Venice: Sant’Erasmo, Vignole, and Lagoon Kayaking Tour

Exploring the serene waters of the Venetian Lagoon by kayak offers a unique perspective on the city’s natural and cultural heritage. The Venice: Sant’Erasmo, Vignole, and Lagoon Kayaking Tour guides adventurers through diverse marine ecosystems, allowing them to experience the enchanting beauty of the lagoon first-hand. With knowledgeable experts leading the way, you will navigate to historic sites like Lazzaretto Nuovo and Sant’Andrea Fort, seeing the rich history of the region. This eco-friendly tour, limited to just four guests, promises an unforgettable adventure for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Discover the captivating wonders that lie beyond the iconic canals of Venice.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Venice.

Key Points

• A 4-hour small-group kayaking tour that explores the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole in the Venetian lagoon, providing unique perspectives of the natural environment.

• Opportunity to observe diverse marine life and visit historical sites like the 16th-century Sant’Andrea Fort and the original quarantine site of Lazzaretto Nuovo.

• Guided tour with experienced English, Italian, and German-speaking guides, offering comprehensive safety instructions and paddling techniques.

• Eco-friendly experience that allows access to areas unreachable by larger boats, promoting a sustainable exploration of Venice’s natural beauty.

• Includes kayak, life vest, paddle, and water bus ticket, with the option to purchase additional services and prepare accordingly for the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Venice kayaking tour offers participants an opportunity to explore the hidden parts of the city’s lagoon, venturing to the islands of Sant’Erasmo, Vignole, and beyond.

This 4-hour small-group experience is limited to just 4 people, with live guides available in Italian, German, and English. Guests can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Eco-friendly kayaking provides access to sights only reachable by small boats, including the historic Sant’Andrea Fort and Lazzaretto Nuovo, the original quarantine site.

With stunning lagoon views and opportunities to observe marine life, this tour offers a unique and immersive way to discover Venice’s hidden gems.

Experience Highlights

Explore hidden parts of Venice by kayak, enjoying an eco-friendly adventure without the noise of motors.

Access sights only reachable by small boats, like the 16th-century Sant’Andrea Fort, built to protect the city.

Observe marine life and stunning lagoon views as you navigate the calm waters around Sant’Erasmo and Vignole islands.

Visit the Lazzaretto Nuovo, the site of the original quarantine concept, and take in the breathtaking vistas from Certosa island.

This guided tour offers a unique perspective on Venice, allowing you to learn about the lagoon’s natural beauty and fascinating history.

Itinerary Details

The kayaking adventure begins after meeting the guide at the Caffegelato bar. Here, you will learn proper paddling techniques and safety measures before navigating the calm waters around Sant’Erasmo and Vignole islands. The tour will visit the Lazzaretto Nuovo, the site of the original quarantine concept, and admire the impressive 16th-century Sant’Andrea Fort from Certosa island. The journey offers a unique perspective of Venice’s lagoon, with the opportunity to observe marine life and stunning views.

Destination	Key Sights	Duration
Sant’Erasmo	Explore the tranquil island	1 hour
Vignole	Visit the historic Lazzaretto Nuovo	1 hour
Sant’Andrea Fort	Admire the impressive 16th-century structure	1 hour
Certosa Island	Take in the views of the lagoon	1 hour
Return to Starting Point	Conclude the kayaking adventure	30 minutes

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, the use of a kayak, a life vest, a paddle, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a water bus ticket to reach Sant’Erasmo island.

However, the following items aren’t included:

• Food and drinks
• Tips
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users

Participants are advised to bring recommended items such as a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, and outdoor clothing.

The water bus ticket to Sant’Erasmo Island can be purchased on-board, providing flexibility for the participants.

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Preparation and What to Bring

Recommended items for the Venice Kayaking Tour include a hat to shield from the sun, swimwear for potential water activities, a change of clothes, a towel to dry off, sunscreen to protect skin, water to stay hydrated, and outdoor-suitable clothing.

Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for the possibility of getting wet.

While a water bus ticket to Sant’Erasmo Island can be purchased on-board, it’s suggested to have some extra cash on hand for any additional expenses.

Bringing a small backpack or dry bag to store personal items is also advisable.

Kayaking Techniques and Safety

Prior to launching their kayaks, you will receive a thorough safety briefing and instruction on proper paddling techniques from the experienced guide. This will ensure everyone is well-equipped to navigate the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon safely and confidently.

The guide will cover:

• Correct hand positioning and paddle grip
• Efficient forward, backward, and turning strokes
• Bracing techniques to maintain stability
• Emergency procedures and capsize recovery

With these essential skills under their belts, participants can look forward to an immersive and eco-friendly exploration of the hidden corners of Venice’s captivating lagoon landscape.

Exploring Sant’Erasmo and Vignole

After mastering the fundamentals of kayaking, participants embark on their journey to explore the serene waters surrounding the idyllic islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole.

Gliding effortlessly across the lagoon, they marvel at the stunning natural scenery and the unique perspectives afforded by the kayaks. The islands offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city, with their lush vegetation and tranquil atmosphere.

Participants have the opportunity to observe the diverse marine life thriving in these protected waters and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystem of the Venetian lagoon.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with the natural wonders that lie just beyond the city’s iconic canals.

Visiting Lazzaretto Nuovo and Sant’Andrea Fort

As the kayaks glide effortlessly across the serene waters, the group approaches the next highlight of the tour – the historic Lazzaretto Nuovo.

This 16th-century island was once the site of the original quarantine concept, where ships and their crews were isolated to prevent the spread of diseases. The paddlers explore the island’s well-preserved structures, learning about its fascinating history.

Continuing the journey, the kayaks reach the imposing Sant’Andrea Fort, built to protect Venice from naval attacks. The group marvels at the impressive 16th-century architecture and takes in the stunning views of the lagoon from the fort’s vantage point.

• Discover the origins of the quarantine concept at Lazzaretto Nuovo
• Explore the island’s well-preserved historical structures
• Admire the formidable Sant’Andrea Fort and its strategic location
• Enjoy the stunning vistas of the Venetian lagoon from the fort

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Equipment?

No, participants must use the kayaks and equipment provided by the tour operator. Personal kayaks and gear are not allowed on this guided tour to ensure safety and consistency for the small group experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement for participants. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to the physical nature of the activity and safety considerations on the water.

Do I Need Prior Kayaking Experience to Join the Tour?

No prior kayaking experience is required to join this tour. The guided instruction provided by the tour guide ensures participants of all skill levels can safely navigate the lagoon and enjoy the sights.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on this kayaking tour. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the tour operator restricts participation to only the registered guests. Service animals may be allowed with prior arrangements.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, typically starting from groups of 4 or more participants. Customers can inquire about group rates when making their reservation to potentially save on the tour cost.

Recap

This enchanting kayaking tour provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Venice’s serene lagoon and discover its natural and cultural heritage. Guided by knowledgeable experts, participants can enjoy stunning views, diverse marine ecosystems, and historic sites like Lazzaretto Nuovo and Sant’Andrea Fort. With its limited group size, this eco-friendly adventure offers a truly memorable and personalized experience for nature and history enthusiasts alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: