Western Sicily works best as a split land trip: use San Vito Lo Capo for mainland shoals, the Kent Wreck, Zingaro, and Scopello, then cross from Trapani to the Egadi Islands for protected reefs and Marettimo's more adventurous walls. Favignana is the easiest island base for mixed groups, cycling, coves, snorkeling, and day boats. Marettimo adds current, deeper coralligenous scenery, passages, and gorgonian-covered profiles such as Punta Bassana and Scoglio Spandillo. The Egadi Marine Protected Area uses zoning, approved sites, permits, moorings, and resident guides to manage access. May to June and September to early October offer the strongest balance of warm-enough water, active schedules, and manageable crowds. July and August are fully operational but hot and busy, while winter crossings and exposed boat days are less reliable.