Lake Maggiore’s boat excursions from Stresa remain one of northern Italy’s great travel experiences. The main routes connect visitors to the must-see Borromean Islands and the stunning Santa Caterina Del Sasso Hermitage, a cliffside monastery dating from the 13th century. I especially love the hop-on-hop-off boats – they’re practical, affordable, and let you explore at your own pace. For a special treat, the evening cruises offer incredible sunset views of the Alps while avoiding daytime crowds.
The best operators provide knowledgeable English-speaking guides and include entrance fees to the islands’ palaces and gardens. For families or small groups, private tours allow flexible timing and customized itineraries.
Check out these recommended boat tours that make the most of your Lake Maggiore visit:
Key Points
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Explore Lake Maggiore’s picturesque Borromean Islands with hop-on hop-off boat tours from Stresa, offering flexibility and stunning panoramic views.
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Embark on private boat tours from Stresa to discover historical villas, the Santa Caterina Del Sasso Hermitage, and customize your itinerary with free time on the islands.
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Enjoy scenic cruises from Stresa, including a sunset cruise and a tour to the Hermitage, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Lake Maggiore.
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Experience a full-day private boat tour from Stresa, visiting Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, with the option to include a personalized lunch experience.
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Flexible booking options, multilingual crew, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace make the boat tours and cruises in Stresa an attractive choice for visitors.
From Milan: Lake Maggiore & Borromean Gems With Boat Cruise
For those visiting Milan, a day trip to Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands offers a chance to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region.
The From Milan: Stresa, Alps, & Lake Maggiore Full-Day Tour is a popular option, providing a 10-hour excursion that includes a boat cruise on the lake. Priced at $104.06, the tour receives a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
Highlights include the picturesque town of Stresa, the Swiss Alps, and visits to the Borromean Islands, where travelers can explore the islands’ landmarks and landscapes at their own pace using the hop-on hop-off boat service.
Read our full review: From Milan: Lake Maggiore & Borromean Gems With Boat Cruise Review
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Stresa: Private Cruise to Santa Caterina Del Sasso
Embarking on a private cruise from Stresa to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Lake Maggiore.
Priced at $157.66 for up to 10 participants, the 40-minute excursion provides panoramic views of historical villas along the Stresa coast, including Villa Amalia Bernocchi and Villa Carlottina Margherita.
Upon reaching the destination, visitors can admire the Hermitage set on a rock face overlooking the lake.
With a live tour guide available in multiple languages, this cruise is a convenient and picturesque way to explore the area.
However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and adverse weather conditions may result in cancellations.
Read our full review: Stresa: Private Cruise to Santa Caterina Del Sasso Review
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From Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Gulf Boat Tour
Travelers seeking to explore the picturesque Borromean Gulf from Stresa can embark on a captivating 45-minute boat tour. Priced at €150 for up to 4 participants, the tour offers flexible travel plans with a reserve now & pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The cruise takes guests to the enchanting Isola Madre, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Bella, showcasing the region’s coastal towns and Baroque gardens. Aboard the vessel, a multilingual crew provides commentary while guests enjoy scenic views of Lake Maggiore’s waters.
Although the tour doesn’t include stops on the islands, the panoramic cruise and audioguide ensure a memorable experience.
Read our full review: From Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Borromean Gulf Boat Tour Review
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Stresa: Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
Visitors can explore the enchanting Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore at their own pace with the Stresa: Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour.
Priced from $8.41 per person, this tour allows guests to create their own itinerary, with boats running every 30 minutes.
The tour includes a return boat ticket from Stresa to Isola Bella and a hop-on hop-off service around the island.
While the entrance to the Palace Museum and gardens isn’t included, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.
The tour operates rain or shine, with a landing fee of €0.50 per island to be paid locally.
It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, but pets are allowed on the boats.
Read our full review: Stresa: Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour Review
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From Stresa: Isola Pescatori Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour
The Stresa-based Isola Pescatori hop-on hop-off boat tour provides a delightful opportunity for exploring the charming fishing village on Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands.
Priced at €9.00 per person, the tour offers a full day’s access to the island, with boats running every 30 minutes. Highlights include discovering the local crafts and enjoying traditional seafood meals.
Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a private boat option is available for a more exclusive experience.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour offers multilingual commentary and flexibility in departure and return times, subject to weather conditions.
Read our full review: From Stresa: Isola Pescatori Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour Review
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Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise
For a truly breathtaking experience along the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise offers a delightful opportunity to witness the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Priced from Kč 503 per person, this 1-hour cruise departs from Stresa and navigates the Borromean Gulf, passing the picturesque Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella.
Highlights include panoramic views of the Borromean Islands and their world-famous gardens and palaces.
The cruise is suitable for small groups, romantic getaways, or larger parties, with a multilingual captain to guide you.
Just note it’s not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Read our full review: Lake Maggiore, Stresa and Borromean Islands Sunset Cruise Review
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BOAT TOUR FROM TAORMINA & SNORKELING HALF-DAY
Departing from the picturesque town of Taormina, the BOAT TOUR FROM TAORMINA & SNORKELING HALF-DAY offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning coastline and crystalline waters of Sicily.
This 4-hour tour includes a scenic boat ride along the Ionian Sea, with stops for snorkeling in the clear blue waters. Guests can discover the marine life and unique rock formations that dot the coastline.
The tour is priced at $104.06 per person and has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 18 reviews.
It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sicily from a different perspective.
Read our full review: BOAT TOUR FROM TAORMINA & SNORKELING HALF-DAY Review
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From Lake Maggiore: Private Boat Tour With Pickup/Drop-Off
A private boat tour on Lake Maggiore from Stresa and surrounding areas offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Borromean Islands and other picturesque destinations along the lake.
Priced at $630.64 for up to 10 people, the tour includes a private boat, multilingual captain, and free time on the islands. Travelers can visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori, as well as Santa Caterina del Sasso.
The tour provides flexibility, allowing guests to customize the boat and itinerary. Pickup and drop-off are available from 17 locations, and the experience includes museum and garden access.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5, this tour offers a convenient and high-quality way to explore the beauty of Lake Maggiore.
Read our full review: From Lake Maggiore: Private Boat Tour With Pickup/Drop-Off Review
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From Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella Private Boat Tour
Situated in the picturesque town of Stresa, this private boat tour invites travelers to explore the enchanting Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore. Priced from $630.64 per group, the 3-hour excursion can be customized between 2-4 hours.
Available in multiple languages, the tour includes a guided visit to Isola Bella’s architectural marvels and baroque gardens, as well as scenic views of the Borromean Islands and Gulf. Participants can enjoy sightseeing, photo stops, and free time on the island.
The tour package covers a private boat, tour guide, admission tickets, and island fees, though food and drinks must be purchased separately. This experience isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Read our full review: From Stresa: Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella Private Boat Tour Review
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Lake Maggiore: Full-Day Private Boat Tour With Lunch
Although nestled along the shores of picturesque Lake Maggiore, this full-day private boat tour takes travelers beyond the charming town of Stresa to explore the Borromean Islands and surrounding landscapes.
The 7-hour excursion includes a visit to the stunning Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, where passengers can hop on and off to sightsee at their own pace.
Priced at $262.77 for up to 10 people, the private cruise offers a personalized experience to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.
With a rating of 5 stars from past guests, this is an excellent way to make the most of a day on the lake.
Read our full review: Lake Maggiore: Full-Day Private Boat Tour With Lunch Review
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From Stresa: Lake Maggiore Cruise & Santa Caterina Del Sasso
Departing from the picturesque town of Stresa or Baveno, this 2-hour Lake Maggiore cruise takes travelers on a scenic journey to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Priced at $420.43 for up to 11 participants, the cruise includes a private boat service with a multilingual captain.
Highlights include stunning panoramas, historical villas, and the natural beauty between the rock and lake.
While a tour guide isn’t included, guests can enjoy free time to explore the 100-step Hermitage and its stunning views.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this cruise is a convenient and flexible way to experience the highlights of Lake Maggiore.
Read our full review: From Stresa: Lake Maggiore Cruise & Santa Caterina Del Sasso Review
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Recap
Stresa offers a variety of cruises and boat tours for visitors to explore the stunning Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands. From private tours to hop-on hop-off options, travelers can customize their experience to suit their interests and preferences. Whether seeking panoramic views, historic sites, or a relaxing day on the water, Stresa’s boat tours provide an excellent way to discover the region’s natural beauty.