Aegadian Islands: sailing boat charter and rental

A very popular charter destination in Sicily is the Aegadian Island Archipelago. The Aegadian Islands, known as the Isole Egadi in Italian, are: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. These islands are located off the west coast of Sicily, a short sail away from Marsala and Trapani.

The Aegadian Islands are famous for their extensive natural Marine Reserve (since 1992) and for Tuna. At the end of May the island of Favignana holds a festival called the mattanza, where Tuna are captured using traditional methods. It is the only mattanza that remains in all of Sicily. The meat of the Thunnus thynnus, also known as the true tuna or pink tuna, is of very high quality.

The main bases for the Aegadian islands are: Marsala, Trapani, and Palermo. The airport of Trapani is conveniently located between Marsala and Trapani (a 30 minute drive to the base). Click on the base for more information and example itineraries:

To NOT miss: Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo

The Marine Reserve of the Aegadian islands:

The Marine Reserve of the Aegadian islands is divided into four zones:
(Click on the map for more details about the islands)

ZONE “A” – INTEGRAL RESERVE
THE FOLLOWING ARE PERMITTED: the navigation and anchorage of ships and boats of all types, with the authorization of the Port Authority of Trapani for research purposes; the navigation without laying anchor of boats of residents of the Commune of Favignana for guided tours both on the superficial and under water, for groups no larger than thirty persons, with authorization from the Commune of Favignana.  In the zone “A” of Marettimo the authorization is also given to owners of property on the islands. Swimming.
THE FOLLOWING ARE ILLEGAL: trash dumping, even partial, and damaging the geological and mineral formations; fishing of all types for profession or sport; scuba diving unless authorized by the Port Authorities of Trapani of the Minister of the Environment for scientific research or filming; capturing, cultivating, or harming animal or plant species and any activity that could cause damage or turbulence, with the exception of non native species; altering, either directly or indirectly, the underwater bathymetry or the chemical, physical, or biological properties of the water, including the emission of waste or solid products that could modify, even in transition, the characteristics of the marine environment; the use of weapons, or explosives both destructive or for capture, as well as toxic or polluting substances; activities that can cause damages or turbulence to prepare for programs of research; the navigation and anchoring of ships and boats of all types, except those with permission; fishing gear.

ZONE “B” – GENERAL RESERVE
THE FOLLOWING ARE PERMITTED: the navigation of ships and boats of all types if over 500 meters from the coast; the navigation and anchorage of ships and boats within 500 meters from the coast, if authorized by the Port Authorities of Trapani and the Minister of the Environment for services or research; the navigation and anchorage within 500 meters from the coast of boats of residents or property owners of the Commune of Favignana with authorization from the Commune; the navigation and anchorage within 500 meters from the coast of boats in transit for more than seven days with authorization; sport fishing above water and professional fishing, following the regulations regarding material and quantity issued by the Commune of Favignana for sport fishing and by the Port Authorities of Trapani for professional fishing; swimming and scuba diving.
THE FOLLOWING ARE ILLEGAL: Fishing with nets or trolling; spear fishing; navigation and anchorage of ships and boats of all types within 500 meters from the coast, except with authorization.

ZONE “C” – PARTIAL RESERVE
THE FOLLOWING ARE PERMITTED: sport fishing and professional fishing except with nets or trolling, with authorization from the Commune of Favignana for sport fishing, and from the Port Authorities of Trapani for professional fishing; swimming and scuba diving.

ZONE “D” – RESERVE OF PROTECTION
THE FOLLOWING ARE PERMITTED: professional fishing, including with nets or trolling following the regulations regarding material and quantity issued by the Authorities; sport fishing; swimming and scuba diving.