2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como

From the water, Lake Como’s grand villas and wooded shores come into view in a way they simply do not from a town street. This private trip puts Captain Giovanni at the helm and gives your group a boat of its own, with the option to pause for a swim or enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

I like two things in particular: the private format, which lets you share the boat with your own group of up to 10, and the flexibility to arrange your departure time with the captain. One consideration: the price is high for a two-hour outing, and the route details do not make clear how much time you will spend at each named place.

At a glance

• Captain-led and private: Giovanni accompanies your group, with English and Italian spoken on board.
• A Como departure: The listed meeting point is Lungo Lario Trieste 28, with other pick-up and drop-off locations available for an extra charge.
• A scenic route, not a string of shore visits: Blevio, Torno, Faggeto Lario, Nesso, Laglio, Moltrasio and Cernobbio are included as places to see from the boat.
• Swim or stay aboard: Swimming and relaxing are possible, but the tour description says there are no intermediate stops apart from swimming or resting on board.
• Some refreshments included: The price covers one bottle of sparkling wine, water, small snacks and towels. Other food and drinks cost extra.
• Plan for the price: The group rate is $959.85 for up to 10 people, not a per-person fare.

Lake Como from your own boat

A private boat changes the shape of a Lake Como outing. You are not following a shared group’s pace or trying to find a seat with a view. You can look toward the shoreline, talk with your friends, and ask Giovanni about the stories and legends associated with the lake. The tour is designed for a group of one to 10, so it can suit a couple wanting a special outing or a family or group of friends splitting the cost.

The boat departs from Como and follows a route past several familiar lakeside places. The description promises views of natural spots and historical villas, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, water and snacks. The route is not a land-based sightseeing tour: the plan is to cruise without intermediate stops, except for swimming or relaxing aboard. Treat the named villages and landmarks as part of the view, not as guaranteed visits on foot.

Giovanni is identified as the captain and as the person who shares the lake’s stories and legends. That personal element is central to the appeal. A boat ride gives you the broad view; a captain who knows the place can add context as you pass it. The tour is offered in English and Italian.

Following the route from Como

The starting point is Lungo Lario Trieste 28 in Como. From here, the listed route heads out along the shore toward Blevio, Torno and Faggeto Lario, then continues to Orrido di Nesso, Laglio, Moltrasio and Cernobbio before returning to Como. It is a broad sampling of the lake’s central shoreline, with changing views as the boat moves between towns and open water.

The itinerary assigns short intervals to many places and labels them as photo stops, sightseeing or pass-bys. But the tour description also says the boat cruises without intermediate stops, except for swimming or time to relax on board. In practice, that means you should not expect to step ashore at every stop. You will see the locations from the boat, with any pause depending on the agreed route and the time available.

There is also a timing question worth clearing up before you book. The itinerary lists time at each location that adds up to the full two hours, before accounting for the actual cruising between them. Since the trip is only two hours, do not assume those listed minutes mean you will get a fixed visit at each place. Contact the operator after booking to confirm what route and timing are realistic for your departure.

Blevio, Torno and Faggeto Lario

Blevio is the first named place after Como, with about 15 minutes listed for views, photos, refreshments or a possible swim. Torno follows as a short pass-by, then the route continues toward Faggeto Lario. These early stretches give you a chance to settle in, get comfortable on the boat and start taking in the lakeside scenery.

The itinerary mentions aperitif, wine, local snacks, sunrise and sunset at several points. These are activity labels, not a promise that every option happens at every stop. The refreshments specifically included are a bottle of sparkling wine, water and small snacks. If you want a meal or other drinks, those are not included.

Orrido di Nesso and Laglio

Orrido di Nesso is given a longer listed interval of 20 minutes and is marked for photos and scenic views. It may be a highlight for anyone who wants to take in a distinctive natural spot from the water. Laglio, also assigned 20 minutes, is another scenic pass-by, with opportunities for photos or a swim if that fits the route and conditions.

Neither listing guarantees time ashore. If a particular place matters most to you, tell Giovanni when arranging your departure and ask whether the planned two-hour route can give it extra attention. That is especially useful if you would rather pause for a swim than cover as many locations as possible.

Moltrasio, Cernobbio and the return to Como

Moltrasio has the longest listed interval, at 25 minutes, followed by a shorter pass through Cernobbio. The route then returns to Como, where the final 15 minutes are marked for sightseeing. From the boat, the closing stretch offers one last look back at the shoreline before you reach the original meeting point.

Again, these timings should be read with care. They do not establish that you will spend the listed amount of time stopped at each town, and the overall description says the boat cruises without intermediate stops. Use the route as a guide to the places you may pass, not as a promise of multiple shore visits.

What the two-hour format gives you

Two hours is enough to get beyond Como’s immediate waterfront and see a number of lakeside locations from the water. It is also short enough to fit into a day that includes other plans. If you are seeking a quick overview or a relaxed outing with family and friends, that balance may be just right.

The trade-off is depth. The route names several places, but a two-hour cruise cannot offer a lengthy visit at each one, especially when travel time between them is part of the experience. If you want a longer swim, more time to linger, or a fuller exploration of the lake, the operator also offers tours from two hours up to a full day. Ask about the longer options if your priority is less rushing and more time on the water.

You can arrange a departure at a time that suits your plans, but you need to contact the captain through WhatsApp after booking to set your preferred time. The contact number is provided in your booking voucher. That arrangement gives you flexibility, though it also means you should not assume a particular start time until it has been confirmed.

The boat, refreshments and practical comforts

The listed inclusions make this more than a bare-bones transfer. Towels are provided, and the boat has Wi-Fi, a USB connection, a toilet and a shower sump. These amenities can matter on a private outing, especially if you plan to swim or spend a relaxed stretch aboard. The description does not give further details about the boat’s size or layout, so ask the operator if you have a particular need.

The refreshments are simple: one bottle of sparkling wine, water and small snacks. Extra food and beverages are not included, and any other request may carry an additional cost. If you are hoping for lunch or dinner on board, the tour highlights say those arrangements are possible, but they are not part of the stated package. Confirm the menu, price and arrangements directly rather than assuming a meal is included.

There is an important wording conflict to clarify. The inclusions list a bottle of sparkling wine, while the rules say alcohol is not allowed. Before booking, ask BostonComoLake whether the included bottle is alcoholic and whether it can be served on this tour. It is better to settle that detail in advance than to discover a rule mismatch once you are on the lake.

Is $959.85 good value?

The listed price is $959.85 for the private group, with a maximum of 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $96 per person. For two people, however, it is about $480 each. The value therefore depends heavily on how many people share the boat and how much you value privacy, flexibility and a captain-led outing.

You are paying for a private experience, not simply for time on the water. The price includes fuel, the captain, towels, Wi-Fi, a toilet, water, snacks and one bottle of sparkling wine. It also includes pick-up and drop-off at the stated Como location. A different pick-up or drop-off point is possible for an extra charge, so factor that in if your accommodation is elsewhere.

The total may make sense for a full group marking a special occasion or wanting a private way to see the lake together. For a small party on a tight budget, it is a substantial expense for two hours. Compare it with your priorities: if being on your own boat and setting a preferred departure time matter most, the private format has a clear benefit. If you mainly want to travel between lakeside towns, this may offer more privacy and leisure than you need.

Who should book this outing?

I would consider this trip if you are travelling with family or friends and want a shared experience that keeps everyone together. It can also suit a couple who place a high value on privacy and are comfortable paying a premium for it. The swim option, towels and onboard amenities make it appealing if you want a relaxed boat outing rather than a strictly narrated sightseeing ride.

It is less suitable if you expect to go ashore at each named place, need a low-cost way to see the lake, or want a guaranteed detailed itinerary with fixed stop times. The description leaves the actual time allocation unclear, and the listed route covers many places for a two-hour trip. Ask the captain to confirm the plan before you set out, especially if you have one particular destination or swim stop in mind.

The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 from nine ratings. The specific praise available is for the boat tour with Giovanni, which supports the captain-led format as a key part of the experience. With a small number of ratings, I would treat the score as a positive sign rather than a guarantee that every detail will match your expectations.

Booking tips before you set off

The standard departure and return point is Lungo Lario Trieste 28 in Como. If you want a different location, ask about the extra charge. Once you book, message the captain through WhatsApp to agree on your preferred departure time. The trip is listed as available at any time, but you still need to coordinate the start directly.

The group limit is 10 people. The tour is available in English and Italian, and the stated cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed under the stated rules, so confirm the sparkling-wine policy before you go.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a private, captain-led view of Lake Como and can share the group price with several people. Giovanni’s presence, the option to swim or relax aboard, and a route past several lakeside towns make it a personal way to spend two hours on the water.

Skip it if you need a clearly fixed set of shore stops or if the price feels steep for a short cruise. Before paying, confirm the route, the time available for any swim, your departure point and the conflicting rules about sparkling wine. Those few questions will tell you whether this private boat ride fits the day you have in mind.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The listed tour lasts two hours. Longer options, from two hours up to a full day, are also described as available.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The stated pick-up and drop-off point is Lungo Lario Trieste 28 in Como. Another location may be arranged for an extra charge.

How many people can join?

The tour is private and is offered for groups of one to 10 people.

What is included in the price?

The listed inclusions are fuel, pick-up and drop-off at the Como meeting point, one bottle of sparkling wine, water, small snacks, towels, Wi-Fi, a USB connection, a toilet and a shower sump.

Which languages does the captain speak?

The tour is offered in English and Italian.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming is listed as an option, and the description allows for swimming or relaxing on board. Ask the captain to confirm the route and available swim time for your trip.

Is the sparkling wine included?

Yes, one bottle is listed as included. The rules also say alcohol is not allowed, so contact the operator before booking to clarify whether the bottle is alcoholic and whether it can be served.