Top Lake Como Water Tours

There are dozens of great Lake Como boat tours to choose from. Some of the tours with the highest ratings from previous travelers are:

• Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio
• Classic Boat Tour on Lake Como
• Bellagio and Varenna Full-Day Tour on Lake Como
• 2 Hour Private and Guided Cruise to Lake Como Mostes Motorboat
• 1 Hour Private Wooden Boat Tour on Lake Como 6 pax

Yes, boat tours on Lake Como are worth it. The lake itself is gorgeous, and Como and Bellagio are lovely, but there’s only so much you can see of the pretty lakefront towns from the land. Getting out on the water gives you an excellent vantage point on some of the private (and palatial) villas surrounding the lake.

There are packages for a round-trip boat pass for a self-guided tour around the lake after a guided walking tour of Como that start at around US$30–45. There are also half- or full-day private group cruises that include sightseeing stops around the lake for US$2,000 or more. If you want a completely DIY tour, a day pass for the ferry starts at around €7 (US$7.50) for adults.

The town of Bellagio is on Lake Como. The boat trip from Como to Bellagio only takes about 40 minutes on the public ferry. Sightseeing boat tours on Lake Como that include Bellagio range from 1–8 hours and often include multiple other stops.

Lake Como is a fairly large lake with a shape that makes it impossible to see everything from one central spot. Some Lake Como boat tours focus on the most popular towns, like Bellagio and Varenna. Others include some of the lake’s less-visited corners—and some package experiences include more than one lake in the region.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Lake Como aside from water tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Wine Tasting

• Jet Ski Rentals

• Boat Rentals

• Cooking Classes

• Kayaking Tours

Lake Como water tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Lake Como: Shared boat tour and aperitif with Prosecco

• Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise, and Landscapes

• Lake Como Boat Tour: Scenic Cruise & Villas Highlights

• Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip with Private Boat Cruise

• Como, Bellagiol, & Lugano Day Tour with Lake Cruise

Choose a Lake Como water tour with the most convenient departure point for you—many water tours meet in lakeside towns such as Como, Bellaggio, or Varenna, while others include round-trip transportation from Milan. Read the tour itinerary carefully, too; longer boat cruises may give you time to stop at the area’s most picturesque gardens, villas, and towns, while shorter tours may just pass by. Consider booking a private tour if you’d like to make specific stops or detours.

Lake Como can get chilly, especially on the water, so wear layers in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses. You’ll likely be able to customize your itinerary if you book a private water tour; do some research or ask your guide for recommendations about where to cruise, whether you’re interested in seeing stunning natural scenery or Hollywood-famous villas.

It’s best to book Lake Como water tours from May to October—the area’s tourist season—when the weather is warmest and sailing conditions are best. Many Lake Como businesses close in the colder months, and water tours may be limited from November to April.