Lake Como: Bellagio Kayak Tour with Peninsula Views

Summary

Kayak Lake Como from Bellagio for peninsula sights & quiet

You’ll kayak from Bellagio around Lake Como’s peninsula with a local guide, passing Villa Serbelloni and soaking in mountain views you can’t get from shore. Expect quiet moments on the water, stories about local life, and time to pause where lake meets sky. It’s less about speed—more about feeling part of this place for a while.

What’s the experience like?

Paddle dips into the water—someone next to me laughs about how wobbly we all look at first. Our guide, Matteo, grins and says it’s normal, “You’ll get used to it by the time we reach the Rockefeller cliffs.” I wasn’t sure about kayaking Lake Como from Bellagio (I mean, I’m not exactly sporty), but standing barefoot on Pescallo beach with that early sun and the faint smell of lakeweed, it just felt right. The group is small—maybe six of us—and everyone’s a bit awkward until we push off together and suddenly there’s this hush except for splashes and distant church bells from town.

Matteo points out Villa Serbelloni up on the hill—he tells us about artists who’ve stayed there, which I’d never have guessed. The water’s cooler than I expected when it drips onto my knees. We glide along the edge of Rockefeller Foundation Park, which is just wild green and birdsong. On our right, Varenna’s coast looks almost painted in morning haze. There’s this moment rounding Punta Spartivento where everything opens up—you see north to the Alps, south back to Bellagio, and honestly I had to just stop paddling for a second because it was so quiet. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

We pass Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Matteo waves at a gardener who waves back—guess everyone knows each other here) before looping back toward Pescallo. My arms were definitely feeling it by then but not in a bad way, more like that good tired after swimming as a kid. The tour includes bottled water and even a dry bag for your phone—though I barely touched mine except for one shaky photo that didn’t do any justice anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour around Bellagio peninsula

• Attend pre-tour briefing at 9:40am
• Start kayaking at 10am from Pescallo beach
• Circle Bellagio peninsula
• View Villa Serbelloni and Rockefeller Park on left
• See Varenna’s coast on right
• Pass Punta Spartivento viewpoint
• Observe Villa Marescalchi (Villa Fanny)
• Reach Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
• Return to Pescallo beach

Top questions

How long is the Lake Como kayak tour from Bellagio?

The kayak tour lasts approximately two hours starting from Pescallo di Bellagio beach.

Is previous kayaking experience needed for this tour?

No previous experience is required; guides provide instruction and safety briefing before departure.

What should I wear for kayaking on Lake Como?

Sports clothing or quick-dry clothes are recommended; sandals or flip flops, a hat, and swimwear are also suggested.

Are children allowed on this kayak tour?

Yes, children aged 8 and above can join if accompanied by an adult; minimum age is 8 years old.

Does the tour include equipment like kayaks and lifejackets?

Yes, use of kayak, lifejacket, small dry bag, bottled water, and map are included in the price.

Where does the Lake Como kayak tour start?

The tour starts at Pescallo di Bellagio beach near central Bellagio.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If weather conditions are poor and kayaking isn’t possible, an alternative hiking tour will be offered instead.

Is public transportation available to reach the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Bellagio.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment—open deck kayaks, lifejackets, bottled water—a small dry bag for your essentials or phone, plus backpack storage before you set out. A local guide leads you throughout with stories and safety tips so you can focus on enjoying those Lake Como views without worrying about logistics.