The top 5 day trips from Venice

The Top 5 Day Trips by Boat from Venice

Venice is not just a city—it’s the heart of an extraordinary lagoon. While many visitors limit their stay to the historic center, the true essence of Venice is discovered by boat, far beyond crowded canals and tourist routes. That’s why we wrote this precious article about the top 5 day trips by boat from Venice for you!

With Vidal Venice Tours, you can explore the lagoon through private, intimate boat day trips, guided by a local skipper who knows these waters inside out. Below are the top 5 day trips, each offering a unique perspective of the lagoon.

1. The Northern Lagoon: Murano, Burano & Torcello

The classic Venice boat day trip—done right

The Northern Lagoon is the most famous and scenic boat excursion from Venice, combining craftsmanship, colour, and history.

  • Murano is internationally known for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visiting by private boat allows you to experience the island beyond the main tourist paths.

  • Burano is famous for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and lace-making heritage, making it one of the most photogenic places in the lagoon.

  • Torcello is quiet, green, and deeply historic—home to some of the earliest Venetian settlements and a completely different atmosphere from central Venice.

Traveling by private boat means flexible schedules, less walking, and the possibility of swimming stops during the summer months, all while learning about lagoon life from a local skipper.

2. The Southern Lagoon: Sacca Sessola, Poveglia & Pellestrina

The wild, mysterious, and authentic side of Venice

The Southern Lagoon is far less visited and offers a raw, authentic glimpse into Venetian lagoon life.

Sacca Sessola is an artificial island home to the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, where you can stop for a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Venice, surrounded entirely by water.

From there, the tour continues past Poveglia, one of the most mysterious and legendary abandoned islands in the lagoon, visible only from private boats.

The journey ends in Pellestrina, a narrow barrier island between the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, where daily life still revolves around fishing, boats, and traditions untouched by mass tourism.

This tour is perfect for travellers who want something different from the classic Venice itinerary.

3. Chioggia: The End of the Venetian Lagoon

“Little Venice” with a strong local soul

Located at the very southern tip of the lagoon, Chioggia is often called “Little Venice” but has a character entirely its own.

Here you’ll find lively canals, colourful houses, and one of Italy’s most important and authentic fish markets. Unlike Venice, Chioggia feels local, vibrant, and real, with very few tourists.

Reaching Chioggia by boat is an experience in itself, crossing wide stretches of lagoon water rarely seen by visitors and offering a deeper understanding of how vast and diverse the Venetian Lagoon truly is.

4. Boat Tour Up the Sile River

From saltwater lagoon to freshwater nature

For a completely different day trip, leave the lagoon behind and cruise up the Sile River, one of the cleanest spring-fed rivers in Europe.

This peaceful boat tour takes you through freshwater landscapes, lush riverbanks, historic villas, and protected natural areas. The atmosphere is calm, green, and surprisingly close to Venice, yet feels worlds away from tourism.

It’s an ideal experience for nature lovers, couples, and travellers seeking a slow, relaxing escape from the city.

5. Swimming Tour in the Lagoon or the Sea + Lunch

The ultimate Venetian summer experience

One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Venice is swimming directly from a boat.

Depending on weather and conditions, you can swim in shallow lagoon waters near sandbanks or in the open Adriatic Sea near the beaches of the barrier islands (Lido di Venezia). After swimming, the tour includes a stop at a traditional lagoon restaurant for lunch.

Popular options include Gatto Nero in Burano, Trattoria Alla Maddalena in Mazzorbo, or Agriturismo Le Valli in Pellestrina, where seafood, local recipes, and lagoon landscapes come together.

This day trip combines swimming, nature, food, and relaxation—just like Venetians enjoy their summers.

Why Choose Vidal Venice Tours for Your Day Trip

Vidal Venice Tours specializes in private boat tours for up to 10 guests, offering:

  • Local skipper and lagoon expert

  • Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests

  • Swimming stops and hidden locations

  • Aperitivo on board

  • Off-the-beaten-path experiences far from mass tourism

Whether it’s your first visit to Venice or you’re returning to explore deeper, a private boat day trip is the best way to truly understand the lagoon.

Discover Venice Beyond the Crowds

If you want to experience the real Venetian Lagoon, Vidal Venice Tours will create a custom day trip designed around you.

Venice is not meant to be rushed. It’s meant to be explored from the water.

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