Boat Rental Lake Como, Skippered Charters on Italy’s Finest Lake

You want to see Lake Como from the water, not from a crowded ferry. A boat rental Lake Como gives you the freedom to explore the villas, the mountain backdrop, and the hidden coves at your own pace. With BoatHire24, every charter includes a licensed skipper, so you don’t need a licence or any boating experience. Just turn up, step aboard, and let someone else handle the navigation while you enjoy the prosecco.

We operate from multiple ports around the lake, Como town, Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, and Lecco, and offer motor yachts, classic wooden boats, RIBs, catamarans, and sailing yachts. Prices start from around EUR 350 for a half-day on a small RIB, and go up to EUR 5,000+ for a full-day luxury yacht charter. This page covers everything you need to know: what’s included, which boat type suits you, how the seasons work, and how to book without the hassle.

What Is Included in a Boat Rental Lake Como

Every charter on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who knows the lake inside out. You don’t pay extra for fuel, insurance, or cleaning fees, those are built into the price you see. Most boats also include a cooler with ice, a Bluetooth speaker, and a sun deck with cushions. Some of the larger yachts come with a full crew (hostess, chef) and water toys like paddleboards or a Seabob.

What is not included: food and drink (unless you book a catered package), dockage fees at private villas or restaurants, and any damage caused by negligence. You can bring your own food and drink on board, or arrange a catering package through the operator. The skipper will help you plan a route and suggest stops, but the final itinerary is yours to decide.

Lake Como Ports and Departure Points

Lake Como is shaped like an inverted Y, with three main branches. The most popular departure ports are Como town at the southwest tip, Bellagio at the central junction, Menaggio on the west shore, Varenna on the east shore, and Lecco at the southeast tip. Each port has its own character and gives you access to different parts of the lake.

From Como, you can head north past the Villa Olmo and the first set of mountains. From Bellagio, you are in the centre, with quick access to both branches. Menaggio and Varenna are quieter, with smaller marinas and fewer crowds. Lecco is less touristy and offers a more rugged landscape with the Grigna mountains rising straight from the water. We also offer pickups from private jetties at hotels or villas along the shore, subject to a small surcharge.

Boat Types Available for Lake Como Charters

The classic choice is a wooden Riva or similar vintage motorboat. These boats are 6 to 10 metres long, with a teak deck, leather seats, and a top speed of around 30 knots. They seat 6 to 10 people and cost from EUR 450 for a half-day. If you want something faster, a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is more practical, 5 to 8 metres, seats 6 to 8, top speed 40+ knots, price from EUR 350 for a half-day.

For larger groups, motor yachts from 10 to 18 metres are available. These have a cabin, a proper galley, a sun deck, and sometimes a bow thruster for easy docking. Prices range from EUR 1,200 to EUR 3,500 for a full day, depending on size and season. Catamarans are rarer on Lake Como but you can find a few, usually around 12 to 15 metres, with a shallow draft and stable platform, good for families. Sailing yachts are also available, from 8 to 14 metres, with a skipper who handles the sails. A half-day sail costs from EUR 600.

Licence-free day boats (no skipper required) are not common on Lake Como because the lake is narrow and busy, but some operators offer small electric boats that you can drive yourself without a licence. These are typically 4 to 5 metres, seat 4 to 6 people, and cost from EUR 200 for two hours. They are limited to the area near Como or Bellagio and have a restricted range.

Pricing Guidance for Lake Como Boat Rentals

Prices vary by boat type, duration, season, and departure port. As a rough guide, a half-day (4 hours) on a small RIB costs from EUR 350. A half-day on a classic wooden motorboat costs from EUR 450. A full day (8 hours) on a 12-metre motor yacht costs from EUR 1,500. A full day on a sailing yacht costs from EUR 800. Superyachts over 20 metres are available on request, with prices starting around EUR 5,000 for a full day.

High season (July and August) sees prices increase by 20 to 30 percent. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) are cheaper and still have good weather. Low season (October to April) is the cheapest, but many boats are laid up for winter, and the weather can be cold, daytime temperatures in April are around 15 degrees C, and the lake water is too cold for swimming. All prices on BoatHire24 include VAT (22 percent in Italy) and the skipper’s fee. There are no hidden charges.

Best Times of Year for a Lake Como Charter

The best time for a boat rental Lake Como is from May to September. In May and June, the weather is warm (20 to 28 degrees C), the water is calm, and the crowds are manageable. July and August are the peak months, hot (30 to 35 degrees C), busy on the water, and expensive. If you want to swim, the lake water is warmest in August, around 24 degrees C. September is often the best month: warm, less crowded, and lower prices.

April and October are marginal. You might get a sunny day with 18 degrees C, but the wind can pick up, and the chance of rain is higher. Some operators close for the season in November and reopen in March. If you book in the off-season, confirm with the operator that the boat is available and that the skipper is willing to go out. The lake can get rough in winter, with waves up to 1 metre, so smaller boats are not recommended.

How to Book a Boat Rental Lake Como on BoatHire24

Booking is straightforward. Go to BoatHire24 and enter Lake Como as your destination. Select your preferred port, date, and group size. The search results show all available boats with photos, specs, and prices. You can filter by boat type, price range, and capacity. Once you find a boat you like, click to see the full details, including the cancellation policy and what’s included.

To confirm, you pay a deposit (usually 30 to 50 percent) via credit card or bank transfer. The balance is due on the day of the charter, paid directly to the skipper in cash or by card. We send you a confirmation email with the skipper’s contact details and meeting point instructions. If you need to cancel, most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before the charter. For last-minute cancellations, the deposit is non-refundable.

You can also browse our blog for route ideas, restaurant recommendations on the lake, and tips on what to bring. For example, we have a post on the best villas to see from the water, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi, and where to moor for a swim or a lunch stop.

Who Is a Skippered Lake Como Charter For

A skippered charter is for anyone who wants to enjoy the lake without the stress of driving a boat. It is ideal for couples, families with children, groups of friends, and corporate events. You do not need a boating licence, and you do not need to know how to anchor, dock, or read a chart. The skipper handles all of that, and they also know the best spots for swimming, the quietest coves, and the restaurants that are only accessible by boat.

If you are a confident boat driver with an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), you can rent a boat without a skipper. However, Lake Como has strict speed limits (10 knots within 100 metres of the shore) and busy traffic around the main towns. Most operators recommend a skipper for first-time visitors. The price difference is not huge, a bareboat charter of a small motorboat might save you EUR 100 to EUR 200 compared to a skippered charter, but you lose the local knowledge and the ability to relax completely.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Charter

Arrive at the departure port 15 minutes before the start time. The skipper will meet you at the dock, give you a safety briefing, and show you the boat. You can bring your own food and drink, or arrange a catering package in advance. The skipper will ask about your preferred route and any stops you want to make. Typical routes include a cruise past the villas of the central lake, a stop at the Isola Comacina for lunch, or a trip up to the northern town of Colico for a swim in the clearer water.

The skipper will handle the mooring at any restaurant or beach you choose. They are also happy to take photos of your group, point out landmarks, and give you space if you want privacy. At the end of the charter, you return to the departure port, settle any extras (like catering or extra hours), and tip the skipper if you wish, 10 to 15 percent of the charter fee is standard.

Combining Lake Como with Other Destinations

If you are visiting the Costa del Sol or Marbella, you can also book a boat rental there through BoatHire24. We operate in multiple locations, so you can charter a yacht in Puerto Banús one week and a RIB on Lake Como the next. Check our search page to see all available destinations. Lake Como is a 2-hour flight from Málaga, or a 12-hour drive through France and Switzerland. Many visitors combine a week on the coast with a few days on the lake.

The lake itself is a good base for day trips to Milan (1 hour by train), the Swiss border (30 minutes by car), or the Bergamo Alps. But the best part of a Lake Como holiday is the water, and a private boat charter is the only way to experience it properly. No queues, no timetables, no crowds. Just you, the lake, and the mountains.

Specific Lake Como Routes and Highlights

One of the best routes from Como town takes you north past the Villa Olmo, then across to the western shore near Cernobbio. You can stop at the village of Moltrasio for a swim off the rocks, then continue to Laglio, where George Clooney used to moor his boat. The water here is deep, up to 80 metres in places, so it stays cool even in August. From Bellagio, a popular route is to head east toward Varenna, passing the Villa Melzi gardens, then cross to Menaggio for lunch. The distance between Bellagio and Varenna is only 2 nautical miles, so you can make multiple stops in a half-day charter.

If you start from Menaggio, you can cruise north to the mouth of the River Adda near Colico, where the water turns a milky green from glacial silt. This area is less developed and has a wilder feel, with the Alps rising directly from the shore. From Varenna, a good route is south toward the Lierna area, where the cliffs drop straight into the lake and there are a few hidden caves you can swim into. The skipper will know which caves are accessible and which are blocked by rocks. For a full-day charter, you can circumnavigate the entire central basin, covering about 20 nautical miles, with stops for lunch, swimming, and photos.

Lake Como Weather and Wind Patterns

The lake has its own microclimate, with two main winds. The tivano is a light north wind that blows in the morning, usually from 6 am to noon, with speeds of 5 to 10 knots. The breva is a stronger south wind that picks up around 1 pm and can reach 15 to 20 knots in the afternoon, especially in the central basin. This makes the afternoon choppy on the open water, with waves up to 0.5 metres. Smaller boats like RIBs handle this fine, but wooden motorboats with a low freeboard can get wet. If you want a smooth ride, book a morning charter or choose a sheltered route along the shore.

In summer, thunderstorms can build quickly over the mountains in the late afternoon, especially in July and August. The skipper will watch the radar and bring you back to port if a storm is coming. The lake is safe in a storm if you stay close to the shore and avoid open water. Lightning strikes on the lake are rare but not unheard of, so the skipper will take precautions. In spring and autumn, the wind is more unpredictable, with gusts from the west that can catch you off guard. A skippered charter is safer in these conditions because the skipper knows how to read the weather.

Dining Options on Lake Como Charters

You can bring your own picnic, but many operators offer a catering package with local specialities. A typical lunch spread includes prosciutto, salami, cheeses like taleggio and gorgonzola, bread, olives, and a bottle of Franciacorta or a local red like Valtellina Superiore. Prices for catering range from EUR 25 to EUR 50 per person, depending on the menu. Some operators also offer a full sit-down meal at a restaurant that you reach by boat, such as the Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, which is the only restaurant on the small island. They serve a fixed menu of lake fish, risotto, and dessert for about EUR 60 per person, not including wine.

Another option is to moor at a lakeside restaurant like the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, which has a private dock and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The skipper will call ahead to reserve a table and arrange the mooring. You pay for the meal separately, and the skipper waits at the boat or joins you if you invite them. For a more casual stop, the bar at the Hotel du Lac in Varenna has a dock and serves simple pasta and pizza for around EUR 15 to EUR 20 per person. The skipper will recommend places based on your budget and preferences.

Special Occasions and Events on Lake Como

A private boat charter is a popular choice for proposals, weddings, and birthday celebrations. The classic proposal spot is in front of Villa del Balbianello at sunset, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop. The skipper can coordinate with the villa to arrange a private tour of the gardens before the proposal. Prices for a proposal package start from EUR 800 for a half-day charter with champagne and flowers. For a wedding, you can charter a larger yacht and have a civil ceremony on board, but you need to arrange the paperwork with the local municipality, which takes about 30 days. The operator can help with the logistics.

Birthday parties are easier. You can book a yacht with a sound system, bring your own playlist, and have a floating party on the lake. Some operators allow a maximum of 12 guests on a motor yacht, but you can charter a catamaran for up to 20 people. Noise restrictions apply after 10 pm in most ports, so the skipper will anchor away from residential areas. Fireworks are not allowed on the lake without a permit, but sparklers are fine. The operator will advise on what is permitted and help you plan the day.

Practical Tips for Your Lake Como Charter

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses even on cloudy days, because the sun reflects off the water and you will burn faster than on land. The UV index in summer is often 8 or 9. Wear non-slip shoes on wooden boats, as the teak deck gets slippery when wet. Swimwear is fine, but bring a light jacket or windbreaker for the afternoon breeze. If you are prone to seasickness, take a pill an hour before departure, the lake is generally calm in the morning but can get choppy in the afternoon. Mobile phone reception is good across the lake, but some remote coves have weak signal, so download maps or directions beforehand.

Cash is useful for tips and any extras like catering or extra hours. Most skippers accept card payments for the balance, but not all, so ask in advance. The charter time is strict, if you return late, you may be charged overtime at a rate of around EUR 100 to EUR 200 per hour, depending on the boat. Plan your route to allow time for unexpected delays. If you are staying at a hotel with a private jetty, confirm the pickup point with the operator a day before, and be ready 10 minutes early. The skipper will text or call you on the day to confirm the meeting.

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