Although a gondola ride is certainly romantic, it only allows you to explore a very limited area of Venice’s canals. On the other hand, a water taxi or a small motorboat offers the freedom to venture beyond the narrow canals, enter St Mark’s Basin, reach the splendid Giudecca Island and go even further, venturing into the Venetian Lagoon.
It’s the perfect way to truly experience the city from a wider perspective. You 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.
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.
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: the canals, the skyline or the lagoon?
A must-do during your visit to the city of Venice!
There really are so many boat tour options in Venice. What would you prefer to do?
A trip through the canals of the historic centre, a tour to admire the city’s skyline, best at sunset, or a tour to discover the wonders of the lagoon?
A boat tour of Venice's Canals
A boat tour of Venice's Skyline
Shared tours of the lagoon
Private tours of the lagoon
Venice boat tour: explore the canals of the old town
Admire Venice’s historic centre from the water, discover the hidden corners of the palaces, and learn about the challenges of daily life both now and in the past.
This tour offers you a unique perspective on the beauty of Venice from the water. It is a private tour, and you can choose the day and time.
Water taxi ride in Venice canals
Most Popular
The water taxi is the only boat, apart from the gondola, that is permitted to navigate the canals of the historic centre.
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 10 passengers, these boats provide an authentic and intimate experience from the water. Boarding one offers a unique perspective.
A 1-hourm private tour of the canals in the historic centre. The tour includes a trip along the Grand Canal. Longer tours with a guide and/or an aperitif are also available on request.
Perfect for couples, families and groups of friends. The top choice for first-time visitors to Venice who want to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Venice boat tours: Admire the skyline of Venice
To admire the skyline of Venice, you can choose from a range of tours aboard a spacious catamaran, or two sunset tours aboard a bragozzo, a traditional wooden boat.
All tours are group tours with other people, with fixed and guaranteed departure dates as per the calendar.
Catamaran tour of Venice
A spacious, modern catamaran that can accommodate up to 80 people. The catamaran features plenty of seating and a large hammock suspended over the water, two toilets and a bar service with drink included. Departure from near St Mark’s Square.
You can choose from up to 8 different 90-minute tours aboard a catamaran in Venice, featuring live music, aperitifs, lagoon parties and lots of other surprises!
Bragozzo boat tour
A beautifully restored Venetian bragozzo, a rare and historic wooden fishing boat. Departure just a stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square. This bragozzo can accommodate up to 12 people plus the guide. Drinks are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own.
A 90-minute tour at sunset. You’ll sail away from the crowds of the historic centre, past the charming islands of Giudecca, San Clemente, San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni.
Sunset tour with aperitif
A two-masted fishing boat known as a bragozzo, built in 2006 based on a design from the 1950s and decorated by students from the Venice Academy of Fine Arts; it can accommodate up to 11 people plus the captain. Departure from Fondamenta Nove.
A tour lasting around two hours at sunset, during which you can admire some of the city’s most iconic views and enjoy an aperitif on board with the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Punta della Dogana in the background.
Sailing tour of the lagoon
The sailing boat is a 12-metre sloop; it is equipped with kitchen, a fridge, a stereo system and deck space where guests can lie back and sunbathe. It can accommodate up to 10 people plus the skipper.
There are two tours available: a 2-hour sunset tour with a light dinner, or a 4-hour tour with lunch. Aperitif included. Departure from Marina Sant'Elena in Venice.
Lagoon tour on a bragozzo
A traditional boat typical of the Venetian lagoon, which can accommodate up to 16 people. Departure from Piazza Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
2 tours exploring the islands of the northern lagoon. Half-day tour (Murano and Burano) or full-day tour (Murano, Burano and Torcello). With an English-speaking guide on board. The tour of Murano includes a visit to an authentic glassworks.
A picnic on the lagoon
A beautifully restored Venetian bragozzo, a rare and historic wooden fishing boat. Departure from Fondamenta Nove. This bragozzo can accommodate up to 12 people plus the guide.
An exclusive two-and-a-half-hour journey. The tour includes a visit to a charming farm on the island of Sant’Erasmo. On board the bragozzo, you can enjoy a relaxing gourmet picnic. A guide will be on board.
Private boat tours of the Venice Lagoon
If you’d like to enjoy a custom tour of the Venice Lagoon, you can choose to set sail on a sailboat or an iconic 1970s-style boat.
With these private tours, you choose the day and departure time. There are various types of tours and itineraries to choose from.
Sailing tour of the lagoon
The sailing boat is a 12-metre sloop; it is equipped with kitchen, a fridge, a stereo system and deck space where guests can lie back and sunbathe. It can accommodate up to 10 people plus the skipper.
There are three tours available: two sunset tour with aperitif or dinner and or a 6-hours tour with lunch. Aperitif included. Departure from Marina Sant'Elena in Venice.
Tour of the lagoon
Chris Craft Super Catalina, an iconically styled 1970s boat, a true symbol of nautical elegance and design. Inside is an open plan area with bathroom and kitchen area. It can accommodate up to 10 people plus the captain.
4 tours of varying lengths: half-day, full-day, or sunset tours. Lunch or dinner options are also available. The itineraries are varied and recommended by the captain but can be customized.
Venice boat tour: looking for a custom tour?
Haven’t found the right tour for you? Are you looking for a specific itinerary or would you like to visit a particular island in the Venetian Lagoon?
In that case, we can organize a custom private tour. Just send us a request telling 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. Below are a few more boats you can rent, along with an approximate price. All prices include the captain and fuel.
VINTAGE BOAT
Most Requested
GOZZO
MOTORBOAT 11P
LUXURY BOAT
Venice boat tours: exploring the Venice Lagoon
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.
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.
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.
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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!