Last Updated on November 13, 2026
You can build a summer bucket list around eight memorable boat rides, from Venice’s historic canals to Lake Tahoe’s alpine shore. Each outing gives you a different way to experience the water, the landscape, and the communities along the coast.
As you plan, check local schedules and reserve popular summer excursions early. Bring sun protection and a light layer, since conditions on the water can feel different from those on shore.
1) A Gondola Ride Through Venice’s Grand Canal
A slow ride through Venice’s waterways gives you a close look at the city’s palaces, bridges, and everyday canal traffic. From the Grand Canal, you can spot ornate façades and watch water buses and small boats pass through the busy route. Smaller side canals offer a quieter feel, with narrow passageways and views of buildings at water level.
Book ahead during peak summer dates, and confirm the route and duration before you set off. You can ask your gondolier about a route that includes a quieter stretch, then keep your camera ready as you pass beneath low bridges.
Wear shoes that are easy to step in and out of, and bring water for a warm afternoon. A morning outing gives you softer light and a cooler start to the day.
2) A Wooden Gozzo Along the Amalfi Coast
A wooden gozzo lets you take in the Amalfi Coast’s steep shoreline from the water, with cliffside villages rising above the sea. As you cruise, look for terraced gardens, small coves, and pastel buildings clustered along the slopes. A coastal trip can also give you a fresh view of familiar towns such as Positano and Amalfi.
Choose a trip with a clear departure point and a schedule that leaves time for swimming or a shore stop. Summer seas can be bright and exposed, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up.
If you get motion sick, sit near the center of the boat and bring any remedies you already use. Check whether your fare includes drinks or a stop before you book, since tour plans vary. You’ll want a phone or camera protected from spray.
3) A Sailing Catamaran in the Greek Cyclades
A catamaran gives you a breezy way to explore the Greek Cyclades, where whitewashed villages and clear blue water shape the view. You can join a day sail from an island port and spend time swimming in sheltered bays or pausing near a small harbor. The twin-hull design also creates wide deck space, so you have room to relax between stops.
Check the wind forecast and ask how much of the trip is under sail, since conditions shape the route. Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables.
Some excursions include snorkeling gear or a meal, while others ask you to bring your own supplies. If you’re visiting in July or August, reserve your place early and arrive at the dock with time to spare. A light jacket is useful once the sun begins to dip.
4) A Traditional Pletna on Lake Bled
Crossing Lake Bled in a traditional pletna takes you toward the small island and its church, framed by green hills and the Julian Alps. The broad wooden boat is rowed by a local oarsman, giving you time to take in the shoreline as you move across the lake. Once ashore, you can explore the island before arranging your return crossing.
Ask how long you’ll have on the island before boarding, since that shapes how much you can see on foot. The church sits above the landing, and reaching it involves climbing steps. Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle, especially on a sunny day.
You can also walk part of the lakeside path before or after your ride for changing views of the island and Bled Castle. Check departure details locally, as service can vary with weather and visitor demand.
5) A Ferry Through Norway’s Geirangerfjord
A ferry ride through Geirangerfjord puts you beneath towering cliffs, green slopes, and waterfalls that spill down the mountainsides. The fjord’s steep walls make the route feel dramatic from the deck, while a scheduled passenger crossing gives you a practical way to see the scenery. Keep an eye out for famous cascades such as the Seven Sisters as you travel.
Check the timetable before you go and leave enough time to reach the dock, especially if you’re connecting with another journey. For the best views, head outside when conditions allow and bring a waterproof layer; mist and spray can reach the deck.
A warm layer helps even in summer, when the air on the water feels cool. If you want time to explore the village at either end, confirm the return schedule before boarding. Pack snacks if your crossing is part of a longer travel day.
6) A Junk Boat on Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay
A traditional junk boat gives you a memorable route among Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands and sheltered inlets. From the deck, you can watch the rock formations shift as the boat moves through the bay. Depending on the tour, you may also have time to visit a cave, kayak near the islands, or stop at a floating village.
Compare the itinerary and length of each cruise before booking, since day trips and overnight stays offer different amounts of time on the water. Ask what meals, transfers, and activities are included, then pack accordingly.
Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and a small waterproof bag help you stay comfortable on deck and during shore stops. Follow crew guidance when boarding smaller craft or entering caves. If you’re traveling in summer, check the local forecast and any departure updates before leaving your hotel.
7) A Cruise Through New Zealand’s Milford Sound
A Milford Sound cruise brings you close to steep mountains, dark water, and waterfalls that descend from high cliffs. As you move through the fiord, you can scan the shoreline for seals resting on rocks and watch clouds gather around the peaks. The scenery changes with the weather, so a rainy day can still offer striking views of the falls.
Plan your trip around the drive to the departure point, since the road journey is part of the day. Book a cruise time that leaves room for stops along the way, and check road and weather updates before setting out.
Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy shoes for time on shore. On deck, keep a secure grip on your phone when taking pictures. If you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding and choose a stable spot inside when the water gets choppy.
8) A Wooden Boat on Lake Tahoe
A wooden boat ride on Lake Tahoe pairs clear blue water with forested slopes and mountain views. You can choose a guided cruise to learn about the lake’s shoreline or arrange a shorter outing that leaves more time for swimming and relaxing at the beach.
From the water, you’ll see how the landscape shifts between developed shoreline and quieter stretches. Summer brings warm days, though the water stays cold enough to catch you by surprise. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a warm layer for the ride back.
If you’re planning to swim, follow the crew’s directions and use a designated area. Reserve in advance on busy weekends, and confirm where to park near your departure dock. Bring a refillable water bottle, since time in the sun can add up quickly on an open deck.
