastes salty because the island is desalinated. Locals and hotels buy bottled. Budget €1–2 per day.
Full cost breakdown by tour type
| Tour | Boat price | Ferry to Trapani | Bike rental | Lunch included? | Total per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €42 mini-cruise | €42 | €12–14 | €5–10 | Yes, on board | €59–66 |
| €99 daytour | €99 | €12–14 | €5–10 | Yes, ashore (ample time) | €116–123 |
| €105 full day | €105 | €12–14 | €5–10 | Yes, on board + aperitif | €122&ndash-129 |
| €45 Palermo day trip | €45 | Included in coach | €5–10 | No (or buy ashore) | €50&ndash-55 + coach |
| €1,580 private (24-seat) | €1,580 whole boat | Optional extra | €5&ndash-10 | Yes, on board | €66&ndash-76 per head (if 20 people) |
The real question: is Favignana expensive?
No. The boat tours are cheap compared to most Mediterranean destinations. The ferry is quick (30 minutes from Trapani). Bikes aren’t expensive. The worry isn’t money; it’s that the famous coves — Cala Rossa, Bue Marino — are only reachable by boat or a long, sweaty bike ride. So even the budget €42 tour is good value because it solves that problem.
When to book & save
Booking 2–3 days ahead through GetYourGuide often unlocks free cancellation and sometimes small discounts. In peak season (Jul–Aug), book early; the mini-cruise fills quickly. May, June, and September are quieter with the same prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included on Favignana boat tours?
Yes on the €42 mini-cruise and most full-day tours. Lunch is usually simple — pasta or a sandwich cooked on board. The €99 daytour gives you ample time for lunch ashore in Favignana town. The Palermo day trip doesn’t always include lunch, so budget for buying food on the island or in town.
Do I need to pay extra for drinks?
The boat lunch usually includes water; alcoholic drinks and extras are your own. Full-day tours sometimes include an aperitif. Bring a water bottle — island shops are pricey.
Is the ferry from Trapani to Favignana included in the tour price?
No. Tour prices are the boat tour only. The ferry (Liberty Lines hydrofoil, ~30 minutes, €12–14 each way) is separate. If you fly into Trapani you’ll pay that cost anyway; if you’re in Palermo, the €45 Palermo day trip includes coach transport.
How much should I budget for a full day?
For the €42 mini-cruise: €42 tour + €13–14 ferry = €55–56 plus €5&ndash-10 bike hire if you rent one after. Most visitors spend €70–80 total. For the €99 daytour: add €13 ferry = €112, plus optional bike. Tap water tastes salty, so budget €1–2 for bottled water too.