Whether you’re taking a quick and convenient day trip from Milan or spending a few more days soaking up the sun and embodying that vacation lifestyle, one of the very best ways to explore Lake Como and all of its hidden treasures is from the water.
So, without further ado, here are seven of the best Lake Como boat tours that will help you make the most out of your time on this idyllic northern Italian lake.
Don’t feel like reading ahead? Check our full catalog of boat tours in Lake Como right now!
What are the most popular boat tours in Lake Como?
As you’ll see, several types of Lake Como boat tours await. On the one hand, you can be on and off the water in just a couple of hours with a quick highlight reel of the lake’s best bits. Or, if you’re looking to take your time, there are full-day options that will let you explore at a more leisurely pace with plenty of stops along the way.
There are also several different types of boats available for hire, from sleek and speedy motorboats to charming old-fashioned wooden sailboats or big-bodied ferries made for large groups on a budget – it just depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Which tour sounds like the perfect addition to your idyllic Italian vacation? Read on to find out!
1 – Lake Como public ferry boat tour
If you’re looking for a tour that covers all of the bases and you don’t want to break the bank, then hopping on one of the Lake Como public ferries is probably your best bet.
Run by the local transport service (the Navigazione Laghi), these big, budget-friendly boats run on set timetables throughout the day and make several stops at all of the most popular towns and villages dotted around the lake, including Bellagio (dubbed the pearl of Lake Como), Varenna with its pastel-hued houses, Menaggio, a historic and lesser-known town, or Cadenabbia, a small and laidback lakeside spot brimming with luxury resorts.
The ferries can also take you to northernmost spots like Colico and Domaso, Lecco in the southeast, or Como or Tavernola in the southwest.
The cost of the tickets varies depending on the stops, but an hop-on hop-off daily ticket costs €23.30, whereas a ticket to a specific destination that lets you disembark at all the stops in the middle starts from €6.90. If you want to bring along a bike, it’ll cost you an extra euro; you can bring your car or motorbike too (on the bigger boats), but they’ll set you back a few extra euros too (at least 4 for cars, increasing slightly depending on size).
2 – Lake Como sailing tour
One of the most romantic ways to explore the lake, a sailing tour gives you access to secluded coves and hidden beaches that are only accessible by boat. You’ll feel like you have the lake all to yourself as you soak up the tranquility with your significant other (or close friends).
Your captain will be more than happy to show you around and point out all of the highlights, but they’ll also give you plenty of time and space to just sit back, relax, sip on a glass (or four) of Prosecco, nibble some delectable Italian cheeses, and soak up the oh-so-good rays.
Prices for a sailing tour vary depending on the size of the boat and how long you want to be out on the water for, but you can expect to pay anything from €150 for a small group (up to six people) for a half-day tour to around €400 for a full day out on a larger boat. For all of you foodies, consider one of the dinner options.
If you’re looking for an intimate and luxurious way to explore Lake Como, then this is most definitely the tour for you. Just make sure you pack your sunscreen!
3 – Lake Como villas sightseeing boat tour
The shores of this infamous Italian lake are renowned for their luxury, high-class villas.
As you explore the lake on a sightseeing tour, enjoying your Italian nibbles and sipping on your wine, your friendly captain will wax on fascinating details about all of the celebrity homes and opulent villas which dot the coast, giving you a bit of history behind each one.
So, what can you expect from a villa-focused tour? While each company takes an individual route, rest assured you’ll cruise past at least a half-dozen of the most iconic and postcard-worthy (and expensive!) waterside abodes in the region.
Villa Balbianello near Lenno, for instance, dates back to the end of the 18th century and sits on the grounds of an old monastery. The Villa Monastero in Varenna, on the other hand, is older still, build in the 12th century that’s famed for its botanical gardens and terraced lemon groves.
Of course, no Lake Como villa tour would be complete without a stop at the three-floor Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. This stunning mansion has origins in the late 1600s and features an impressive art collection, many artistic events, as well as beautiful gardens with blooming flowers all year round.
Throw in both Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio, and the majestic Villa Olmo in Como (to name just a few) and it’s clear that you won’t soon run out of notable landmarks on your villa-hopping Lake Como boat tour!
Most tours are a minimum of three hours, with prices starting at around €50 per person, but can increase depending on the size of your group, whether or not you want to tour the villas as well, and any extras that you might want to add on (such as walking tours with an English-speaking guide).
4 – Lake Como luxury Venetian-style boat tour
If you’re all about romance and style on your Lake Como boat tour, then you need a Venetian-style boat.
Not the gondolas, but the private, classic mahogany Riva limousines – the kind on which you’d see George Clooney riding – that are found all over Lake Como too. Most Venetian-style boat operators will be based in either Como, Lecco, or Bellagio, with some also found in Varenna and Menaggio. All offer similar experiences, though it’s worth doing your research before you book so that you can find one which suits your needs best.
For example, if you’re looking for a quick experience, then you can take a short and sweet ride out on the water without all the bells and whistles. For something a little more comprehensive, a host of tours operate with pre-planned routes that not only include short 15-minutes stops in towns like Varenna, and longer stops (close to an hour) in Bellagio, but also a bottle of Prosecco to set the mood.
Another popular spot on Venetian-style Lake Como boat tours is Isola Comacina, a small, tree-lined island just off the western shore.
5 – Lake Como private boat tour
While most Lake Como boat tours are shared experiences with up to 30 other people, a private tour means that you can tailor the entire experience to your liking.
Lasting anywhere from an hour (a short and sweet cruise around the water) to nearly a full day (jam-packed with villa visits, lunch and/or dinner, cooking classes, soft trekking, or walking tours of different towns) a private Lake Como boat tour is the perfect way to see everything that this beautiful destination has to offer without being tied down to a group or a set schedule.
Just to give an example, let’s say you’re departing from Como. After setting sail, you can cruise past the grand Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, cruise onwards to the popular towns of Tremezzo and Bellagio for a spot of coffee, and then kick on to the lake’s little-known island and waterfall, away from all the crowds.
Of course, all of this seclusion comes at a price. Private Lake Como boat tours don’t come cheap (starting at around €350 for one hour), but if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then it’s definitely worth splashing out.
6 – Lake Como dinner cruise
As the sun sets over the water and twinkling lights begin to dot the shoreline, you’ll be seated at an intimate table for two (or more, if you’re in a group) where you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal as you sail past some of Lake Como’s most picturesque villages.
Most dinner cruises last around three hours and include stops in pretty towns, giving you plenty of time to explore each one before returning to your cozy table on board.
You’ll be able to choose from a selection of red and white wines, as well as prosecco, to accompany your meal; the perfect way to toast to a magical evening spent cruising around one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes.
The dinner can either be on the boat, or in a beautiful lake-side restaurant in one of the charming cities you’ll encounter.
7 – Lake Como boat rental
With a boat rental, you’re in complete control of your own itinerary; explore secluded coves and hidden beaches that can only be reached by water, drop anchor and take a dip in the refreshing lake waters, or cruise around at your leisure – it’s entirely up to you!
Some boat rentals come with a captain (for an additional fee), who will be more than happy to show you around the lake and offer suggestions on where to go and what to see.
However, if you’re confident enough to take the wheel yourself (and have the necessary boating license when relevant – note, it’s not always needed), then you’ll be able to explore Lake Como to your heart’s content; the perfect way to see the region from a different perspective!
How much do boat tours in Lake Como cost?
How much Lake Como boat tours cost entirely depends on your chosen tour and what is included.
For example, a dinner cruise will typically cost more than a standard boat tour of the lake as it includes the price of your meal and drinks. Similarly, a private boat tour or rental will usually be more expensive than a group tour as you’re essentially paying for the whole boat (and sometimes captain) to yourself.
That being said, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available if you’re looking to save some money; many group tours have discounts for students or seniors, while public transport boats (known as vaporetti in Italian) and ferries that cruise around Lake Como are very reasonably priced and offer great value for money.
What are the best places to visit during a boat tour in Lake Como?
On a Lake Como boat tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most popular towns and villages such as Bellagio (often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’), Varenna, Tremezzo, and Menaggio; each with their own unique charm and character.
Or, if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, why not explore one of the lake’s many uninhabited areas like Isola Comacina or meander down the Adda River that branches off south from Lecco? Down here, the tourists numbers drop off substantially, showing off the low-key lifestyle and natural beauty that northern Italy is renowned for.
With so much to see and do, it can be tough to decide where to go on a boat tour in Lake Como! To help you out, several boating companies have whipped together itineraries for you that cover the main villas, villages, and landmarks – so if you prefer to sit back and relax, a pre-organized tour is your best bet.
How long does a boat trip last?
The duration of your boat trip around Lake Como will, again, depend on the type of tour or rental you choose.
For instance, public transport boats such as the vaporetti and ferries typically only run for short periods throughout the day (usually every 30 minutes to one hour) and follow a set route with designated stops along the way. These types of tours are great if you’re looking to hop off and explore one of the villages for a few hours before continuing your journey around the lake.
On the other hand, private boat rentals give you complete freedom to come and go as you please; most companies offer half-day (four hours) and full-day (eight hours) rentals, but it’s also possible to hire a boat for longer periods of time if you’re planning an extended stay on Lake Como.
If you’re after a dinner tour, you’ll typically have three hours between departure and docking, while the traditional sightseeing tours can last anywhere from two to four hours on the water – longer if you opt for one that gives you time to explore the shoreline on foot.
Where do boat tours leave from?
The start point of your tour will, again, depend on the type of tour or rental you choose.
For instance, public transport boats such as the vaporetti and ferries typically have several pick-up points located around the lake’s perimeter (with Bellagio being one of the most popular), while private boat rentals usually depart from either Tremezzo or Menaggio.
Dinner cruises typically leave from Varenna, Como, or Bellagio, while sightseeing tours tend to depart from various locations depending on which landmarks and villas they’re covering.
Most boating companies will provide full details of where your tour departs from when you book, so be sure to check this before setting off!
Keep in mind that, regardless of where your boat departs from, if you book a tour through a company online (i.e. a private tour or a sightseeing tour, not a ferry), they’ll be able to provide transport to and from your accommodation assuming you’re staying within the main tourist circles, or, at the very least, decide on a pick-up point that’s more convenient for you!
When is the best time for a boat trip in Lake Como?
Between March and November, but particularly in the peak of summer, the conditions are just right for a leisurely day (or more!) spent cruising around the lake. You won’t have to pack too many extra layers (maybe just a hat and some sunscreen) and you can take a dip in the refreshing waters without turning into an icicle.
That said, the lake is beautiful all year round, so don’t feel like you have to wait for summer to enjoy a boating trip!
Which other water activities can be done in Lake Como?
There are plenty of other water-based activities to enjoy on and around Lake Como – including the typical ones like swimming, snorkeling, and diving, of course!
Fancy learning how to windsurf or kitesurfing? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to give stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking a try? With several companies offering lessons and rentals (often at very reasonable prices), it’s easier than ever to get out on the water and have some fun!
And, if you really want to push the boat out (pun intended), why not try your hand at wakeboarding or waterskiing? A bounty of companies offer tows for both sports, so all you need is a bit of balance (and maybe a wetsuit if you’re visiting in cooler months) and you’re good to go!
Finally, for all the fearless thrillseekers, paragliding and parasailing await. Whether being pulled along by a boat or steering your own way through the air, the birds-eye views above this upside-down Y lake are second to none.
We can’t overlook the land-based activities either; from horse riding and hiking to tennis, golf, and much more, there’s something to keep everyone entertained during a stay in Lake Como.
Travel tips
- Spend at least 3-4 days at the lake. With so many picturesque towns and villages to explore, as well as plenty of activities to keep you occupied, a longer stay is always better!
- Don’t be afraid to venture away from the main tourist areas; while they’re lovely, it’s often the smaller towns and villages that offer the most authentic experience.
- Check out Milan! At just an hour’s drive from Bellagio (one of the most popular towns on Lake Como), it’s the perfect stop before or after your time in Como.
- Book your accommodation in advance with a comparison site. Particularly in the summertime, prices for hotels and Airbnbs skyrocket, so it’s always best to plan ahead.
- And, last but not least, try to learn a few basic phrases in Italian before you go; while many people in tourist areas speak English, it’s always nice to be able to say a few words in the local language. Arrivederci! (That means “goodbye” in case you were wondering.)
Final thoughts
So, there you have it; everything you need to know about boating around Lake Como!
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day spent taking in the sights or something a little more active, there’s definitely something for everyone. And if you’re keen on all-out fancy, rest assured you’ll find it in this beloved celebrity getaway. Just be sure to dress for the weather, pack sunscreen and a hat (if it’s sunny), and most importantly, enjoy your time on the water!
Have you ever been on a boat tour around Lake Como? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip to Lake Como, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more insider tips and information!