A kayak is a quiet, active way to see the lake, and this guided tour starts from Bellagio and lasts about an hour and a half. You paddle along the shoreline with a guide, passing lakeside houses and gardens and looking back at the village on its promontory, and the pace is gentle enough for beginners. The tour is among the best rated activities on the lake, with a 4.9 rating from more than 600 reviews, which says a good deal about the guides and the way the trip is run. Seen from water level, the villas look different from the way they do from a ferry deck, and the mountains seem higher. It is an easy way to add some exercise to a day of sightseeing, and a good choice for visitors who want to be on the water rather than just beside it.
What the tour is
A guided kayak tour from Bellagio of about one hour and thirty minutes. The operator supplies the kayaks and safety equipment, gives a short briefing and leads the group along the shore, so you do not need prior experience. Check the meeting point, the minimum age, the group size and the weather policy when you book, because small boats depend on conditions and the operator may adjust or cancel in strong wind.
On the water
Kayaks sit low, so you get close to the rocks, the old boathouses and the gardens that reach the water, and you notice details that are invisible from the road. Paddling in a calm lake is not demanding, but you will use your arms and shoulders for an hour or more, so it helps to be reasonably fit.
Wind often rises in the afternoon on Lake Como, which is why many tours start in the morning when the water is flatter. The guide will set the route according to the conditions and may take shelter in a bay if the breeze picks up.
Season
The tour is best from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and the water is inviting. Outside that period the operator may run fewer departures, and cold wind on the lake can make it uncomfortable, so check availability for your dates. Wear quick-drying clothes that you do not mind getting wet, bring a hat and sun protection in summer, and a windproof layer for the shoulder seasons. Keep your phone and camera in a waterproof bag or leave them with a friend on shore.
Making the most of it
Combine the paddle with a walk in Bellagio’s old town and lunch on the lakefront afterwards, and add the Villa Melzi gardens if they are open. Paddling and eating together make a very full day, so plan a slow afternoon. Kayak tours are not suitable for anyone who cannot swim or who has a back or shoulder injury, so talk to the operator before booking if you have any doubts. For a calmer, seated trip, a boat tour from Como is the better choice.
Who it suits
The paddle is gentle enough for most adults and teenagers who are reasonably fit, and it is a good first kayaking experience because the guide handles the route and the timing. Couples and friends often enjoy it as a break from museums and villas, and solo travellers can usually join a group, which makes it an easy way to meet other visitors. Arrive at the meeting point a little early, use the toilet before you start and leave valuables in your hotel, because storage on the water is limited.
What to expect
The experience
A guided paddle along the Bellagio shoreline in a kayak, with a short briefing and safety equipment supplied.
Best time
Morning departures from late spring to early autumn, when the water is calmest.
How long
About an hour and a half on the water, plus the briefing.
Tips
Wear quick-drying clothes, bring a windproof layer and a waterproof bag for your phone, and check the weather policy before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors and beginners who want to see the lake from water level.
- Families
- Good for older children and teenagers who can paddle for an hour, subject to the operator’s age rules.
- Couples
- A shared, quiet way to see the villas and the promontory from a different angle.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Villa Melzi gardens or a walk through Bellagio’s old town.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day including the briefing, the paddle and lunch.
Good questions
Do I need kayaking experience?+
No, the tour is guided and includes a briefing, so beginners are welcome. You should be reasonably fit and comfortable on the water.
How long is the Bellagio kayak tour?+
About one hour and thirty minutes on the water, not counting the briefing.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
The operator may change the route or cancel in strong wind or rain, so check the weather policy when you book.
What should I wear?+
Quick-drying clothes, sun protection in summer and a windproof layer in cooler months. Use a waterproof bag for your phone.
When is the best time of year to go?+
Late spring to early autumn, in the morning, when the water is warm and the lake is calmest.
