Lugano, with its stunning lakefront setting and charming villages, is a perfect place to explore by water. Whether you’re craving a relaxing cruise across Lake Lugano or a guided walk combined with a boat ride, this Swiss city offers a variety of ways to enjoy its scenic shores. We’re especially fond of the From Lugano: Lake Lugano Cruise to Morcote & Sightseeing because it combines a leisurely boat trip with a visit to the picturesque village of Morcote, crowned Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Village in 2016. It’s perfect if you want a taste of local charm along with impressive lake views. For those who prefer a more active experience, the Guided Walk from Lugano to Gandria offers an insight into the region’s history and stunning vistas, with the added bonus of a boat ride back. And if you want to explore at your own pace, the Lugano Lake: 3 hours Boat Rental provides a hassle-free, license-free way to enjoy the lake on your terms.
In this list, we cover a mix of organized tours, including scenic cruises, guided walks, and boat rentals. Each offers a different way to experience Lugano’s natural beauty and quaint villages. To help you decide, I’ve broken down what makes each one unique, practical details, and who it’s best suited for.
1. From Lugano: Lake Lugano Cruise to Morcote & Sightseeing
Set sail from Lugano on a panoramic boat cruise to Morcote, often called Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Village. This tour is a favorite for its combination of relaxing lake views and wandering through Morcote’s charming streets. The cruise itself offers incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains and shimmering waters, perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery. Once ashore, you’ll have time to explore Morcote’s baroque churches, lush gardens, and the renowned Parco Scherrer, filled with tropical vegetation.
This tour is rated 4.6/5 from 38 reviews, mostly praising its peaceful pace and stunning scenery. At just $30 per person, it offers an affordable way to see two highlights in one afternoon. The 5.5-hour duration makes it suitable for a half-day escape, with check-in times varying. The guides are knowledgeable, and many visitors mention how relaxed and enjoyable the experience was. This is ideal for travelers looking for an easy, scenic outing that combines boat travel with a brief village visit.
Bottom line: For a straightforward, budget-friendly lake cruise combined with a charming village walk, this tour offers great value and memorable sights.
2. Lugano: Guided Walking Tour to Gandria with Boat Cruise
This tour offers a 1.5-hour walk along the Olive Tree Trail, leading from Lugano to the village of Gandria. The route takes you through olive groves, terraced vineyards, and panoramic viewpoints, with your guide sharing insights into the region’s history and agriculture. After exploring Gandria’s narrow streets and quaint cafes, you’ll hop on a boat for a relaxing return trip across Lake Lugano.
Rated 4.5/5 from 35 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative guides and stunning scenery. It lasts around 5 hours and costs a moderate amount, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of gentle walking, sightseeing, and boat rides. The guide’s storytelling brings the landscape and history alive, making the experience more meaningful. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded half-day that combines nature, culture, and lakeside views.
Bottom line: This tour combines a scenic walk with a boat cruise, ideal for those wanting both gentle activity and cultural insights.
3. From Milan: Lugano and Lake Maggiore Cruise with Isola dei Pescatori
Travelers coming from Milan can enjoy a full 11-hour day exploring Lugano and the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. The day kicks off with a scenic bus ride through the Swiss Alps, then free time in Lugano to stroll or enjoy lunch. The highlight is the cruise among the Borromean Islands, especially the iconic Isola dei Pescatori, a lively fishing village with narrow streets and waterfront restaurants.
Rated perfect at 5/5 for its well-organized itinerary, the tour is best for those wanting a comprehensive day trip. The cruise offers a chance to see the stately palaces and lush gardens of the islands, with plenty of time to explore the charming island village. The tour includes lunch and transportation, making it good value for a full-day experience. Expect stunning lake views, cultural insights, and a taste of Italy’s lakeside life.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a long, scenic day trip with a mix of Swiss and Italian lakes and islands, this is a memorable pick. It’s perfect for those wanting to see more than just Lugano.
4. Lugano Lake: 3 hours Boat Rental
Want the freedom to explore Lake Lugano at your own pace? This 3-hour boat rental is a simple, hassle-free way to enjoy the lake from the water. The boats are easy to handle and don’t require a license, which means no complicated paperwork or training. Fuel and insurance are included, so what you see is what you get. You can start from a central location in Lugano, right in front of McDonald’s, making it very convenient.
Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, visitors love the friendly support and easy handling of the boat. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who want a personal adventure on the lake without the constraints of a guided tour. Whether you want to visit hidden coves or just relax with a picnic on the boat, this rental puts you in control.
Bottom line: For an affordable, flexible, and straightforward lake adventure, this rental is hard to beat.
5. Guided Walk from Lugano to Gandria promoted by Lugano Region – return by boat
This tour offers an active half-day experience, starting with a walk along the Sentiero dell’Olivo (Olive Tree Trail), with your guide sharing stories about the region’s agriculture and history. You’ll pass through olive groves and scenic viewpoints before reaching Gandria, a small lakeside village. After exploring Gandria’s narrow streets and local eateries, you’ll return to Lugano by boat.
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative guide and stunning views. It lasts around 4-5 hours and costs about $25.36 per person. The combination of walking and boat transfers provides a balanced experience, perfect for active travelers who want to learn about the region and enjoy the scenery without a full day commitment.
Bottom line: A great fit for those wanting a moderate activity mixed with cultural exploration and a scenic boat ride back.
6. Guided Half-Day Excursion to Morcote with Panoramic Cruise
This half-day tour takes you to Morcote, famously called the “Pearl of Ceresio,” with a panoramic cruise across Lake Lugano. The escape includes a walk through Morcote’s charming streets, a visit to its baroque church, and stops at Scherrer Park to enjoy the subtropical flora. The tour is rated 4.5/5 from 5 reviews and offers a relaxed way to see this lovely village.
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours and costs around $31, making it a good value. The boat ride grants impressive views of the lake and mountains, while the village walk offers a taste of local architecture and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a half-day escape with scenic travel and cultural discovery.
Bottom line: If you want a half-day trip with a scenic cruise and village exploration, this tour offers a nicely balanced experience.
7. Lugano Lake: 2 hours Boat Rental
This 2-hour boat rental is ideal for those who want to quickly explore Lake Lugano at their own pace. Like the longer rental, these boats are license-free and include fuel, so you can focus on the fun. The central location makes it easy to hop on and off, and reviews mention the friendly support and the quality of the boat.
It’s perfect if you want a shorter, more flexible outing or to combine with other activities in Lugano. The ability to drive your own boat means you can visit hidden spots or simply enjoy the scenery with a leisurely cruise.
Bottom line: For a short, flexible boat experience, this rental offers convenience and fun without fuss.
8. Lugano Lake: 1 hour Boat Rental
If you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of the lake, this 1-hour boat rental is a quick shot of fun. It’s the shortest option but still provides beautiful water views and the chance to control your own boat. Reviews are positive, citing the easy handling and friendly service.
Ideal for a quick break or those trying to squeeze in a lake adventure during a busy day. It’s easy to book and offers an inexpensive way to experience Lake Lugano’s scenery firsthand.
Bottom line: For a quick, inexpensive lake experience, this one-hour rental hits the spot.
9. Lugano Lake: All Day Boat Rental
This 9-hour rental is perfect for those who want an entire day on Lake Lugano. You’ll have the freedom to explore the lake’s nooks and crannies at your own pace, with no license needed. Fuel and insurance are included, so you won’t face hidden fees. Many reviews highlight how easy and relaxing it is to drive the boat for a full day of exploring.
Suitable for families or groups of friends looking to make a day of lakeside activities. The long duration allows you to visit quieter spots, enjoy picnics, or just relax on the water.
Bottom line: For a full day on the lake with complete freedom, this rental is an excellent and cost-effective choice.
10. Scenic Train to Lugano’s Old Town & Lake Cruise | From Basel
Travelers from Basel can experience a scenic 11-hour journey that combines a train ride through the Swiss Alps, a visit to Lugano, and a lake cruise. This tour includes a ride through the Gotthard Tunnel, the longest rail tunnel in the world, making the journey itself a memorable part of the adventure. Once in Lugano, you’ll explore the Old Town, enjoy a lake cruise, and then take the train back.
Rated without a specific score, it’s suited for those who love train travel, scenic landscapes, and cultural exploration. The tour is flexible, with guides speaking English and French, and accessible for wheelchairs. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a full-day experience combining transport, sightseeing, and lakeside views.
Bottom line: This is perfect if you’re coming from Basel and want a full-day, scenic, multi-sensory exploration of Lugano and the Swiss Alps.
How to Choose the Right Lake Tour in Lugano
Choosing between these options depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you want an affordable half-day with a scenic boat ride, the From Lugano: Lake Lugano Cruise to Morcote is a simple, beautiful choice. If you’re keen on self-guided freedom, the boat rentals let you explore on your own schedule, whether for a quick hour or a full day. For those craving a more active experience, the Guided Walks combined with boat transfers offer insight and scenic beauty without a lot of effort.
Travelers coming from Milan or Basel might prefer the full-day excursions that combine multiple sights, while shorter options are great if you’re on a tight schedule. Booking in advance, especially for rentals and full-day tours, ensures you get your preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Lugano offers a wide range of boat tours and cruises that suit different tastes and schedules. The From Lugano: Lake Lugano Cruise to Morcote stands out for its balance of simplicity and scenic beauty. Meanwhile, the Lugano Lake: All Day Boat Rental is perfect for those who want total freedom on the water.
If you’re a culture lover, the guided walks and half-day tours provide rich insights into the region’s history. For longer adventures, the Lugano and Lake Maggiore cruise from Milan gives a wonderful mix of Swiss and Italian lake scenery. No matter your preference, booking early is wise—these tours fill quickly in peak season.
Enjoy your time on Lugano’s beautiful lake, and make sure to choose the experience that best matches your pace and interests!
