Chioggia’s waterfront tours pack major value for travelers seeking an authentic slice of working-class Italian life. Unlike touristy Venice, this compact fishing town offers intimate boat excursions that showcase daily maritime culture. The small-group Pellestrina Lagoon tour stands out as the top pick – you’ll get up-close views of traditional fishing methods while learning from local skippers who know these waters intimately. Another winner is the sunset canal cruise, which provides the perfect mix of history and atmosphere as you glide past the town’s medieval architecture. Skip the big cruise ships and opt for these smaller vessels that can access Chioggia’s narrowest waterways. Let’s explore the best boat tours this “Little Venice” has to offer.
Key Points
- The Pellestrina Lagoon Tour offers a personalized 1.5-hour small-group experience (max 5 participants) guided by an expert skipper in a traditional lagoon boat.
- The Chioggia Canals Boat Tour provides a 2-hour guided boat tour through picturesque canals, with a small group size (max 5 participants) and a multilingual guide.
- The Venetian Lagoon and Canals Tour is a 1.5-hour boat tour (max 5 participants) that focuses on architectural beauty, bustling markets, and fishermen’s life, led by a local captain.
- The Sunset Tour in the Venetian Lagoon is a 1.5-hour cruise during sunset for breathtaking views, with a small group size (max 5 participants) and a multilingual licensed driver.
- The Boat Night Tour and Full Moon Tour is a 1.5-hour night tour through picturesque canals, guided by hosts fluent in multiple languages and prioritizing safety and comfort.
Tour to Pellestrina in a Typical Lagoon Boat From Chioggia
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting Venetian Lagoon and the idyllic island of Pellestrina from Chioggia.
For $6,827 per person, guests can embark on a 1.5-hour small-group experience limited to 5 participants, guided by an expert skipper in a traditional lagoon boat.
The tour includes a visit to the Ca’ Roman nature reserve and the historic Murazzi walls, as well as the chance to observe mussel farms and fishermen’s stilt houses.
Unlimited photo stops are available upon request, and life jackets and sun awnings are provided.
The tour departs from the Comparato Dock, with the nearest parking at Park Unione.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 8 reviews, this tour promises a personalized and insightful exploration of the Venetian Lagoon, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the region’s captivating natural and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Tour to Pellestrina in a Typical Lagoon Boat From Chioggia Review
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Chioggia: Canals Boat Tour and Take Picture of Cruise Ship
Visitors to Chioggia can embark on a 2-hour guided boat tour to explore the town’s picturesque canals and the Venetian Lagoon. This small group experience, limited to just 5 participants, offers unique local perspectives of Chioggia and its stunning lagoon.
Led by a multilingual guide, the tour grants opportunities to take photos of the iconic “Floating Hotel” cruise ship. Passengers can also admire the charming town of Sottomarina as they navigate the canals.
The comfortable, fully-restored local boat is operated by a licensed driver with professional knowledge of the Venetian Lagoon. Life jackets are available upon request, and the tour provider offers luggage storage and shipping services for souvenirs.
While the meeting point is only accessible on foot, the nearest parking is at Park Unione. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Guests are advised to use the restroom before boarding, as Chioggia is an hour from Venice.
Read our full review: Chioggia: Canals Boat Tour and Take Picture of Cruise Ship Review
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Chioggia: Venetian Lagoon and Canals Boat Tour
Although just a short distance from the iconic canals of Venice, Chioggia’s Venetian Lagoon and canals offer a more authentic and less crowded experience for visitors.
For $5987 per person, the 1.5-hour boat tour takes groups of up to 5 participants on a journey through the lagoon and canals, including 20-minute cruises through Del Buon Castello, via Vigo Bridge, along Canal Vena, and at Fondamenta S. Domenico.
Guests can admire the architectural beauty, bustling markets, and fishermen’s life, while capturing stunning photographs of the lagoon’s colors.
The tour is led by a local captain who shares stories and legends, providing a personal and immersive cultural experience.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 and high praise for the knowledgeable and kind guides, this tour offers excellent value for money and a unique perspective on Chioggia’s Venetian heritage.
Read our full review: Chioggia: Venetian Lagoon and Canals Boat Tour Review
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Chioggia: Sunset Tour in the Venetian Lagoon by Boat
Chioggia’s Venetian Lagoon takes on a mesmerizing ambiance as the sun dips below the horizon. The Chioggia: Sunset Tour in the Venetian Lagoon by Boat offers a unique opportunity to witness this transformation from the comfort of a small, restored local boat.
During this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll cruise through the calm waters, taking in the scenic route and capturing breathtaking images as the golden light bathes the lagoon. The small group size, limited to 5 participants, ensures personalized attention from the multilingual licensed driver, who’ll share insights into Chioggia’s history and aquaculture.
The tour departs from the Comparato Dock, with the nearest parking at Park Unione. It includes transportation, a sensory experience of the breeze and calming water, and unlimited photo stops upon request.
While not suitable for those with mobility impairments, the tour has received excellent reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 22 travelers.
Book early to secure your spot and learn about Chioggia’s captivating sunset on the Venetian Lagoon.
Read our full review: Chioggia: Sunset Tour in the Venetian Lagoon by Boat Review
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Chioggia: Boat Night Tour and Full Moon Tour
For those seeking a unique nighttime perspective of Chioggia and the Venetian Lagoon, the Boat Night Tour and Full Moon Tour offer an enchanting experience.
Lasting 1.5 hours, the tour takes small groups of up to 5 participants on a journey through Chioggia’s picturesque canals aboard a traditional Venetian boat. Guided by knowledgeable English, French, Italian, or Spanish-speaking hosts, the tour provides insightful commentary on Chioggia’s history, which predates Venice by 500 years.
Travelers can capture unlimited photos and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The tour is affordably priced from £47.96 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With life jackets available upon request and professional knowledge of the lagoon, the tour prioritizes safety and comfort. Based on 4 glowing reviews, the Boat Night Tour and Full Moon Tour come highly recommended as a must-try activity for those exploring the Chioggia region.
Read our full review: Chioggia: Boat Night Tour and Full Moon Tour Review
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Little Venice of Chioggia Guided Tour From Padua
The Little Venice of Chioggia Guided Tour from Padua offers visitors a captivating exploration of this historic Italian town.
This 4.5-hour tour whisks travelers from Padua to the charming canals of Chioggia, known as the “little Venice.” During the journey, guests will embark on a guided walking tour, discovering the town’s bridges, pastel-colored houses, and landmarks like the Porta Garibaldi, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and Vigo Bridge.
The highlight of the tour is a 100-minute boat cruise through Chioggia’s main canals, allowing participants to soak in the town’s unique atmosphere.
In case of inclement weather, the boat tour is replaced with an aperitif and local snack tasting. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the town’s history and culture, including the story of the Madonna dei Pescatori.
With pickup from Padua, roundtrip transportation, and group sizes limited to 8, this tour offers an immersive and personalized experience in the “little Venice” of Chioggia.
Read our full review: Little Venice of Chioggia Guided Tour From Padua Review
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The Sum Up
Chioggia offers a variety of boat tours that allow visitors to explore its charming canals, the Venetian Lagoon, and witness breathtaking sunsets and moonlit scenes. These tours provide an immersive experience, showcasing the town’s unique Venetian architecture and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in a daytime cruise or a romantic night tour, Chioggia has something to suit every traveler’s preferences.