Private Boating on Lake Como

The Lake Como landscape—a marriage of earth, water and sky sculpted by long-gone glaciers—has long appealed to pleasure-seekers from near and far. And few experiences capture its essence quite like gliding across its jewel-like waters. From hidden coves to historic villas and secluded beaches, the lake reveals its most beguiling charms only to those who explore it by boat. At Passalacqua and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, we are blessed with our very own private marinas, offering the perfect fleet for your private boating experience on Lake Como.

A Lake Como vacation is simply not complete without time spent on the water. Guests at Passalacqua and Grand Hotel Tremezzo are invited to step aboard one of our beautiful boats and admire the lake from its best vantage point. Guided by expert local captains who know every curve and cove of our 100-kilometer shoreline, you’ll enjoy an exclusive boat trip on Lake Como that is tailored entirely to your wishes. 

Our fleet of luxury boats:

Lake Como has cultural activities galore, and some of the best are off the beaten track. This day trip takes you up the length of the primo bacino, or first basin, passing Villa del Balbianello and beautiful Bellagio before crossing the lake at its widest point. Up ahead, the arched windows and portico of Villa Monastero come into view, a palace filled with the spirits of the nuns, artists and titans of industry who wandered these halls. It has an eclectic mix of architectural styles and exotic species in the garden added over the centuries. A visit of the sacred sights and meandering alleys of Varenna round out the experience, complete with a romantic stroll along the lakeside promenade known as the Passeggiata degli Innamorati. 

Water limousines
Perfect for families and small groups, these elegant cruisers are perfect for dining at a lakeside locale or exploring a bit further afield. Giumello (seats 5), built at Lake Como’s renowned Cantiere Colombo, offers a true local touch, while its younger, flashier cousin Didi (seats 9) from the same shipyard has the speed to send your straw hats soaring! Pupa and Pupa II (both seat 6), handcrafted by legendary American makers Chris-Craft, are ideal for sun-soaked afternoons or toasting with your sweetheart at sunset as the waves gently rock.

Riva Boats
If you know you know—the sleek wooden craft designed by Riva have been the cruiser of choice for jetsetters since the 1960s, and our Riva Aquariva Passalacqua and our Riva Olympic carry on this tradition. With their unmistakable rumble and timeless design, nothing quite beats the vibes of these luxury craft for villa-and-village-watching on a stylish luxury boat tour of Lake Como!

Sailing experiences 
For guests who prefer to harness the wind, we partner with local experts to provide unforgettable Lake Como sailing experiences. Choose between a 41-foot, German-designed yacht with its welcoming teak deck or a roomier 42-foot craft, complete with below-deck cabin and restroom for day-long voyages. 

Luxury boat tours on Lake Como

Best for foodies
Boating can be hungry work, and some of the lake’s finest culinary gems are best reached by water:

Locanda La Tirlindana
Nestled on the tranquil bay known as Zoca de l’Oli, La Tirlindana offers old-world charm and gorgeous food. There is nothing quite like arriving by boat directly at the restaurant’s jetty or dining on the sun-kissed terrace overlooking Lake Como’s only island. Chef Patricia’s signature dishes—especially her bright lemon ravioli—are like Mediterranean sun on a plate.

Momi
This charming spot, nestled in the lovely lakeside park of Blevio, is perfect for romantic dinners and long, lazy lunches looking out over the water. Showcasing “zero-meter” produce from Chef Momi’s very own garden, the menu is packed with simple, wholesome dishes that change with the seasons and feature the best of local fish and delicacies.

Trattoria del Porto
From the moment you pass through the jasmine-covered entrance, you know the experience is going to be quintessentially Italian. The Zambra family have run this place just outside Nesso for decades with the same no-frills, family-style finesse. All that’s on the menu is the delicious daily prix fixe, which is heavy on fresh-caught lake fish (vegetarian alternatives available) and best paired with terrific terrace views.

Best for amateur historians

One of Lake Como’s most exciting private boating experiences is cruising around the Làvedo Promontory for your first glimpse of Villa del Balbianello. Its yellow twin towers, lush landscaping and arched loggia climbing with vines make for a stellar photo op. Built in the 18th century by Cardinal Durini, the villa’s most recent (and most exciting!) personality was Guido Monzino, a noted explorer and true Renaissance man. Monzino left the estate to the Italian National Trust after his death in 1988, and visitors can explore his library and maps, his pre-Colombian artifacts and myriad memorabilia from his adventures (including a narwhal horn and Mount Everest gear). A stroll through the exquisitely manicured gardens—with or without reenacting the James Bond and Star Wars scenes filmed here!—is an absolute must. 

Best for romantics

Sharing a sunset cruise on Lake Como with your beloved is the ultimate romantic gesture. As the golden hour bathes this unparalleled landscape in evening light, you can pause for a swim in a hidden cove or sip prosecco on deck while the lights begin to twinkle in the lakeside villages. One of our favorite backdrops for an exclusive boat tour ‘a due’ is the Orrido di Nesso, where a waterfall plunges dramatically into the lake beneath the arches of a centuries-old bridge. Arriving here at dusk, with the rolling hills aglow in the last rays of the day, places your romance in a long line of Lake Como love stories—a memory destined to make you smile every time you think of it.

Best for spiritual seekers

For travelers drawn to history and contemplation, a cruise along Lake Como’s northern branch reveals its spiritual heart. Once a crossroads for pilgrims bound for Rome, these tranquil shores attracted monastic communities who embraced the rhythm of ora et labora—prayer and work in balance. One of the most evocative stops is the Abbey of Piona, founded in the 7th century and still home to an order of Cistercian monks today. Arriving by water on this peaceful inlet, you’ll have an opportunity to stroll in meditative silence through the cloisters and browse the handmade tinctures and herbal liqueurs in the monk’s shop—you may even hear the faint Gregorian chants of evening Vespers. This is a private boating experience on Lake Como that offers a serene journey for the spirit.