Canal boat hire in Venice, Italy

Canal boat & boat hire in Venice, Italy

The iconic city of Venice is located in northern Italy and was built on more than a hundred islands in a lagoon. The city was built on the water to protect itself from barbarian attacks. Venice is famous for its canals which function as roads. Hire a canal boat in Venice to cruise the canals and tour this fantastic city in a unique way. In the Adriatic Sea you have two impressive coasts to cruise along. On one side, you have the Italian coast with several beautiful coastal villages worth visiting. On the other side, you have the Croatian coast with more than a thousand islands and inlets ideal for island hopping.

Boat hire prices in Venice

Canal boat hire prices in Venice vary. For renting a narrowboat, the prices start from 190 euros. Please note that during the high season boat prices increase due to demand. 

The high season in Venice starts in June and ends in September. If you want to charter a narrowboat during the high season, we recommend you start the search process two months in advance. 

Do I need a license to hire a canal boat in Venice?

Italian legislation on nautical licences is diffehire from most European countries. In the case of canal boats in Venice, a licence is not required. Please note that you will be required to submit a nautical CV detailing your boating experience. 

If you have no boating experience or licence, you can hire any type of boat from our catalogue with a skipper. Chartering a boat in Italy with a skipper is a great advantage, as they can show you the best places in each destination. Ask your skipper for advice on restaurants, beaches, bars or museums. 

When is the best time to hire a boat in Venice?

The best time to hire a boat in Venice is undoubtedly during spring, summer and autumn. Keep in mind that during the summer most tourists arrive in Venice so it may be difficult to find a canal boat that suits your requirements. To enjoy good weather with fewer tourists we recommend renting a narrowboat in Venice in September, the weather conditions are optimal for navigation and enjoyment.

What to do in Venice?

⚓ Visit the heart of Venice

St. Mark's Square is the centre of the city of Venice. Here you will find the "Basilica di San Marco", the "Campanile" and the "Palazzo Ducale".

⚓ Visit the Fenice Theatre

It is one of the most beautiful theatres in Italy with a lot of history. It has been through fires and floods and has been renovated several times.

⚓ Visit the islands of Venice

Venice has two famous islands, Murano and Burano. Hire a canal boat in Venice and visit them. They are famous for their glass production and colourful architecture.