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The 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Como
Lake Como isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a playground for boat lovers and explorers alike. With its picture-perfect villas, charming villages, and stunning mountain backdrops, seeing Como from the water is a must. Whether you’re after a luxurious private ride or a lively shared cruise, Como’s boat options deliver unforgettable scenery and stories. We particularly love tours like the From Como: Lugano and Bellagio with Enchanting Boat Cruise, which combines two countries in one day with a scenic boat ride, and the Como: Wooden Boat Private Tour for a more intimate experience. Both give you a great feel for the lake’s diversity, from luxury villas to local villages.
If you’re craving a relaxed day on the water, or perhaps a private adventure to capture perfect photos, Como’s boat tours meet every budget and style. Below, we explore the top options — from guided group cruises to private yacht rentals — to help you find the perfect way to experience this lake’s magic.
1. From Como: Lugano and Bellagio with Enchanting Boat Cruise
This full-day tour offers a chance to visit two countries in one trip—Italy and Switzerland—without changing hotels. Starting at the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, the journey includes a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como, with unlimited WIFI onboard to share your pictures. You’ll explore the chic town of Bellagio for a couple of hours, with free time to wander its cobbled streets, then cross into Lugano, Switzerland, for some shopping and sightseeing. The itinerary is packed, but the balance of guided and free time makes it flexible. Reviewers praise Silvia’s energetic guiding and detailed commentary, making this a lively, well-organized option for those wanting a comprehensive day with plenty of photo stops.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting to see Italy and Switzerland in one go, with a memorable cruise as the highlight.
2. Como: Wooden Boat Private Tour with Sun Cover and Skipper
This private wooden boat tour puts you in control of your lake experience, with a skipper handling the helm and a sun cover to keep you comfortable. It lasts from 1 to 4 hours and takes you past Blevio, Torno, Laglio, Moltrasio, Cernobbio, Nesso, Tremezzo, and Isola Comacina. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a customized, relaxed ride with the freedom to focus on specific sights or just enjoy the scenery. The guides are attentive — one reviewer called Gianluca a “great captain” — and soft drinks are included.
What makes it stand out? The private nature means you can tailor the route, and the luxurious, classic wooden boat provides a timeless experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for couples or families who want a personalized, scenic lake cruise without the crowds.
3. Como: Lake Como Private Guided Boat Tour
For around $119, the Lake Como Private Guided Boat Tour offers an in-depth look at the lake’s most iconic villas and villages. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this private speedboat experience allows you to choose from various routes, ensuring you see the villas like Villa Geno, Villa Pliniana, and Villa del Balbianello, plus picturesque towns like Tremezzo and Varenna. Guests rave about Enrico’s commentary and the opportunity to stop and take photos of the grand estates from a unique perspective. The tour provides a more intimate, flexible way to enjoy Lake Como, blending sightseeing with relaxation.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, personalized exploration with the chance to photograph the villas and enjoy Italian wines.
This 3-hour guided boat tour offers a great balance between depth and convenience. You’ll see George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, admire the waterfalls of Nesso, and visit the Isola Comacina, all from a comfortable boat. The tour combines shared or private options, making it flexible for different budgets. Many reviewers mention how helpful and friendly the guides are, with reports of memorable swims and photo stops. The route often includes scenic views of historic villas and natural waterfalls, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want to cover many sites in a short time, with the option for a private or group experience.
5. From Como: Bellagio, Como & Lugano Day Tour with Lake Cruise
This 9-hour tour is a full immersion into lake life, crossing from Italy into Switzerland. Starting at the B&B Hotel Como City Center, you visit Como’s historic center, then take a ferry to Bellagio, often called “The Pearl of the Lake”. After a guided walk and some free time, you cruise on Lake Como, soaking up the views of villas and mountains. The journey continues into Lugano, where you explore the cosmopolitan city with a guided tour. Reviewers love the well-organized balance of guided and free time, making it ideal for those wanting to see multiple highlights in one day.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers seeking diverse experiences—Italy, Switzerland, and the lake itself.
6. Como: Private 1-Hour Boat Rental
If you’re eager to drive your own boat, this private rental is perfect. For just an hour, you can navigate Lake Como at your own pace, passing Villa d’Este and quaint villages like Moltrasio and Blevio. The experience is straightforward—clear instructions and a friendly guide help you feel confident. Many reviewers mention how much fun it was to explore on your own, creating personalized memories. Keep in mind, fuel costs are extra (around €30), so plan accordingly.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous couples or small groups who want full control of their time on the lake.
7. Lake Como: 1-Hour Private Boat Tour With Skipper
A quick, 1-hour private cruise lets you see the highlights with an experienced captain guiding the way. You’ll pass Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy, Villa Pliniana, and enjoy views of the mountains and villages of Torno and Villa Olmo. The small group or family can relax and enjoy panoramic vistas, with the option to stop for photos or a swim. Reviewers note the friendly captain and the ease of the experience makes this an excellent introduction or quick escape.
Bottom line: Best for those with limited time who still want a private, scenic trip.
8. Como Boat Experience • Boat Tour
For a more classic experience, this boat tour on the Venetian-style water taxi lasts about 75 minutes. It’s an authentic way to see Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, and Cernobbio, with an audio guide in seven languages. The open-sided boat means nothing blocks your view, and you’ll hear stories about the most iconic buildings. It’s a relaxing, scenic trip that’s perfect for a half-day adventure.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers wanting a high-quality, casual cruise with informative commentary.
This small-group, shared tour provides a quick but charming way to explore Lake Como. The wooden boat adds a classic touch, and the one-hour ride covers Villa d’Este, the Orrido di Nesso, and Villa Pliniana. Reviewers praise the friendly skipper and the informative narration. It’s perfect for travelers who want a short, authentic experience on the lake without the fuss of a large group.
Bottom line: Great for a brief but memorable cruise with personalized touches.
10. Lake Como Boat Tour: Bellagio & Varenna – Private Tour 4 hrs
This private 4-hour tour offers a luxurious, personalized way to explore Lake Como. The boat drops you in Bellagio for an hour and in Varenna for 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to stroll or relax. You’ll see celebrity villas, waterfalls, and scenic film locations en route. One reviewer noted it as “one of the favorite parts of their trip,” emphasizing the personalized experience with a captain.
Bottom line: Suited for travelers who want a completely private, relaxing day on the water, with flexible stops.
This short shared cruise is designed for quick sightseeing, with a Protagon 25 boat, Prosecco, and great views of villas like Villa d’Este and Villa Oleandra. Many praise the friendly captain and the relaxed vibe. It’s a good option if your time is tight but you want to see the lake from the water and enjoy a drink.
Bottom line: Ideal for short, social, and scenic lake experiences.
12. Como: City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise
A 3-hour guided tour that mixes walking and boat rides, focusing on Como’s cathedral, historic streets, and a scenic cruise across the lake’s first basin. Reviewers appreciate the detailed explanations and the combination of land and water exploration. It’s perfect if you want a concise overview that covers history and scenic views.
Bottom line: For those wanting an efficient, educational tour of Como’s highlights.
13. Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Day Trip & Cruise
This 10-hour day trip from Milan is great for travelers based in the city wanting a comprehensive day. It combines bus, ferry, and boat rides to visit Bellagio, Varenna, and Como with some free time and sightseeing. Reviewers mention it’s a well-paced tour that balances travel with exploration.
Bottom line: Best for day-trippers who want to see Lake Como’s highlights without staying overnight.
14. 1 hour Lake Como Boat Tour
A straightforward, one-hour scenic cruise that hits key sights like Villa Erba, Villa Fontanelle, and Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy. It’s a simple, relaxing way to enjoy Lake Como’s beauty for those with limited time.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, scenic overview or as part of a longer day in Como.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lake Como Boat Experience
Picking the right boat tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you want a luxurious, private experience, the Private Wooden Boat or the Private 4-hour Tour are hard to beat. For those on a budget or short on time, the 1-hour shared options or short scenic cruises provide excellent value.
Travelers aiming for a full-day adventure may prefer the Lugano and Bellagio tour or the Bellagio-Lugano day trip. Consider your fitness level and interests—do you want to just relax and admire views, or do you want a more active, customizable experience?
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, as these tours are popular and often fill up. Check the availability and tailor your choice to whether you prefer guided commentary, private settings, or quick scenic glimpses.
Final Thoughts
Como offers a wealth of boat experiences that suit every traveler — from the luxurious private yachts to small-group cruises with rich commentary. For a luxury splurge, the private speedboat tours or the Bellagio and Varenna private trip will give you the most personalized moments. If you’re short on time, the 1-hour shared tours or the scenic water taxi ride provide quick, picturesque escapes.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise a memorable way to see Lake Como’s stunning scenery and grand villas from the water—truly the best angle for soaking up the lake’s magic. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, so you don’t miss out on your perfect boat day.