Venice River Cruises: 5 Sailings to Choose From

1.Grand Canal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 959 reviews · 1 hour · from $53Our pick

Join Bucintoro Viaggi for a one-hour English-language motorboat tour from St. Mark’s Square. You’ll cruise the Grand Canal and nearby waterways, passing Rialto Bridge, Ca’ Pisani Moretta, Hotel Gritti, Ca’ Vendramin Caliergi, Fondaco dei Tedeschi, and La Madonna della Salute. Guides such as Massimo and Leo have added lively local detail, and some boats offer inside and outside seating.

“Friendly & welcoming guide & driver. Started out by travelling up the giudecca canal then travelled the full length of the grand canal. The guide was very informative throughout”

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2.The Hidden Canals on an Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 307 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

Cruise Venice’s main waterways and lesser-known canals aboard a quiet, open electric boat for about 90 minutes. Guides such as Ricardo, Niki, and Emiliano share local stories, point out photo spots, and offer practical advice. The boat holds up to six people, but the meeting point at Fondamenta Ognisanti can take some finding.

“Great tour. Ricardo was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He took us everywhere in Venice. Lots of hidden canals. Very entertaining and enjoyable.”

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3.Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 139 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $521

Spend two hours on a guided motorboat ride through Venice’s Grand Canal, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, and the Arsenale. You’ll walk through the Jewish Ghetto, pause at a gondola workshop, and pass Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, Accademia, and Squero San Trovaso. Guides such as Cristina, Christina, and Georgia have earned especially strong praise.

“Comfortable uncrowded boat. Entertaining and informative guide. A great introduction to Venice.”

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4.Grand Canal Private Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 131 reviews · from $212

Meet your guide beside Saint Mark’s Square for a one-hour small-group boat ride along the Grand Canal, Giudecca, and quieter waterways. Expect live commentary in English, Italian, French, German, or Spanish, with views of Rialto Bridge, Ca d’Oro, Accademia, grand palaces, and canal-side homes. Bring a camera and avoid large bags.

“Very much worth doing. Guide gave some great history on Venezia and the views were amazing.”

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5.1-Hour Motor Boat Ride on Grand Canal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1 hour · from $265Top rated

Take a one-hour private motor boat tour from St. Mark’s Square through Venice’s minor canals and along the full Grand Canal. A live guide explains the palaces, people, and customs of Venice in English, Spanish, French, or German. Guide Gabriela has been specifically praised for her experience and personal touch.

“So busy and not too easy to find our guide at first, but once we did it was an experience that we will never forget. We learnt so much about Venice in such a short time. The guide was very friendly and passionate about the area.”

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