Milan · CANOES & KAYAKS
Good kayak & canoe trips on the lakes fill up weeks ahead; the best ones go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle a self-guided kayak with a local guide on Lake Como from Bellagio, with safety training and big views of the Alps.
“Lots of fun and great to see the lake from a different view. Tip you may get a wet bottom from waves.”
Paddle Bellagio’s Lake Como shoreline by kayak. Rent gear near San Giovanni pier, spot major villas, stop at beaches, and enjoy up to 3 hours.
“Friendly guide. Beautiful experience All equipment provided for an enjoyable day”
Kayak Lake Como from Bellagio, see Villa Serbelloni and Rockefeller cliffs, and paddle to Punta Spartivento on a calm small-group tour.
“The experience was amazing thanks to Mich! This is definitely a must do activity for those visiting.. beautiful views and an amazing tour guide.”
SUP rental in Bellagio on Lake Como. Paddle from Piazza della Chiesa, explore Villa Melzi gardens, quiet coves, and Ponte del Diavolo.
“Loved it here!! we went paddleboarding here one day and came back to kayak, super helpful and lovely staff, would recommend!”
Rent a canoe or kayak from Riomaggiore and paddle 1 to 3 hours in Cinque Terre National Park waters for about $35 per person.
Paddle Lake Iseo to Baia del Bogn, glide under steep cliffs, reach boat-only viewing spots, and learn real kayak skills on a 2-hour tour.
“We visited Lago d'lseo mid April, when things on the lake are just opening for the summer season. We booked this sort of at the last minute based on weather predictions and were not disappointed. Car park was easy to find. Gorgeio was friendly, accommodating, and was an amazing guide. He gave us lots of local information about the area as we paddled. The cliffs and views of green mountains and snow capped peaks in the distance were best viewed from the water. He even took time afterward to give us some restaurant recommendations and some beautiful drives into the valley. Worth every euro to be on the water on…”
Kayak Cinque Terre from Riomaggiore to Manarola, snorkel at Macrexia sea pool, and paddle past sea caves with a small English group.
“It was okay - we had to walk into a little cavern via a pipe/stony bottomed shore to get into the kayaks, everyone in the group had doubles, which are more stable. We went to a cave that you can see from the top vista of Riomaggiore, about a 10 min row away, it was very dark with some 'teeth' like shapes in the 'roof'. The offer to swim into the complete darkness to a beach was not appealing to anyone in the group! We then had two options, to row to Manarola for a view from the sea or to go more wild and paddle through a canyon. Nobody…”
Kayak Lake Como from Bellagio. Paddle north to Villa Melzi or south past private villas to secluded beaches. Waterproof gear, easy setup.
“I cannot speak about the experience itself as I did not manage to make it due to unforeseen circumstances with a medical emergency. Previously when booking, they did not state that that do not offer any refunds at all (even partial) if cancelled less than 24 hours before the starting time. It was extremely disappointing to not even get a partial refund given the fact that I did not participate. I can now see the cancellation policy has been updated since however I would be more inclined to book on the day next time.”
Easy kayak trip on Lake Iseo from Sulzano, with a guide, life jacket, and views of San Paolo, Monte Isola, Rocca Martinengo, and Peschiera Maraglio.
“We had a great time during our kayak adventure. The guide was great- he did a great job explaining everything and getting us up an going. I took three kids aged 12 to 15 with me and the level was perfect - a workout but completely doable.”
1-hour double kayak from Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre National Park. Calm-sea paddle, snorkel, caves, pools, and sea views for two.
“The activity was fun, the location superb... clear, blue waters; rocky cliffs; a cave or two to paddle into... all wonderful. The gear provided - kayak, dry bag - needed some TLC, as some straps were either broken or missing.”
Paddle the calm Adda River in Lombardy with a guide, learn easy kayaking basics, and spot birds on a peaceful half day trip for $58.
“very nice Activity,WE had a lot of Fun ! the Guide explain a lot about Kayaking and the River , highly recommended.”
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