Egadi Islands by Boat: Paid Buoys, Rules and How to Book Them
The turquoise water of Favignana, the cliffs of Levanzo and the wild coves of Marettimo make the Egadi Islands one of the most rewarding sailing destinations in Sicily. But this is also one of the largest marine protected areas in Europe, and its sea beds are covered with Posidonia oceanica, a protected seagrass meadow that an anchor destroys in seconds. That is why most anchorages around the islands are served by mooring buoys: you take a buoy, you pay a fee, and the meadows stay intact. Here is how the system works, what the rules are and how to book your spot without stress.
Why the Egadi have a buoy system
The Aegadian Islands Marine Protected Area covers the entire archipelago off Trapani. The revenue from the buoys pays for their maintenance, for patrols that enforce the rules and for conservation and education projects. Taking a buoy is not a tax: it is what allows controlled access to a fragile sea, and it replaces wild anchoring that would tear up the Posidonia meadows, a habitat that grows only a few centimetres per year.
Where the buoys are
The protected area is divided into zones with different levels of protection. The strictest zones limit navigation and stopping, while the buoys are concentrated in the zones where controlled use is allowed — generally zones B and C — off Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. The official map published by the managing consortium is the reference for knowing exactly where you can stop, and it is worth checking it while planning your route rather than when you are already in the bay.
How to pay for and book a buoy
Book online (recommended)
- Register on the official online platform with your boat's details (length, tonnage, type): they are needed to calculate the fee.
- Choose the buoy, date and duration of your stay — availability is shown in real time.
- Pay by card or another electronic method and keep the confirmation on your phone.
- On arrival, pick up the buoy following the operator's instructions and have the confirmation ready for any checks.
Pay in person
If you prefer face-to-face help, you can pay at the consortium offices or the authorised infopoints on Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Bring your boat documents (registration, insurance) and an ID. Expect queues in peak season and reduced opening hours in the shoulder months.
Authorised local operators
In some areas, local operators authorised by the consortium can handle the payment for you and issue an official receipt. Always check that the operator is actually authorised before handing over any money.
How much does a buoy cost?
The fee depends on the length of your boat, the season and how long you stay, so there is no single figure to quote here: the official price list is published by the marine protected area consortium and is updated over time. Check it before you sail. If you charter a sailing boat of around 36 feet, ask for a briefing on the local rules before your first crossing — knowing the system in advance saves you time in the bay.
The rules in short
- No anchoring on Posidonia meadows: use the buoys or the areas where anchoring is expressly allowed.
- No discharge at sea: no black water, oil or rubbish of any kind.
- Speed limits near beaches, ports and swimming areas.
- Fishing and collecting are regulated: check the zone regulations before fishing or taking anything.
Practical tips for a stress-free stop
- Book ahead in July and August: the most famous coves fill up fast, often by mid-day.
- Check the forecast for the maestrale, the north-westerly wind that can make exposed anchorages uncomfortable.
- Keep your documents handy: boat papers and ID, for the online registration and for checks.
- Respect the rules once moored: they are what keep this sea worth sailing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I anchor freely in the Egadi?
No: in the protected area, anchoring is regulated or forbidden, especially over Posidonia meadows. The buoys are the intended way to stop.
What happens if I don't pay?
Rangers patrol the area in season: mooring without paying exposes you to fines, on top of taking resources away from the protection of the islands.
Plan your Egadi sailing trip
To organise your crossing, pair this guide with our other articles: the ultimate guide to mooring in the Aegadian Islands, a 3-day weekend itinerary by boat and when to book your charter for the summer. If you are still choosing your boat, browse our fleet.