Como is a paradise for boat lovers. Its sparkling lake, dotted with elegant villas, charming villages, and stunning mountain backdrops, makes for unbeatable scenery from the water. Whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, a full-day excursion across borders, or a quick boat ride to see George Clooney’s villa, Como’s boat tours deliver unforgettable views and experiences. One of our favorites is the From Como: Lugano and Bellagio with Enchanting Boat Cruise because it combines a spectacular boat cruise with a chance to visit two countries in one day. It’s perfect if you want a full immersion in the region’s beauty with added cultural diversity.
If you prefer a shorter, more intimate experience, the Como: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour offers a relaxed look at the lake’s villas and celebrity homes, ideal for a quick overview. For those who want a special touch, the Lake Como: Shared Boat Tour and Prosecco Aperitif blends sightseeing with a glass of bubbly, making it a fantastic way to savor the scenery in style.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each top-rated boat tour, so you can choose the perfect water adventure in Como.
1. From Como: Lugano and Bellagio with Enchanting Boat Cruise
At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour offers a unique cross-border experience—visiting Lugano in Switzerland and the picturesque Bellagio in Italy, all on the same trip. The journey begins from Como, with a scenic bus ride to the Swiss border, followed by a stunning boat cruise on Lake Lugano. You’ll have time to explore Lugano’s lively streets, shops, and lakeside parks before heading to Bellagio, famed as “The Pearl of the Lake”. Here, you enjoy free time to stroll, shop, or relax in this elegant town. The highlight is the enchanting boat cruise on Lake Como, which offers panoramic views of the villas, mountains, and charming villages. One feature that stands out is the unlimited high-speed WIFI onboard, so you can share your photos in real-time.
The tour is praised for its well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides. With 8.5 hours of exploring and cruising, it’s perfect if you want to maximize your lake experience and see two countries in one day. The reviews highlight the guide’s passion and humor, making a full day feel lively and personal. The price of around $118 includes transportation, sightseeing, and free time.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, all-in-one day trip combining culture, scenery, and a sense of adventure—ideal for those who want a full day of exploring with a touch of luxury.
2. Como: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour
At number 2, this shorter, 1.5-hour boat ride offers a sweet introduction to Lake Como’s most famous villas and celebrity homes, including George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra. Departing from Como, you’ll sail around the lake, soaking up views of the elegant villas like Villa Erba and Villa d’Este.
This tour is praised for its informative guide and relaxed pace—perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic snapshot of Lake Como. The boat is comfortable, with a small group size that makes for a personal experience, and the captain’s skill in slowing down at key sights lets you truly appreciate the landscape. Guests often comment on the friendly guides and the breathtaking scenery, making this a good value at around $56.82.
If you only have a short window but want a memorable lakeside experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a quick yet insightful cruise combined with time to wander Como afterward.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a brief, scenic boat ride with a focus on villa spotting and celebrity sightings, offering great value for a half-day experience.
3. Lake Como: Shared Boat Tour and Prosecco Aperitif
Number 3 features a relaxing 1-2 hour boat trip that combines sightseeing with a refreshing prosecco toast. Departing from Salimar Lake Como Boat Tour, the experience includes stops at Villa d’Este, Villa Geno, and Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy, with scenic views all around. What makes this tour stand out is the intimate group size—either shared or private—and the canopy-covered boat, which keeps you comfortable regardless of the weather.
Guests rave about the personalized experience and the chance to capture stunning photos of the mountains and villas. The boat cruise is smooth, and the audio guide in multiple languages enhances the understanding of the landmarks. For around $67, you get a premium experience that blends scenery, history, and a glass of prosecco.
If you’re after a luxurious yet relaxed way to enjoy Lake Como, especially if you love a good toast, this tour is a winner. It’s suited for travelers who want a more personal touch and the chance to sample local culture in style.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a romantic or leisurely outing, this tour balances scenic views with a touch of elegance and personal service.
4. From Como: Bellagio, Como & Lugano Day Tour with Lake Cruise
Coming in at number 4, this full-day adventure combines sightseeing in three iconic locations—Como, Bellagio, and Lugano. Starting from Como, you’ll explore the town’s major attractions before taking a ferry to Bellagio, renowned for its luxurious hotels and narrow streets. The one-hour sightseeing cruise on Lake Como offers panoramic views of the lakeside villas and mountains, followed by a bus ride to Lugano in Switzerland.
This tour stands out for its balanced mix of guided tour and free time. Guests appreciate the thoughtful itinerary and the opportunity to visit multiple countries in one day. The guide’s ability to share local insights enriches the experience, and the scenic cruise offers unforgettable vistas. Priced at $113, it’s a good deal considering the extensive itinerary and included activities.
The reviews highlight that travelers enjoy the well-organized schedule and the diverse landscape—from Italian elegance to Swiss sophistication. The longer duration (9 hours) suits those who want a full immersion without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to experience multiple lakeside towns and cross borders in one day, blending culture, scenery, and guided insights.
5. Como Boat Experience • Boat Tour
Number 5 offers a more authentic and intimate 75-minute boat adventure aboard a Venetian taxi. Departing from Gimbus, you’ll glide across Lake Como, passing Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, and Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy, with plenty of time to admire the villas and the surrounding scenery.
This tour is special because it’s about experiencing the lake on a traditional wooden boat with an audio guide available in seven languages. It’s perfect for those who want a more traditional boating experience and the chance to capture photos of iconic villas up close. The tour’s price of $53 makes it quite accessible, and the open-sided boat design ensures unobstructed views.
The friendly captains and the informative commentary make this a compelling choice for history buffs and photo enthusiasts alike. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a shorter, scenic outing with a personal touch.
Bottom Line: For lovers of authentic boat rides and detailed info about the villas, this 75-minute tour offers great value and a memorable experience.
6. Como: City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise
This 3-hour city tour combines Como’s historic landmarks with a scenic lake cruise on the first basin of Lake Como. Starting from Frigerio Viaggi Como, you’ll explore Piazza Cavour, the Duomo, and San Fedele church—all with a guide bringing the city’s art and architecture to life.
The highlight is the boat journey across the first basin, giving a different perspective on Como’s lakeside villas and mountain backdrop. This tour is particularly good for travelers who want a balanced mix of city sightseeing and lake views without a full-day commitment.
Guests note that the tour is well-organized and informative, providing a deeper understanding of Como’s cultural fabric. The inclusion of tickets to the cathedral adds value, and the shorter duration makes it a flexible option.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a compact, educational experience blending city exploration with scenic lake cruising.
7. Como: Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise
Coming in at number 7, this 3-hour guided tour covers Como’s main monuments and neighborhoods, wrapping up with a lake cruise across the first basin. Starting from Frigerio Viaggi Como, it’s designed for travelers eager to see the highlights of Como on foot and then enjoy the lake from the water.
Highlights include the Piazza Cavour, the Cathedral, and the Teatro Sociale, all explained by a knowledgeable guide. The boat ride offers a different perspective of the lakeside villas and villages, with plenty of photo opportunities. While specific prices aren’t listed, the combination of walking and boat cruising makes it a balanced and convenient option.
Guests praise the local insights and the comfortable pace. It’s especially suitable for first-timers who want a structured overview with some leisure time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a guided city walk combined with a scenic lake cruise—a classic Como experience.
8. From Lugano: Como & Bellagio Charming Cruise w/ Train Ticket
Finally, number 8 offers a 7-hour day trip from Lugano focusing on luxury and leisure. After a train ride to Como, you’ll explore the town, then cruise to Bellagio, with a private boat tour on Lake Como and free time along lakeside promenade. The tour highlights include exploring Como’s history and landmarks and enjoying relaxation in Bellagio’s elegant streets.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a blend of cultural exploration and a private boat experience. The inclusion of train tickets and the private cruise makes it convenient and exclusive, perfect for those looking for a less crowded, more personalized outing.
Most reviews mention the well-organized schedule and the enjoyable boat ride as highlights, with some even proposing in Bellagio in a memorable setting. It’s a good choice if you want a luxury touch and a comprehensive day trip.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who appreciate private cruises and cultural discovery in a shorter, well-planned package.
How to Choose the Right Lake Como Boat Tour
When selecting your boat cruise in Como, consider what kind of experience you want. If you want a full-day cross-border adventure, the Lugano and Bellagio tour offers unbeatable variety. For a short, scenic glimpse, the Villa villas, celebrity homes, and scenic tours are perfect.
If you prefer a more intimate, relaxed experience, the Prosecco tour combines scenery with a toast. Budget travelers or those short on time may lean toward the water taxi or the shorter cruises, while history lovers will enjoy the city and lake combo.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, and think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking or transfers—while weather can influence your choice. Always check the tour details for availability and start times.
In summary, Como’s boat tours offer a wide spectrum of experiences—from quick celebrity villa glimpses to full-day explorations across international borders. Whether you want to relax with a prosecco in hand or dive into local culture with guided city walks, there’s a cruise to match your style. For most travelers, balancing cost, duration, and interests will help find the perfect water adventure—so don’t wait too long to book, especially in peak season. Enjoy your trip, and see you on the lake!