15 Sailing Trips on the Italian Lakes Worth Planning Around

1.1H Luxury Cruise Como Lake Tender Yacht Invictus 9 Pax

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 100 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $108Our pick

Cruise Lake Como’s western shore for about an hour aboard an Invictus tender yacht, with space for up to nine travelers. From Como, the route passes Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Laglio, Torno, and Blevio, with villas such as Villa Oleandra and Villa Pliniana along the way. Guides named Luca and Giorgio are mentioned, but confirm the boat, group setup, and any inclusions before you book.

“Merci à Lucas, pour cet belle expérience ! Nous avions réserver pour le vendredi 2/05/25 nous nous sommes retrouvé bloquer dans la circulation, il a eu la gentillesse de décaler notre excursion au lendemain. De plus, il a pris le temps de traduire et en anglais et en français, je recommande à 1000% l'expérience, sans oublié que le bateau est très propre et irréprochable ! Merci de nous avoir fait vivre cet belle expérience pour la fin de notre séjour.”

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2.Sailing Experience on Lake Como with Private Skipper

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) Top rated

Set out from Bellagio on a private three-hour sail with a skipper such as Marco or Federico. See Villa Melzi and Villa del Balbianello from the water, hear stories about the lake, and pause for a swim when conditions allow. Snacks and drinks are provided, though you may want to bring extra wine or food.

“Amazing, gorgeous, and loved it. It was cold when we went but they were prepared with blankets. Our first trip to Como and can’t wait to visit again”

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3.Sunset sailing on lake Como with Private Skipper

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your skipper in Bellagio for a two-hour private sail on a 38-foot yacht, with Prosecco and Italian snacks as you pass villas, coves, and lakeside towns. Captains such as Federico, Marco, and Stefano share local stories, while the route can shift with wind and lake conditions. The boat returns to Bellagio.

“What a great way to see Como. Beautiful yacht and excellent guide. The captain was very knowledgeable and fun. He was very hepful in getting us back to our accommodation.”

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4.4h Catamaran Tour on Lake Como – Como Boat Rent & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $253

Set out from Tremezzo with skipper Davide for a four-hour catamaran cruise past Villa del Balbianello, Isola Comacina, Varenna, Bellagio and Villa Melzi. Expect close-up views, local history, snacks and drinks, plus a planned stop for an aperitivo and a swim. The group is capped at eight, and villa entry is not included.

“We had a wonderful time with Davide! He took us all around the lake, pointed out places of interest and different villas and ensured we had a great time. It was definitely the highlight of our time in Lake Como.”

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5.3H Guided Cruise Stop Bellagio Tender yacht Invictus 9 Pax

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $277

Cruise Lake Como from Como toward Bellagio aboard an Invictus yacht with space for up to nine people. Captain George may point out villas, villages, and the Nesso gorge, with about an hour planned in Bellagio. The route also includes a brief look at Villa del Balbianello and time for a possible swim.

“A great way to spend 3 hours ! Very friendly,knowledgeable guide/skipper. He altered the itinerary at our request-very accommodating. Very smooth meet and greet-all up a great experience.”

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6.2H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 6 pax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Cruise Lake Como aboard a private Invictus tender yacht for up to six people, with an English-language guide and captain. From Como, the route passes Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, Isola Comacina, Orrido di Nesso and more. Captains George or Luca have been praised for their villa stories, music and knack for photos.

“The boat tour was great! We got to see monuments, cool buildings, and some prosecco to go with the trip. The boat had shaded side as well so you could avoid the sun if needed. George the captain was great. Highly recommend!”

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7.1H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender Yacht Invictus 6 pax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Take a one-hour private cruise for up to six people aboard the Invictus tender yacht. Meet on Como’s waterfront and follow the western shore past Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Laglio, Torno, and Blevio. Your captain shares local stories as you pass famous villas and hotels. The captain’s name is not provided.

“Our captain was very nice and knowledgeable! We enjoyed the history and stories he told us. The views were breathtaking and the music was wonderful. However, I am unable to give it 5 stars because our tour started 30 minutes late. It was explained that there were technical difficulties but when the boat arrived there was another group finishing their tour and food from their trip was left behind when we started our tour. It also felt rushed when we were brought on to the boat, which could have been due to the late start but it made it feel less than relaxed. The description noted that prosecco and water…”

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8.3H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 6 pax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Set out from Como on a private three-hour cruise aboard an Invictus yacht for up to six people. The route passes famous lakeside villas, Isola Comacina, Bellagio and Nesso, with time for a swim near Punta Spartivento. Luca has led this cruise, and music, water and rosé have featured on an outing.

“Luca took us on a beautiful day in the most gorgeous yacht. We enjoyed the rosé, water, music and sightseeing. We will repeat again, one day!”

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9.4H Como Lake Cruise drop of Bellagio and Varenna on Tender Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $330

Set out from Como with captain George, also called Giorgio, for a four-hour Lake Como cruise aboard a tender yacht for up to nine people. Pass grand villas and lakeside villages, then spend 50 minutes in Bellagio and 45 in Varenna before returning to Como. English-language tour; Villa del Balbianello admission is not included.

“This was a wonderful tour, we had a little more time to enjoy the beautiful afternoon !! The weather was amazing and the towns were awesome.”

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10.Sailing Experience on Lake Como: Fun, Relax and Adventure!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $251

Set out from Valmadrera Parè for about four hours on Lake Como’s eastern side, with a skipper and assistant aboard a small sailboat. You can relax, swim when conditions allow, or try the wheel. The crew serves Prosecco and appetizers; Isabella, Mauro, Gigi, and Baffo are among the team members who may lead your trip.

“Best experience in Lake Como! We couldn’t get to the port on time due to a last minute driver cancellation but took a ferry to the nearest town and planned to walk/run to make it just 5 minutes late. They called us to let us know they would pick us up from where we were as it wasn’t safe on the narrow roads to walk. Once on the boat all stresses washed away. We were met with immense hospitality and lots of great snacks and drinks. The captain brought us to a beautiful area of the lake to swim and relax. I will remember diving into the Gatorade blue waters…”

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11.2H Private Cruise on Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 9 pax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Como on a private two-hour cruise aboard an Invictus yacht for up to nine people. Your captain guides you past villas and lakeside villages, from Villa Olmo and Cernobbio to Isola Comacina, Nesso’s gorge and the grand hotels near Torno. The route is full, so expect a brisk shoreline tour rather than long stops ashore.

“This was the way to go! It was so beautiful and so much fun. The tour guide was exceptional. He was very funny, knowledgeable and so easy to work with.”

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12.4H Private Cruise Bellagio Varenna Tender Yacht Invictus 6 Pax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Take a four-hour private cruise on Lake Como aboard the Invictus tender yacht, for up to six people. Depart from Como with an English-speaking captain, pass landmark villas and villages, stop in Bellagio for 45 minutes, and make time for a snack and swim near Punta Spartivento. The boat returns to Como; Varenna is viewed from the water.

“The lake is beautiful and the boat was great. Our captain was also a pretty cool person and took the time to explain things. The reason for the average score was the owner. He is really greedy. We asked him to pick up on his boat at our hotel. Our hotel is on the route of the trip. We didn't make the go backwards and show us what we missed. Then we asked him to drop us off at Bellagio. Again, a village that we were supposed to visit but he charged us 250 euros for different dropoff and pickup. I would not recommend this company because of the owner.”

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13.2-Hour Private Tour Sailing on Lake Como with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $119

Set out from Como on a private two-hour sail past Villa d’Este, Villa Pizzo, Villa Oleandra and other lakeside landmarks. You can relax, sunbathe on the stern solarium or play your own music. The route includes Orrido di Nesso and a Prosecco stop near Villa Pliniana. Guides Alberto and Mia have led outings, though availability is not guaranteed.

“This is a not to be missed tour from the water of Lake Como. Ask for Alberto, just a wonderful guide who is filled with local knowledge and tidbits of all the key sites. An exceptional experience.”

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14.Cannero Riviera: Sunset Sailing Lago Maggiore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $89Best value

Set out from Porto Bello harbor in Cannero Riviera with a skipper for a two-hour sunset sail. Hear the story of the Castelli di Cannero, then cruise off Cannero’s promenade as the light changes. Drinks and snacks are included, and the group is limited to seven. Skipper Adrian has been praised for his local stories; tours are offered in English, German, and Italian.

“A truly memorable sail with Skipper Adrian. We loved hearing about local information and stories about the lake. Eva and Libby were great first mates and the sail was beautiful. Such a peaceful evening!”

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15.Sailing at Sunset on Lake Como: How to escape from daily routine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $296

Set sail from Malgrate with skipper Mauro and assistant Isabella for about three hours on Lake Como’s eastern side. The group is limited to six, with a swim stop and an aperitivo-dinner of Prosecco and food to share. You’ll pass Lecco, the lakeside promenade, Monte Resegone, and Abbadia Lariana before returning to the dock.

“Absolutely wonderful. Isabella and Mauro were incredible hosts… Everything was planned to make the experience unforgettable! Highly recommend this tour on your visit to Como!”

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