The Best Boat Rentals in Como

For a self‑drive motorboat limited to 40 hp, expect roughly €200–€350 for a 3–6 hour rental, often including a safety briefing, required safety gear, and sometimes fuel. Private captained speedboat tours typically run about €200–€400 per hour, with common 2–3 hour outings priced around €600–€1,100 and usually including the skipper, fuel, bottled water, and sometimes a welcome Prosecco. High‑end classic wooden and luxury boats are priced higher, commonly from about €800–€1,300 per hour or €3,000+ for a half day, with soft drinks and light snacks often included. Exact pricing varies by boat size, season, and pickup location, and fuel may be a separate line item on some tours.

You can choose from modern motorboats and RIBs for quick sightseeing and swim stops, elegant “Venetian limousine” wooden boats for a classic look, sailing yachts for a quieter wind‑powered cruise, and premium vintage or Riva‑style vessels for a luxury splurge. Most options are available as private charters; self‑drive boats are typically smaller motorboats capped at 40 hp.

If you want to relax, toast a celebration, or see a lot in a short time, a captained charter is the easiest choice: your captain handles navigation, docking, and local route planning. Confident drivers seeking a simple, budget‑friendly outing often pick a self‑drive boat up to 40 hp, which doesn’t require a license and is designed for beginners after a short briefing. For larger groups, tight schedules, or special photo stops, a captained boat will usually make the day smoother.

Common pickup points include the S. Agostino floating pier by the Como lakefront and the public docks by Piazza Cavour in central Como. Many private tours also start from nearby towns such as the Cernobbio Imbarcadero at Piazza Risorgimento, Bellagio’s Lido pier on Via Paolo Carcano, the landing stage near Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina, and the main pier by Piazza Mazzini in Varenna. Your captain will confirm the exact meeting point after booking.

Typical routes glide past grand villas and photogenic villages, including Villa del Balbianello on its dramatic peninsula, Villa Carlotta’s gardens in Tremezzina, Bellagio and Varenna in the central lake, the Orrido di Nesso waterfall and stone bridge, Isola Comacina (the lake’s only island), Cernobbio’s waterfront, and Como’s skyline with the cathedral and funicular hillside above. Captains tailor itineraries to water conditions and time.

For self‑drive rentals, Italy generally requires a boating license only when engine power exceeds 30 kW (about 40.8 hp) or when navigating far offshore. On Lake Como’s inland waters, that means the popular 40 hp boats are designed to be driven without a license after a safety and handling briefing. Larger, faster craft are typically offered with a professional captain.

Yes, families are welcome. Boats carry approved life jackets, and captains provide a safety briefing before departure. Children count toward the boat’s maximum passenger number, and operators can supply child‑sized life jackets on request. For infants and toddlers, let your captain know in advance so the right sizes are ready.

Policies vary by boat. Many private charters include chilled water and may welcome light snacks and your own beverages; a few restrict food on board to keep decks pristine. Some captains discourage glass or red wine, while others allow it with care. If you plan to celebrate with a cake or picnic, mention it ahead of time so your captain can advise on what’s permitted and suggest tidy, spill‑safe options.

It depends on the operator and boat. Several private charters allow small, well‑behaved dogs with advance notice, while others have a no‑pets rule. If bringing a pet is important, confirm before booking and plan to keep your dog leashed and off upholstered seating. On public ferries, dogs are commonly allowed with leash (and sometimes a muzzle for larger breeds).

Lake Como has gentle thermal winds: the Tivano often blows from the north in the morning, and the southerly Breva can pick up in the afternoon, which is why mornings are usually calmer for sightseeing. Captains monitor storms and wind; if unsafe conditions are forecast, tours may be delayed, rerouted to calmer areas, or rescheduled. Many operators offer flexible or full‑refund weather cancellations, so check your booking terms.

Absolutely. Private tours frequently host birthdays, proposals, and hen or stag outings. Most small boats comfortably fit about 6–10 guests, while larger yachts can carry more, subject to their certified capacity. Share your plan—music, decorations that don’t shed confetti or glitter, a champagne toast, or a swim stop—and your captain will shape the timing and route to suit the occasion.

Peak boating season runs from May through September, with the warmest water and longest days in June–August. Weekdays and morning departures are quieter and smoother; afternoons can be breezier with more chop. Summer weekends fill quickly, especially around major events such as late‑June festivities near Isola Comacina and late‑May happenings around Cernobbio. If you’re visiting from the U.S., the last weekend in May (Memorial Day), the week around July 4th, and the first weekend of September (Labor Day) are busy travel periods even though they’re not Italian holidays. Locally, August 15 (Ferragosto) is one of Italy’s biggest summer holidays and the lake is lively—book early and plan extra time for travel.