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.
Venice boat tour: typical boat in the city center
Water taxi ride in Venice canals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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- Sail Venice: Set sail across the Venetian Lagoon with Sail Venice, and explore the city's iconic waterways from a unique perspective.
- Venice Kayak: For a more adventurous experience, grab a kayak with Venice Kayak and paddle through the smaller canals for an up-close view of the city.
- Boat Dinner in Venice: Treat yourself to a memorable evening with a boat dinner in Venice, where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine while cruising through the canals.
- Boat Ride in Venice: Experience the magic of Venice with an aperitif, a party, or a private boat tour.
- Cruises from Venice: Start your Mediterranean journey with cruises from Venice, offering unforgettable views as you set sail from this iconic city.
- Venice Boat Rental: You can rent your own boat in Venice. Choose your own adventure and explore the city at your own pace!




























