Lake Garda boat tour: Two islands with aperitif

You swim in the lake itself, not just look at it from the boat.

A guided boat tour of Lake Garda departing from Sirmione's harbor near Scaliger Castle, visiting the two largest islands (Isola del Garda and Isola di San Biagio) with a swimming stop and aperitif included. The route passes Roman villa ruins, the San Marco Tower and the castle's dock before returning. A live guide speaks English or Italian. The tour runs three hours and includes wine, beer and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Lake Garda islands

• Depart from Piazzale Porto harbor
• Pass by Grotte di Catullo ruins
• Pass the largest island on Lake Garda
• Pass through Gardone and San Marco Tower
• Stop at Isola di San Biagio for swim
• View majestic promontory over lake
• See dock of Scaliger Castle
• Pass under bridges returning to port

The experience

The boat leaves Piazzale Porto, the small harbor facing Scaliger Castle, and heads out across the water to show you Lake Garda from the angle most visitors miss. You'll pass the Grotte di Catullo (the remains of a Roman villa that once stood on the shore), and navigate past Gardone and the San Marco Tower before reaching Isola del Garda, the largest island on the lake. The guide points out what you're seeing as you move through the water, and the route is built around the two islands that draw people here: the elegant Isola del Garda and the smaller Isola di San Biagio, also called Isola dei Conigli.

At Isola di San Biagio, the boat stops and you get in the water for a swim. This is the moment most boat tours skip. You're not watching from the deck, you're in the lake itself, and the island has its own private access. Wine, beer and snacks come with the tour, so you have something to eat and drink once you're back on board. The return route takes you under the bridges and past the Scaliger Castle dock before pulling back into the harbor where you started.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure. The tour runs on a fixed schedule and departs on time. There are no refunds for late arrivals. Traffic and parking in Sirmione can be heavy, so plan accordingly. The tour is confirmed once a minimum number of participants is reached. If weather turns bad, the operator will notify you by SMS and may cancel or alter the route. Check that your phone number is correct when you book.

What’s included

• Wine, beer and snacks.
• a swimming stop at Isola di San Biagio.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• passage past Scaliger Castle, the Roman villa ruins at Sirmione and the San Marco Tower.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 8 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Garda Tours - ​​Motoscafisti Consortium Sirmione

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide's commentary on the islands and sites as you cruise. You'll stop to swim at San Biagio, and refreshments are included.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Grotte di Catullo that we pass on the boat tour?

The Grotte di Catullo are the remains of an ancient Roman villa that once stood on the shore of Lake Garda near Sirmione. You'll see them from the water as the boat passes during the tour.

Do we actually get to swim in the lake, or just see the islands from the boat?

You do swim. The boat stops at Isola di San Biagio, and you get in the water for a refreshing dip during the tour.

What's included to eat and drink on the tour?

Wine, beer and snacks are included with the tour. The food does not change, so you'll receive the same snacks each departure.

How long is the boat tour of Lake Garda?

The tour takes three hours from departure at Piazzale Porto to return. The route covers Isola del Garda, Isola di San Biagio, and passes Scaliger Castle, the Roman ruins and the San Marco Tower.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour may be altered or cancelled. The operator will notify you by SMS to the phone number you provided at booking, so keep your phone with you and make sure the number is correct and active.