The best boat tours to explore Lake Como (for any budget!)

Exploring Lake Como by boat is honestly the best way to soak in its beauty. 

I’ve taken the ferry countless times—it’s great for a budget-friendly trip—but it’s more like public transport than a proper tour. A private boat tour, though? That’s a memory you’ll never forget. 

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Lake Como boat tours so you can pick the perfect one—romantic, fun, or ideal for snapping gorgeous photos for Instagram.

Let’s get started! ✨

Here’s why a boat tour is the best way to explore Lake Como

A boat tour is hands down the best way to experience Lake Como. Especially in summer, it’s the perfect escape from the crowds—a peaceful, relaxing way to enjoy the lake at its best. 

Just picture yourself on a vintage wooden boat, a glass of wine in hand, gliding past the iconic villas. It’s like stepping into a movie, believe me. 

If you’re visiting for your honeymoon, this is the thing to do. It’s so romantic, and the memories (and photos!) will be absolutely priceless. 

Plus, a boat tour lets you make the trip your own. 

Stop for a swim, visit stunning villas like Villa Balbianello, or simply take in the views of the lake’s beauty from a unique perspective.

The best part? It’s completely stress-free. No crowded ferries or tight schedules—just a customized experience at your pace.

Exploring Lake Como by boat isn’t just a tour. It’s a bucket list experience that will stay with you long after your trip!

Types of Lake Como boat tours

No matter your travel style or budget, there’s a Lake Como boat tour for you. 

From luxurious private cruises on elegant wooden boats, to shared tours or even the public ferry, each option offers its own way to enjoy the lake’s magic.

Private boat tours 

If you’re after luxury, a private boat tour is the ultimate experience. Completely customizable, no schedules and stress, you can stop for a swim, visit iconic villas like Villa Balbianello, or explore hidden corners of the lake. 

A classic wooden boat adds that touch of old-school glamour, making it perfect for special occasions. 

Of course, private tours aren’t cheap. They’re more of a splurge-worthy option, perfect if you’re celebrating something special. But if you’re looking to make memories that last a lifetime, this is the kind of experience you won’t regret investing in, trust me on this one!

Shared boat tours 

Shared boat tours are a fantastic middle ground. They’re more affordable than private tours but still offer plenty of that charm you’d miss on the public ferry. You’ll join a small group of travelers and enjoy the same stunning views without blowing your budget.

Some tours are short and perfect for grabbing those instagram-worthy photos, while others go deeper, with villa-hopping or half-day adventures.

Public ferry 

The public ferry isn’t exactly a tour—it’s more like Lake Como’s version of public transport and it’s hands-down the cheapest way to get out on the water. 

For something closer to a tour experience, stick with the standard boats instead of the fast ferries. They have open-air seating, which means you can enjoy the views and snap some great photos. 

During high season, ferries can get very crowded, and you’ll probably have to queue to board. 

So no, it’s not the most relaxing option, but it’s super affordable. I’ve used it plenty of times myself, and it’s a great way to explore the lake on a budget.

Best private boat tours 

You can choose between a classic wooden boat — perfect if you love vintage vibes — or a sleek modern boat. Both are great options, so just pick the one that feels right for you!

Classic wooden boat (my favorite boat tour 🥇)

Why you’ll love it

You’ll be cruising in style on a vintage wooden speed boat. Not just any boat though—a Cadenazzi. This historic Italian company has been crafting elegant wooden boats with a timeless design on Lake Como since 1904!

Your captain is a friendly, local guide who’s passionate and knowledgeable about the area so you’ll learn all about the fascinating history behind the places you’ll visit and pass by. 

Highlights of the tour include Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio, Isola Comacina, Villa Carlotta, and Tremezzina, and the longer tour even includes a stop for a swim! 

It’s a private, customizable boat tour and plenty of people say it’s been the highlight of their trip.

Modern luxury boat

Why you’ll love it

If wooden vintage looking boats are not your style, this luxury tour on a sleek and modern boat is the perfect fit. 

Onboard, you’ll be treated to bottled water, soft drinks, and even some alcoholic beverages, along with towels for extra comfort if you want to have a swim. 

The route is packed with stunning highlights, like the Orrido di Nesso waterfall, Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Varenna. if you opt for a longer cruise, you can also stop for a while and jump in for a swim, explore the towns, or enjoy a lakeside lunch. 

People love how fun and friendly the guide makes the experience, so you can just relax, soak up the scenery, and enjoy every minute of your boat tour. 

Classic wooden boat, leaving from Como

Why you’ll love it

Step aboard a charming wooden boat and explore the southwestern part of Lake Como, a route that’s a little different from the previous tours. 

Starting in Como, you’ll pass beautiful spots like Blevio, Cernobbio, Villa d’Este, Torno, and the historic Villa Pliniana.

While cruising, sit back with a complimentary glass of Prosecco—a must on Lake Como! 

For those choosing a longer tour, you’ll also have the chance to take a refreshing swim in the lake.

Best shared boat tours 

Shared Sunset Boat Tour with a Prosecco Aperitif

Why you’ll love it

This shared sunset boat tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 people, making it feel intimate and friendly—almost like a private tour. 

You’ll glide past some of Lake Como’s most iconic landmarks, including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Cassinella, and the villages of Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Lenno, and San Giovanni, all bathed in the golden glow of the sunset.

While onboard, you can relax with a glass of Prosecco—because what pairs better with those incredible views? 

Alongside your friendly guide, you’ll also have an audio guide in 7 languages to uncover fascinating stories about the lake’s history and its most famous sights.

Shared Boat Tour from Como

Why you’ll love it

This shared boat tour leaves from Como and focuses on the southwestern part of Lake Como, where you’ll pass some of the area’s most stunning landmarks. 

Highlights include Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, Villa Pliniana, and Villa Fontanelle, along with charming towns like Blevio and Cernobbio.

The boat itself is super comfortable, making it easy to sit back and soak in the views. 

Your captain is known for being a funny and super knowledgeable guide, so they’ll keep things light and entertaining, sharing plenty of fascinating stories about the villas and the lake’s history.

You’ll love the relaxed vibe of this tour!

Insider tips for a perfect lake como boat trip 

These tips will help you choose the perfect boat tour, plan the best time to visit, and pack everything you’ll need for an unforgettable Lake Como trip.

How to choose the right tour

Start by deciding between a private or shared tour—private tours are more personal, while shared ones are budget-friendly and a fun way to meet other travelers.

Next, pick a starting point. I highly recommend tours departing from Bellagio, Varenna, Lenno, Menaggio, or nearby towns. These usually focus on the golden triangle, the most beautiful part of Lake Como, with iconic villas like Villa Balbianello, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta.

Then, think about how much time you have. Shorter tours are great if you’re in a hurry, but longer ones let you swim, explore lakeside towns, or enjoy a leisurely lunch.

You should also check what’s included, like Prosecco, snacks, or audio guides, and make sure the price fits your budget. 

Finally, choose a tour with flexible cancellation policies—you never know when plans or weather might change!

When to go

In my experience—and after countless trips—the best time to visit Lake Como is early autumn (September, October) or spring (May and early June). These months offer the perfect mix of smaller crowds, comfortable weather, and reasonable prices. Best of all, you avoid the chaos of the peak summer season.

In May and June, the gardens are bursting with color, and the sunny, mild weather makes it ideal for exploring both on and off the water. 

My absolute favorite months are September and October!. 

The lake feels so calm and uncrowded, the weather is pleasant, and the changing colors give the area a special charm. 

While it might not be warm enough to swim, the villas are still open, and boat tours feel even more magical in this peaceful atmosphere.

You can read more about the best months to visit Lake Como on my guide here. 

What to pack

• Water bottle
  Spring and summer can get hot, so stay hydrated! Be a mindful traveler and bring a reusable bottle, skip the plastic ones.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  Trust me, you’ll be in the sun a lot, and there’s nothing worse than a sunburn ruining the rest of your trip.
• Camera
  If you’ve got one, bring it. The views are stunning, and you’ll want to snap a million photos (your instagram page will thank you!).
• Battery pack
  If you’re using your phone for photos and videos, this is non-negotiable!
• Comfortable shoes
  If your tour includes stops to explore villas or towns, pack something comfy. Many streets are cobblestone, and you might encounter stairs or uphill paths, so your feet will thank you!
• Snack
  I always bring something to munch on because, well, I’m always hungry. Longer tours mean you’ll appreciate it even more.
• Light layers
  Mornings and evenings can get a bit chilly, especially in spring or autumn. A sweater or scarf is perfect to have on hand.
• Swimsuit and towel
  If there’s even the slightest chance of a swim, pack these! Better to have them than wish you did.

Where to stay

The best place to stay on Lake Como is the Golden Triangle: Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo. 

Most of the boat tours in this article leave from these towns or nearby spots, so staying here is super convenient. If your tour departs from Como, staying there makes more sense to avoid long travel times.

My favorite is Varenna—it’s stunning, easy to reach thanks to its train station, and often more affordable than Bellagio. It’s also the perfect base if you’re staying for a few days and want to take some day trips to explore northern Italy.

For a luxurious stay, I recommend Hotel Royal Victoria, with its outdoor pool and romantic lakeside terrace. For something more affordable, Hotel Villa Cipressi is perfect, with its breathtaking gardens and lake views.

In Bellagio, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni offers unmatched luxury with panoramic views and a spa. If that’s out of budget, Hotel Du Lac is a cozy alternative with a rooftop terrace just steps from the ferry.

How to book ferry tickets 

If you’re booking a private or shared boat tour, you can use the links above to check prices, availability, and reserve your spot. 

If you’re planning to use the public ferry, booking tickets online is a good idea—especially in high season when queues can get long. It’s super simple once you know the basics.

There are different types of ferries: Traghetto (carries cars and pedestrians) and Battello (pedestrian-only), which can be a fast ferry or a standard ferry. 

The fast ferry saves time but doesn’t have outdoor seating, so it’s not ideal for photos. The standard ferry is slower but has open-air spaces, perfect for enjoying the views and taking pictures.

The Navigazione Laghi website is the official place to book tickets, but it can be a bit tricky. If you look up a date and time and it says no ferries are available, it’s usually because of the time you’re searching for. 

For example, if you search at 1 PM but the next ferry isn’t until 2:30 PM, it probably won’t show up.

To avoid this, download the PDF timetable (see where in the screenshot below) to find exact ferry times and then go back to the website to book your spot.

FAQ

Final thoughts on Lake Como boat trips

A boat trip is, hands down, the best way to experience Lake Como.

You’ll glide past iconic villas and postcard-perfect towns that are even more stunning from the water. 

It’s a great addition to your itinerary, whether you’re visiting Lake Como as a day trip or planning a two or three days itinerary to explore the lake more thoroughly.

If your budget allows, go for a private boat tour—it’s luxurious, personalized, and perfect for a special occasion like a honeymoon. 

Cruising on a vintage-style wooden boat, sipping Prosecco, and soaking in the views? It doesn’t get better than that—it’ll be one of the best memories of your Italian adventure!

For a more budget-friendly option, shared tours and the public ferry are amazing alternatives that still let you enjoy the lake’s magic.

Whichever you choose, a Lake Como boat trip is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Read more about Lake Como here: 

• One day in Lake Como: best itinerary for first-timers
• 2 or 3 day Lake Como itinerary: a complete travel guide
• How to visit Villa Balbianello (Star Wars Lake Como villa)
• Best Time to Visit Lake Como: Find the Perfect Season for Your Trip
• 7 Amazing Day Trips from Lake Como to Add to Your Itinerary