Lake Como is famous for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and peaceful waters, making it a prime spot for sailing adventures. Unlike many other lakes, Como’s calm, crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop create an ideal setting for both relaxed daytime sails and romantic sunset cruises. Whether you want to admire famous villas from the water, enjoy a private yacht, or relax on a catamaran, Lake Como offers a range of options. We particularly enjoy the private skippered experiences, like the Sailing Experience on Lake Como with Private Skipper, which combines exclusivity with personalized service. For a magical evening, the Sunset sailing on Lake Como promises breathtaking views as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Quick Overview
The list below features private cruises, guided sailing tours, catamaran trips, and luxury sunset cruises. Prices and durations vary, but each offers a unique way to enjoy the lake’s beauty. For example, the private skippered sailing is perfect for those seeking a flexible, intimate experience, while the 4-hour catamaran provides a leisurely exploration of the lakeside villas and villages. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a peaceful escape, our top picks cover all preferences and budgets.
1. Sailing Experience on Lake Como with Private Skipper
At number 1 on our list, this Sailing Experience on Lake Como with Private Skipper is a standout for its personal touch. Set sail from Bellagio aboard an elegant 11.5-meter boat with a private skipper, allowing for complete flexibility. The 3-hour tour takes you past major attractions like Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa Carlotta, with stops for swimming in the lake’s clear waters. Reviewers love the relaxed pace, with Cristina, the owner, praised for her responsiveness, and skipper Marco for his local knowledge and engaging style. Snacks, drinks, prosecco, and Italian delicacies are included, making it a memorable, personalized outing. This tour is perfect for those wanting a quiet, scenic experience away from crowded boat tours and who appreciate the finer details of lakeside architecture.
Bottom Line: A great choice for intimate groups seeking a flexible, luxurious day on Lake Como with personalized service.
2. Sunset sailing on lake Como with Private Skipper
For around $683, the Sunset sailing on Lake Como offers a romantic and scenic 2-hour cruise starting from Bellagio. Cruising aboard a 38-foot boat, you’ll glide past famous villas such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi, as the sun casts a golden glow over the water. The tour includes Prosecco and finger foods, making it a perfect “aperitivo” experience. Guests highlight the opportunity to learn about the lake’s history from a local skipper, with many describing the views as “breathtaking” and the atmosphere as “intimate.” While the tour is short, it captures Lake Como’s essence in a few hours—ideal for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a charming, less hurried sunset experience with premium touches.
3. 3H Guided Cruise Stop Bellagio Tender yacht Invictus 9 Pax
This 3-hour guided cruise is a fantastic way to explore Lake Como with a touch of luxury. Starting from Bellagio, you’ll navigate past iconic sites such as Villa del Balbianello and Isola Comacina. The boat, a sleek Invictus tender, offers a comfortable ride, with a knowledgeable skipper who shares stories about the villas and local legends. One of the highlights is a stop in Laglio to see George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra—an unmissable photo op. Priced at around $272 per person, this tour balances cost with a high-end experience. Past guests found the skipper friendly and accommodating, with a memorable stop for a private villa visit.
Bottom Line: A high-quality, guided tour perfect for those wanting a quick, luxurious taste of Lake Como’s most famous sights.
4. 4-hour catamaran tour on Lake Como
This 4-hour catamaran trip is a standout for its comfort and relaxed pace. Departing from Tremezzo or Laglio, it features an aft living area and a large sunbathing net at the bow—ideal for lounging. The cruise takes you around Comacina Island, passing by Villa Balbianello and Villa Cassinella. There’s a short stop on Comacina Island for an Italian aperitif and swimming, plus stops in Varenna and Bellagio for photos. The vessel is spacious and well-suited for groups who want to enjoy the scenery at leisure. Reviewers mention the excellent value for money, with a memorable mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a leisurely, social experience with plenty of time to relax and take photos.
5. 1H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender Yacht Invictus 6 pax
For a quick taste of Lake Como, the 1-hour private cruise is an excellent choice. Starting from Bellagio, you’ll visit key sights like Villa Oleandra, Villa del Balbianello, and the quaint villages along the coast. The boat, a sleek Invictus, is perfect for smaller groups up to six and includes a comfortable sun deck. Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the crew and how well the skipper shares local stories. It offers an intimate experience, ideal for those short on time but wanting a genuine lake experience. The price of around $424 per group makes it a premium option for a brief but memorable trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want an exclusive, personalized experience.
6. 2H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 6 pax
This 2-hour cruise emphasizes intimacy and exclusivity. Starting from Como, it passes Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, and the famous Villa Oleandra, giving a taste of the lake’s most renowned sights. The boat’s sleek design and quiet engine offer a smooth ride, with a skipper sharing stories about the villas and local history. Guests love the personalized attention, with reviews praising the captain’s knowledge and friendliness. Ideal for couples or small groups, this cruise balances time and comfort well.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for those wanting a private, short escape with the chance to see key sights.
7. 3H Private Cruise Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 6 pax
This 3-hour private cruise offers a deep dive into Lake Como’s glamour, passing major villas and charming villages. The boat, a luxurious Invictus tender, is perfect for a small group up to six. The skipper will share stories about the villas, including the famous Villa Oleandra. Notable stops include Villa Pliniana and glimpses of the colorful villages along the coast. The reviews mention the skipper’s engaging personality and the comfort of the boat. For around $1,261, this tour is ideal for travelers wanting a more immersive experience with a focus on privacy and luxury.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a longer, more detailed private experience on Lake Como.
8. Sailing Experience on Lake Como: Fun, Relax and Adventure!
This 4-hour sailing adventure is not your typical tour. Instead, it offers a hands-on experience, where you can help steer the boat, swim in the lake, or just relax. The crew emphasizes fun and relaxation, with reviews praising the friendly atmosphere and the chance to enjoy the lake’s beauty without strict schedules. Although the weather can affect the sailing—some reviews note a calm day—the overall experience is memorable. Snacks and Prosecco are included, making it a lively, casual way to enjoy Lake Como.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to get involved and enjoy the lake at their own pace.
9. 2H Private Cruise on Lake Como Tender yacht Invictus 9 pax
A step up in luxury, this 2-hour private cruise features a sleek Invictus yacht with space for up to nine passengers. Starting from Como, you’ll cruise past Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, and the tiny villages along the shoreline. The captain shares stories about the villas and the local legends, providing an intimate and informative experience. The boat’s design and quiet engine ensure a smooth ride, and reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. Best suited for small groups wanting a private luxury cruise, this experience is refined but approachable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups seeking a quick, upscale tour with personalized touches.
10. 4H Private Cruise Bellagio Varenna Tender Yacht Invictus 6 Pax
The 4-hour private cruise from Bellagio to Varenna offers a comprehensive exploration of Lake Como’s most picturesque spots. Departing from Bellagio, you’ll visit Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi, and the charming village of Varenna. The boat is spacious and luxurious, with a skipper sharing stories about the villas and local history. Many travelers appreciate the balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The tour is suitable for those who want a longer, more relaxed experience, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in the lake’s serenity.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a full, memorable half-day on Lake Como with privacy and comfort.
How to Choose Your Lake Como Sailing Experience
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, available time, and what specific sights or experiences you desire. For example, if you want a quick, luxurious taste, the 1H Luxury Cruise is perfect. Planning a romantic sunset? The Sunset sailing is ideal. For those who want to get hands-on, the Fun, Relax and Adventure offers an active twist. Budget-conscious travelers will find value in shorter private tours, while groups celebrating a special event might consider the 4-hour catamaran, which balances comfort with affordability.
Book early, especially during peak season (May to September), to secure your preferred date and experience.
Final Thoughts
Lake Como offers a wide array of sailing experiences that cater to different interests and budgets. For an authentic, relaxing voyage, the private skippered tours stand out—like the Sailing Experience with a private skipper. If romance is your focus, the Sunset cruise offers stunning views and intimate ambiance. For those wanting a longer, social outing, the 4-hour catamaran combines sightseeing with leisure.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise, as these tours tend to fill quickly during the summer months. Whether you’re celebrating, seeking solitude, or looking to explore from the water like a local, Lake Como’s sailing options will not disappoint.