The 11 Best Venice Boat Tours

1.Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 15,699 reviews · 4.5 - 5.5 hours · from $29Our pick

Cruise from Venice to Murano, Torcello, and Burano in 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration, visit a lace shop, and explore each island independently. Multilingual commentary covers the lagoon, while the short stops keep this affordable trip moving.

“The trip is really well organised and consists in three main stops in three different island. You have time to explore the little islands, take a coffe and pictures. The only thing I found disgusting was the visit to the Vetro Officine: the owner who explained the process of creating an time of glass was extremely rude and acted as if he was disgusted by the tourists visiting (and paying for this) the Officine. He made some comments in local language very rude, and he cared only in guiding people to the gift shop… disgusting person. The last island, Burano, was magical. So so beautiful. Overall, if you remove these…”

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2.Murano & Burano: Boat Tour with Guide & Glass Factory Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10,716 reviews · 4.5 - 7 hours · from $23Best value

Take a guided boat from Venice to Murano and Burano, with multilingual commentary, a glassblowing demonstration, colorful canalside streets, and free time to explore. Choose a departure near San Marco or the railway station, and allow 4.5 to 7 hours depending on your option.

“Very pleasant ride ! Would like to have a little bit more time in Burano”

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3.Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10,245 reviews · 6 hours · from $28

Take a six-hour panoramic boat trip from St. Mark’s to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. A multilingual host explains the lagoon en route, while you explore each island independently. The highlight is a Murano glassblowing demonstration, followed by free time and a 10% factory-shop discount.

“We had a wonderful time visiting the different islands. We were free to do anything once we got to the different islands. The boat tour took all of the planning and organizing out of the transportation. I would definitely recommend this.”

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4.Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,580 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $36

From central Venice, join a guide such as Silvia, Serena, Frankie, or Elena for a five-hour boat trip to Murano and Burano. Watch glassblowing, see handmade lace, hear lagoon stories, and enjoy free time on the islands. The boat holds no more than 22 people.

“Silvia, was a excellent host, very informative. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Would try to request her again”

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5.Murano & Burano Panoramic Boat Tour w/ Glassblowing

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 6,212 reviews · 4 - 4.5 hours · from $29

Spend 4 to 4.5 hours reaching Murano and Burano by comfortable motorboat from St. Mark’s area. Watch a Murano glass master at work, browse the factory gallery with a 10% discount, then enjoy just over an hour among Burano’s painted houses, lace shops, cafés, and canals. Multilingual guides may include Eva or Francesca.

“Excellent Value for the money. Great to get out on a boat in the Venice lagoon. Cute little islands to explore. Coming back during the sunset was lovely.”

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6.Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,658 reviews · 5 hours · from $35

Cruise from Venice to Murano and Burano with an English-speaking guide such as Serena, Elena, or Frankie. Watch glassblowing and handmade lace, browse artisan shops, and enjoy free time for food and photos. The $35 price includes private-boat transport, demonstrations, and discounts, but not hotel pickup.

“Elena was fantastic, we had a great time Karlie & Lindsay 💕”

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7.Private 3 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s, Walking tour & Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,372 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $480

Begin with a guided walk through St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica, then explore Castello’s lanes before a separate one-hour boat trip along the Grand Canal and smaller canals. English tours run for about three hours, with private upgrades available.

“Good tour, nice guides and provided a great overview of city history. I would have lived to visit a couple of more sites in the city given the price.”

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8.Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3,106 reviews

Take a private 30-minute gondola ride through Venice for up to five people. You’ll travel along the Grand Canal and smaller canals, passing Gothic palaces and bridges by day or after dark. A host helps you check in, but commentary and serenades are not included.

“Definitely enjoyed it. A little pricey for us Canadians unfortunately but I would say it was worth it for once in a lifetime experience like that in Venice.”

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9.Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,489 reviews · 3 - 9.5 hours · from $34

Travel by boat from Venice to Murano and Burano with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Watch a glassblowing demonstration, see traditional lace-making, and enjoy free time among Burano’s colorful houses. Guides such as Flavia, Claudia, and Nicole are praised for clear explanations and practical tips.

“A very good value for the money. We really enjoyed Burano including the brief intro to lace making, the shops and cafes. While Murano glass is gorgeous, too much time was allocated to visiting just one high end glass shop.”

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10.Catamaran Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,206 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $94

Spend 90 minutes aboard a roomy catamaran with host Andreas and his crew, cruising San Marco Bay, the Giudecca Canal, and the lagoon toward Lido. A saxophonist plays jazz, bossa, and soul while you enjoy one included drink and a small plate of cicchetti.

“Really excellent experience vibe was great, views and drinks where nice. Alls I would say is have the option for card payment also for extra drinks. The 1st one is free but we had to Goto a card machine and come back to pay”

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11.Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat with Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 505 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $114Top rated

Set out from Ospedale on a traditional sampierotta or bragozzo with a skipper such as Leonardo or Tommaso. This 1-hour-45-minute small-group cruise circles the lagoon, passing St. Mark’s, San Giorgio Maggiore, Lido, San Lazzaro, and more, with half a bottle of Prosecco per person.

“This tour was so much better than expected and Leonardo was awesome. A great way to see Venice with a knowledgeable local.”

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