The villas of Lake Como are best seen from the water, and a small-boat tour is the quickest way to do it. This two-hour cruise leaves from the public dock at Sant’Agostino on the lakefront in Como, with a skipper who narrates in English or Italian and a group of no more than eight. The route covers the villas along the shore that are hard to see from the road, including houses of well-known owners, and the guide points out the lake’s history, geography and the stories behind the buildings. A small boat lets you get closer to the shore than a ferry can, and it stops for photographs. In the off season it is a gentle introduction to the lake with room to enjoy the quiet, and a good way to see the shoreline when the villas themselves are shut.
The details
The booking page gives a two-hour duration with a 9 a.m. start, a meeting point at Lungo Lario Trieste in Como at the Sant’Agostino public dock and a maximum group of eight. The skipper speaks English and Italian. The price includes the boat tour, insurance and water, and a fuel charge is paid separately at the end of the tour, so carry a little cash. Cancellation and rescheduling are free until 48 hours before the start.
Season
Does not say which months the tour runs, so check availability for your dates on the booking page, and expect wind or rain to affect small boats in winter. Dress in layers, with a windproof jacket, because it is colder on the water than on land. If the lake is rough, ask the operator whether the route will change.
Making the most of it
Book the first slot of the day for the best light and the calmest water, and use the time before the cruise to walk the lakefront. Your boat leaves from the same road as several hotels in Como, so you can step out of the hotel and onto the dock.
Pair the tour with the Brunate funicular once it reopens, or with a ferry trip to Bellagio for a day that shows the lake from two angles. For a much larger boat, the public ferries and hydrofoils are cheaper but have no commentary.
What to expect
The experience
A guided cruise in a small boat for up to eight people, with commentary in English or Italian and photo stops along the shore.
Best time
The 9 a.m. start, when the water is calmest and the light on the villas is soft.
How long
Two hours on the water, plus time to find the dock at Sant’Agostino and pay the fuel charge.
Tips
Check that the tour is running on your date, carry a little cash for the fuel payment and wear a windproof layer, because winter air on the lake is cold.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and small groups who want to see the villas from the water without a full-day tour.
- Families
- Good for older children who can sit still for two hours and keep their life jackets on.
- Couples
- A private-feeling cruise in a small boat, ideal for a first morning on the lake.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Duomo, the lakefront walk or the funicular to Brunate.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day including the walk to the dock.
Good questions
Where does the Lake Como boat tour leave from?+
From the Sant’Agostino public dock on Lungo Lario Trieste in Como. Show your ticket at the starting point.
How big is the group?+
A maximum of eight people, with a skipper who narrates in English or Italian.
What is included in the price?+
The boat tour, insurance and water. A fuel charge is paid separately at the end of the tour.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free cancellation and rescheduling are available until 48 hours before the start.
Does it run in winter?+
The booking page does not state the season, so check availability for your dates. Weather can affect small boats in winter.
