Lake Como: Private Speedboat Cruise & Swimming Stops

Summary

Lake Como private speedboat tour with local stories, swimming and prosecco

You’ll board a private speedboat in Como with a local captain guiding you past famous villas, sharing stories along Lake Como’s shoreline. Swim beneath old stone bridges or toast prosecco onboard while sunlight dances on the water. Each stop feels personal—whether it’s jumping into cool blue or listening to laughter echo off ancient walls.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the wooden dock in Como just as the boat rocked gently against the pier — Marco waved us aboard like we were old friends. The lake was that pale blue you only see in postcards, but there’s something different when you’re actually there. We zipped past “The Life Electric” sculpture (which I’d never heard of until Marco pointed it out) and then the wind picked up a bit as we skimmed along the western shore. The smell of water and sun-warmed wood mixed with something floral from the gardens we passed — Villa Olmo’s park looked like a place you could lose an afternoon.

Cernobbio slid into view next, all elegant villas stacked above the water. Marco told us about Luchino Visconti living at Villa Erba — I tried to look impressed but honestly I had to Google him later. He laughed and handed me a cold bottle of beer from the cooler, which hit differently out there with nothing but ripples and sunlight. Somewhere near Laglio he pointed out George Clooney’s place; we all craned our necks but didn’t spot any celebrities (unless you count a very confident duck).

There was this moment at Nesso where we stopped by the old stone bridge — two kids jumped off right as we arrived and their laughter echoed under the arch. I hesitated before swimming (the water looked cold), but ended up diving in anyway because why not? It was sharper than I expected, almost electric, but waking in the best way. Back on board, hair dripping everywhere, someone popped open prosecco and we clinked plastic cups while staring at Villa Pliniana’s faded grandeur across the water.

The last stretch took us past Torno and that impossibly fancy Mandarin Oriental hotel — Alice slowed down so we could take photos without feeling rushed. By then my skin smelled like lake water and sunscreen, and my head felt fuzzy from sun or prosecco or maybe both. We drifted past Villa Troubetzkoy before heading back toward Como’s city villas. There’s something about ending on that quiet note after so much motion — I still think about that light on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private speedboat tour on Lake Como

• Depart from pier in Como
• Admire The Life Electric sculpture
• View Villa Olmo and park
• Arrive in Cernobbio and see Villa Erba
• See Villa d'Este hotel
• Admire Villa Le Fontanelle
• Pass Moltrasio and Carate Urio villas
• Visit Laglio, George Clooney's town
• Continue to Argegno fishing village
• Cross lake to eastern shore
• Admire Nesso ravine and Civera bridge
• Swim and dive from Civera bridge
• Stop at Villa Pliniana for swim
• View village of Torno
• Admire Mandarin Oriental Hotel
• Tour in front of Villa Troubetzkoy
• Admire viale Geno di Como villas
• End tour and drop off

Top questions

How long does the Lake Como private speedboat cruise last?

You can choose between 1 to 4 hours for your private cruise on Lake Como.

Where does the Lake Como speedboat tour start?

The tour departs from the pier in Como, right in front of Bar Lario.

Is swimming allowed during the Lake Como speedboat cruise?

Yes, you can swim at stops like Nesso or near Villa Pliniana if you want.

Are drinks included on this private Lake Como boat tour?

Bottled water, soft drinks, prosecco, and beer are included during your cruise.

Which famous villas do you see on this Lake Como boat trip?

You’ll pass Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, Villa Le Fontanelle, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney's), Villa Pliniana, and more.

Can infants join this Lake Como boat tour?

Yes—infants are welcome but need to sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Is pickup included for this Lake Como private cruise?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at the pier in Como.

What’s included

Your day includes a private speedboat with local captain from Como pier, bottled water and soft drinks plus prosecco and beer for toasting onboard moments together. You’ll have time for swimming stops at places like Nesso or near Villa Pliniana before returning to shore feeling sun-warmed and refreshed.