Review: Egadi Islands Day Trip by Rubber Dinghy from Trapani

Dreaming of a sunny escape? Maybe you’re looking for some blue waters and unique island hopping? A day trip to the Egadi Islands, taking a rubber dinghy from Trapani over to Favignana and Levanzo, it’s certainly an adventure that could be right up your alley. Now, before you grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, there are a couple of things I’d love to tell you to help set your expectations for what this experience is really like. So, too it’s almost important to share both the amazing highs and those things you might wanna consider before booking, to help you make a great vacation decision. So that way, you can fully appreciate this Mediterranean escape.

Setting Sail from Trapani

Your day begins in the spirited harbor of Trapani. Then there are, really, quite a number of companies offering these day trips. I found, at the end of the day, selecting the right one for me ended up being quite important. Very first thing, check what’s included. Things you should consider are: Is lunch offered? Any drinks? is snorkeling gear on the boat? and finally, what’s the planned route?

Boarding the rubber dinghy is pretty easy, even if, basically, you are someone with limited mobility. That said, you will need a certain amount of agility as the boat can, in fact, get a little rocky. As a matter of fact, there might also be a quick safety speech from the skipper, letting you know what to expect from the weather and itinerary for the day. Finally, after that, you’re all set to scoot out of the harbor and into the turquoise waters!

Favignana: The Butterfly Island

Favignana, which is often called the “Butterfly Island” given its shape, it’s clearly the biggest and perhaps, really, the best-known island in the Egadi group. What I located, once you get near, that the waters surrounding Favignana were so inviting that you probably might wanna jump right in!

Cala Rossa, which is one of the island’s very most beautiful bays, it’s seemingly the kind of place you see featured in travel magazines. You may want to find the old tuff quarries contrasting beautifully with the unreal, light blue sea; it is really an amazing place to snap those envy-inducing holiday pictures. Anyway, the dinghy will typically anchor here for some time, basically, so that way you can swim, snorkel, and soak in the sunshine. Be warned, that Cala Rossa can, at the end of the day, be very crowded, particularly during peak season, so basically be sure to get there somewhat early to grab a nice spot!

Another must-see in Favignana could be Cala Azzurra, which seemingly lives up to its name, with waters so crystal clear that they shimmer with a soft blue light. That said, what might catch you by surprise is the seabed which can be somewhat rocky in places, but really still makes it amazing for snorkeling. A quick thing to know too, is it can be very popular and somewhat packed with beachgoers too.

While some boat trips could, in fact, provide a short stop on land, perhaps the best way to see Favignana thoroughly probably could be renting a scooter or bicycle once you have some time. So you can tour the charming town, tour the historical Tuna Factory (Florio Factory), and perhaps uncover secluded beaches which most people usually don’t visit. Of course, maybe be sure to enjoy some local treats, such as fresh seafood and tasty gelato, if you can. At the end of the day, I found it had a great and appealing small-town charm that can stick with you.

Levanzo: A Step Back in Time

Levanzo, probably the smallest of the Egadi Islands, in a way, really provides an extremely contrasting experience. It is usually a lot more tranquil and has a markedly relaxed atmosphere compared to Favignana. So you know, it really offers an experience a bit more untouched.

Almost like an intriguing and historic thing to do could be, should your dinghy tour allows it, a visit to the Grotta del Genovese. Anyway, it holds prehistoric cave paintings which some consider to be dating way, way back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. So it’s like going back in time when you are standing inside! Clearly, getting access is often, perhaps, only with a guided tour ( check for that tour accessibility!). The drawings usually depict scenes of early human life, that really provide a fascinating peek into the history of the island and its very first inhabitants.

Otherwise, even though Levanzo it really does not have very many beaches like Favignana, you might find the swimming is great, right off the boat. The water surrounding Levanzo can be noticeably clear and inviting. Basically, just some dinghy tours make a stop so you can experience the tiny port town, where actually, there’s really only a handful of businesses and restaurants. It really feels, like your seeing real Italy far away from those traveler throngs. I really had that pleasant slow-life, local, vibe.

Life on a Rubber Dinghy

A day on a rubber dinghy, actually, is both great and perhaps something to consider carefully. That said, be prepared for sun. A lot! You probably wanna make sure you’re completely equipped with plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Also, consider packing a light long-sleeved shirt or cover-up to help protect you as, after a while, it could get strong sun out on that water, that, arguably, intensifies the exposure. Anyway, it might actually be smart, at the end of the day, to even bring your own beach umbrella, depending on your needs!

Rubber dinghies, arguably, might be much smaller than other big boats, it, arguably, could come with upsides. Given their compact size, they can easily move through smaller bays and get closer to caves, so maybe you could access to hidden gems that usually big tourist boats simply couldn’t dream of.

But then you know, because space can be limited on the dinghy, perhaps you might just wanna consider packing light. Maybe just carry only just the important things like your towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and perhaps your camera. Most tours, typically, will supply snorkeling gear, you probably could consider bringing your own if you’re picky, that is.

Food and Drink on Board

What is generally on offer for lunch can be very much based on the tour company you select. Some actually offer a straightforward, basic lunch. And then there could be, clearly, those who go above and beyond. Typically, even if, you could be considering pasta with seafood, traditional Sicilian bread, and some fresh fruit.

Now you know, drinks typically include water, soft drinks, and very sometimes local wine. Should you’ve got very specific preferences, just be sure that, in that case, bring extra water or any other beverages, that should you have some specific needs. Basically, also verify what you could bring on board; just in case there may be certain limitations.

Making the Most of Your Egadi Adventure

Probably one thing I really suggest is taking time out to fully immerse in those crystal-clear waters surrounding those Egadi Islands. And remember, there can be just stunning marine life all around, so too it’s almost smart to experience some snorkeling.

Should that rubber dinghy tour stop over in towns or some of the villages, it, arguably, could be fun getting time to walk around, shop some local stores, and relish authentic Sicilian fare. Do your best to engage some of the locals; their advice is truly awesome, they have insight you’d otherwise miss, otherwise.

What could also boost that overall enjoyment is by just doing some planning prior! So, basically be checking the weather, knowing a little history on some of those Islands, also reading over those itineraries. Understanding what to expect and also just managing expectations probably could greatly amplify those experiences.

• Best time to go: Arguably, probably sometime between late spring and early autumn; that is, generally, when temperatures will be pleasantly warm, but probably try to avoid those July/August sweltering months.
• What to bring: Plenty of sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, light cover-up, any personal snorkeling gear ( should you like).
• Book in advance: Most certainly during peak tourist seasons; be certain to book a reservation far in advance, to ensure you secure yourself a spot on a rubber dinghy tour that suites.

So, a day trip traveling out to see the Egadi Islands through a rubber dinghy sailing right from Trapani out to Favignana and Levanzo, which at the end of the day is certainly something really special to think over. Right from those unbelievably gorgeous waters and that pleasant slow small-town feel to actually the adventure, I can also certainly mention that it has just such unique attraction. Yet, really take into account that it calls for some sunshine safety preparations, pack things light, or possibly verify what could potentially come included on each those excursions offered. Basically just use my ideas to help properly prep to essentially ensure your day will be absolutely perfect and totally amazing out on the water.

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