Lake Como boat trip: what to know before you book

A boat trip is the easiest way to understand Lake Como. The roads are narrow and the villages are far apart by car, while on the water the villas, gardens and mountains come into view one after another. These are the practical answers most guests look for before choosing a private boat trip.

What is included. Every trip comes with a skipper, who speaks Italian and English, plus fuel and water. The boat is a classic wooden taxi with an open deck and a covered area, for up to eleven guests plus the skipper. Villa entrance fees and meals ashore are not included, so you decide how much of the day you spend on land.

How long to allow. All tours start from Como. One hour covers the villa shoreline near Como and Cernobbio. Two hours reach Nesso and the Orrido. Three hours reach the centre of the lake, with Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello. Longer tours add stops in the villages, and we plan the route with you. For a first visit, two or three hours is a comfortable length.

Where you board. Boarding in Como is included in the price. If you are staying elsewhere, we can collect you at places such as Cernobbio, Blevio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Bellagio or Varenna. A pick-up away from Como adds travel time for the boat to reach you, which is shown in the booking page before you pay.

Group size and price. A private boat is priced per boat, not per person, so a trip for two and a trip for six cost the same. Groups of seven to eleven add a supplement per hour for the boat. The online booking page shows the total for your date, duration and group before any payment.

What to bring. Sun protection, a light layer for the evening and flat, soft-soled shoes are enough. The covered area gives shade and shelter on the water.

Weather. In dangerous weather or unforeseen conditions, the options are a refund, a new date or a credit. A cloudy sky on its own is not a reason to cancel, because the lake is often at its best in soft light. The full terms are shown and accepted before payment.

How to book. Choose the duration and date in the online booking page, pick your boarding area and an available time, and confirm with a deposit. The balance is settled on the day. If you prefer to ask a question first, write to us on WhatsApp.