Rent a Boat Lake Como: 2-Hour Self-Guided Cruise

Steer your own boat past Lake Como's grandest villas

A 2-hour motorboat rental on Lake Como lets you navigate the lake's shoreline at your own pace, starting from Sant'Agostino pier near Como. You pilot a Yamaha F40 equipped with GPS, life jackets and a swimming ladder, passing Villa d'Este, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney's home), and the Orrido di Nesso waterfall. A 15-minute safety briefing covers boat handling and local rules. No license is required.

The experience

You meet at Sant'Agostino su Lungo Lario Trieste pier, where a SuBacco expert walks you through the boat's systems and safety rules in a 15-minute briefing. The Yamaha F40 comes ready to go: life jackets, fire extinguisher, electronic pump, navigation lights, GPS, an awning for sun protection, a bow sundeck for forward seating, and a swimming ladder if you want to stop and jump in. Insurance and taxes are built into the rental price. Fuel is a €50 cash payment you settle on the boat.

The route is yours to choose, but the standard run heads north from Como toward the lake's most recognizable landmarks. You'll pass Villa Olmo and Hotel Villa Flori near the start, then move into Cernobbio to see Villa Erba and Villa d'Este. Continuing up the western shore, you reach Moltrasio's Villa Fontanelle (known as Villa Versace), then Laglio and Villa Oleandra, where George Clooney lives. The eastern side brings you to Nesso and the Orrido di Nesso, a narrow gorge with a waterfall that cuts straight into the rock. On the return, you pass Villa Pliniana, the Mandarin Oriental at Blevio, and Villa Troubetzkoy before heading back to Como.

Arrive 10 minutes early. The rental window is strict, and delays over 15 minutes on return carry a €50 penalty. A guide in English or Italian is available if you want narration instead of navigating solo. The boat handles up to a small group comfortably, and the 2-hour window is enough to see the main villas and the waterfall without rushing.

What’s included

• Insurance and taxes.
• safety equipment including life jacket, lifebuoy, boat hook and fire extinguisher.
• GPS navigation.
• awning and bow sundeck.
• swimming ladder.
• 15-minute safety briefing with a SuBacco expert.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Feb 2027

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 50

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by SuBacco Lake Como

Is this one for you?You pilot the boat yourself with a GPS to navigate, so you set the pace and choose which villas to linger at: ideal if you want control over the route rather than following a guide's schedule. A live guide in English or Italian is available as an add-on if you'd prefer narration and local stories while someone else handles the wheel.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

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.

Can I pilot the boat myself without a boating license?

Yes. The Yamaha F40 requires no license to operate on Lake Como. A 15-minute safety briefing covers the controls, navigation rules and emergency procedures before you leave the pier.

What's included in the rental price?

Insurance, taxes, safety equipment (life jackets, lifebuoy, boat hook, fire extinguisher), GPS, an awning, bow sundeck and swimming ladder are all included. Fuel is €50 cash, paid on the boat.

Which villas and landmarks will I see in 2 hours?

The route typically covers Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney's home) in Laglio, and the Orrido di Nesso waterfall on the eastern shore. You also pass Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, Villa Fontanelle and Villa Pliniana depending on your pace and stops.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The boat has a swimming ladder, so you can stop in calm water and jump in. Bring a towel or use the ladder to climb back aboard.

What happens if I'm late returning the boat?

Delays exceeding 15 minutes upon return incur a €50 penalty. Arrive at the pier 10 minutes before your rental ends to avoid the charge.