Real Venetian Kayak - Tour of Venice Canals with a Local Guide
Recommended by 93% of travelers
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Venice, Italy
- 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Access tiny canals that most boats can't enter on this unique kayaking tour. Follow your kayaking guide to paddle through quiet canals far from the crowds and learn about the history and culture of the Floating City. Savor views from the water and see the city from an exclusive perspective. Participants of all levels are welcome, and no kayaking experience is necessary.
- See a side of Venice that most travelers miss along its smallest canals
- Learn about the city through a guide's informative commentary
- Your human-powered tour has a low environmental impact
- No experience necessary; all equipment and instruction is included
What's Included
- Homologated Kayak - single Kayak (1 person) or double Kayak (2 persons)
- Ergonomic paddle
- Life Vest
- Qualified English-speaking instructor/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Calle Brazzo, 3347, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Go to "Fondamenta de la Sensa", after the Hotel "Ai Mori d'Oriente" on your side, you'll find a small street going inside. Take it, walk a few meters and you'll be at the starting point.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Meet your adventure guides and tour group at the kayak outfitter office in Venice. Get a brief introduction and instruction on basic safety and kayaking techniques, then jump in the boats and take off. This tour is suitable for all levels of experience, guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and comfort.
This tour gives a unique perspective on Venice: paddling through the canals, the arteries of this city on the water. Since you are exploring under your own muscle power, this eco-tour has a very low environmental impact. Throughout the tour, learn about the history, culture and traditions of Venice through your guides' commentary.
Finish back at the starting point at the end of the tour.
This tour gives a unique perspective on Venice: paddling through the canals, the arteries of this city on the water. Since you are exploring under your own muscle power, this eco-tour has a very low environmental impact. Throughout the tour, learn about the history, culture and traditions of Venice through your guides' commentary.
Finish back at the starting point at the end of the tour.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Steven_B
We had an amazing time kayaking the canals.
Our guide was fantastic with lots of history and cultural facts and a great sense of humor!
I highly recommend this tour.
It is such a unique way to see the city!!!
Reviews
4.7
based on 563 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Brian_J, Jul 2026
Great tour. Paddle for about 90-minutes so need to be in shape. Nice to go thru the canals where tourists boats are not allowed.
Ceirys_H, Jul 2026
Very unique experience, good fun with a great guide. I’ve never been in a kayak before and I would do it again. You get wet so it’s ok when the sun is shining and when itsxwarm.
kyle_t, Jul 2026
Kayak tour was excellent. My 7 year old loved it and we had a two person kayak which made it great for both of us.
Steve_P, Jul 2026
We were very disappointed with this experience. We arrived at the designated meeting point provided by the tour operator, followed their directions carefully, and waited for about 25 minutes. Unfortunately, no one ever arrived at that location.
Venice can be a challenging city to navigate, and map apps are not always accurate because of its narrow streets and canals. That’s exactly why we relied on the meeting instructions provided by the tour operator. If the pickup location was incorrect or unclear, it should have been communicated more clearly.
There is so much to do in Venice I would definitely go with a different option.
Mia_M, Jul 2026
This was the best tour I’ve had in Venice! This was my first time canoeing and our instructor Nev was a big help and very patient. I recommend this to everyone traveling to Venice.
Lauren_K, Jun 2026
The tour guides were kind and helpful. We heard interesting stories as we moved through the canals. I felt safe navigating past motor boats. The best part was seeing the city from the water.
Leslie_S, May 2026
Paddling through Venice's canals — including quiet backwaters most visitors never see — was magical, and our local guide brought the city to life with history and stories you won't get from a guidebook. It was a wonderful, active way to experience Venice from the water, and a hit with both the adults and our child. Highly recommend!
Teresa_J, May 2026
Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He looked out for our safety throughout the entire tour.
Linda_W, May 2026
We did the evening kayak trip and got to see the sunset. It was beautiful, easy pace, and the time flew by. Teresa, our guide, was wonderful.
Lisa_S, May 2026
We were so excited for this trip but it didn't end up being that great. First, you have to get in and out of the kayak through a "hole in the wall" with the help of a rope. (Not easy to do) Then they say you don't need to have kayaking experience, but you definitely need to. You need to stay on one side of the canals because of the other boats. You also go out into the open lagoon, which can be choppy. Both of these things would be great to do if you have ample kayaking experience, and can get in and out of it from above. Our guide (Paolo I think) was so sweet and informative though.
Karen_S, May 2026
We had a wonderful time on our kayak experience in the canals of Venice. Our guide was friendly, patient and informative regarding both the history and daily lives of Venetians. The area we kayaked was relatively quiet without too much traffic from private boats or water taxis, but you will definitely be sharing the canals so be sure to follow your guides instructions.
You don't need to be an expert kayaker to enjoy, but some small level of experience is helpful. Venetians view their boats much like we view our cars, so showing the same respect is expected (trying to avoid hitting them or pushing off with a paddle) which can be a little stressful. Canals are narrow, so a single-person kayak is suggested as it is more easily controlled, especially on some of the tighter turns. That said we had a two-person kayak and managed fine.
This is a water sport, so expect to get a bit wet. I'm a larger guy, so our kayak sat a bit lower in the water, making it more susceptible to some overlap from waves created by passing boats, especially during the short time spent out in the lagoon.
Meeting point can be a bit tricky. It's at the end of a small alley that ends in a canal. There is a wood door on the right all the way at the end. We arrived a bit early so the door was closed, which is normal while they are out on a tour. I believe there is always someone there who will answer if you knock. Don't be confused or alarmed by the lack of visible kayaks when you get there. The put in point for the kayaks is actually inside the building. We could see the church where Amazon owner Jeff Bezos got married directly to the left of the entry point.
They do have a bathroom available for guests as well as complimentary lockers to store any you don't want to get wet! They also provided the use of a water-proof clear pouch for your phone if you want to take pictures!
Nicholas_N, May 2026
The reviews are right that if you've got a beginner in your group it could sour your expectations if you don't get far from base. There were three in our group all about the same experience level plus our guide Sebastian and it was excellent. Sebastian led us through various canals and out on to the edge if the lagoon feeding us interesting info at key stops. All staff were good. Boats were good. Trip was excellent.
Location was on one of the main parts of venice island, so easy to get to.
Tanja_J, May 2026
Wonderful experience! I did the 8:30pm tour, which was perfect—saw an amazing sunset and the canals lit up at night! There wasn’t much boat traffic so it was really calm. My guide was knowledgeable and fun and I enjoyed every minute of it. Unforgettable experience
Glenn_G, May 2026
Very nice time with the provider. The guide was careful and helpful. He knew many interesting things about the area and encouraged questions. Good activity for adults and kids, perhaps, in the 10 year old and up range.
Regan_W, Apr 2026
This was one of the highlights of our honeymoon. We absolutely loved this experience. My husband and I were considering doing this or doing a gondola, and we were so happy with choosing this. We kayaked through small, low-traffic areas and our guide taught us about Venice’s history throughout the tour. We got to see much more local life and covered much more ground than a gondola. We absolutely recommend this experience.
Crystal_W, Apr 2026
This was a great low key way to experience the canals without the crowds. Plus much longer then a gondola ride and gives you more history about the buildings and neighborhoods (districts) of Venice.
Tanya_E, Apr 2026
A great way to see the canals of Venice in a fun way. We chose to do this rather than a gondola and so glad we did. Paulo was a great guide and watching the sunset was a lovely bonus we weren't expecting.
Sarah_V, Apr 2026
Daryl was a brilliant guide, fun, welcoming, great knowledge of Venice - amazing experience! Would highly recommend
Megan_S, Apr 2026
Nice night time activity! They will help you get comfortable in the kayak before heading out. Venice history.
Hunter_G, Apr 2026
Excellent tour!! Our guide was amazing and patient with me as it was my first time in a kayak. A beautiful experience.
Keith_J, Mar 2026
Teresa was a fantastic guide, so helpful and accommodating. She ensured everybody was safe and enjoying themselves throughout the tour, gave us some great insight into parts of Venice. It’s a great way to do something a little different on the canals of Venice.
Nancy_H, Mar 2026
This was a fantastic experience. Andre was our chef and he was great with adults and kids alike. He was patient and kind and provided detailed information and helpful tips and tricks. Would definitely recommend!
Elizabeth_C, Mar 2026
This is a really unique way to experience Venice. The location is away from a lot of the crowds and in a more local neighborhood. Our guide made us feel safe and cared for, and also had a great knowledge of the history of the city she calls home. I highly recommend this!
Faith_P, Nov 2025
Amazing! We kayaked through the canals and listed to history, stories, it was a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t pass up! Night time was the best.
Theo_Z, Oct 2025
WE so far very like our adventure, also nervous to kayak in Venice, but the host really take care of us and gave clear instructions.
Please wear something water proof is the best or towel to cover is enough, just incase.
Megan_W, Oct 2025
This was an amazing way to see Venice! So much fun, Nev was super knowledgable and sweet. It was a nice and slow trek along the canals. Great for everyone!
PORTER_E, Oct 2025
Perfect activity for me and my 6 year old son. Fun way to explore the waterways. It was a bonus that it got us to the Jewish quarter for some additional history and sightseeing in an otherwise far place for kid. Nav was a great guide.
Corinna_F, Sep 2025
Having kayak experience helped us. Would not recommend for those having none. It was booked for 1 hour but ended up being over two hours.
Julie_O, Sep 2025
Went at 5 with Darrell from Ireland! He was absolutely fantastic! Great way to explore the city - would highly recommend!
Jill_L, Sep 2025
I am an occasional, over 75, paddler on a quiet reservoir with no motorized water traffic and no waves. I am not sure I would recommend to others like me. However, the group I was in were competent and the tour guide was patient with my slowness. My granddaughter(28) thoroughly enjoyed the experience of kayaking at night in the canals. I am glad I did it and did learn some things about the history and architecture of the city!
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