Lake Como, minus the crowds, on a sailboat.

I really like two things here: the small group (max 6) and the way you get real time on the water instead of rushing photos from shore. On top of that, you’ll likely be looked after by hosts such as Isabella or Guilia, with skippers like Mauro, Maurizio, or Luca helping you enjoy the ride. One consideration: this trip isn’t set up for people with limited mobility, since you’ll be moving around a boat.

What makes this feel special is the mix of scenery and hands-on fun. You cruise the eastern side of the lake, enjoying views toward Baia di Parè, Malgrate, Lecco, and Abbadia, then you get chances to swim in clear water or take the wheel while the crew handles the sailing. Expect English (and Italian) support, plus life vests on board.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Up to 6 participants means a calmer, more personal sail
• Aperitivo with Prosecco and snacks keeps the mood relaxed from the start
• Swim stops in clear water make the lake feel close and personal
• Try being captain if you want hands-on time at the helm
• Sunset option includes a light onboard dinner (plan for an evening glow)
• Eastern Lake Como routing focuses on the wilder, mountain-hugging shoreline

Valmadrera Start Point: How This Trip Gets You Past the Main Lake Rush

Starting from Valmadrera, this sailing trip is built for people who want Lake Como without the constant “everyone is stopping here” feeling. By heading toward the eastern side, you trade some of the postcard-only moments for a more rugged, mountain-and-water combo where the shoreline feels a little more grown up and a little less staged.

The boarding area is labeled with a few possible options around Porto – Valmadrera Parè and nearby points like Amici del Vento, so do yourself a favor: confirm which exact meeting spot applies to your chosen departure time. Lake Como is big, and it’s easy to lose time if you show up at the wrong port.

3–3.5 Hours on the Water: What the Timing Really Means

The total time ranges from about 3 to 3.5 hours, which is the sweet spot for a “worth it” lake experience. You’re not trapped all day in a travel bubble, but you still get enough time to feel the sailing rhythm—cruise, pause, swim, and enjoy the views as the boat moves rather than just floating in place.

The sailing portion is split into longer cruising and shorter segments. In practical terms, that’s good: you get sustained views across the water, then you get breaks that make the trip feel varied instead of one long stretch where everyone’s just waiting.

Morning vs Sunset: How the Experience Changes When Dinner Joins the Sail

You can choose a day tour or a sunset tour. Here’s what changes in a way you’ll actually notice.

For the day option, you’re focused on water time: sailing plus swim opportunities, with the aperitivo underway. For the sunset option, you keep the same core sailing experience, but you add a light dinner onboard along with your Prosecco toast. That shift matters because it changes the tempo. Dinner makes the evening tour feel like a proper outing, not just a couple of hours of sightseeing with drinks.

If you’re the kind of person who likes the most comfortable lighting for photos and the calm that comes later in the day, the sunset departure is an easy call.

Crew Setup on Board: Small Group Comfort and Safety Basics

This is a small-group sailing with 1 skipper plus 1 assistant on board. With that pairing, you’re not just riding along—you’re supported. It also explains why people often describe the crew as relaxed and fun while still clearly focused on safe sailing.

Life vests are provided, and the crew guides you with the wind and sailing techniques while you relax. If you’re hoping for a boat trip where you can talk, ask questions, and actually enjoy the moment, the small setup helps a lot.

One little detail I’d plan around: when you want a better view for pictures, you can sit toward the front area of the boat, where it feels more like you’re cutting through the water. That’s not a gimmick—on a moving boat, position can make your photos look less like you’re just standing still.

Prosecco Aperitivo and Snacks: More Than Just a Drink Ticket

The aperitivo is included: Prosecco and snacks. This is the part of the trip that turns sailing from scenic to enjoyable. You’re not waiting until the end for a reward. Instead, you get a casual start with something refreshing in hand while the boat gets rolling.

Because Lake Como has a way of making time feel slower (especially once you’re out on the water), the snacks matter. They keep energy steady for swim stops and for the moments when you’re out of the sun and just watching the shoreline slide by.

If you prefer beer over Prosecco, you’ll likely still find a drink option during the aperitivo portion, since the crew tends to keep things moving and comfortable throughout the trip.

Stop-by-Stop: The Eastern Shore Views You’ll Actually Want to See

You’ll sail around and view several named spots on the eastern side of Lake Como—places that help you orient yourself if you plan to explore later by foot or by ferry.

Baia di Parè: Where the water looks at its clearest

Baia di Parè is one of the areas you’ll admire from the boat. It’s also the type of shoreline where you can understand why people come to Lake Como for swimming. On a sail with swim stops, this matters because you’re not just looking at water—you’re getting permission to get in it.

Malgrate and Lecco: Town energy from the water

From the water, Malgrate and Lecco feel different than from roads and squares. You see the shoreline structure—how buildings, small docks, and hillside slopes relate to the lake. You also get that “we’re moving, but I can still read the geography” feeling, which is great if you want to learn the area, not just pass through it.

Abbadia: Mountains that feel close

Abbadia and the surrounding higher mountains help give the trip its wild-side vibe. When the mountains rise right above the water, sailing stops feel even more dramatic because you get a sense of scale you simply can’t get from shore.

How the swimming breaks fit in

You’ll have a break time followed by additional sailing. That structure makes it easier to enjoy swim time without feeling rushed. Bring your swimwear and towel so you can jump in when the crew suggests it, then dry off and settle back into the breeze.

Swim Stops and Trying the Helm: The Two “Do Something” Moments

This trip works for people who don’t just want to sit and stare. You can swim in clear water, and you can also take the wheel if conditions and the crew allow it.

Swim time is one of the biggest value points because it changes the lake from scenery to experience. Lake Como can look stunning from the shore, but being in the water makes it feel real and close.

Taking the helm is the other highlight. The crew and wind guide you, so you’re not being thrown into a high-stakes job. Think of it as guided fun: you get to feel what it means to steer while the skipper keeps everything safe and smooth.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Trip Guessing)

Use packing as your “calm-trip strategy.” The boat is on water, and conditions can change fast with sun and wind.

Bring:

• Swimwear + towel for the swim stops
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A windproof jacket (water + breeze can chill you even in nice weather)
• Comfortable shoes and clothes (you’ll want to move easily on and around the boat)
• A closed bag or small daypack
• Water

Also bring an ID or passport, since it’s required.

If you forget something, you’ll feel it more than on a land tour. That’s just how boats work.

Price and Value: Is $198.25 Worth It?

At about $198.25 per person, this sailing sits in the mid-to-upper range for Lake Como. The value comes from the mix of what’s included and what that includes.

You get:

• a guided sailing cruise on the lake
• a small crew setup (skipper + assistant)
• Prosecco and snacks (aperitivo)
• light dinner on sunset departures

When you price it out like that, you’re not paying just for a boat ride. You’re paying for time on the water with crew support, plus the included food and drink that makes the experience feel complete.

In other words: if your goal is a relaxed, scenic afternoon or evening with real water time and a couple of “try this” moments, the cost makes sense. If you’re the type who wants to spend most of the day on shore hopping towns and museums, you might choose something land-based instead.

Practical Logistics: Meeting Point, Getting There, and Picking the Right Option

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. So you’ll want to plan your own arrival to the port area in Valmadrera. Since departure points can vary among the listed meeting locations, confirm your exact pickup location before you head out.

Also note:

• This isn’t suited for pets.
• Oversize luggage isn’t allowed.
• It’s not recommended for people with limited mobility.

If you’re traveling with kids: it’s not suitable for children under 8, so plan accordingly.

Who This Sailing Trip Fits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• want Lake Como but don’t want the full-on crowds
• like a relaxed pace with food and drinks included
• enjoy swimming and hands-on sailing moments
• prefer small groups where you can actually talk to the crew

It’s less of a fit if you:

• need a mobility-friendly setup
• want a long, shore-based sightseeing day with lots of walking

Should You Book This Lake Como Sailing Trip?

If you’re deciding between a scenic day tour and something more active, I’d lean toward booking. The included Prosecco aperitivo, the chance to swim, and the real effort to keep the group small make this feel like a proper outing, not just a boat taxi with a few photo stops.

Choose sunset if you want the dinner add-on and softer light over the eastern shore. Choose the day option if you want maximum water time with a lighter evening plan afterward.

One final tip: if Luca is part of your crew, ask him about his Harley—because on boats, the best part of the trip is often the conversation between the views.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Como sailing trip from Valmadrera?

The tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on the selected departure time. Check availability for the specific start time you want.

Is Prosecco included?

Yes. You’ll have an aperitivo with Prosecco and snacks as part of the experience.

Does the sunset tour include dinner?

Yes. For the sunset tour option, there is a light dinner onboard in addition to the Prosecco.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, limited to 6 participants.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

What should I bring for the swim stops?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket (the breeze can get cool). Comfortable clothes and a closed bag or daypack are also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for kids or limited mobility?

It’s not suitable for children under 8, and it’s not recommended for people with limited mobility.

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