If you are planning your dream itinerary in Lake Como, or just visiting Lake Como on a day trip from Milan, here you can find the best Lake Como boat tours to add to your visit. With many options to choose from it can be confusing to pick the best boat tour for you.
This guide to the absolute best boat tours in Lake Como covers a wide range of interests, from the most romantic boat tour to an amazing sailboat to watch the sunset and all between.
Here you can also find very useful information and have no doubts you will choose the right Lake Como boat tour to fit your needs. So, get to explore all the possibilities, and discover some of the most iconic places in Italy with these once-in-a-lifetime boat tours.
You may also be interested in:
- The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary (from 1-3 days)
- Best Places to Stay in Lake Como: 5 Top Villas + Hotel Guide
- How to Travel from Milan to Lake Como
- Milan 2-day Itinerary to see The Best of Milan
- Best Lake Como Boat Tours Overview
- How to Choose The Best Lake Como Boat Tours?
- How Much Does a Lake Como Boat Tour Cost?
- Best Lake Como Boat Reviews
- BEST OVERALL BOAT TOUR IN LAKE COMO: Classic Speedboat Private Tour
- TOP LUXURY DINNER BOAT TOUR: A floating luxury crossing Lake Como
- SEE THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH OF LAKE COMO: Sailing Experience with Private Skipper
- BEST COMBO BOAT TOUR: Private Boat Tour in Lake Como
- BEST FULL-DAY TOUR: Lake Como Public Ferry Tour
- Lake Como Saling Boat Tour
- Private Boat Tour Lake Como Guided
- Romantic Sail & Sunset Lake Como Boat Tour
- Lake Como Personal Motor Boat Rental
- Small Group with Shared boat Tour Lake Como
- What are the Best Places to Visit During a Boat Tour in Lake Como?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como
- Best Boat Tours Lake Como Conclusion
Best Lake Como Boat Tours Overview
You can have a quick scan of this table if you don’t have the time to read this article right now. It shows the best Lake Como boat tours and a rundown of what each one offers!
Classic Speedboat Private Tour
The Classic Speedboat Private Tour is the most popular boat tour on Lake Como. You will go on a private tour on board a wooden speedboat, and for 2 hours have the opportunity to visit some of the most famous places on Lake Como, and to stop along the way for swimming.
| TOUR | HIGHLIGHTS | RECOMMENDED TOUR |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Lake Como Boat Tour | 2 hours tour on a wooden speed boat, great for couples | Classic Speedboat Private Tour |
| Top Luxury Dinner Boat Tour | 3 hours on a private wooden speed boat tour with a private professional chef and waiter | A floating luxury crossing Lake Como |
| See the Off-the-Beaten-Path of Lake Como Tour | 3 hours on a private sailing boat to visit the quieter side of Lake Como | Sailing Experience with Private Skipper |
| Top Combo walking + Private Speedboat Tour | 5 hours combo private tour: walking tour with a private speedboat with a local guide | Private Boat Tour in Lake Como |
| Best Full-Day Tour * BUDGET FRIENDLY* | 7-8 hours tour with a small group of up to 6-people, using a public ferry | Lake Como Public Ferry Tour |
| Top Sailing Boat Tour *5 STARS REVIEW* | 3-4 hours tour for small groups of up to 6 people, explore the wild side of Lake Como | Lake Como Saling Boat Tour |
| Best Tour to see the Highlights of Lake Como | 1-hour tour is a great option if you are short on time, and want to see the Vilas and Villages in a short tour | Private Boat Tour Lake Como Guided |
| Best Romantic Sunset Lake Como Boat Tour | 3 hours sail at sunset with this private romantic tour, great for couples | Romantic Sail & Sunset Lake Como Boat Tour |
| Best Small Group Boat Tour | 4 hours on a small group trou on a Venetian-style boat for a VIP experience | Lake Como Luxury Venetian Style Boat Tour |
| Top Personal Motor Boat Rental Tour | 2 hours on a personal motor boat rental to experience Lake Como on your own, great for friends | Lake Como Personal Motor Boat Rental |
| Best Budget-Friendly Boat Tour in Lake Como | 1.5-hour tour with a local guide and a small group of up to 5 people | Small-Group with Shared boat Tour Lake Como |
How to Choose The Best Lake Como Boat Tours?
Visit Lake Como and not going on a boat tour, is the same as visiting Rome without seeing the Pople – or going on a Florence itinerary without trying a gelato 😉
There are several types of Lake Como boat tours available. You can choose one that is only a couple of hours, or a full-day option. There are also several different types of boats – One thing is for sure: no matter which tour or boat you choose, getting out onto Lake Como is an experience not to be missed!
GetYourGuide is one of the top options because they work with high-quality tours and offer flexible cancelation policies. They also have some of the largest selections of Lake Como boat tours. This company has been providing top-notch tours and excursions all over the world for more than 12 years and is known for its highly professional and friendly tour guides.
Viator is also a very safe and reliable option that provides a 24-hours flexible cancelation policy. They are part of TripAdvisor and offer 200,000+ affordable tours all over the world, offering multilingual customer service.
Tips to Choose a Perfect Lake Como Boat Tour:
How Much Does a Lake Como Boat Tour Cost?
If you are wondering how much a Lake Como boat tour costs, it depends on your preference and what is included. This list has a variety of prices, from a luxury private sunset Lake Como boat tour to budget-friendly options.
If you choose to go on a dinner cruise at Lake Como, it will typically cost more than a standard boat tour of the lake as it includes the price of your meal and drinks. Or if you choose to go on a private boat tour will usually be more expensive than a group tour as you’re essentially paying for the whole boat, and a captain to yourself.
Best Lake Como Boat Reviews
BEST OVERALL BOAT TOUR IN LAKE COMO: Classic Speedboat Private Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Lake Como classic speedboat is our top pick tour because you get the chance to go on a private Cadenazzi wooden speedboat and enjoy the most fascinating part of Lake Como and learn about the history with your Capitan. With this private tour, you will be able to see some of the most famous places in the Lake Como area such as: See famous Villa Balbianello, where James Bond movies and Star Wars were featured. You will pass by Comacina Island and if you want you will enjoy a nice swim among its clean and pure waters. Proceed to Bellagio, one of the most iconic places in Italy. Stop for a swim, and relax with your friends and family. Go to Tremezzo, where your captain will show you the famous Villa Carlotta, which attracts thousands of travelers every week.
- Explore Lake Como on board a private Cadenazzi wooden speed-boat
- Admire Lake Como gems from the water
- Learn about the history of the area with your captain
TOP LUXURY DINNER BOAT TOUR: A floating luxury crossing Lake Como
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
If you are looking to feel like a movie star, this floating luxury dinner at Lake Como boat tour is for you! You will step on board a refined, classic motorboat that will take you for an exclusive cruise on Lake Como, at the sight of charming coastal villages such as Bellagio or Tremezzo. To make it even better? A professional local chef will cook a complete dinner for you, served by a waiter and including beverages. This unmissable experience will allow you to enjoy a complete dinner
- A wonderful dinner is included in this Lake Como boat tour
- Professional chef and a waiter onboard
- A private motorboat and a skipper are at your disposal
SEE THE OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH OF LAKE COMO: Sailing Experience with Private Skipper
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
Get away from the crowds on land and discover the quieter side of Lake Como on this private sailing adventure. Set sail from Bellagio on an elegant 8.5m-long boat to admire the attractions along the shoreline, including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa Carlotta. Sail alongside Comacina Island and drop anchor to dive into the crystal clear waters of the lake or relax on board with music, drinks, and snacks. This is a perfect Lake Como boat tour to snap photos of the famous lake villas from the water and stop for a swim.
- A unique way to discover the beauty of Lake Como, away from the crowds
- Enjoy the flexibility and relaxed pace of a private sailing excursion
- Soft and alcoholic drinks and snacks provided on board
BEST COMBO BOAT TOUR: Private Boat Tour in Lake Como
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This exclusive tour with a private boat tour is for anyone looking to really get to know Lake Como and Bellagio with a local guide who will share with you stories of Julius Caesar, who founded Novum Comum, of fortresses and castles of destructions, fires, and reconstructions, of pilgrims crossing the lake and crowned monarchs who built spectacular villas with large Baroque gardens. Also, the modern stories of politicians, and celebrities who choose to live in the stunning Lake Como. Every town here has its own story to tell. No villa lacks thrilling events in its past. Villa Olmo, Villa D’Este, Villa Pizzo, Villa Versace, Villa Pliniana, Villa Balbiano, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi D’Eril and Villa Serbelloni… will all remain in your memory and in your heart.
- This tour includes a Professional tour guide, fuel, captain, water, genuine Italian snack
- Admire Lake Como gems from the water
- Learn about the history of the area with your captain
BEST FULL-DAY TOUR: Lake Como Public Ferry Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
If you are looking to visit Lake Como with a local guide for a full day, including taking the local ferry to the best villages, this Como City & Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day tour is for you. This Lake Como is one of the top excursions from Milan; with this tour, visit two beautiful lakeside villages in one day. You will stroll through Como’s old town with a local guide and will learn about landmarks like the cathedral and city walls. After free time for lunch, set sail for Bellagio passing villas and gardens along the way. Enjoy a walking tour and free time to explore this postcard-perfect village before the return ferry trip to Como.
- Admire landmark villas and gardens during the ferry ride (own expense)
- A small group of just six participants for a relaxed pace
- Free time in both Como and Bellagio to dine and shop on your own
Lake Como Saling Boat Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
With this Lake Como sailing boat experience, you will take a sailing tour to explore the wild side of Lake Como. You will escape the crowds and relax while enjoying the stunning landscape of the mountains reflected in the clear blue waters. Enjoy this guided half-day boat tour in Lake Como and admire the lush vegetation, blue waters, the mountains above you, and the beautiful little towns on the shore of the lake. Admire the views of Baia di Parè, Malgrate, Lecco, Abbadia, and the high mountains of this wild area.
- This is a great tour during summer vacation, while you can jump in the lake and swim in this stunning area
- Best tour to discover the wild side of Lake Como
- Toast your amazing boat tour in Lake Como with a glass of prosecco
Private Boat Tour Lake Como Guided
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
You will love this guided private boat tour at Lake Como if you are looking for a highlight of the stunning small villages, green valleys, and waterfalls. This tour starts from Como, leaving to visit the most beautiful locations of the first basin of the lake: Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, Villa Pizzo, Villa Le Rose (hosted Churchill in ’45), Villa Fontanelle (historic Versace residence), Villa Oleandra (summer residence of Clooney). On the way back, you will come back by coast est and observe the hotels Sereno and Castadiva admiring other incredible residences until they return to the city.
- You will see amazing panoramas of Como
- Couples love this tour because it feels like a secluded romantic and relaxing atmosphere
- Enjoy an aperitif at sunset
Romantic Sail & Sunset Lake Como Boat Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Lake Como romantic sails and sunset experience is a real romantic experience, just for the couple to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Lake Como, surrounded by nature and the magic colors of the sunset. During the sailing trip, you will be served local specialties designed by a local chef. Sip on Franciacorta and relax in this magical environment.
- Surprise your partner with a very romantic experience on Lake Como
- Enjoy finger food prepared by a local chef
- Sip on Prosecco as you take in the amazing view
Lake Como Luxury Venetian Style Boat Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
Embark on a VIP boat tour at Lake Como experience with this authentic Venetian-style Boat Cruise. Enjoy the luxury villas and stunning landscapes of Lake Como with this small-group tour, while you enjoy a glass of prosecco in hand. During this tour, you will stop at In Varenna, for a 15-minute coffee break before beginning the best part of the cruise: a journey through the extravagant villas, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, Villa La Cassinella, and many other beautiful architectural wonders and stunning landscapes. You will admire the beauty of Isola Comacina, a little island rich in history and nature before arriving in Bellagio, “The Pearl of Lake Como”. Here, enjoy an hour of free time to explore the city at your own pace before beginning the journey back to the meeting point.
- The best small group tour for an authentic experience at Lake Como
- Stops at Varenna and Bellagio and explore at your own pace
- Relax and toast your best life with a glass of prosecco
Lake Como Personal Motor Boat Rental
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
With this amazing personal Lake Como Motor Boat Rental tour, you have the opportunity to experience Lake Como on your own. For 2 hours you can visit the stunning region of Lake Como, stop swimming in the lake, and take the time to relax, take pictures and discover the wonder of the Lake Como region. You won’t need a boat license to rent this motor boat. The boat will be delivered to you directly at the dock, and you will be provided with explanations relating to the rules and functions to be able to drive safely while having fun as well as the main points of interest of the Lake.
- Learn the ins and outs of the craft before setting out for an adventure on the water.
- Each tour is for a limited number of people (max 6 p.)
- It is included insurance, Awning, Bow sundeck, Swim ladder, GPS, and safety equipment including a life jacket and rescue donut.
Small Group with Shared boat Tour Lake Como
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
If you are looking for a great opportunity to see the best of Lake Como with a local guide, and you are traveling on a budget, this Public Tour at Lake Como is for you! On board a shared boat, you will visit, starting from Como, the first basin of the Lake and we will observe along its shores the various small and characteristic villages that overlook it (Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, Blevio) and the magnificent Villas with their styles that is not possible see from the land … and more!
- Great option tour if you are looking for a budget option
- This is a shared boat with other people
- This tour included fun, a local guide, water bottles, and insurance
- Gas is not included and there will be a small charge per person
What are the Best Places to Visit During a Boat Tour in Lake Como?
Como Town
Lake Como is the third largest lake in the country and one of the top Landmarks in Italy to add to your bucket list. It is very easy to visit from a short 1-hour trip from Milan or Malpensa Airport. It is an easy 10-minute downhill walk from the train station to the boat dock. It is also the best place to stay in Lake Como if you are planning to visit the other villages around the lake, and the boats and ferries operate all year long, with departures from Como to the parts of the Lake. Como is a magnificent city known for its Gothic Cathedral, lakefront promenades, delightful streets, stunning mountain views, scenic funicular rides, and amazing piazzas.
Bellagio
Bellagio is considered the “Pearl of Lake Como” and it is probably the most famous town in Lake Como. Bellagio is located at a picturesque junction where the Y-shaped lake divides into two branches. It is a quiet and small town that can be visited in only a few hours. Some boat tours stop here for a quick visit, while others will only pass through this village.
Varenna
Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Italy, and it is an essential stop for anyone wishing to visit one of the most typical and quiet towns on the lake.
Tremezzo
Tremezzo is the best Region in Lake Como for families. This beautiful small town is centrally located in Lake Como. It sits on the western shores of the lake, across from Bellagio and just south of Menaggio, and is most well-known for its stunning waterfront and splendid botanical garden. Many people consider the steep hillside village of Varenna to be the most heavenly of all the towns on Lake Como, preferring the charming fisherman’s houses to the showier villas and grandeur of neighbors like Bellagio
Menaggio
Menaggio is a town with very ancient origins and in its historical center, characterized by a beautiful central square and a splendid lakeside promenade, there is no lack of important artistic heritage, all to be discovered. This is a great place to spend your time, all within one of the most charming towns of Lake Como. The beach is suitable for the whole family, with two swimming pools and some games for children.
What else…
If you are looking for some hidden gems around Lake Como, you can also visit some uninhabited areas like Isola Comacina or meander down the Adda River which branches off south from Lecco. In this area, the number of tourists drops off substantially, and you will be able to explore these areas without having to share with the crowds, but make sure you hire a private Lake Como boat tour if are planning a visit.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como
Any time of the year is a good time to go on a Lake Como boat tour. This is the best way to see the most beautiful views and visit the stunning villas around Lake Como. But if you are planning to catch the warm weather, and why not, to swim in the blue water lake, between Mark and November is the best time as you will catch the peak of summertime at Lake Como. Just don’t forget to pack your sunblock and swimsuit.
If you are visiting Lake Como during spring and autumn, they are also beautiful seasons to go on a boat tour, and even if the temperatures are cooler, the crowds are also smaller.
Now if you are visiting during wintertime, you will be able to catch the snow-capped mountains in the background, you will just need to wear layers, and especially a warm jacket and you will love this charming season at Lake Como!
Best Boat Tours Lake Como Conclusion
I hope this list of the best boat tours in Lake Como has helped you to choose the perfect tour for you. Whether you choose to go on a romantic sunset boat tour while sipping a local prosecco, or if you are looking to enjoy the stunning views of the villas and villages, there is a Lake Como boat tour for everyone.
When planning a perfect Lake Como itinerary, don’t forget to add a boat tour to take full advantage of your visit. These best Lake Como boat tours will have you packing your bags and planning your trip!
If you are planning a trip to Italy, you may also enjoy these:
- The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary
- Best Places to Stay in Lake Como: 5 Top Villas + Hotel Guide
- How to Travel from Milan to Lake Como
- 30 Best Landmarks in Italy
- The Most Beautiful Italian Coastal Towns you Need to Visit
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