Venice boat tour: enjoy venice canals and lagoon

Ready to explore the waters of Venice through a boat tour? Discover our options for renting a small venetian boat.

While the gondola ride is certainly romantic, it only allows you to explore a very limited area of Venice's canals. On the other hand, the motorboat gives you the freedom to venture beyond the narrow canals and into the Venetian Lagoon, the Basin of St. Mark, and even towards the beautiful Giudecca Island.

It’s the perfect way to truly experience the city from a wider perspectiveYou can choose from a wide range of Venetian boats that offer different kinds of experiences: a sunset tour with aperitif, a half-day adventure, or a full-day exploration of the Venetian Lagoon.

Perfect for families, small groups or private events, our tours let you see Venice the way it was meant to be seen: from the water.

 

Mappa della Laguna di Venezia con isole per tour Vivovenetia

Venice boat tours: canals or lagoon?

Whether you're gliding past St. Mark’s Square and the doge palace, sailing around Murano, Burano, and Torcello, or enjoying a unique perspective of the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, every route reveals a different side of this magical city.

In Venice, for a private boat tour, you have two options: explore the canals of the historic center or discover the islands of the lagoon.

Boat ride in Venice canals

Besides gondolas, only a select few boats are permitted to navigate Venice's canals. Explore these options and embark on a journey to discover the historic center from the water.

Lagoon islands tours

Renting a small Venetian boat for a private tour of the lagoon is an authentic and enjoyable experience. Just pick your boat and set off to explore the lagoon.

Venice boat tour: typical boat in the city center

A must-do during your visit to the city of Venice! The private canal tour offers you a unique view of the beauty of Venice from the water.

In addition to gondolas, two options are available to you: a tour aboard a traditional small motorboat or aboard an iconic water taxi.

Water taxi ride in Venice canals

THE BOAT

The water taxis of Venice tours are iconic, offering a picturesque and unforgettable way to explore its intricate network of canals. With a capacity of up to 8-10 passengers, these boats provide an authentic and intimate experience from the water. Boarding one offers a unique perspective.

NAVIGATION

Explore Venice for an hour while cruising along the Venice Grand Canal.

Longer tours with a guide and/or aperitif are also available upon request.

PRICE: from € 45 per person.

Boat tour Venice: choose your boat

Discover all the typical boats of Venice that we offer for exploring the lagoon as for example Murano, Burano, Torcello and others.

There are many charming islands to discover and spectacular routes to navigate.

Find the boat that suits you best and send us a request! Tell us what you’d like to experience — we’ll check availability and send you a personalized quote with the best option based on your preferences.

As you can see, we have boats to suit every need.

CAICCIO

BOAT

A typical lagoon boat, equipped with a small engine, accommodating up to a maximum of 4 people.

PASSENGERS

4 persons

DEPARTURE

From Cannaregio (Hotel Eureka) and Marina Sant'Elena.

LENGHT

2, 4 and 8 hours tour with possibility of aperitif on board.

PRICE

From € 475 per service (half day)

CLASSIC MOTORBOAT

BOAT

Alessandro, the skipper of this boat, is also an environmental guide! On board, you’ll always find drinks, snacks, and towels.

PASSENGERS

Until 4 adults or 5 persons with child

DEPARTURE

Cannaregio.

LENGHT

2, 4, 6 and 8 hours with snack and aperitif onboard. 

PRICE

From € 520 per service (half day tour)

VINTAGE MOTORBOAT

BOAT

A 1956 boat crafted by Vittorio Amadi, who was included in the Port Authority’s Golden Register of Master Shipwrights.

PASSENGERS

Until 6 persons

DEPARTURE

Da Zattere, San Marco, F.ta Nove, Tronchetto, Ponte Valeria Solesin.

LENGHT

2-3 hours and 5-6 hours boat tour

PRICE

From € 475 per service (sunset tour)

SUPER CATALINA

BOAT

Iconically styled 1970s boat. Inside is an open plan area with bathroom and kitchen area.

PASSENGERS

Until 6 persons

DEPARTURE

From Fusina and Venice (San Giorgio, F.ta Nove), Treporti.

LENGHT

Sunset tour (2h30), half day (4H) and full day (7h30) with aperitif.

PRICE

From € 560 per service (sunset)

LUXURY BOAT

BOAT

This skippered boat rental offers restored fishing boats equipped with all modern comforts.

PASSENGERS

Until 6-7 persons

DEPARTURE

From Zattere

LENGHT

2H sunset tour and full day tour (7H)

PRICE

From € 550 per service (sunset tour)

MOTORBOAT 7 PERS

BOAT

Motorboat with skipper and hostess on board. Enjoy a tour through the northern lagoon while tasting excellent local products.

PASSENGERS

Until 8 persons

DEPARTURE

From Campalto (Mestre) or Venice (F.ta Nove o Castello).

LENGHT

2-3 H tour con aperitif or light dinner, and 5H tour with lunch.

PRICE

From € 550 per service (sunset tour)

GOZZO

BOAT

This Gozzo is one of the most elegant and comfortable boats for sailing in the lagoon. It features a bathroom and an outdoor table.

PASSENGERS

Until 8 persons

DEPARTURE

From Zattere, F.ta Nove, Certosa, Monumento, P.le Roma.

LENGHT

2, 4 and 6 H with aperitif

PRICE

From € 860 per service

MOTORBOAT 11 PERS

BOAT

This 7.5-meter boat can hosts a small group. The skipper is also an environmental guide.

PASNSEGGERS

Until 11 persons

DEPARTURE

From Zattere, San Marco, F.ta Nove, Tronchetto, Ponte Valeria Solesin.

LENGHT

Half day tour (4H) and day tour (8 H)

PRICE

From € 550 per service

Request a boat tour

Now that you have a clearer idea of the boats and tours you can choose for your lagoon adventure, send us a request.
You’ll receive a free quote with all the details. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bragozzo, a typical Venetian boat

Experience a unique adventure by sailing aboard a bragozzo in Venice, a traditional Venetian flat-bottomed wooden boat. Discover the authenticity of the city as you explore the lagoon, its islands, and hidden canals on a bragozzo excursion. These colorful and eco-friendly boats provide access to places that conventional vessels cannot reach.

Choose our sunset group tour or rent a bragozzo to craft your own adventure according to your desires.

This unique experience immerses you in the heart of the Venetian soul, offering an authentic perspective of the city and its lagoon.

bragozzo traditionnel venise vivovenetia
sail Venice italy with vivovenetia

Venice lagoon boat tours: lunch or dinner aboard a sailboat

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard our 12-meter sloop sailboat for a lunch or dinner experience in Venice with an aperitif. Our vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 10 passengers for the 2-hour tour with a light dinner with aperitif, or up to 8 passengers for the 4-hour tour featuring lunch with aperitif onboard. Equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator, music system, and ample deck spaces for relaxation, our sailboat ensures a comfortable and enjoyable outing.

Departure of these Venice lagoon tours commences from the picturesque Marina di Sant’Elena.

Led by our experienced captain and enthusiastic guide, Ernesto, fluent in English and Italian, you'll embark on a captivating journey to discover hidden gems and observe local wildlife.

Exploring the Venice Lagoon: A Tale of Two Shores

The Venice Lagoon, consisting of around 118 islands, is divided into two main sections: the northern and southern lagoons.

In the northern lagoon lie renowned islands like Venice (Venezia), Murano, Burano, and Torcello, boasting iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Murano is famous for its glass factory, Burano for its colorful houses and lace, and Torcello for its historical significance.

The southern lagoon hosts less touristy but equally fascinating islands such as Malamocco, Pellestrina, Poveglia, and San Clemente. Malamocco was once the heart of the Venetian Republic, Pellestrina is known for its beaches and fishing, Poveglia has a grim past as a plague quarantine site, and San Clemente is now home to a luxury hotel.

Both parts of the Venice Lagoon offer diverse experiences, with ready-to-book excursions or private tours for the northern lagoon and private tours recommended for the southern lagoon for a more exclusive experience.

Map Venice Italy VivoVenetia
Grand canal Venice vivovenetia

Traditional boats in Venice

The tradition of navigation in Venice dates back to the origins of the city, with special techniques developed to navigate the shallow lagoon, such as low-draft boats. Among the traditional Venetian boats are the gondola, the sàndolo, the batela, the sanpieròta, the mascarèta, the sciopòn, the caorlina, and the bragozzo, each with its own history and specific uses.

In the past, boats were propelled by a single person using the valesana, but the voga alla veneta with standing rowers and crossed oars has become more common in the city's narrow canals. Although most boats are now motorized, voga alla veneta is still practiced as a sport and a means of navigation.

Venetian sports associations, called remiere, play an essential role in the promotion and practice of voga alla veneta. They actively participate in regattas and promote this practice. Members of the remiere wear distinctive uniforms and train regularly to improve their performance on the water.

The major maritime events in Venice

The regatta and the Vogalonga represent two distinct yet complementary events in Venetian maritime tradition.

During the regatta, such as the Historical Regatta, teams of rowers engage in annual competitions in Venice, showcasing speed and skill. This event attracts a large audience due to its competitive nature.

In contrast, the Vogalonga is a non-competitive race that honors maritime heritage and promotes rowing. Thousands of amateur rowers follow a set route through the Venetian lagoon, emphasizing community and environmental awareness.

If you're interested in experiencing authentic voga courses in Venice, we offer opportunities for you to explore. Come, join us, and embark on a journey that not only connects you with the essence of Venetian culture but also leaves a positive impact on the environment and community. Reach out to us today to start your voga adventure in Venice.

Typical boat sanpierota Venice VivoVenetia

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