Lake Como Boat Tours

You can explore the shores of Lake Como by bike, on foot or by private car, but there's nothing like a boat trip on the lake. Here are the best plans.

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

Lake Como Boat Tours

Boat trip on Lake di Como | ©Jim

Around Lake Como there are many villages that you can visit by bus, car or on foot. But there is a much more fun and romantic way to get to know the area, and that is by boat. This type of tour takes you to some of the best spots in the area and gives you the opportunity to take lots of pictures from the water.

I'll recommend some of the most incredible boat tours, which in itself is one of the best things to see and do in Lake Como during your visit. Whether it's in the morning, afternoon or evening, a boat ride or a boat tour will always be a great option during your visit in this luxurious region of Italy.

1. 1 hour private boat tour on Lake Como

Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr
Sunset by boat| ©www.twin-loc.fr

On this tour of Lake Como, your guide will tell you the details of this ride, which is ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition, he will take you to discover some of the secret spots that you would not be able to see from land.

During the day trip you will be able to see historic villas and delight in their beautifully manicured gardens. You will also be able to see the different fishing villages from the water, not to mention the beautiful scenery.

If you want a more romantic plan, you can request this tour at night or at sunset, to enjoy a traditional aperitif on board the romantic cruise that will take you to some nice restaurants at the end of the cruise.

Interesting details

  • Price: This tour can cost around 300 euros per person.
  • Duration: Your tour will last around one hour.
  • Means of transport: The whole experience is completed by boat, but you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.
  • Advantages of this option: You have access to wifi connection on board. You are offered bottled water during the trip. Snacks on board are included. The experience is private, so it's just you and your group.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for pregnant women. Transfer to and from your accommodation is not included.

Book your boat tour on Lake Como

2. Private Tour Lago di Como departing from Milan

View of the tour| ©Guilhem Vellut
View of the tour| ©Guilhem Vellut

Considering that to get to Lago di Como you need to get to Milan first, this experience is a great way to start your trip. It is a boat trip to Lago di Como, which is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, to see the enchanting places that are located on its shores.

It is basically one of the best excursions from Lago di Como because it takes you to see by boat, cities like Bellagio, Como, Tremezzo and Varenna, no less than the most popular and luxurious areas around the famous lake.

The experience starts when a private luxury vehicle with driver included picks you up in Milan to continue your experience to the lake. Right after that, around eight hours of fun awaits you where a tour guide will show you and talk about each of the specified places.

If you are a nature lover, you will love this tour especially because your guide will show you how in this place with a perfect Mediterranean climate, it is ideal to see beautiful subtropical plants.

Details of interest

  • Price: This experience has an approximate price of 705 euros per person.
  • Duration: It can take around 8 hours to complete the tour.
  • Means of Transport: The whole experience is completed by boat and you have to get to the meeting point on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: Public liability insurance is included. Also included is the guided tour by an expert guide.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Food and beverages are not included during the tour.

Book a Lake Como Tour

3. Luxury wooden boat tour on Lake Como

Boats in Lake Como| ©Elliott Brown
Boats in Lake Como| ©Elliott Brown

On this tour you will have the opportunity to board a wooden speedboat in the middle of a private tour. You will go all around Lake Como and visit some of its most interesting and beautiful spots, and the friendly captain will tell you everything you want to know about this region.

The boat itself is a tourist site to take pictures of, because it is a Cadenazzi model with a wooden hull that was popular between 1950 and 1960, so they are a very nice attraction to admire. As you will be touring around the lake on this private experience, this is definitely one of the best Lake Como tours you can take.

Details of interest

  • Price: You'll have to pay around 660 per group of up to five people.
  • Duration: The experience lasts approximately two hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, but you will have to get to the meeting point on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: You will be able to show your ticket on your mobile device. The tour includes a captain who is also an experienced tour guide. The price is valid for up to five people. The experience is private, so only you and your group will participate.
  • Disadvantages of this option: It is not a wheelchair accessible tour. No meals or drinks are included.

Sign up for a tour of Lake Como

4. Private boat trip on Lake Como

Day trip| ©Elliott Brown
Day trip| ©Elliott Brown

This is an elegant and luxurious experience on a private yacht, which will take you to the most impressive historic villas in the region. It's certainly a stylish way to tour Lake Como.

As this is an activity for the whole family, as well as for your friends, it's definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Como. Moreover, it is an excellent option if you are travelling there with little time, because it is a short tour that you can customise.

Usually the itinerary of this activity includes interesting and beautiful places to see such as Villa Olmo, Laglio, Cernobbio, and more, but as it is a private tour, the itinerary is very flexible.

Details of interest

  • Price: The tour can be priced at around 315 euros per person.
  • Duration: You can complete this tour in around an hour.
  • Means of transport: This experience is completed by boat, although you will need to make your own way to the meeting point.
  • Advantages of this option: The tour guide and captain are included in the whole experience. It is a private tour, so only you and your group will participate.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Not recommended for pregnant travellers.

Sign up for an activity on Lake Como

5. Private guided boat tour on Lake Como

Views from the boat| ©David Coggins
Views from the boat| ©David Coggins

On this boat tour on Lake Como, you will learn about many of the historical events that have marked the history of the region and its villages. Your tour guide will also show you some of the attractions that can be seen from the water.

You will see the small villages that stand on the shores of the lake, as well as the green valleys and waterfalls that complete the landscape. During your boat trip you will have the opportunity to have a few glasses of Prosecco.

It is an excellent activity for couples, groups of friends and also for families, even if you go with children. You'll have the chance to try some snacks while you're on board the boat. You're sure to love these snacks and you'll want to attend one of the best cooking classes in Lago di Como to learn how to make them.

Interesting details

  • Price: You can get on board for an approximate price of around €380.
  • Duration: This experience lasts approximately one hour.
  • Means of transport: The whole tour is completed by boat, but you have to get to the meeting point on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: The tour guide who will accompany you throughout the experience is included. Tasting a couple of glasses of Prosecco is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Not wheelchair accessible. Transfer to and from the accommodation is not included.

Participate in a cooking class at Lake Como

6. Wild experience on Lake Como by sailboat

Sailing on Lake Como| ©Guilhem Vellut
Sailing on Lake Como| ©Guilhem Vellut

On this tour you will experience nothing less than the wild side of Lake Como. You will be delighted to see how the crystal clear waters behave like mirrors against the breathtaking mountain scenery.

The skipper will guide you through the landscapes that you might not see on a leisurely tour along the shores of the lake. In addition, the wind will be the main protagonist of the experience because it will be in charge of guiding you around the lake, while you enjoy a couple of glasses of wine.

The best thing about this experience is that you can choose whether to do it during the day or at sunset. And if you choose the latter, you can enjoy dinner on board, not forgetting, of course, your glass of Prosecco.

Interesting details

  • Price: This wild experience can cost around 150 euros per person.
  • Duration: It will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete this tour.
  • Means of transport: You will complete the tour by sailboat, but to get to the meeting point you will have to do it on your own either by private car or public transport.
  • Advantages of this option: The participation of a skipper and an assistant on board is included. They will also provide you with accurate commentary throughout the trip.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Food and beverages are not included. Transport to and from your accommodation is also not included.

7. Vintage wooden boat paddle experience from Bellagio

Boat tour| ©Michael Costa
Boat tour| ©Michael Costa

You will start this tour in Bellagio, one of the most emblematic villages on the shores of Lake Como, where you will board a very old wooden boat for an hour and a half experience like a real local rower.

During the tour you will not only live an exciting adventure, but you will also have the opportunity to take lots of pictures of the mountain scenery. After the tour, you can enjoy a glass of Italian wine with a focaccia or a pizza.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 190 euros per person to enjoy this experience.
  • Duration: The tour lasts approximately one and a half hours.
  • Means of transport: You can do this tour by wooden boat.
  • Advantages of this option: This experience includes the company of a local guide. Wine, focaccia and pizza tasting is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation is not included.

8. Romantic sunset sail

Boat and reflections| ©CLAUDIA DEA
Boat and reflections| ©CLAUDIA DEA

If you are going as a couple, this is a very romantic experience on the lake, which you have to do even if you go to Lake Como in one day. During the experience you will sail at sunset, and in the light of the setting sun. It is an activity far away from the villas and high-rise restaurants.

Of course this activity is meant for two people, and both you and your partner have to be prepared to enjoy the calm waters of the lake and the beautiful sunset with its changing colours.

Of course a local bistro will serve you some of the more traditional gourmet specialities and you will have the opportunity to taste Franciacorta, which is Italian champagne.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 800 euros per person for this experience.
  • Duration: The tour lasts around 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: The whole activity is completed by sailboat, but to get to the meeting point you must do it on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: Life jackets are provided. Also included is the tour guide with accurate commentary.
  • Disadvantages of this option: It is not an activity adapted to people with mobility problems. Food and drinks are not included in the price, except for those included in the package.

9. Coffee Break on a sailing boat on Lake Como

Sailing on Lake Como| ©bill boyd
Sailing on Lake Como| ©bill boyd

For a couple of hours you will be eating traditional Italian cakes and other Italian sweets while sipping hot drinks, while sailing on the lake with all the comforts. This tour is a great way to get away from the hectic city life.

This is one of the most recommended experiences to include among the activities to do in Lago di Como in winter, as you will be able to relax and enjoy the scenery and the winter gastronomy.

Interesting details

  • Price: This experience can cost around 100 euros per person.
  • Duration: You will be able to complete this experience in approximately 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: The trip is completed by boat, but you will have to make your own way to the meeting point.
  • Advantages of this option: Hot tea or coffee and freshly baked sweets are included. Also included is the tour in the company of a tour guide.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. Transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation is not included.

10. Motor boat rentals on Lake Como

Motor boat| ©Elliott Brown
Motor boat| ©Elliott Brown

If you are looking for privacy and a completely flexible and self-paced adventure on Lake Como, a good option for you is to rent a motor boat that will take you to the most amazing places on Lake Como.

You will be able to use this boat to go to a spot inside the lake, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. One of the advantages of this experience is that if you don't know how to drive the boat well, you can learn before you start your experience on the water.

In case you don't know exactly where to go and what to see, you can follow the suggestions you will be given on what to see when you first book the experience. It is one of the best things to do in Lake Como in summer to see all the nuances of the region.

Details of interest

  • Price: This boat rental will cost you around 140 euros.
  • Duration: You will have about 2 hours to complete your tour.
  • Means of Transport: This experience is by boat, but you will have to get to the boat rental place on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: You will be given safety equipment and you will also be given some instructions before setting off on your experience. It's a solo adventure where it's just you and the boat, plus the people who will be travelling with you.
  • Disadvantages of this option: People weighing more than 110 kilos are not allowed to travel. No tour guide or boat captain is included. Transfers to and from the accommodation are not included.

Tips for a boat trip on Lago di Como

Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
  • Wear comfortable, closed shoes, preferably.
  • Remember to bring sunscreen, to prevent the sun from doing its work on your skin.
  • Make sure you know how the boat works if you choose to rent one.
  • Dress according to the weather, because in winter it is usually very cold in the Lake Como region.